Do you have what it takes to become a freelance journalist?
Hi Guys,
This is a guest post by my great friend Albert Simiyu. He is a freelance writer who has also had some training and experience in journalism. Kindly make sure you like, tweet, comment and share this with all your friends.
What is Journalism?
By definition, journalism is the activity of journalists or other writers in the preparation of audio, visual or written material meant for dissemination via the public media with particular reference to actual events of public interest.
Ideally, journalism seeks to reflect the current state of society and expose things that would otherwise remain private. For a long time, the news media has faithfully served as the chief conduit of information and opinion on public affairs in Kenya.
Today however, the roles and status of local journalism (with other forms of mass media) are fast evolving resulting from the internet. This has occasioned a massive shift in reading from the print media to smart-phones, e-readers and related electronic devices.
Owing to the informative, investigative and fast paced nature of journalism, many Kenyan youths are longing and ambitious to join the forth-estate. Actually most of them have taken up this course and qualified to practice.
But as we know, all plans and ideas always promise heaven when on paper, yet after venturing deeper, everyone has to wrestle down some ‘devil in the detail’ to reach the apex of their aspirations.
Background
I discovered my gift in journalism way back in 1981 after scoring 75 marks in a class four English exam. Being an English teacher, my dad was very impressed and made me his ‘special project’. Every week, he encouraged me to visit a public library, borrow a book and read it comprehensively.
Accountability was so high that he expected me to write down a summary of every book I had read. Though challenging to a 10 year old, this mentorship strategy worked wonders as my scores in the subject continued to get better by the day.
As expected, I started scoring clean ‘A’s in all English exams. One book that had a tremendous impact on my creative thinking was ‘Things fall Apart’ by the late Chinua Achebe. I casually read it in class 8 and reread it once every following year, least aware that it would appear as the set – book at my o-levels.
By the time I was sitting the o-level literature paper, I could quote incidents in this book by their chapter and exact pages. These formed the foundation of my current practice as a freelance journalist.
How to become a Freelance Journalist
Looking at my background, it is clear that vast reading was central to the foundation of my career. Remember as a freelancer, you are a free agent (not in regular employment) who takes up jobs from varied sources.
You therefore need to have a culture of reading to remain well informed and prepared for any project. To date, I still make a point of reading an interesting book, magazines and other online literature at regular intervals.
Kenyan journalism now offers various kinds of freelance writing. You can write for Web, better known as the new media or go for newspapers and magazines. In Journalism, the most important thing is proving that you can deliver.
Traditional media editors are more attracted to writers who have first demonstrated their ability before they even ask for papers. It is at this “proving self” juncture that a freelance journalist gets a window to showcase their work and get published.
To keep my gift afloat and gain entry, I started off by writing weekly letters to the editor. Although the local media doesn’t pay for published letters, this sacrifice exposes the talent thereby setting pace and momentum for beginners.
The Standard, Nation and Star newspapers published very many of my letters (2 or 3 per week) and anytime I would see one in print, my determination to keep writing soared. It is true that practice always makes perfect. Once you venture into the circles of freelance writing, you begin to take a good grasp of your weaknesses and strengths and start targeting a niche or jobs that showcase your potential.
Unsolicited stories from Kenyan freelancers usually face an 80% rejection rate unless it is a unique, hot story that eluded the notice of regular journalists. I remember having so many of my stories rejected until I one day filtered through tight security to see the Standard newspapers’ managing editor without any prior appointment.
Back then it was difficult to meet such a person without notice. Surprised at how I got at his desk, Mr. Oketch Kendo answered a few of my questions, received my article and wished me well. 10 yrs down the lane I am still hoping that article will shake off dust and see the light of the day (get published).
Recent legislation liberalized the traditional media and opened up space for more contributors. This notwithstanding, a Kenyan freelancer has to be aware of the specific steps and procedures leading to acceptance, publication and payment of an article in the mainstream media.
The first step a freelancer should do is read various newspapers and determine their house styles. Identify an editor and approach them for an assignment. Assigned tasks stand higher chances of publication if well done because editors deploy writers to research on pertinent issues.
