Using The Web To Get Print Jobs Part I

Just because you want to write for magazines doesn't mean you can ignore the web. Your web presence is one of the easiest ways for potential employers/editors to find you. Is yours optimized to do all it can for you in this regard?

Over the next two posts we'll explore what you can do to position yourself well online for jobs in print. In this section, we'll be exploring the following:

  • Your website
  • Your blog
  • LinkedIn

Let's start with the website.

If you don't have one, you need one. And yes, it's just that simple. Just because editors work for print magazines, it doesn't meant they aren't on the web.

Your site doesn't have to be anything fancy, but it should give some basics. These include:

  • Your specialty areas
  • Publication credits (if applicable)
  • Testimonials
  • Contact information

Keep it simple and don't post your clips on the web without permission from the publication. (It's probably better to just list them--you can send if someone asks you.) And please, please, don't forget to have contact info on there--preferably an e-mail addy that you check regularly. You never know when someone will stumble across your site.

Next...your blog.

This is not a necessary thing, but it can be used in lieu of (or in addition to) your website. The things to remember for a blog include:

  • Keep the tone professional
  • Use good grammar and spelling
  • Provide contact information
  • Update regularly

And next, LinkedIn.

Think of it as a professional resume site. It really functions that way, but it's more social. If you don't have a page on there, set one up and connect with some people you know on the site. If you have a blog, you can add it to your LinkedIn profile.

These three things are basics that can help you get found on the web--and they are worth spending a little time on. After all, wouldn't you love to get an e-mail from an editor asking you to write a piece for his/her magazine? It happens! You want to make sure that anyone who is looking for a writer in your area of expertise can find you on the web. It's worth the time to set things up to your advantage.

Next month we'll take a closer look at Twitter and Facebook.

This time of year is a good one to re-tool your resume, online presence and query list. With the holidays coming, why not invest in polishing your image on the web so you are ready to go in 2013!

 

 

 

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Catherine L. Tully has over nine years of experience writing for magazines such as American Style, AAA Living and Boys' Life. She is the editor for an award-winning blog on freelance writing and also owns and edits a blog for dance professionals.

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