5 Ways to Get Your Foot in the Door of the Publishing World

If you’re an intimidated writing newbie, don’t sweat it. There are a lot of things you can do to get your start while you’re waiting for your experience to catch up with you.

{photo by: kandyjaxx}

Here are a few things that helped me early on flex my writing muscles and get comfortable before I started full-time freelancing:

1. I sent in mini practice articles.

You might know them as the letter to the editor. I’ve been sending letters to the editor since I was in high school. Why? I find it’s a fast and easy way to get some practice writing. Plus, it’ll give you the boost of confidence needed to help you start your writing career. Also, when I was just starting out, I used some of these letters as samples in my writer’s portfolio. Note: I still do them. My letter made it to O magazine last October and you can look for me in the upcoming issue of Real Simple magazine.

2. I rewrote poems and letters I did for loved ones.

By the time I was in my early twenties, I had a decade of practice writing greeting cards to my parents. One year I was searching through Writer’s Market for fun and came across a submission requirement for Blue Mountain Arts. I decided to try it just to see what would happen. Surprisingly, I got published in a book and a calendar!

3. I interviewed people in the field I was interested in.

I have to say that the number 1 way I got most of my freelance writing jobs was through networking. I got a copywriting job while doing an informative interview with a reporter at a local newspaper. On top of getting the insider’s view on what it’s like working for a newspaper, I also gained great advice on writing. Oh and he just happened to know someone who was looking for a copywriter.

4. I told everybody what I wanted to be when I grew up.

Did I mention that I did this as an adult? This is how I got a job at a newspaper and worked as a copywriter for Art.com. Tell everyone and anyone that you are a writer and eventually you will meet somebody who knows a little bird that can help you find a job.

5. I challenged myself.

As in, I entered a ton of contests. I even won $500 for an online poetry one! Pretty sweet for a poem I wrote in an hour. While you’re waiting to get more writing gigs, try entering contests. Writer’s Digest has quote a load of competitions. If that seems too overwhelming and intimidating for you, try their writing prompts. They’re fun and will give you experience writing. It’s like taking a writing course for free.

How about you?

What helped you get your first article/essay published? What have you tried that has helped you flex your writing muscles?