4. Literary Journalists: How to Get On Their Radar

Poets & Writers Jan/Feb 2007

Jen A Miller

1/3 of 320,000 editors & writers working in the US are freelancers searching for the next great story. Writes about an author more than once. e.g. author profile for a large newspaper, a trend piece aabout the book for a regional magazine and Q&A with the writer for a lifestyle Web site - during the week of a book's publication.

author-freelancer connection fruitful for both parties. Who we are, what we do, what we're looking for, and when

UNDERSTAND WHAT WE DO
a review, an author profile and a trend piece.

KNOW WHERE TO FIND US
Read bylines. Skim back issues of magazines.

Freelancer not listed on masthead, staff writers,

local library, read blogs and Web sites for names of freelancers. 2 popular sites are Bookslut.com - book related stories and reviews

and online Salon - publishes a handful of book stories every week.

MBToolBox, a resource page for freelancers operated bby Mediabistro.com --- Claire Zulkey blogs there. Will oblige as long as they can share a tale about their book that will help others.

Enter a name into search engine...
Send a note to editor for freelancer's contact info.

KNOW HOW TO APPROACH US
Send a professional pitch and make it personal and simple.
Answer questions in a timely manner.

DON'T ALWAYS RELY ON YOUR PUBLICIST.
Authors do need to follow up. photocopy a sample from your advance copy and mail it to the writer.

KNOW WHAT WE WRITE.
Do your homework.
Electronic databases such as LexisNexis most helpful. Buy articles about freelancer's writings.

KNOW OUR CALENDARS
Give time to read (about 4 months before publication).

KNOW WE'RE NOT PERFECT
We work with you, not for you. Keep that in mind when dealing with us.

BUILD A RELATIONSHIP
Author collegial, makes our jobs easier. Let me know about 2nd book and in good time.

Time and energy in writing a book, finding a publisher, you need somebody to read it. Freelance writers can be key players in finding the audience.