I remember doing this with an editor of the Standard immediately after college. He asked me to research and send him an article on “Why Luyias love tea “. My article was accepted and given a massive 2 page coverage in the weekly county magazine.
Seeing it, a friend of mine hinted that such an article would fetch me not less than 7000/- shillings. For a while, I was so excited and optimistic for my first freelancer’s pay only to learn that freelancers have to publish 3 such articles in brief succession to qualify for the first payment.
When I called to learn more, the editor told me that it was general rule across most media houses.
Freelance writing calls for determination, working smart and resilience. Patience is the main keyword in this game. You hardly start off and see the fruits. The last thing a nascent freelance journalist should have in mind when making entry is cash because it always takes time to start coming in.
I am aware of great local journalists who started off as mere volunteers, rendering unpaid services for many months. Such patience and sacrifice always pays off because once you generate some working relationship with editors; your work is given priority.
The internet dispensation has however tilted the journalistic playing ground and is fast crafting new rules to its advantage. In the event that traditional media is congested, the new media freelancer can comfortably log into a freelancing website and practice lucrative journalism from the comfort of their pillow. Online journalism is a freelancing concept that has cracked the shell and exposed the Kenyan freelancer to the wider global market.
The paradigm shift opens freelancers to more work than any single writer can handle. In fact, many writers have risen from paupers to employers raking in hundreds of dollars every week.
Amazingly, you don’t have to be so educated to practice online journalism. In fact, owing to the harsh economic times, many professionals, those between jobs and school leavers have now resorted to online freelance writing as a fall back measure. It is a new era in journalism with less bureaucracies and minimal payment defaults.
When I saw this opportunity, I never hesitated but took a brief informal training that has seen me writing web content, blog posts, and other forms of online content to date. Kenyan freelancers now enjoy more space and enjoy the liberty of choice since the internet has turned a field once weighing down with suffocating journalists into a spacious domain of ease and convenience.
Hi Walter,
Maybe you could allow Albert Simiyu to provide a byline or maybe edit the article to include links to some of his works. I’m very curious to learn about the person himself and what stage he is in his career. Googling the name gives me so many of his namesakes I don’t know which one is him. It’s a great article and provides Kenyans with more options on where to take their writing career. Kudos to both Walter and Albert for the insights.
Hi Felix,
This was an article written many years ago before I gave out bylines and bios.
He’s part of many of the Facebook groups we’re both in. You may have even interracted with him on the Facebook posts.
Here is his Facebook link https://www.facebook.com/albert.simiyu.7
You can inbox him there for further guidance.
All the best.
Thanks Walter, always helpful as usual
I am motivated by this article….I want to exploit my writing ability.Thanks so much this is inspiring.I am a new-bie and I believe I am going far…..
Most welcome Sidney. Keep researching and implementing. You’ll definitely go far.
I am a high school graduate, and from the time i was young my ambition is to become a great writer one day. But now by reading some comments about freelance journalist. I really got discouraged….its like this, why do people work in the name of having fun when they can’t even afford to pay their bill?…
Hi Issa
Writers have a choice to make, whether to write for cash or for fun. If you decide to write for cash, you should work hard, work smart and ensure your bills are paid and you have something extra.
In deed i keep appreciating this article. Today am celebrating for working for a year as an Academic writer. I still insist that this is the best way that an organized individual can rely upon. It is just a matter of organizing yourself and tackling more orders. Instead of visiting the twitter and other sites, it is wise for an individual to enjoy the comfort of the house pressing the keyboard buttons, in order to make some cents as you enjoy a cold juice. What an amazing opportunity my dear writer! Also remember that other than making money, an individual is capable of improving his writing skills, the factor that can land one a job in a reputable media. try it today.
Well said Raphael.
Thanks.I feel encouraged to start. Am a creative writer who really needs assistance.
Most welcome Yvonne. You can take the above steps to start. You can feel free to contact Albert for more tips and also do additional research online. All the best.
Hi Walter,
How do I reach out to Albert? His name is just in bold, no link to a website or at least to a contact form. No byline with contact info or link to a social media profile. His gravatar contains no links. Make him available. So many questions to ask him. So much more inspiration readers may be missing out on
Hi Felix,
I have edited the post and inserted his Facebook link.
