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No Contacts? No Problem! How to Pitch and Sell a Freelance Feature
The ultimate 30 day course to become a paid freelance journalist
Do you dream of working as a freelance journalist, travelling the world and getting paid? This book shows you how – in under four weeks!
No Contacts? No Problem! is the ultimate freelancing plan - a fast-track journalism course to get you earning in print.
There are plenty of books on the market which tell you how to write stylish prose. But how do you sell your work? This book walks you through proven techniques to become a freelance journalist – even if you’re working full time. All you need is a laptop.
Professional freelancer Catherine Quinn, who built a successful freelance writing career from scratch, guides you through identifying the high-paying undersold freelance hotspots. Her tried and tested step-by-step approach: shows you how to scope the market and convince editors who've never heard of you to commission your work.
You’ll also discover insider hacks to get on lists for glamorous parties and last-minute press trips.
Do you dream of working as a freelance journalist, travelling the world and getting paid? This book shows you how – in under four weeks!
No Contacts? No Problem! is the ultimate freelancing plan - a fast-track journalism course to get you earning in print.
There are plenty of books on the market which tell you how to write stylish prose. But how do you sell your work? This book walks you through proven techniques to become a freelance journalist – even if you’re working full time. All you need is a laptop.
Professional freelancer Catherine Quinn, who built a successful freelance writing career from scratch, guides you through identifying the high-paying undersold freelance hotspots. Her tried and tested step-by-step approach: shows you how to scope the market and convince editors who've never heard of you to commission your work.
You’ll also discover insider hacks to get on lists for glamorous parties and last-minute press trips.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2010
11 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 14, 2019
This is a straightforward and encouraging book about how to contact editors and boldly pitch features, even if you never got anything into print. Better if you have of course; however, we're warned that a student newsletter is not a good example to provide. Perseverance, confidence and professionalism are stressed. Lots of good tips and explanations of what a PR person, company or department does, or how a travel feature might fall into your lap.
I did not see any of the standard advice on feature writing; the pyramid structure, the types of features such as background, or how to make a tick-tock or graph. So learn to write features first.
The book was published in 2009. Probably the advice that some editors will prefer the phone is now outdated. No mention of including a podcast, video clip or links. On the good side, I just checked the associated website of the same name, and it is still up and running, updated to 2019.
Thanks to Dublin Business School. This is an unbiased review.
I did not see any of the standard advice on feature writing; the pyramid structure, the types of features such as background, or how to make a tick-tock or graph. So learn to write features first.
The book was published in 2009. Probably the advice that some editors will prefer the phone is now outdated. No mention of including a podcast, video clip or links. On the good side, I just checked the associated website of the same name, and it is still up and running, updated to 2019.
Thanks to Dublin Business School. This is an unbiased review.
March 6, 2018
Theory books need to work on their blurbs. Have I mentioned that before? I must have mentioned that before.
What I loved the most about No Contacts? No Problem! is that it was honest as well as encouraging. It was this is a tough business, if you're lazy you'll fail but it was also work hard and keep at it and you'll be successful. LOVE
There was so much useful info for the newbie freelance writer, I'm tempted to buy it. My only smol issue is that it's out of date. You'll learn how to find work in newspapers and magazines, who to contact, how to pitch,... but websites? Blogs? Finding work via social media sites liked LinkedIn? Not covered.
What it does have (apart from oodles of motivation and encouragement, if you don't mind the no-bullshit approach like me) is a four-week plan at the end. There are links to more resources and more advice throughout. It gives you what you need to make a start and do it well. And throughout it all, it feels like Quinn has your back.
This is a fantastic beginner's guide; I've certainly learned a lot. What it needs is a newer addition. This business develops fast, and a lot has happened since it came out in 2010. Having said that, all of the skills are transferable to a more modern approach.
So, if you're just starting out as a freelance writer, I think you'll love this.
What I loved the most about No Contacts? No Problem! is that it was honest as well as encouraging. It was this is a tough business, if you're lazy you'll fail but it was also work hard and keep at it and you'll be successful. LOVE
There was so much useful info for the newbie freelance writer, I'm tempted to buy it. My only smol issue is that it's out of date. You'll learn how to find work in newspapers and magazines, who to contact, how to pitch,... but websites? Blogs? Finding work via social media sites liked LinkedIn? Not covered.
What it does have (apart from oodles of motivation and encouragement, if you don't mind the no-bullshit approach like me) is a four-week plan at the end. There are links to more resources and more advice throughout. It gives you what you need to make a start and do it well. And throughout it all, it feels like Quinn has your back.
This is a fantastic beginner's guide; I've certainly learned a lot. What it needs is a newer addition. This business develops fast, and a lot has happened since it came out in 2010. Having said that, all of the skills are transferable to a more modern approach.
So, if you're just starting out as a freelance writer, I think you'll love this.
May 22, 2013
You may have noticed that I never review a book unless I have great things to say. Most of my reviews sport 5 stars.
No contacts....is a great book and I have begun to use it as a workbook and a kind of diary.
There is a frustrating hitch with the Kindle edition of the book as it takes the reader through to some links that are either old or defunct.
I suggest that the book itself is still so good it is well worth buying. Particularly the Kindle Edition as one can simply click on the links and get going.
I like the way the book has been set out and the general navigation of the book.
No contacts....is a great book and I have begun to use it as a workbook and a kind of diary.
There is a frustrating hitch with the Kindle edition of the book as it takes the reader through to some links that are either old or defunct.
I suggest that the book itself is still so good it is well worth buying. Particularly the Kindle Edition as one can simply click on the links and get going.
I like the way the book has been set out and the general navigation of the book.
January 21, 2017
I used to do quite a bit of journalism, but have been working on other things for a number of years. This book has filled me in on all the ways that things have changed. (In practise less has changed than the writing magazines would have you believe!) It has restored my confidence. Excellent - and clearly written.
May 19, 2013
I thought this was great esp for a newbie freelancer. It teaches you how to start pitching to magazines, which I have begun to do. It is a straight forward guide. Loved it. Will probably dive into it now and then for help when I need it.
February 26, 2011
Some good ideas in here, if you're really serious about free lance writing, then this is the book for you.
May 11, 2012
Excellent insight into getting published quickly. Suitable for beginners and seasoned freelances alike.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews