Life of A Writer

In addition to writing my books, I decided I would begin my journey into freelance writing. Prior to the publishing of my books, and even after publication, I had written and published a few articles in electronic newsletters. I decided, just last month, to publish more articles, and to target print magazines as well. I wanted to add to my earnings, and make my writing career a full-time career.

I knew that freelance writing wasn't going to be easy at first, and the process would be tedious at times. Would all my faith and prayers pay off? I had an idea for an article already outlined on paper (yes, I went back to the good ole' days here). My target markets for this article were going to be parenting magazines, and so I wanted to check-out all the parenting magazines I could find so I could study the magazine before pitching my idea.

While sitting in the doctor's office waiting for my mom to finish with the doctor I shuffled through the magazines. Well, what do you know, a local parenting magazine, I thought to myself. I picked up an issue of the Paducah Parenting & Family magazine. Skimming through the pages I came to the conclusion that my article just may work for the editor at Paducah Parenting & Family magazine. Reaching into my purse, I pulled out a pen, a small notepad, and I proceeded to write down the editor's name and website address.

Later that evening, I visited the Paducah Parenting & Family magazine's website to see if they had any writers guidelines posted. Nope, no guidelines, and no information at all for writers. I then wondered, maybe they didn't accept submissions from freelance writers. Being as I was local I made a decision to go ahead and e-mail the editor. I wasn't quite sure if this was going to work, but I had nothing to lose. I figured at worst she would she say "no" and I'd move on. When I e-mailed her I basically stated I was a local writer, and I asked for the magazine's submission guidelines. After hitting send on my e-mail I immediately became so nervous that my hands shook uncontrollably. I had to get a grip on myself and just wait to see what would happen.

A few hours later I checked my e-mail. Low and behold, there it was, the reply from the editor of Paducah Parenting & Family magazine. Her response to me said, " Thank you for your e-mail and interest in writing for the magazine. At this time, we have many articles submitted on a monthly basis, so we do not have a need for freelance writers very often. However, I have paid for articles and will occasionally do so as the need arises. Please let me know what your writing experience has been and send me a resume. You can do this by e-mail or snail mail, whichever suits you best." Promptly, I sent the information she asked for, crossed my fingers and toes, and the waiting process begun.

Later on I received a list of topics that she was working on for the magazine, and I was to choose some topics that I thought I could do. I e-mailed her my choice of topics and was later assigned to work on one--she wanted to see a sample of my writing before having me cover more then one topic. I went to work on my first assignment, and delivered it to her a few days before the deadline.

The date of the issue my article was written for was approaching quickly. I thought it wouldn't hurt to send a follow-up e-mail, and so I did. My hopes weren't high as I waited for the response. Like many others, I was going to get my first rejection to start off my freelance writing career. The whole time I waited for a response I wondered what I done wrong with the article.

The next afternoon I sat down at my computer to check my e-mail again. There it was, I just knew it, my rejection letter. As I opened the e-mail to see what she had to say I got a big surprise. She sent me her apologies, and she explained how things had been busy at the office. But what made my day brighter was when she told me my article had been accepted, and that it would be published in the October 2005 issue of the magazine. Not only did she publish my article, but she assigned me another. She told me how impressed she was with the article that she had just accepted. I felt so lucky, and my faith and prayers were paying off!

I am working on the second article assignment now, it has a deadline of one week for the draft (yikes). With such little time, I have been working on the article, and that is why I haven't blogged in a while. Because I thrive on meeting deadlines on time, I am determined to get the article on her desk before the deadline. Besides, I want to make a good second impression as well, because it may lead to better things. I will keep you updated.

I'm so excited, my first freelance assignment published, the check on it's way, and a second assignment from the same magazine. I couldn't feel anymore blessed then I am right now. If you wish, you can view the article at http://www.paducahparenting.com -- once there click on "Community News", scroll down a little ways, and under "Fall Fun" you will find my article -- "Halloween Fun," by Misti Sandefur & Leah Rogers. Enjoy the read!

Posted by Misti Sandefur, Christian author/freelance writer at 7:20 AM