Writing Goals

I'm intrigued that you are an author as it is one of my goals. Are you local in the Broward County area and was it hard for you to get started as a writer/author? I hope you don't mind my asking... I only have a couple of clips under my belt and I'd love to hear how other writers have taken their love and turned it into a business that pays.--Joy

Dear Joy,

The way I broke into this industry after leaving an editorial position with a book publisher in New York was as a magazine editor. A staff position gave me the opportunity to build a portfolio of clips and learn the biz from both sides (editor and writer). Once I went freelance, I quickly turned to copy writing and public relations because the rates are higher and you get paid faster (if you're working directly with clients). Although I enjoy marketing and p.r., my first love is fiction, then editorial. But a girl has to eat...

If you can or desire to do it, I recommend taking a staff position. You will earn instant credentials to include with your clips when you send queries to editors, for one thing. You'll also gain invaluable experience and insight into how this business operates. Once I went freelance, I often wrote to magazines asking for editorial work and was assigned articles on the basis of my experience. It's sort of a back door not frequently used.