It isn’t always difficult to become a stringer. You might be a good fit for a position as a stringer if you have good writing skills, the ability to work independently, and a willingness to meet deadlines. You will, however, have to put in time and effort to find opportunities, as stringer positions are unlikely to be advertised in help-wanted ads. You’ll need to do some research on the publications you want to write for and work hard to get your foot in the door.
Begin by looking at a local news organization for which you’d like to work as a stringer. Instead of focusing on one copy or issue, look through several copies of the publication, paying close attention to the editorial style. Come up with ideas for the types of articles you could submit to the publication by brainstorming. The publication you approach may provide article topics to its stringers or require them to submit their own. Just in case, it’s a good idea to have some ideas on hand.
Make a portfolio with clips from your previously published work. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t have any clips to show. Simply write a sample article and thoroughly polish it. Your sample article should demonstrate to the editor what he or she can expect from you if hired as a stringer.
It’s time to contact the editor of the newspaper or publication you’ve chosen to approach with your article ideas and writing clips or samples. You can reach out to the editor by phone or mail. Some even recommend going to the editor’s office and asking for a few minutes of his or her time. If you decide to contact the editor in person, do so after the publication deadline has passed. Whatever method you use, be polite and direct; inquire whether the editor employs stringers and inform him that you are interested in working as a stringer for the publication.
Although many stringers approach newspapers and other news organizations for work, keep in mind that there are other options. You might be able to find stringer work with a trade publication with a small staff and a need for high-quality articles, for example. When considering publications to approach for stringing work, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Last but not least, if you are rejected, don’t give up. Perseverance is essential for landing your first stringer assignment.