I'm looking for some advice regarding freelancing. First, I have a bachelor's degree in communications/journalism from a local university.
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During the time I went to school, I wrote for the school newspaper and also had an internship. I didn't write for three years, and now I have recently begun freelancing at the newspaper I interned for.
My question is, since this is technically my first reporting job, how attentive is your editor supposed to be when you're a freelance writer? I always feel like I'm bugging him, he never returns my calls or e-mails, but he does publish my work. Besides it being plain inconsiderate, I'm wondering if I'm supposed to be more independent than what I have been.
I don't think he knows that I stopped writing after my internship, because he never asked if he could see a resume when I contacted him about freelancing.
He just started sending me assignments. I guess I could try and talk to him about it, but I don't want to come across as incompetent. Also, how much freelancing experience do you recommend I have before I start job-hunting for a full-time job? Should I go for a small newspaper to start with? I have clips from my school newspaper and internship, but they are all three years old. Now, I have three articles published as a freelancer, but I'm wondering if it's enough.
Amy
Attentiveness is a characteristic of the editor and not a function of how new or experienced you are.
Generally, editors will invest more in a full-time staffer than a freelancer because the staffer is right there and will be sticking around; the freelancer may get a job somewhere or can be easily replaced.
As he is not returning calls and e-mails, he does not seem to be the attentive type. I'd push a bit harder, but I wouldn't expect much. Attach a question to the top of your story, as he does seem to read those. Also, look for an excuse to stop by the office to drop something off so he has to meet you.
At this point, don't expect to show him a resume. He has decided you're good enough, and that is good for you. Keep writing as much for him as you can, and pay attention to how your work is getting edited. These three clips are not enough to get you hired -- but they are steps in the right direction.
Coming Tuesday: This editor wonders whether he is disclosing inside information if his
job application includes the unedited versions of stories he handled.
