Two freelancers I spoke to are Diana Mimon and Elena Rover. Both have been very helpful about answering my questions on freelancing, and I thought it’d be a good idea to include their advice in a post:
On Cold Querying: Elena says she hasn’t cold queried in years, but to write a good one – you need to do your research and know your topic well.
Diana says that you’re better off building your contacts and networking. “Queries bombard major magazines and they rarely (if ever) even glance at them. You might have some luck with smaller trade journals, but you’d have to be somewhat of an expert in that specific field of interest.”
Tip: “Stick to topics you know about – it’s classic to use topics you’re already researching for yourself as fodder for articles.” – Elena
On Cold Calling Editors: Elena doesn’t think cold calling editors will pay off quickly, but might garner results down the road.
Diana thinks doing so is perfectly fine – but it’s important to make sure your note doesn’t sound generic.
Tip: “For example, if you wanted to write for a golf magazine, you might send a note letting the editor know that you’ve not only been a subscriber to their publication for 5 years, but that you also have a genuine passion for the game of golf. Let the editor know that those things coupled with your journalism degree would make you a good fit for a potential freelance assignment.” – Diana
Marketing Yourself: Marketing yourself is key. Elena provided some ways to go about it:
1. “I took a job where editors were miserable and left the magazine frequently (I did not select this environment on purpose, of course). I spent 5 years there, so by the time I left, I knew a very large number of editors all over the business. I had gotten to know many of them quite well, and I kept in touch.”
2. “Take an internship – that way you can meet some editors and see the inside situation. Also, then the best approach is to get on the mailing lists for the PR people who send in materials–then go to events and meet editors from all over the industry. That’s the fastest way to grow a network.”
3. “Let anyone and everyone know that you’re in the market for a freelance gig. You never know who you might meet and who they might know – the world is smaller that you think. Your former roommate’s mother’s neighbor could be the editor at a big publication.”
Niche Writing: Diana loves the idea of niche writing – “It leaves you open to explore everything while at the same time specializing.”
Elena feels the same way – “I am a big fan of niche writing because I find it’s easier to get work when you are known for one thing. Only a handful of writers become memorable generalists. I find that it’s important for editors to think ‘Oh, Elena would be PERFECT for that story’–which isn’t going to happen if I’m up against someone famous like Anna Quindlan on a general topic compared to a health/fitness story.”
Online Writing versus Print Writing: According to Diana, it’s easier and quicker to get your foot in the door for an online gig. Magazine and newspapers tend to use house staff – while online sites hire bloggers or guest writers, especially if you label yourself as an expert in something.
Elena suggest “casting a wide net. Online doesn’t pay as well, but there’s more work.”
Tip: In the beginning stages, don’t be picky. – Elena
Hope sharing their advice can help others in their freelancing pursuits!
Links to advice from other freelancers:
http://www.chrisblogging.com/
http://www.urbanmusewriter.com/
http://therenegadewriter.com/
Posted by Ming 
