Q: I had a parting of ways with a mid-sized newspaper about a month ago. I am approaching age 50, have almost 20 years in journalism and have wanted to freelance forever.
I don’t have much money, but I also don’t have any bills other than the bare necessities.
One opportunity I am exploring is syndication of a column of the type I wrote at my last newspaper for more than a year. It was extremely popular in the community and has received a fair amount of play in papers big and small nationwide. (It was distributed by the New York Times News Service through my former paper’s parent company) The column targets a niche market that can generate great interest to millions of Americans. No mainstream newspaper or wire service is covering on a consistent basis. I would like to decline to elaborate for business reasons, but many people I’ve talked to agree it’s a great idea.
As an aside, I have started a blog writing mini-columns on issues that I want to rather than I have to. It is to keep my writing skills sharp and to have a little fun between unemployment checks.
I have submitted letters and clips to about seven different syndicates. I understand that it takes months sometimes to hear from them. I am planning on starting without them and begin self-syndicating until I hear from the syndicates saying either "yea" or "nay." I already have one newspaper interested.
I know the pitfalls of freelancing. I know syndication is not going to make me instantly rich. But I am not afraid to do what it takes to keep afloat, whether it means working in a book store or writing business copy. I would like to know your opinion of my approach and if you have any suggestions?
Texas
A. I don’t see much of a downside to your plan and I am not going to rain on your parade. See what happens.
You certainly have some sense of the odds of getting syndicated, so you’re going into this with some experience and some sense of reality.
But, really, do you think anyone would look at a blog for advice?
