are you finding it as hard as i am?

[ivet83]

I have applied to my student newspaper to get some editorial work experience.I wrote to both editors and 3 weeks later no reply. Why is it so hard to do even volunteer work in the publishing industry?I just want to watch and learn-not get paid. Where do i go for work experience?any ideas

My friend and I did lots of reviewing at uni. It's a great way to have cheap nights out and get published.

Our regional daily paper has a scheme offering students the opportunity to write reviews for them. A guy I know - who was doing a Creative Writing MA at the time - made great contacts doing reviews and was offered a funded place on their (££££) training course. I now see his pieces in the paper every day.

Good luck.

Patsy

I am sorry this will sound really stupid but what do you mean by reviewing?

I don't want to write stuff-just to proofread or edit

Reviews are just your personal view of a piece of theatre/gig/restaurant etc.

Could you contact some major charities and ask whether they need help producing their regional newsletters etc? Think of any area which is generally poorly staffed. For instance, small arts organisations may accept offers of help.

Don't just think of hard print - web sites need proofing too.

I would also try posting your question in one of the Work areas of mumsnet and change the title to "Where can I get experience in proofing/editing?"

Patsy

thank you patsycline, i will try. who do you address the letter to? there are so many editors, especially if you want to work for a website.

I wouldn't rely on letters too much. It's too easy for busy people to glance at your letter and then forget about it - with a phone call you might strike lucky. If you prefer to write, then I would try email as you're more likely to get a response.

Call up and ask to be put through to the marketing dept (for instance). Ideally, do some research before you call and get the name of the relevant person from the web.

Before you call, make sure that you know why you would be a good person to give proofing experience to. (I would pursue the proofing angle first as I would be surprised if anyone would want to hand over editing responsibilities.)

The other thought I had was that you could start up your own web site/blog on a topic you love. You could accept submissions from others, but the basic site would show off your editing and proofing skills.

Patsy

thank you patsy,you've been great hep.