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A tiny little acorn...
I've had some unexpected success (of a kind) more a little acorn than a mighty oak!
A few months ago I was in touch with a local magazine with a view to advertising in it myself. I decided not to - the magazine was really a directory. I didn't think it would be read that often - just glanced at and then recycled.
I was regularly contacted to see if I could be tempted to advertise and after Christmas I took a bold step (I must admit this was something I had planned rather coldly, almost from day one).
I told them that I would not consider advertising with them until they had more editorial content. They replied saying they hoped to include some articles in the future, but it was still early days and they needed the advertising revenue to increase before they could finance it.
Sooooo, I offered to write a short article each month. I had two initial ideas:
1. Article highlighting a particular service advertised - accountancy, computer maintenance etc.
2. Review of local live performances for touring shows.
In return for writing one short article I asked for a free advert. They came back straight away and accepted the deal. There is now the suggestion other articles may be commissioned for money - real stuff I can spend!
The articles will be variations on ones I have to write for another magazine - so the research is practically zero. In today's financial climate, the magazine will struggle to succeed - but it could be the beginning of something worthwhile.
The free advert is worth more to me than what I get for articles of this kind. Fingers crossed!
A few months ago I was in touch with a local magazine with a view to advertising in it myself. I decided not to - the magazine was really a directory. I didn't think it would be read that often - just glanced at and then recycled.
I was regularly contacted to see if I could be tempted to advertise and after Christmas I took a bold step (I must admit this was something I had planned rather coldly, almost from day one).
I told them that I would not consider advertising with them until they had more editorial content. They replied saying they hoped to include some articles in the future, but it was still early days and they needed the advertising revenue to increase before they could finance it.
Sooooo, I offered to write a short article each month. I had two initial ideas:
1. Article highlighting a particular service advertised - accountancy, computer maintenance etc.
2. Review of local live performances for touring shows.
In return for writing one short article I asked for a free advert. They came back straight away and accepted the deal. There is now the suggestion other articles may be commissioned for money - real stuff I can spend!
The articles will be variations on ones I have to write for another magazine - so the research is practically zero. In today's financial climate, the magazine will struggle to succeed - but it could be the beginning of something worthwhile.
The free advert is worth more to me than what I get for articles of this kind. Fingers crossed!
Comments
"subtle or unscrupulous cunning, deception, expediency, or dishonesty" - apparently. Yep, spot on!
Jay, are you trying to suggest BB is a cunning, unscrupulous deceitful person? Shame on you!!!! ;)
Also, well done to Jay for the article in WM and Vivien in Writers' Forum, both very enjoyable and wise.
(Hoorah, hoorah, yeh yeh yeh!)
[Waves fist in the air like Julia Roberts watching polo!]
This goes to show that being a writer is much more than writing good stuff.
You have to be some kind of business-minded person to boot.
(Just looked at the title of this thread again and decided 'Acorn' would be the perfect name for a little puppy or kitten)
My little acorn now has a little green shoot. I've been asked to write advertorials for some of the advertisers - for money....!!
The editor wants to put a package together for new advertisers and I'm part of it. Allegedly.
Well, my cunning little plan has paid off!
As well as free advertising each month, I'm now writing a couple of advertorials a month too! These are placed with their adverts and the advertiser pays me direct.