There’s always an element of risk in freelancing. Esther Chilton looks at what to do when income sources fall through, and shows how it opens up fresh opportunities.
Like many readers of this magazine, writing started out as a hobby, but over time I’ve been fortunate to turn my love of the written word into a full-time job.
However, in the space of a week, I received a double blow. First, a magazine I’d been writing monthly columns for announced they were ceasing publication. I was shocked and disappointed. I’d thoroughly enjoyed working for them and hadn’t imagined it stopping. Then I received notice that another magazine I regularly write for was also closing. To make matters worse, I’d just finished a commissioned article for their winter edition only to find out there wouldn’t be a winter issue.
When I spoke to the editors, they partly put it down to the effects of Covid. They just about survived and increased subscriptions had helped them through. But, post-Covid, subscription numbers have fallen again and, together with an increase in printing costs and dwindling footfall in shops, they can’t continue. These magazines aren’t the only ones who have struggled to keep going. And, with the current economic climate, this will likely be a growing trend.
After taking a moment, or three, to calm down and realise it isn’t the end of my writing career, I set about Plan B. I realised I’d become complacent, taking for granted that the magazines I regularly contribute to will always be there. I’d stopped looking for new markets and opportunities, and they are out there.
So, here’s my Plan B. If you find yourself in a similar position to me, whether you’re a seasoned writer or a beginner, hopefully it’ll work for you too:
Similar but different
It’s surprising how many magazines there are on the same subject. Let’s take travel as an example. There are numerous publications devoted to this popular topic and, what’s more, new titles are being added to the market, offering even more opportunities and hope that while some may be fading away, others are just starting out.
There are also lots of magazines and newspapers that have travel pages in each issue. For example, Reader’s Digest is a general interest publication covering all sorts of subjects. Travel is one and they openly welcome short pieces on favourite holidays.
When the two magazines I mentioned earlier closed, I dug a little deeper and found several alternatives on the same subjects. I’ve since had ideas accepted and the commissioned piece has now found a home.
Something new
But it’s not
