How to Work as a Critic / Freelance Writer For Magazines Here? | ExpatWoman.com
 

How to Work as a Critic / Freelance Writer For Magazines Here?

619
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 July 2011 - 11:45

I've been thinking about this for quite a while, well ever since I've been in Dubai. We all see those write ups on restaurants, spas and hotels and such in the magazines here. My area would be spas. Any time I read the writeups on spas, they seem to be the same writeup that has been there forever. The writers even use incorrect or demeaning terminology.

How could I go about doing this? Should I approach the magazines and newspapers? I'm familiar with only a few magazines here. Do any of you have background in either freelance writing or critiquing local businesses?

I appreciate any help or guidance on this. ;)

619
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 July 2011 - 12:10
Wow! Great replies from both of you. Thanks!!!!! I'll research the magazines and persistently call the editors. I'm not sure about the visa rules either, but I'll look at that too. I've met people here, women, who are or were on their husband's visa but they have a separate work permit. WB, I'd looooooooooooooooooove to also do writeups on restaurants. :-D))))))))) As for the health / fitness / lifestyle features, I've been wanting to do this for a long time too. So many times I'll read an article or hear a radio show talking abut health and they talk about the most basic and obvious topics that I think I could do that just as well as or better than them and I'm not getting paid for it. :-s **added more to post <em>edited by natalie8 on 10/07/2011</em>
205
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 July 2011 - 12:02
I'm not sure about visa rules for that... but I suggest you contact various publications here with some samples of your work. Call their reception, find out the editor's name and ask to speak with them. Be persistent! I work in the media here and it really is about bugging the h*ll out of the boss to see you. So many people just send an email and never follow up. Once you speak to the editor or person in charge, ask them if they'd like you to write a new review of their choice. And make it good! Don't worry about big fancy words, make it short, snappy and accessible. Think about what would appeal to your audience - are you targeting a high-end publication where budget is not a problem for the audience, or are you looking at a family magazine where people are interested in cheap and cheerful products? Also, make sure you really research their publication. It's amazing how many people have turned up to my workplace and know nothing about the company. We'll often ask 'what do you like about this company's finished product, what do you dislike, what would you change' etc, and so many people sit there blankly.. Also, I personally wouldn't limit yourself to spas, as most companies want someone who can discuss a variety of topics. Perhaps say you want to write about lifestyle topics, incorporating spas, health, fitness, diet, restaurants etc? Good luck and remember, be persistent! And don't feel bad if you don't get the first job you're after. It's all about taking criticism on board, and reading and writing as much as possible to improve. Take down notes about good articles and bad ones that you read, and send some of your pieces out to friends and family to critique as well. HTH :)
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 July 2011 - 11:59
Most magazines in the UAE belongs to either Motivate Publishing or ITP. In general they do not use freelance writers. It is a very difficult to break into this market. Look at the websites of Motivate and ITP and send proposal letters to the editors of the magazines you want to write to, or apply for a job with one of the magazines. They Friday magazine (part of Gulf News) do use freelance writers from time to time - try them too. Gook Luck!
 
 

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