Is it worth looking at freelancing?

[lostwriter]

Hi
I currently write online copy and general news feeds but I'm thinking about getting out of this and doing some "proper" journalism (what I do at the moment is closer to advertising) as a freelancer.

However, I will be completely honest, I sort of slipped into journalism and feel like I don't know much about the industry, so I have a few questions if anyone could help me!

Firstly, I don't have an NCTJ and they can be quite costly. Is this qualification an absolute must?
Secondly, how difficult is it for a new writer to come onto the freelance scene? Should I start by pitching to local papers and work up?
Thirdly, is this the absolute worst time to become a freelancer?! I had a quick look at the poll on this forum and the comments did suggest there is still some work out there, but is it really worth it if you haven't already made a name for yourself?

Thanks!

[lee_stevens]

Hi,

Firstly, as a freelance writer, a NCTJ isn't essential, but it does work to your advantage when applying for a job within a company. Personally, I believe experience outweighs qualifications.
As a freelancer, all you need is to be able to write clearly with perfect grammar, and an ability to capture an audiences attention with your subject matter.

Sending pitches to appropriate publications is a good starting point but as with any job, getting commissions wont be easy. Tenacity and determination are key attributes for any successful journalist. Being an expert in a specific subject will also increase your chances of commissions and the more unusual the subject the better. For example, you'll have a better chance of getting commissions with knowledge of a foreign country or language, than you would writing for a sports magazine, as that is a far more popular genre to write about.

That said, due to the current economic climate, many editors are reluctant to employ freelancers but you have nothing to lose by asking. The worse thing they can say is no.

[artgarfheinkel]

Freelancing is hard work at present - local newspapers pay a pittance the nationals aren't a good deal better, especially if they don't know you and think they can get away with a token payment. If you're in a secure job stick with it until the economy picks up. Sorry, but that's my advice based on solid experience.

[journ]

I think freelancing is still a good option. I still believe it's the best path into journalism, too. I started as one, most people who find themselves as staffers do as well. No, you won't earn a fortune at the beginning but you have to pitch and keep pitching. Find some friendly news editors, they do exist, and get inspired. I love local stories. Scour local websites, then pick up the phone to news desks. We have many regular freelancers but there's always room for more. Then develop a specialism.

[kangi191191]

I think freelancing is still a good option.