Jan 15 2009
Writing Newsletters Worth Noting
When I first embarked on my freelance writing journey, I subscribed to every single newsletter and ezine I came across. Before I knew it, I was spending most of my available writing time just reading writing newsletters. Granted, I had a lot to learn, there comes a time in every freelance writer’s life when they have to prioritize and figure out what’s important. I knew I had to ‘unsubscribe’ to a few newsletters but it was so hard because I loved to read them all! Realistically it was impossible to stay up to date with a dozen newsletters arriving in my inbox every week.
So there came a day when I had to decide which newsletters I would keep and which ones I would have to say farewell to. Firstly, I had to decide which newsletter delivered the most pertinent information for my writing needs. I had decided earlier on that non-fiction would be my genre of choice so I could do without any newsletters that were strictly geared toward the fiction writer. If I decided to venture into fiction writing, I could always subscribe again.
Next, I analyzed each newsletter for the content contained within the newsletter and determined which ones offered me the most value for my precious time. I like the newsletters that offered plenty of resources, freebies, and markets. I leaned towards newsletters’ editors who were successful and had solid advice to offer including Hope Clark of www.fundsforwriters.com, and Angela Hoy of www.writersweekly.com. I remained subscribed to two Canadian newsletters (homeward bound!): Krista Barrett, The Writer’s Gazette and Krissy Brady of the now defunct www.bradymagazine.com.
Coincidentally, I went on to write articles for 3 out of 4 newsletters. I have written a couple articles for www.fundsforwriters.com and www.writersweekly.com and wrote a monthly column called Writers On Tap for Brady Magazine.
My success in contributing articles to these newsletters can be attributed to my thorough knowledge of the newsletter itself. This is good advice for all writers: if you want to write for a specific publication, take time to get acquainted with the publication’s contents. Study the publication for its tone, style and topics already addressed and determine what you cane offer the publication that has not been addressed?
Until next time…write it real!
