When you are a professional writer - whether it be freelance, news reporter, magazine or even public relations – one of the most important things that you can do to prepare yourself to write is: KNOW YOUR SUBJECT.
You can’t always pick your assignments. There will be occasions when you have to write about a subject that is outside of your comfort zone.
It may be an interview with a politician you dislike or with a musician you’ve never heard of. No matter the subject, you must take the time to prepare for your story by researching it.
Most famous, or even want-to-be famous people have their own websites. Check them out, read them thoroughly. If they have a blog, read that too.
If you are dealing with a musician, or other artist, check out their work.
If your story doesn’t center around a person, but an event or place, seek out and talk to the people who are knowledgeable about it.
Most importantly, NEVER pretend to know something that you don’t. Ask questions if you don’t understand something. You might feel a little dumb when asking the question, but if you print misinformation you will feel really dumb, and worse still you will mar your reputation.
Ask questions and do the work before you write, it will show through in your work and solidify your credibility as a journalist and not just another hack writer.
0 comments:
Post a Comment