Writing for the Newspaper: Your Guide to Article Writing Jobs


Are you an experienced writer looking to get into the newspaper industry? Are you new to writing but still want to make your mark on the world of journalism? Either way, getting an article writing job at a newspaper isn’t just possible—it’s also easy if you know how to do it. Start by reading through this guide on how to write an article, so you can get valuable insight on what exactly goes into putting together pieces that will grab attention from editors and readers alike!


Why freelance article writing is worth it

Freelance writing is a phenomenal way to supplement your income, especially if you’re a writer. I started my freelance writing career just out of college at 23 years old, and freelancing today has allowed me opportunities that most traditional jobs simply don’t have. I work from home and make my own schedule, which means I can run errands or take care of family members while earning money as a writer. It’s an incredibly liberating feeling—and it can be yours too. Best of all, you don’t need any formal training (although it certainly doesn't hurt). The steps below will walk you through how freelance writing works and help get you started down your path toward becoming a full-time freelance writer!


How much money you can make

It is no secret that freelancing can pay extremely well. However, how much you can earn doing it can vary drastically depending on what kind of work you do and where you live. While low-skilled workers make around $20 per hour and high-skilled workers make upwards of $50 per hour, freelance journalists and photographers in New York City pull down anywhere from $30 to as much as $70 per hour for their work. Keep these things in mind when looking for a job as a freelancer. It’s also important to be careful with money management so that you don’t end up having your income eaten away by big expenses like student loans or housing costs. There are plenty of resources available online about budgeting for freelancers, but if you need more help, consider hiring a financial advisor who specializes in working with people who have self-employed incomes.


Where are you going to get paid?

Every magazine has its own pay structure and while they might be similar within a particular industry or genre, every magazine is going to have its own methodology. For example, some magazines pay by word count and others (like The Atlantic) pay a flat rate for each piece that’s accepted. Be sure you understand exactly how much your work will be worth before you write it! That being said, as a freelance writer with about eight years of experience under my belt I can say one thing: do what you’re comfortable with. While long-form pieces might make more money per word than a quick news blurb, if you don’t enjoy writing those kinds of articles then don’t force yourself.


How does this job feel?

Sure, writing is a great way to make money, but it isn’t for everyone. You might have always dreamed of being a writer—but does it feel like a fit for you? To get an idea of how you feel about freelancing and whether it's something you'd actually enjoy doing, look around at other freelance writers' blogs. Read some posts and see if they resonate with you—or don't. Once you find a good fit, sign up for that writer's newsletter and see what they suggest as helpful resources (blogs they read regularly, online courses that helped them break into their market). Do your personality and writing style match what they do? If so, keep going! If not...well then maybe blogging isn't right for you after all.


How do I get started in freelance article writing?

The first step toward freelance writing success is honing your craft and learning how to write articles for magazines. The easiest way to do that is by pitching magazine editors directly and writing about topics that you love, since those types of pitches are more likely to be successful. There are a few different ways you can go about landing freelance assignments from magazines, including sending cold pitches or responding to job listings on magazines' websites. If you don't see any positions listed online but still have your heart set on working with one particular publication, consider reaching out via LinkedIn (or another social media platform) instead. Here's how I got my first freelance magazine writing gig (and what I learned along the way). Tips and Tricks: 1. Know why they need you!


What skills will I need?

To succeed as a freelance magazine writer, you’ll need two major skills: writing and people skills. Although you can hire out for many different parts of your magazine-writing job, from research to fact-checking, copyediting and proofreading, it’s likely that you will end up doing most of these things yourself. That means you need to be able to write well—and also work with others well enough that they are willing to help you out. A good attitude is essential because as a freelancer there will be times when deadlines seem impossible—but with organization and effort they can be met. If you want to succeed as a freelance magazine writer, you should be able to demonstrate an ability to handle pressure gracefully. When working on deadlines or with multiple projects at once, it’s easy to get overwhelmed—but that doesn’t mean anything has gone wrong; it just means you have more work than usual. As long as you stay organized and manage your time wisely, meeting all of your obligations is possible. The same goes for making sure clients are happy: if someone isn't happy with one piece of writing, don't let it make or break your business! You'll have other opportunities and new clients who may appreciate what you do even more than some previous ones did.

Article Writing jobs in newspaper
Article Writing jobs in newspaper


My final tips on how to become a successful freelance writer.

(1) Understand your audience. (2) Write with a purpose. (3) Write consistently and prolifically. (4) Believe in yourself—and trust that it’s possible! I wish you all of the best on your journey, and I know that you can succeed as a freelance writer if you’re willing to put in effort and hard work. Let me know how it goes for you! What are some other ways to make money writing? How much do writers make? Are there jobs where I can write from home? I look forward to hearing from you in the comments below!