Help I need info!

1. 60

   jenwat0405posted 12 years ago

   I have sent off some of my articles and a query letter to the local newspapers.  I heard back from one of the bigger ones in my area.  He liked my writing, but was not convinced it would work for his venue.  I convinced him otherwise and now he wants to meet with me tomorrow!
   I am excited and nervous!
   Is there anything I need to know about writing for a newspaper?  I am so inexperienced and brand new to the writing world.  How do I hide my amateurness and wow him?
   
   Help please!

   replyreport
2. 90

   Rochelle Frankposted 12 years ago

   I wrote a hub about some of the things I learned from an editor. Maybe you will find something of value
   http://rochelle-frank.hubpages.com/hub/ … and-eZines
   
   Congratulations and good luck.

   replyreport
3. 59

   knolyourselfposted 12 years ago

   You can't hide your amateurishness and wow him,
   if has been around the block. Only make a fool
   of yourself. Just be honest and be yourself.
   Anything else they usually can tell.

   replyreport
4. 93

   thooghunposted 12 years ago

   It's a delicate balancing act. Think of the qualities the audience of the newspaper have come to respect and treat the editor as the personification of the newspaper's target. Impress them, impress him.
   
   Is it humorous, factual, bare or gossipy? look at your writing voice and see how well it holds up (you won't be able to hide it in the long run).
   
   My advice would be to admit your lack of experience if he brings it up, but don't forget you will also want to size them up. It isn't only about you pleasing them. If you hold on to this thought I'm sure you'll be fine! If you are talented you are an asset to their success, never forget!

   replyreport
5. 60

   jenwat0405posted 12 years ago

   Rochelle, your bio says you have written humor articles and human interest articles.  I am interested in that.  Can you define a human interest article?  Would you say Owen Wilson on Marley and Me is a human intrest writer with humor?  I am trying to make sure I have my niche worked out.  If I want to dream to be the next Dear Abby or Erma Bombeck.
   
   I will take your advice and admit that I am still very new and be myself.  Thank you all!
   
   Any other tips like what different columns do papers usually have?

   replyreport
   1. 90

      Rochelle Frankposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I always thought being a restaurant reviewer would be perfectly delicious.
      
      My humor articles were mostly out of my own head,usually sparked by some experience. They were offered as "opinion" pieces and were usually rotated with two or three other writers.
      Many of these I 'recycled' into hubs, since they had not appeared online. If you go to my profile and search "humor" you might find some of them.
      
      My human interest stories were about interesting humans living in this area-- I kept these almost completely serious, because I was dealing with personal histories, sometimes businesses and other things that were important to them. (Though I could sometimes think of funny things about their stories-- I don't want to mess with people's lives.)
      
      I did stories about a blind man who was competing in a coyote howl contest, a breeder of Belgian horses, Therapy dog tests, a man whose parents mined for gold and lived in a shack near the river, a lady who teaches porcelain painting, artists, a poet, the county fair manager, a professional magician, police department volunteers, a wind chime factory, the actor who portrays John Muir in Yosemite, the interview room for child abuse victims, a lady who collects miniature shoes-- and a couple dozen more. 
      In short, interesting people doing interesting things.
      And yes, I wanted to be Erma, too.

      replyreport
6. 72

   seanorjohnposted 12 years ago

   Just be yourself.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   If that doesn't work - get your t... out.

   replyreport
7. 60

   vibgourposted 12 years ago

   hi dear whould i have to write my hub text online or we have other options ?  thanks

   replyreport
   1. 60

      jenwat0405posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Online
      Thanks!

      replyreport
8. 60

   jenwat0405posted 12 years ago

   In case anyone wants to know...
   I met with the newspaperman and he is like the gaurd dog of the paper.  He decided who gets past him or not.  If you can get past him, then he will advocate upon presentation to the Managing Editor.  He likes my work and wants me to write a column on raising my children.  If approved, it will run very Sunday.
   
   I am so excited!
   
   Thank you everyone for your help!

   replyreport
   1. 90

      Rochelle Frankposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Cool!---  Yes, he was probably smart to guide you to an area of your expertise. You can expand later.
      Let us know how it goes. Very exciting, especially to get any job in these times especially one you can do from home.

      replyreport
      1. 60

         jenwat0405posted 12 years agoin reply to this

         I know I am so excited!
         Thank you so much!

         replyreport