|
Something that tends to get missed during all this talk of how to break into the business is how to secure your place within it once you've been given your break. The world is full of would-be Tom Wolfes who wrote that one amazing review for a magazine and then simply disappear. The key to avoiding this is discipline. Editors get a major hard-on for writers who can deliver exactly what they want, when they want it. The best writer in the world won't last five minutes as a freelancer if they can't meet a deadline. And stick to the format. If the editor wants you to review the new Sonic Youth album in 100 words don't hand in a PhD thesis. And don't be too precious about your work. The sub-editor will change it (if only to justify his or her own job) and no editor will tolerate a prima donna. These are obvious points but I've seen lots of very good writers fall by the wayside either through a lack of discipline or being too attached to what they write.
|