What is the appropriate way of getting freelance work / internships?

[Matthew Reynolds]

Is it best to wait until publications or websites advertise they are hiring, or do they mind if you send an email badgering them about anything going? Which members of staff are best to ask, main Editor? Community Editor?

[Cole Jones]

While this seems like a simple question, it really would be good to hear what's worked in the past for some of the more freelance-heavy folks out there. I've landed my freelance stuff through applications when advertised, but I know a handful of sites welcome inquiries of all sorts if you have a solid pitch. It's hard to tell if you're sending the email the right way, as most people won't get back to you at all, but it would be great to hear other tips. As you get your name known, you'll establish more connections and people may come to you. Before that... keep your eyes peeled I suppose.

[Troy Goodfellow]

I can't help with internships. But for freelancing, the best thing to do is just do it. Keep an eye out for openings, but the best way to do it is to not ask generally "Do you need writers?" but to approach with writing ideas already in hand.

Most editors I've worked with really want good features, so start by pitching those directly to an editor or associate editor. Think of a new idea with a unique angle and work through how the article would read and whom it target as an audience. Features are harder work than reviews or interviews so working out a strong pitch, even if it doesn't ever get published, demonstrates that you have a grasp of the issues or a handle on what a readership might find interesting.

It helps to have writing samples available on demand, of course.

[Michael Walbridge]

Troy, what kind of places are looking for "features"? And what do you mean by "features"?

So far the only thing I know that's available for freelancers is being a news-monkey or a review-cranker. Not that we don't want to do that, but the few gaming places or mags I can think of that have features seem to do all the features bits in-house. Example: Game Informer's monthly piece where they ask what some big-name would do with some other big-name's property. But that's done (I think) in-house and it's the Game Informer name and staff that always lands those interviews with the names.

So could you elaborate? The world of "features", human interest, and anything that isn't related to upcoming games seems mostly relegated to Gamasutra, the Escapist, and blogging. Not a big area to work with. What I'm hoping is that I'm simply ignorant.

As for review stuff, this is a great place to find opportunities. Also, always check the site in question. For instance, buried in UGO's website is what seems a permanent call for freelance game reviewers. Hit them up.

[Troy Goodfellow]

Features can be anything. Histories of genres, social commentary, interviews with gamers or game developers, something on mods, something experiential....Last year I pitched and wrote a feature about the durability of The Sims community. The year before that I wrote an Escapist piece about a Serious Game that taught non-violence.

You'd be surprised to see how many features are done by freelancers. Games for Windows magazine, for example, ran a lot of features from non-staff before it shut down. But pretty much every website you can think of loves to have unique content, and reviews/previews aren't very unique. As always, research any publication before you submit a pitch. But as a wise person once told me, the worst thing they can say is "No thanks."

Feature pitches - even if they are not accepted - are a great way to make an impression quickly. They aren't steady work, to be sure, but they can lead to steady work in the review area if that's what you are interested in.

Interviews don't have to be with the names. Sometimes the most interesting stories are on the margins. No, you won't get to interview Miyamoto most likely. But most music writing isn't about Mariah Carey, either.

You can, of course, wait for openings or send in unsolicited writing samples on the chance someone is looking for a reviewer or news person. There's nothing wrong with going the review route (I did, but only after a couple of failed feature pitches and being in the right place at the right time). And you will be competing for those few spots with dozens of other people. But go for it; there's no harm in applying.

Still, as a freelancer, sometimes you need to just put yourself out there and not wait for what is "available". This is a feast and famine world, and most of us are starving.

[jon chan]

Great tips, thanks for sharing guys.

[Dan Allen]

Try the Escapist. They're always looking for a good pitch and they do you the favor of telling you what every issue is about and give you deadlines and everything.

[Brian Rowe]

If you wait until a company advertises, you run the risk of getting lost in the shuffle amid hundreds of other applicants. Alternatively, if you send an email at any old time, you run the risk of being completely ignored and forgotten when the hiring actually starts. So, what to do?

Getting your name known is key. You have a blog with samples and personal info, which I've accidentally run across before, so you're off to a good start on that end. One thing that you should consider is getting work (professional freelance, or even fan-based staff) with other sites. It's great that you have won GameFAQs contests, but that site also has a reputation for incredibly inconsistent standards. Getting work published on a staff level, as opposed to community contributor, looks far better on an application. GamerNode, HonestGamers, CheatCodeCentral, GamerTell, and UGO are just a few of the sites out there currently in need of writers. A few of them even pay.

As others have suggested, approaching sites with feature-type stories is also a good idea for getting your name out there and building that resume. Escapist Magazine and 1UP are two sites that I know accept pitches for features. I realize that you're in a hurry to get a regular job and get in the field, but proving yourself as a reliable writer comes first. This is all stuff that you can do while you're on the hunt.

When the time comes, the best person to ask depends upon the site. For some, it will be the Editor-in-Chief. Some sites also have Managing editors, Human Resources personnel, and even Site Directors. If you don't know who to contact, pick a name and shoot out an email. Give a brief description of yourself, your interest, and then politely ask if you can forward a resume. Do not send an attachment. 90% of the time, you will get blocked.

Magazines are slightly different due to lead times. If you miss a deadline on a website, the story will still get posted and you might only get a slap on the wrist. If you miss a magazine deadline, you're screwed. You probably already know that with the newspaper experience though.

[Scott Steinberg]

See this article here for advice on how to make a go of it freelancing:

http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/features/the-video-game-freelance...