Welcome to Be a Pro Writer—the place to jumpstart your freelance writing career.
I feel your pain!
I remember the pain of beginning my freelance career like yesterday. You keep writing what you’re passionate about but it seems no one wants to listen. You query editor after editor only to get no response. Or, if an editor does respond, it’s with a canned rejection.
If you want to see your name in lights, or at least get a byline in your favorite publication, you’ve come to the right place.
Maybe you’ve had an assignment or two but that’s as far as it’s gone. You want to build a relationship with an editor, not have a string of one-night stands. You want to be in the in-group, one of the gang, a regular contributor or columnist. But you’re not sure how to land those repeat assignments. I am.
You know the saying, “It’s not about you.” Well, at Be a Pro Writer, that’s not the case. Here, it is all about you and what you need to kick your freelance writing into gear. As a seasoned freelancer and a magazine editor, I know both sides of the story.
Who am I to guide you?
Hey there. I’m Carol J. Alexander. I’ve been writing for pleasure since I could hold a pencil and writing for pay since 2007. My work has been published in national and regional magazines all over North America. I have worked as a columnist for my local newspaper, several highly-trafficked blogs, and a few national publications. Discipline, attention to detail, and research and interviewing skills have made it possible for my writing to reach millions of readers.
In addition to working for a byline (and a paycheck), I’m the former managing editor of a regional lifestyle magazine in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. (Former because the magazine ceased publication in 2018.) In that role, I led a team of writers to keep a full editorial calendar, reviewed query letters and made assignments, assigned photographers and made appropriate selections from their submissions, and collaborated with layout and design on the perfect placement of stories, ads, and photographs to bring readers a stunning experience of their world.
As an editor, I got a lot of mail from writers. Honestly, I cringe just thinking about it. If I worked at a large publication most queries would go straight to the trash. But, since I love helping new freelancers get a leg up, I would often take the time necessary to walk them through the process of formulating their story ideas, pitches, and angles.
If you, too, would like that kind of help—from an editor who knows what editors look for—then you are in the right place.
How can I help you?
I have several services and products for new freelance writers that I’m working on. Take a look around the blog. You will find posts on:
- How to break into magazine writing
- How to generate story ideas
- How to write the perfect query letter
- How to be the writer magazine editors want
- and more.
Download a few freebies. I’m working every day to create more ways to help you break into the magazine industry.
Finally…
For occasional tips and inspiration to go with you on your journey, subscribe to the Be a Pro Writer blog. Here, you’ll find everything from how to foster relationships with your editors to organizing your notes.
And finally, finally…
I almost forgot. To get the most from Be a Pro Writer, join us on Facebook. That’s where most of the action is.