In this article series, we've covered a lot of different ways to break into print markets, most of which involve writing for magazines. Today, I'd like to talk about some unconventional ideas for getting jobs in the industry. So we're going to delve into "Thinking Outside The Magazine" and explore alternative print freelance writing gigs.
Glossies and trade mags are all well and good, but there are other things you can do if you want to get published in the print industry. Here is a list of some of them to help inspire you:
5 Alternative Print Freelance Writing Gigs
Greeting Cards
Got a knack for delivering a message? You may want to try your luck at greeting cards.
Although this won't line your pockets with the big bucks, it can be a great way to make some extra dough. Greeting cards are always in-demand for occasions like:
- Birthdays
- Holidays
- Weddings and anniversaries
- New babies
- Get-well cards
- Condolences
- Thank you cards
- and much more.
The next time you visit a store that sells greeting cards, browse through them to get a sense for categories and current styles that are selling.
Why not try it out? Brainstorm some ideas and jot them down to smooth out and work through. It can be a fun change of pace as a writing exercise even if you aren't ready to pitch those ideas.
Calendars
Some calendars have text instead of photos--or in addition to them.
Again, this may not make your car payment, but it can round out your monthly bottom line. To explore these projects, seek out publishers of calendar series focused on anything from inspirational quotes to daily funny messages.
Thanks to POD (print-on-demand) services, if you have a knack for writing clever calendar copy, you could also consider publishing your own as an extra income stream alongside freelance projects.
Newsletters
Some businesses hire professional writers to author a newsletter for one reason or another.
Sometimes it is an in-house deal, while other times it is more promotional. While email newsletters are common today (like All Freelance Writing's email newsletter), some organizations still send print versions.
Marketing Collateral
Marketing copy is another area you may want to consider. Brochures, press kits and other "collateral" as it is referred to in the industry is always in demand.
To learn how to write for these types of projects, consider Peter Bowerman's Well-Fed Craft course (note: As of February 2025 and Peter's retirement, All Freelance Writing owner, Jennifer Mattern, runs the Well-Fed Writer brand.)
Custom Publications
Not quite a trade magazine, custom publications are usually those published by a particular organization. Sometimes they are produced by the group itself, but they are just as often outsourced to a custom publisher to handle.
For example, this might include branded media like a local company publishing a print newsletter or 'zine related to their industry or local community.
Breaking Into These Alternative Print Markets
So how do you get into these less traditional print writing markets?
Per usual, Google is your best friend here. Google "writers guidelines, greeting cards" or a similar phrase and dig in.
It really is that easy--and that difficult.
You'll find you have to really target your pitch and make sure you position yourself properly to get a response. But if you do, you can find yourself in a nice spot.
These markets are generally not as competitive as the magazine industry, precisely because:
- people don't think to try them;
- they aren't as prestigious.
I have done all of the above in my career and have found some really rewarding jobs in the process. And made some pretty good money too.
A few last words on the topic...
For newsletters and marketing materials, you'll have to work a little harder than just using Google.
Think local.
See what companies and marketing or PR pros you have in your area and either call or drop an e-mail. (I'd actually suggest doing both.) Make sure you have a solid pitch ready, and some work to show them should they ask.
Looking to break into more traditional print markets? Check out All Freelance Writing's collection of writers' markets to find publications that hire freelance writers.
More in this Series on Writing for Print Markets:
- How to Study Magazines Before Pitching a Freelance Article
- Getting Your Foot in the Door with Fillers
- Magazine Writing Questions Answered
- Magazines: Writing Evergreen Articles
- An Introduction to Writing for Print
Note: This post was originally published on November 7, 2011. It has since been updated and was republished on its currently-listed publication date.
