Careers in journalism and editing: write and copy-edit
Careers in journalism and editing can prove profitable. Copy-editors and proofreaders often combine their freelance careers with writing.
Some aspire to be novelists, others to shine in non-fiction. Many work as freelance journalists while also selling their freelance editorial skills. This is the age of multiple skills and combining your talents into a portfolio of opportunities. It’s tough to earn a living focusing on one skill. We all need a wide spectrum of work to pay the mortgage, feed the kids and afford holidays we can’t yet take!
So maybe fusing journalism with some freelance proofreading is the way forward for you.
New journalism scheme
To establish yourself as a journalist demands application, guts, talent and a big dollop of luck. A new competition run by the Mirror and New Statesman will provide a great introduction for a lucky and talented few. Journalism should not be confined to an exclusive club of well-connected people in the know. Some journalists have made it with no such connections. But far too many had a golden ticket to kick off their careers.
“A Writing Chance”
Today the Society of Editors website reports on a competition for new journalists and writers of fiction and creative non-fiction: “A Writing Chance”. The scheme is financed by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Writers have to submit a 500-word piece. Mentoring and bursaries are on offer.
The best pieces will be published in the Mirror or New Statesman.
Jason Crowley, editor of the New Statesman, said: “For too long the world of journalism has favoured a privileged minority. The New Statesman which thrives on discovering new voices is delighted to lend its support to this vital scheme to redress the balance.”
“Life in 2020-2021”
What a theme for 500 words! As a copy-editor I must admit that not much has happened to me over the past year. But if I were an aspiring journalist what a challenge it would be to keep a reader conscious for 500 words!
Entries must be submitted by 26 March. The piece must be original. Sharp-eyed copy-editors and publishers are always on the look out for plagiarism! A sure way to be out of a job.
For full information have a look at the Society of Editors website.
Why not give the scheme a try? Careers in journalism and editing can be rewarding, and combining writing with freelance editorial services could be a winner for you!