Seattle freelance writer Sarah Jio has contributed to Seventeen, Marie Claire, Cooking Light, and many other magazines that I've been dying to break into. She also has a novel in the works. Naturally, I was excited when she agreed to share her writerly wisdom. Here it is...
Urban Muse: You’ve contributed to a lot of different publications. Do you consider yourself a generalist or a specialist?
Sarah: Well, I’m a generalist in the sense that I’ll write about whatever sparks my interest. Plus, I love how being a journalist allows you to learn about so many new things – you can’t help but be curious about the world and want to write about diverse people and topics. Still, my work does tend to hover in the “lifestyle” niche. I do a lot of writing about food, dining, diet, and nutrition topics. I also report on health topics, which of course includes nutrition, psychology and the medical realm. I think it’s smart for freelancers to “specialize” as they say, but if you narrow your focus too much, it can be difficult to really make a living.
UM: What tips would pass onto aspiring freelancers?
S: Get yourself a Web site. When my friend (who also happens to be a really talented Web designer and photographer) Wendi Parriera, designed a Web site for me several years ago, it was amazing how much credibility it gave me. When editors are sitting at their desks in New York, and they can’t meet you or really see what you’re all about, it helps to have a Web site so they can get a sense of who your are. It can be a big boost for a new writer – especially one who may not have a ton of great clips.
*Be as professional as you can be – even if you work from home, in your pajamas. Invest in great-looking and professionally designed letterhead and business cards; and answer your phone like a professional (you never know when an editor is going to call and offer you a $3 a word assignment!).
*Aim high. My first national magazine assignment was from Marie Claire. I was literally shaking when the editor called to discuss the project with me. Sadly, the story ended up getting killed (long story), but the experience really jump-started my career. I built great relationships with the editors there and ended up writing a lot for the magazine in years to come. I think so many new writers flounder around trying to assemble masses of clips from local publications that pay pennies, when they could be pitching the nationals. Now, having good clips is important, but you don’t need to spend years on it. Get a few good projects under your belt and start pitching nationally. And, remember, project confidence when you do. It goes a long way.
*Have a good attitude. Ask any editor and they’ll tell you the woes of working with uncooperative writers, grouchy writers, prissy writers, stubborn writers. While there are certainly things you should stand your ground on in any writer-editor relationship, I believe strongly that the most successful freelance writers don’t act like prima donna divas. You will get assignments because of your ability to write well, of course, and because of the quality of stories you pitch – but I think you’ll get repeat assignments if you’re pleasant, professional, and NICE! That means being willing to go the extra mile on a Friday afternoon – revising a story that you’ve already revised 14 times, or answering questions that the editor in chief had at the final hour.
UM: Could you tell us about your upcoming book?
S: Thanks for asking! Last year I signed on with Gelfman Schneider Literacy Agency in New York. It’s a great boutique agency with a very good reputation and track record. I am thrilled to be working with this agency. At the time, my novel was a fledgling three chapters. Now, it’s finished, and I’ve been working with my agent to make sure it’s polished before it finds its way into the hands of editors at major publishing houses. While I can’t give specifics about the story, I can say that it’s a women’s fiction title with a food theme. While it feels great to have written a novel, and I’m excited to see what happens when my agent takes it to editors, I’ve also considered that – with any novel – there’s always the possibility that it will end up collecting dust for the next century. : )
UM: Was it hard switching from nonfiction to fiction and articles to a full length novel?
S: Not at all! It was fun, and actually a nice change. This is not to say there weren’t days when I’d sit down at my computer and groan, but all in all, I really enjoyed the process. The great thing about fiction is that you can just sit there and make stuff up. There’s something really exciting about that, as a writer – not having any restraints. It’s especially freeing after coming from a strict journalism background.
UM: What writers inspire you?
S: There are so many! First, I’m inspired by the wonderful writers, and dear friends, in my writers group. Our discussions are always inspiring. Every writer should have a group of writers for support and camaraderie. This business can be lonely sometimes!
I love Anne Lamott – the way she puts sentences together, and the ways she writes about big topics, like her faith, her family, and politics, in such meaningful ways. I also really enjoyed her book on writing, Bird by Bird.
For more from Sarah, check out her blog. There will be 5 Q's next week due to Thanksgiving. Check out the archives to get your fix.