By Roberta Beach Jacobson
In a bit of a slump lately? Here are some tips to jump start your freelance career:
Can't seem to sell that feature? Break it up into a few fillers and try marketing that way. Your chances will improve.
Consider getting translations of your best articles so you can market to other countries.
If your article seems a bit drab, spruce it up with a sidebar or a photo. Or maybe an opening quote will do the trick.
Remember you can borrow photographs at no cost from many tourist bureaus. Many travel publications, of course, won't consider your work if you don't offer photos.
Could it be there is nothing wrong with your article except the title? Give it a catchier headline before trying the next editor.
Exchange success stories with writer friends. You'll learn about other markets this way.
Usually it's fine to insert a touch of humor in your writing, but don't go overboard or editors might be turned off.
You want to study the publications you hope to write for, but can't spend a lot of money, right? You can e-mail the advertising department to ask if they offer free sample issues. Chances are you can find a number of newspapers and magazines at your local library and be sure to look in secondhand shops for back issues of glossy magazines at bargain rates. If all else fails, don't forget to consult those abbreviated on-line versions of any publications you have in mind.
Be aware of timing. Don't sit around waiting for your article to appear before you query your next idea.
If you've been working hard, reward yourself with time off now and then. You'll feel more creative after a break from the computer screen.
Roberta Beach Jacobson has contributed to 22 books and has published print articles in eight countries. Her Website is www.travelwriters.com/Roberta.
