Thread by @thatdoggonelady

It's been two years since I took on the heavy mantle of being a freelance journalist. Would you be interested in a thread on advice/lessons learned?

If no, you may want to mute this thread!

Before I begin, here's a thread I wrote about my thoughts on being a journalist, freelance and otherwise.

https://twitter.com/thatdoggonelady/status/1003173990876106753?s=19

A little background: I've journalist for 11 years, English is my first language, I've always been a voracious reader, and I had a good education (a masters degree).

I know I come from privilege so my suggestions will be subjective to my experience. Please understand that.

Freelancing may seem tempting: sit at home, write what you want, have a social life, be your own boss.

But, you need to plan ahead esep ially financially. Ensure you have enough financial support. I had savings & my responsibilities are minimal so it was an easy decision.

Lists should be your best friend. I have daily & monthly to-do lists. Note down your goals: how many pitches and stories, which pubs you want to tackle, how much money. These mayn't always work but are a great help for days when you feel lost & overwhelmed (this will happen).

There are apps (or just use plain pen and paper; Excel is my best friend) that help you track your pitches, tell you what payments are expected and haven't come in, which invoices have to be sent, and pending deadlines.

It's grunt work but, necessary.

It's great to have a beat, to build your expertise on a subject.
I enjoy writing about many things - food, travel, women, health, sustainability. If I don't like something (say politics), I don't write about it as the indifference & inexperience will show in my work.

Sharpen your letter of introduction - it is the first glimpse an editor has into you and your work.

Mine states my work ex, the pubs I write for (esp the big names), my preferred subjects, areas of strength and has a link to my online portfolio (<--- this is a good asset).

How to get editor's ctx:
-Many pubs have posts on how/ what/ whom to pitch
-Twitter is a great resource: editors' bios have their email ids and tweet out calls for pitches.
-Browse @WritersofColor
-Join writing groups on Facebook
-Sign up for newsletters (@weischoice has one)

Pitch. Pitch. Pitch.

I average 10 month & get responses on 2/3.

If an idea is rejected, rework it and send elsewhere.

Do not take rejections too personally: the idea mayn't be a right fit/ the editor may have missed it - it is NOT a reflection on your worth as a writer.

Most editors will not respond immediately unless you have a working relationship with them. If the story is timely, pitch simultaneously but mention this fact in the email. If not, follow up (I have a 2-3 week window). Still no reply: send an email withdrawing the pitch.

Editors will ghost you or reply after months. It is up to you to be firm but polite when replying to them. Ask for payments upfront, and keep following up on them (this sucks but rem, it is your money). Read every contract carefully, do not just sign away rights to your work.

Indian pubs (most of them) do not pay well. Mags pay decently well, in-flight not so much. Expect a range from Rs 3 to Rs 10.
When selecting a pub that pays less, I look for what other value I can get: For eg: a byline in a tabloid will get me the most traction and responses.

Go international - the exchange rate works in our favour, despite Paypal's/ Transferwise/ conversion fees.

Editors always seek out good, if predictable Indian stories.

It's nice to have a different audience read your work.
(Take my eg: my Medium piece reached Nigella Lawson!)

Never EVER underestimate your worth. Decide on your 'rate' and stick to it. There will be people willing to write 1000 words for Rs 200. Only you can decide if that is really worth your time and effort.

Also, rate shaming is a thing. Don't get bullied.

Do: follow up constantly, especially on payments.
Do: send in invoices, signed contracts, etc as soon as your story is filed.
Do: read up on a pub before pitching them (rookie mistake).

Don't: randomly approach writers/ strangers and ask for ctx, it's rude.

There are many online resources and books dedicated to editing, pitching and writing (@kavitharao has a useful resource). I find that I learn the most by reading other people's work.

Will tag some good journos in a separate tweet.

@kavitharao Am going to end here. I have much to say and may write a post about it.

I shall end by repeating my offer: am open to helping anyone seeking advice on how to navigate the freelance world/ pitch/ edit etc. Am not very prolific but I know a few things!

@kavitharao PS: freelancing is hard, hard work and you will get burned out or feel lethargic, uninspired, anxious, stressed. It's important to take a break here too.

@kavitharao Indian writers I admire (yes, I seek inspiration from women mostly): @Pri_Borpujari @Kamal_t @dpanjana @BhavyaDore @MeherM @AwanthiVardaraj @nilanjanaroy @vidya83 @SumanaSiliguri