Perfect Pitch

NATHAN ALTADONNA / The Working Press
Freelancing can be a lucrative career if you have the right connections and skills. In “Mining the Freelance Market,” a group of editors offered their insights Friday on how to break into the scene:
• Use snail mail. Editors said in most cases it’s easier to look through printed pitches and manuscripts. Electronic copies are often ignored.
• Suit the publication. Make sure your story is something that is appropriate for the publication’s audience.
• Consider newsletters. For-profit newsletters require a lot of copy and have small staffs. It’s an easy way to enter the market.
• Market yourself. Make sure your sell yourself as well as your ideas.
• Use the Internet. Build a Web site or write a blog to show off your skills to potential editors.