Journalism Queries Just Got Easier
Queries are one of the most frustrating ways for writers to find work. Unfortunately, it is really the best way for journalists and other writers to find the highest-paid work. When it comes to writing success, print is still king. That’s where the real money is. But to get this kind of work, you must master the art of the query. For those of you unfamiliar, let me explain the query process.
What is a Query?
Querying is a process where you submit a proposal for a story to a publisher. In most cases, it is simply an outline of the idea with a few details. If they like it, they’ll hire you to complete the story. This is a good way for new journalists to gain the experience they will need before they can get hired for as a staff writer. Here’s some expert advice from journalist and editor, Wendy A. Hoke, about how to write a good journalism query letter.
In Steps Reptile Media
Reptile makes journalism queries easier by having writers submit drafts of the completed work. Publications look through these drafts and hire journalists for the stories they want to publish. This new service looks promising for publishers and writers alike.
Why its a Better Way
Queries are like a juggling act. A successful writer will always have a few of these up in the air. Anytime a rejection slip comes in, they find another place to submit and write up another query. They constantly have queries up in the air until one lands an offer. Now writers can submit queries to one location instead of hunting around for places to submit.
How to Register
Unfortunately, Reptile is not a free service. But they do give writers one month free to decide if it is what they want. I don’t yet know what it costs to join. Here’s what the site has to say:
Reptile is a service that allows you to market finished draft news articles directly to prospective publishers. Publishers can view, but not copy, your posted drafts and will submit offers of payment to you for the right to publish the piece. Journalist members can also post ads offering freelance assignments, or pitches, to publishers, as well as search for commissions. All new subscribers receive one month free, to give you time to determine whether the site [suits] your freelance reporting needs.
Feedback Welcomed
If anyone uses this service, please drop a comment so new users can get an idea if it is for them.
Comments
Comment from Killer
Time September 25, 2009 at 3:11 am
Angela, thanks so much for this! Copywriting is my thing, so I am not up on the Journalism world. I wonder, though, if this is not a good way for those trying to get started in journalism? I worked for pennies the first three months I did copywriting work just to build up my portfolio…
Comment from Angela Hoy
Time September 24, 2009 at 4:14 pm
It costs $10 month.
Pubs that pay writers real money aren’t searching the Internet for articles. Their slush piles keep them too busy. Pubs that pay respectable rates certainly are not going to be keen about PAYING a company to read queries. Pretty funny.
This is an old idea (there are other sites like this online) that almost never benefits writers but does benefit the company earning the monthly fees…which they charge to writers AND publishers.