Any advice appreciated!

thebee

Hi, I wondered if someone on here might be able give me some advice. I've just pitched a story idea to the news editor of a sunday publication by email, who has told me that he would be very interested in it.

My question to you guys is, what do i do now? How/when should i discuss my commission? Should I go ahead and write the story and then foward it on?

Should I ask for a photographer to take pics to accompany my article? ect.

Literally anything you know is more than I do, kinda feeling a little out of my depth, as I more or less bluffed my way this far with pretend professionalism!

HELP!!

Overdraft

Get the article written and sent to the editor as soon as possible - for one reason or another he might not have the same interest in a week or three, so make the most of his enthusiasm for your idea and get writing now.

I would imagine the paper will sort out the photographs - they'll let you know if they need your help making arrangements to photograph the subject(s).

You might get different advice here on your payment but if it was me, starting out again, I wouldn't ask about it - you should be paid the going rate at that newspaper (hopefully NUJ rates), I wouldn't hassle them with money talk at this early stage, just get the article done and make a positive impression on them that way. Certainly if there's no sign of a cheque in the post afterwards ring them up and sort it out.

Best of luck.

flogen

If he says he's interested then I'd count that as a commission - all you need to ask now is when he wants it by and what word count he'd be looking for. Then you get the ball rolling.

The place will probably sort out photos themselves and if it's something specific where they need your help or need to co-ordinate with you they'll say so.

Dudess

Yep, just get writing it.

jdivision

Write it and send picture suggestions to the editor after you've interviewed people and they've said they'd be willing to stand for a picture. Obviously the earlier this is done the better