I must also take at least a moment to thank you Mr. sir for the information that is well articulated with a motivating spirit. Journalism is a field that is cherished by many, since, it happens to be the mouth peace of the oppressed as well as the marginalized in the society. However, I just could wish to just ask you one question, is it a must that one has to be with a degree or diploma in Journalism for him to become a journalist? Again, as young and upcoming journalists, can we keep on condemning our society by claiming that it is the barrier to our success? Why cant we join hands and form a kind of organization, with an objective to promote the upcoming journalists in our country? Hope it will attract large groups and it will be funded for sure. Can we organize for that, fellow upcoming journalists? Mr Albert answer on their behalf please?
Hi Raphael
Thanks a lot for your comment.
To become a freelance journalist you don’t need all those certifications but you can try read a lot about it to gain credibility and authority.
The point about the organization is noted and will be considered.
Thanks
i have to take a minute and comment on this aticle. I am a novellist, a Journalist and writer. Media in Kenya has killed literal creativity, by canvassing means of reaching out for them. Unless you know someone, its advisable to engage in other coveted practices until you know someone. I am very, very sad to say this to upcoming writers, but we’ve got to face it. This is death to creativity in Kenya.
Thanks Tony for your feedback. I hope the stakeholders are reading this so that they can bring in the proper change that we need.
yeah i’m also another upcoming writer and was wondering how or where do i start as a freelance writer?Beatrice Kimaiyo.
Hi Beatrice,
Thanks for your comment. Kindly click on the link below to learn what you need to become a successful freelance writer:
https://freelancerkenya.com/money-online/how-to-make-money-online-in-kenya-as-a-freelance-writer/
Kudos!Albert you indeed make we who dream of getting somewhere someday have hope.Am happy to have come across this.I write so much though i have never thought of giving out my writings because i always believed there are much better writers out there who does it better than i do,but this artcle here has added me an idea.I am a student in Nakuru taking Journalism the Diploma level hoping to go far someday.
Hi Val,
Am glad you gathered something useful. Journalism is about passion and a daring attitude. Don’t allow fears mark your limits in what you do or how far you can go. Those horizons you see ahead are false and largely designed to emasculate your simmering potential .
I agree, patience is a must in being a journalist, freelancer or blogger. But majority of Kenyans do not understand the word patience.
Wow,,Albert your English is fabulous. The flow was just too good, as an upcoming writer that is the level that I am targetting. Thank you Walter for the guest post.
I believe I am affected by the Kenyan short-termism in terms of terms of writing. I doubt I can get myself to write articles which I don’t think will earn me some $.
A bit off topic. Walter can you write something on how to start a WordPress blog i.e where you get your hosting, themes plugins and such from. I can’t seem to get my blog off the ground.
Thanks for your kind remarks. Keep dreaming and writing because where there is a will , there definitely is a way.
It’s nice to pinch my ears. Okay! But when you introduce scoring grade A in english, I get scared although that one can be sorted out if someone didn’t score enough in high school. On the other hand, I write well according to results from a few months of article writing. Anyway, but in the end you also said somebody don’t have to be so educated to do freelance journalism. Now my comment is, once a freelance writer, you should not leave any stone unturned.
Haha…. I like your observation Dennis. Anyway I mentioned ‘A’ score in line with the phrase that says “If you wish to make it in any endeavor ,always aim at the sky. If you miss the sky , you will certainly hit an eagle”
To be honest, freelancing is fun, BUT, that is where the fun stops. There is no salary, and your bills don’t wait for you. If you are unable to manage/plan your expenses and live within your means you are doomed.
That aside, freelancing is a “funtastic” way to go, i encourage all and sundry. I am a freelance writer myself.
If you are having difficulty where to start, send a 500 wrd article here http://tinyurl.com/cu9nyh3 once approved you can start posting more writing. Horn your skills as you go and seek better opportunities.
Take one of Walters writing courses for a headstart. You can see some of my writing here:
http://expertscolumn.com/users/amailuk
I love this site ! Keep up the good job Walter. If you bothered to ask me, I would tell you the sky is your limit in blogging………….
Great read! It’s true nothing good ever comes easy.