Masthead

Located within the first few pages of a publication, the masthead lists the important information you need – editor names, assistant editors, departments, contributing writers, etc. It is also helpful to find out the email configuration of the company – a not so secret tip on getting your queries to the right person without the SASE.

On Speculation

When a writer has a fantastic idea and an editor isn’t so sure, they will ask the writer to write the piece on spec or speculation. This means a writer will write the article in its entirety on the hopes that once the editor sees the piece they will buy it. There is usually no contract and writers should carefully consider their options.

Pitch

When a writer creates a pitch they are trying to sell their idea for an article or project to an editor or client. This is also known as a query.

Portfolio

A specific website or booklet that shows a writer’s body of work. Most portfolios are online so they are easily accessible to editors and clients.

Query Letter

See “Pitch”

SASE (Self-Addressed Stamped Envelopes)

Way before email when writers use to send queries to editors by mail they would spend thousands of dollars addressing envelopes to themselves and stamping them in the hopes that an editor would send their thumbs up or down or at the very least return that query letter or manuscript using the stamped envelope. That usually never happened. Most editors would write back using company stationary and postage, wasting time, money and trees! Now, most editors shoot a reply via email, however there are still some publications that will only accept queries or manuscripts via snail mail.

Side Bar

Side bars are shorter bits of information that accompany a longer article. They can range in size and they usually are there to highlight or further explain important information.

Tear Sheet

In modeling, a tear sheet is a copy of the model’s work once published. In writing, a tear sheet works the same way without the pouty stare and 10 hours of hair and makeup. After the publication is printed, editors will often send a tear sheet to the writer as a courtesy for the writer’s clip file.

Writers Guidelines

These are designed to give writers helpful tips and information about submission guidelines and what the publication accepts. While full of great advice and information, they aren’t always gospel. For example, many publication’s guidelines still tout mail in query submissions instead of electronic means.

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the freelance glossary!

Article Quickie: Freelance Writing Jargon – A – C: From AP Style to Crib Sheet

Article Quickie: Freelance Writing Jargon – D – G From Deadlines to Ghostwriting

Article Quickie: Freelance Writing Jargon – H – L: Headlines to Lede (Lead)

I’m sure everyone knows many examples of Anglicisms used in other languages such as offshore or Germanisms used in English, such as Schadenfreude. Another very popular example, especially among freelance writers, is the Gallicism Resumé or for nostalgic souls your Curriculum [Vitae]. These terms are also called loanwords.

In this new infographic, we have a look at the different language families, their spread and popularity- really a very complex and controversial topic in the classifications of such families.

Did you know that every 14 days a language dies?

Thanks to the crew at Infographiclabs.com for another awesome infographic.

Deb’s note: I’m so bad about responding to email lately. To tell you I receive thousands of pieces of mail each week is an understatement. I’m going to try something new – responding to some frequently asked questions.

We see the words “citizen journalist” or “citizen journalism” often on user generated content sites.  A citizen journalist is someone who reports news, but isn’t a traditional journalist and has no formal training. Many bloggers are considered citizen journalists when they discuss and analyze the news. Just because the word “journalist” is in the title, doesn’t mean a piece is well-written or well reported.

Is there money in citizen journalism?

Being a citizen journalist isn’t always lucrative. Most citizen journalism and user generated content sites pay by click, if at all. There’s a lot of discussion lately about responsibility to report fact over opinion on sites claiming to be the news, and many citizen journalists receive flack for editorializing.  Citizen journalists used to be the people who read the news. Now, thanks to the Internet, they “report” the news as well. When you consider many citizen journalists are angry or activists, it might be best to take their reporting with a grain of salt. That isn’t to say all citizen journalism and user generated content is biased or factually incorrect. However, it’s always a good rule of thumb to consider your source before using it for a quote or information.

Where can we find work as a citizen journalist?

Honestly, I haven’t been able to find any “citizen journalism” jobs that pay much money. All Voices advertises often for citizen journalists and writers but the pay is per click and I haven’t found anyone who earns a livable wage from this website. Not all is grim, however. I found an ad today paying $20 per post  for a citizen journalist for LiveCitizen. This is probably the only citizen journalism job I’ve seen that pays above the pay per click or traffic model.

Are you a citizen journalist? Do you have thoughts about citizen journalism? Please share below!

Do you have questions about freelance writing? Send it to wegetletters@gmail.com. I can’t promise to respond to it tomorrow. But I’ll respond as soon as I can.