Brent Said:

Freelancing opportunities?

We Answered:

Why don't you start with your local newspapers, community papers, and weekend papers? They rarely pay, but you need to accumulate experience and references. Approach them as a summer intern - DO NOT CALL - go in personally. Don't give up until you speak to someone other than the receptionist. If you can't get the editor, find the department manager (they usually handle the weekender section of the paper-research your paper and find out who they are - its printed) and ask to intern with them for the summer. Be sure to have some examples of your work to show them. Don't have any? Start writing now. Go to concerts, musicals, etc and do your articles.

Do not give up! Even if you don't get on at first, keep writing the articles - you can certainly use the experience and it will build your portfolio. Try to get interviews with local musicians - a lot of time they will let a kid interview them but not an adult - use it to your advantage! Go back to the papers every 3 months with new stories. Part of the job of a journalist is to produce on a regular basis. If you can show them your dedication even without an actual job, then you will impress them that you can do the work and are reliable and persistent - a key attribute of a journalist!

I know you want to get paid, but 75% of the askers on this website want to sit at home and get paid too. The ones who succeed are those who go OUT and GET the opportunity. Sacrifice some $ for experience and you will be rewarded 10 fold for the effort. Mow lawns or do chores in the interim - but journalism HAS to be your obsession and you have to prove it in order to succeed.

Good luck and write write write!