How to Land Your First Writing Job

If it is your dream to write for a living, chances are, plenty of people have told you how impossible that is going to be. Very few people actually get to make writing for a living their way of life, they will probably say. Unless those people are writers themselves, they are probably simply repeating what they've heard. The reality is, if you aren't dead-set on doing a particular kind of writing - say, becoming a bestselling novel author, for instance - it is actually relatively easy to get a writing job.

But you have to follow a procedure.

Before you read any further, however, I want you to consider whether you are actually a good writer. If you have never written anything before, or if you love writing but simply can't seem to get your point across on paper, then you need to spend some time working out that skill. Take a writing class; put together an article critique group - do something that will give you the skills that you need to become a professional writer.

If you are a good writer, however - and by good, I mean simply that you can communicate on paper - then the only thing left is for you to learn how to land a writing job. The best place to break into writing is at your local newspaper.

Remember, you are asking for a job, so polish your resume and put on your best suit. Make sure that any writing work you've done, even if you think it doesn't count, should be highlighted on that resume. Have you worked for your college newspaper? Highlight it. Written for your church bulletin? Highlight that too.

The newspaper editor will want to see writing samples, so bring in three short ones. College newspaper clips are perfect. I never worked on my college paper, and so I brought my first editor a sample of term papers and short stories. Those aren't the ideal samples, but they got me the job.

If your local newspaper editor doesn't have a hole to fill in the newsroom, consider freelancing. Newspapers are frequently in need of extra material and flexible people to create it. Ask about their advertorial needs. Many newspapers offer restaurateurs advertising packages that include such advertorials. They often involve a visit to the restaurant and a free meal, as the owners and managers are sometimes terribly excited about these packages.

Doing this type of outside work is often a great way to break into the newsroom. Newspapers of all types experience frequent turnover, and most publishers and managing editors would rather hire someone with whom they already have a relationship, rather than advertise a job opening.

You can also consider offering to write short entertainment blurbs, like the Music Minis my old paper, Metro Spirit, used. These were 200-300 word pieces about the national music scene, gleaned from information found on the Internet. I mention these because an editor is more likely to give you the time of day if you approach him with a plan. Tell him what you can do for him, instead of simply asking if he has anything open. Make it easy for him to realize what a valuable asset you will be. Do some of his thinking for him. Editors love to have people on staff who can think outside of the job they do or wish to do.

If he does give you an opportunity to write for him, treat it seriously, even if the assignments aren't your cup of tea. Make sure your copy flows well and is free of grammatical and spelling errors before turning it in, even if you suspect he may ask for sweeping changes. If he sees that you are able to write well and meet deadlines, then these small assignments will likely lead to something more interesting like features or the news. It is likely, as well, that eventually your work will no longer be heavily edited, but that often depends on the personality of the editor (some editors really do live to add their two cents to their writers' work) and how well you are able to mold your writing to fit the publication's editorial needs.