I need help

[Annie D]

I have an incredible Christmas story that ran front page of our local paper. I would love to send it out to other newspapers, magazines. Does anyone know how I do this?
Thank you so much!

[DrRita]

Hi AnnieD,
I'm not sure what you are asking. Let's see if I understand . . . You wrote a story and it was published on the front page of your local newspaper. You want to send it out to other publications to see if they will pubishe it too? If this is what you mean then did the newspaper have one time rights or did they buy all rights when they published it? If you maintained the rights then you can query other publications and sell it as a reprint. You will have to inform the next editor that it first appeared in such and such newspaper so that editor won't think he/she is buying first time rights.

If this isn't what you meant, :o please clarify. God bless.

[Annie D]

that was exactly what I meant. I am sorry if that was confusing. I am a freelancer. I own the rights to the article and I would definitely let other newspapers know all publication information. I have been writing as a freelance writer for a particular newspaper for almost a year. I was wondering how I can send articles to different newspapers. I am new at this. i have never done anything like this before.
Thank you very much.

[DrRita]

Annie D,
I haven't dealt with newspapers but I did find this in Writer's Digest. Q&A: Writing for Newspapers
Q. I would like to submit material to local newspapers for a new "opinion" type column. How should I attempt this to receive professional consideration? Thank You, Steve Rogers
--Steve Rogers

A. Querying newspapers is very similar to querying magzines. The only difference is that newspapers often want to see examples of the types of columns you propose to write.
First, find the name of the specific section editor (Tempo, Metro, Business, etc., sections usually have different editors). Mail them a query letter outlining the type of column you want to write and why you're qualified to write it. Include one to two sample columns.

Some newspapers will ask for other writing clips, so a quick call to the editor for their specific guidelines should clear up any questions.

[Annie D]

Thank you so much! That helps a lot. I appreciate your effort!
Ann

[BrotherDave]

Great place to go for freelancing stories is www.writersmarket.com. It's well worth the price of membership because not only does it give you lists of places to send but also some teaching on how to freelance.

www.writersmarket.com

brotherdave

[Annie D]

Thank you so much for the information. I actually went on the website and I think I am going to join. Very reasonable for what they provide.
Thanks again!!!

[BrotherDave]

This site has paid for itself a couple of times over by the leads it has given me.

brotherdave