Some POMA members are missing the mark with editors and it's costing them assignments, money and garnering them a poor reputation.
Money Line is considered one of POMA most valuable services. Yet several editors, who have used Money Line to post freelance opportunities, have complained about responses received.
Some POMA members are missing the mark with editors and it's costing them assignments, money and garnering them a poor reputation.
Money Line is considered one of POMA most valuable services. Yet several editors, who have used Money Line to post freelance opportunities, have complained about responses received.
One editor said, "I have 250+ articles to assign this year ... I need ideas since I know I can't think of everything. That's part of being a freelancer, crafting that incredible angle. So, I request writers send queries."
What she gets, is far from what she needs.
"I can't imagine sending the editor of Old Farmer's Almanac saying 'Hey, assign me an article.' The editor would simply delete my e-mail. Yet, that's exactly what I get ... and usually it's from writers I don't know or don't know well, which really puzzles me."
Others, who do go beyond the demand for an assignment, are lazy. They offer a story on bowhunting or new products, that's it.
"Few try to create that irresistible angle," the editor laments. "There's a world of difference between "How to Bowhunt" and "Bowhunters: Avoid Three Common Scent-Control Mistakes."
Other elements that elude sellers are:
Knowlege of AP Style (if the contributor guidelines request that) or at least good grammar. Improperly using your v. you're sends up a red flag
Creatively crafted queries that show the writers style, pizzaz and knowledge.
Variety, offering several idea via a laundry list. If you don't know what a laundry list is, look it up.
Evidence of some knowledge of keyword phrases for the topic, since many articles also are posted to the Web