Dear writers,
Greetings from your friendly neighbourhood newsletter.
Welcome to a world where people are just learning how to wash their hands! WHO has finally called the Corona Virus a pandemic. As the cases in India rise, it is important to ask questions but not panic needlessly. Stick to the guidelines: wash your hands (easy), avoid touching your face, nose, eyes (v. difficult), stay away from crowds as far as possible. And, stop spreading WA forwards that homeopathy or gargling with the urine of an animal will cure those infected.
This edition onwards, It’s All Write (IAW) will go out in two batches:
1) The free version: it will have calls for pitches, job opportunities, reading resources and news you can use.
2) A paid version: it will be a more detailed version featuring interviews with editors of newer, bigger markets (Indian and international), or interviews with journalists, or examples of successful pitches, or letters of introductions, or email formats for every situation, or tips on negotiating rates, or any of the little things that make up a freelancer’s life.
This month’s paid edition has an all-new layout (it took me hours to do this so, please be kind!), job opportunities, more pitch calls (with rates mentioned), and new sections: a space for journalists to put out calls for sources (email me if you need help), a space dedicated to building skill sets, and a reading corner. As before, there is an interview with the editor is of a new market, an Indian publication (they pay!). As it is the need of the hour, I’ve added in a section on how to report on the virus, and some handy resources if you just want to stay informed.
To pay, go here.
For the free version, keep reading.
HAVE AN IDEA? GO PITCH!
Hello Giggles accepts smart reported stories and unique personal essays on fashion/beauty, -sex/relationships, career/money, and mental health/general wellness. Email rachel.simon@meredith.com
Elite Daily wants unique, personal travel pitches from millennial freelance travel writers, influencers, or travel blogger for their Experiences section. Email amellardo@elitedaily.com
Input Mag is accepting your pitches on any and all ideas about technology. Email pitches@inputmag.com
If you review gadgets or have a strong consumer tech pitch, send it to Gizmodo. Email alex.cranz@gizmodo.com.
Refinery 29 wants pitches related to politics and justice. Email Kristin.iversen@refinery29.com
Have a strong opinion piece? Pitch it to NYT OpEd. Email opinion@nytimes.com, write ‘Attn: Susan Rigetti’ followed by a summary of your pitch in the subject line.
NEED A JOB?
Shumee, a sustainable toy brand is looking for a full-time writer to work out of their office in Indiranagar, Bangalore. The role involves ideating/writing/editing for products, marketing and social media. Budget: Rs30K/mo. Look up brand online and on Instagram (@shumeetoys). Email gowri@shumee.in with a portfolio OR 3 writing samples. Brownie points if you also drop a note with why you're interested in the role.
New media venture All Things Small is looking for a staff photographer. Required: 1-2 years of experience, strong personal style and vision, excellent photo research skills, ability to travel extensively around India for a year. Salary: Above industry-standard compensation, location flexibility, (hopefully) exciting + varied assignments. Email supriya@allthingssmall.in with your resumé, a link to your portfolio, and any questions you may have.
READING CORNER
Remember Dhinchak Pooja and her Selfie Maine Le Li? Journalist Poulomi Das does a great job dissecting her almost 15 minutes of fame.
Read this fantastic, if horrifying (I couldn’t read it in one sitting) story by Scroll who spoke to the Hindu rioters who killed Muslims in Delhi. While at it, do contribute to Scroll – they are one of the few independent media doing great, un-biased work. Their coverage of the Delhi riots was factual and informed.
Journalist Adrija Bose has done a wonderful story on Bhim Army chief, Chandra Shekhar Aazad, and his plans to contest the UP elections in 2022.
I loved this Mint story about the business of tik-tok by Shrabonti Bagchi.
SEEKING SOURCES
This is a resource for journalists and others who are seeking interview subjects, relevant contact, research and any other material to aid their stories.
Journalist Avantika Mehta is looking for people – not falling in the binary gender options – and who are dealing with CAA/NRC. Email her at avantikamehtawork@gmail.com. For another story, she is also seeking to speak to women who masturbate, use sex toys, lube and are open to talking about self-pleasure. Anonymity will be guaranteed.
I want to thank everyone who has emailed, messaged and offered me support in the months since IAW began. I know the decision to make this paid may rub some people the wrong way but, I am overwhelmed by those who offered support. I intend to send the money collected to people in need (at the moment, am thinking of those whose livelihoods and homes were destroyed by the Delhi pogrom.)
As always, do write in with feedback, suggestions for improvement, requirements, ideas for other sections, etc. I will add in a section to answer subscribers’ questions so if you have any, email me.
Until next time, goodbye.
PS: Don’t forget to wash your hands.