How to Work As a Freelance Journalist

This book contains all you need to know to work as a freelance journalist. It is the perfect introduction for career changers, writers, university graduates, school and college leavers, communications professionals and those who just wants a rewarding part-time challenge. In it you'll discover: - the tools of the trade - news, views, reviews, opinion pieces, plus feature writing, travel writing, music writing, sports writing - what it's like to step into the unknown and work for yourself - how to pitch your ideas successfully to editors - how to brainstorm original ideas - how to market yourself as a freelance journalist. You'll also find tips and advice from a wide range of successful freelance journalists and editors, including: Simon Calder, Editor of the Independent Traveller magazine; Phil Sutcliffe, freelance music journalist for Q, Sounds and Mojo; Lia Leendertz, The Guardian Weekend magazine's gardening columnist; and Damien Barr, Lifestyle journalist for The Times.
REVIEWS:
'I defy the novice writer to find any aspect of his newly-chosen profession that isn't covered somewhere. This is a very good place to start.' Bristol review of Books.

AUTHOR BIOG:
The author, Marc Leverton, has over two decades of media experience. As a freelance journalist, he has written for The Guardian, The Big Issue, Tangent Books, Openmind Magazine, Real Travel and many others. He also teaches journalism skills at Bath Spa University and Weston College.

CONTENTS:
Introduction
Part One - Learning to write as a journalist
1. Tool of the trade
2. Who is the audience?
3. Writing reviews
4. Writing opinion pieces
5. And now for the new
6. Feature writing
7. Travel writing
8. Lifestyle writing
9. Sports writing
10. Music Journalism
11. Finding ideas
12. How to approach editors
13. The journalist and PR relationship
14. Improving your writing skills
15. Media Law basics
16. Media ethics
Part One - The business of freelancing
17. Stepping into the unknown
18. Gaining industry experience
19. Marketing yourself
20. Planning, organisation and time management
21. Negotiating
22. Self-employment checklist
23. Self-employment
- the pros and cons
24. Working from home
Appendix 1
- Jargon Buster
Appendix 2
- Further reading
Appendix 3
- Further training. Index.