Brit Col Journalism

The British College of Journalism, offering the Professional Freelance Journalism Course by distance online education.

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What's your favourite type of article to write? A travel feature? A profile? A tried and tested article? A news feature? Let us know in the comments below.

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Your journalism skills equip you for much more than being a journalist! You can write blogs and press releases for businesses, and also offer editing and proofreading services. You can wear many hats!

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Don't always think of the most obvious publications. If you want to write about summer fashion trends, for example, the fashion magazines will already have got it covered. It may be better to pitch to a more general interest title.

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If you're pitching to a publication you've never written for before, include a short "about me" section. Mention if you have any expertise in this area, or link to examples of your work.

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If you don't understand something your interviewee says, ask them to clarify. If they are an expert and talking about a complex subject, you can just ask them to explain it in layman's terms.

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Don't forget to check payment terms when you sell a feature - how long do they take to pay? Knowing when to expect your payment can help you manage your finances.

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When using quotes it's fine to really lightly editor them to cut out the ums, repetition etc. It makes what the interviewee said clearer for the reader.

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If you're glued to a new TV show, movie, or even a plot in a soap - is there a plotline that would make a good "real life" feature? The show gives it the perfect news hook!

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If you're using acronyms, write out the name in full the first time. The exception is if the acronym is particuarly well known, or if a business is known by its acronym e.g. the BBC.

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Make sure you talk to interviewees, rather than just using emailed answers. You will get much better quotes. You can also be sure they aren't fake, which is becoming an increasing problem.

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If work is quiet, use the time productively. Beef up your LinkedIn profile, follow editors on social media, and read some magazines you are unfamiliar with.

[Brit Col Journalism @BritJournalism]

Pitch been rejected? Bad luck - but it doesn't mean it was a bad idea. It might have been wrong for that publication, or so right they've already done something similar. So send it to a different publication - reworking the pitch if necessary.

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It's great to have a regular client, but don't put all your eggs in one basket. Make sure you continue to look for new customers, just in case your original one ends suddenly.

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Be flexible! If you're offered work that means you'll need to work late because it's on a short deadline, don't say no. You can always take time off at another time.

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Always keep a pen and paper/ note app to hand. It's amazing how often ideas hit you when you're watching TV in the evening, or out for a stroll. Write them down before you forget them again!

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If you're contacting someone to ask for an interview, give them plenty of information.

Tell them the kinds of questions you will be asking. It means they will be well-prepared for the interview, and you are likely to get better responses.

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Remember to use English rather than American spelling in the UK. So organise, recognise, realise, not organize, recognize, realize.

[Brit Col Journalism @BritJournalism]

Be curious! Keep up to date with the news, ask people about their lives, chat to people on the bus/ at the school gates/ on holiday. Good conversations can help you come up with future feature ideas.

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When you have finished interviewing an expert, always ask them if it's OK to keep their details. When you're writing something on a similar subject, you can speak to them again, rather than spending time looking for someone else.

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A word count is not a starting point! It's fine to go 50 or so words over (assuming the copy is 800-1200 words) but no more. And if you're asked for a box/ sidebar, it will be included in the word count unless you are told otherwise.