[Summerleft]

Getting Published



I thought this guide might be of interest to some who are thinking about it but not yet taken the plunge.

Strangely enough it’s easier to get remuneration from the smaller less well know publications than it is the bigger well known. I think this is simply because the ‘biggies’ have their own in house teams and the smaller magazines have to rely on outside help.

Firstly pick your area, you can easily get a job on your strength of knowledge and how you come across to the editor, if they like you they will give you a chance even if you have ‘0’ previous published work.

Your passion?

Bikes, pets, fashion or trains… You need to show you know your stuff and it will be easier for you to get work on something you are fluent in at the early stages.

The first thing I do is to email the Editor/Sub Editor and ask if they would be willing to look at a submission of images or feature ideas. This way you have made contact, it’s an easy email for them to answer and when you do come back with an idea or image they remember you and will take time to look at your ideas.

If they don’t reply to your first email chances are their not looking and you haven’t wasted your time reeling off a long idea or uploading lots of images.

This is where the freelance photographer’s market handbook comes in use, although I have to wonder if those in it are the best to approach, as everyone else who has purchased the book will be doing the same.
Having said that I have generally gotten work by searching myself rather than from anyone in that book but that’s possibly because of my area of expertise.

Don’t just think hard copy, Ezines and website as equally thought of and just as valid (unless it’s your own website of course).

Choose several images to send that are relevant to the publication, I would say don’t send your web URL unless they ask. They get so many enquiries yours need to give something that they can look at quickly and make an instant decision rather than trawling through your gallery.

For features think about the ideas you want to submit, it’s a waste of your time doing too much beforehand give at least 5 ideas, and no more than a couple of lines of each, you need to keep them interested and keep the dialogue open, then if they like one or two or they may suggest something else and you can expand your ideas.

Your third email will be to outline your feature with beginning middle and end; don’t forget the key questions, how many words and how much space you get e.g. ½ page/ page.
If it’s a report/image your submitting then all you need to do is ask for the information they want and how many pictures then that’s it until you submit your work after the event.

If you get a ‘not at the moment we will keep you on file’ reply, keep hold of the email/letter and contact them in a few months, persistence can be key as long as its business like not stalker like.

The editor by this stage will mention pay or that they cannot pay, if this happens I go back with asking for free advertising which they are always happy to give. But you then know that that particular publication is going to be a step up job not a long term food on the table one.


That’s it really, you will need to send out lots of emails to even get one or two answer but once you’ve got something published, you can state that you worked for such and such in your next email to someone new and it will build up from then on.


So how did I do?

Well After my initial report for Equestrian Life, I am now reporting and writing features for 3 different publications. Perks are great too, freebies for testing and getting sent out to try out different equine sports and report on them.

First love is still photography but I think the two go hand in hand and I hope that both will continue as strongly.

[Summerleft]

That bad eh!

[Angela]

Originally Posted by Summerleft

That bad eh!

I think it's been a fairly quiet weekend - but it's had a lot of views so no, not that bad! Thank you for taking the time to write it.

[Joseph McGarraghy]

Thanks Summerleft,

I found your experience simply interesting, nothing changes.

Years ago, when I was doing a few odds and ends of writing plus photos for a local paper, someone had seen a story of mine in New York when looking at an Irish newspaper. I had sent a version of my local story, as an offering rewritten for this Irish paper, and they had used it without acknowledgement or payment. ...

In the end I found it easier to write the stories than to go to the trouble and cost of developing my film for the few photos I had taken, the payments didn't really cover the cost of film and developers let alone time. The only real payment was satisfaction, nothing has changed.

[Dave]

Some good advice there Summer

[TrooperUK]

Thanks Summerleft,

Some good advice

[P-E]

Nice one S

[Rob Barron]

Sorry Summer, I thought I had made a comment here and hadn't. You have included some very useful practical advice that I am sure will be very helpful to people looking to get back some of the huge outlay they have made on gear!

Well done, have some rep points

Cheers,
Rob

[sawdust]

agree good advice will take on board

[Summerleft]

thanks all

[j sotelo]

Good one Summer

[WOODY]

NICE ONE SUMMER, WELL DONE

[emmettleffel]

Thanks Summer, good advise