Chapter 18

How to pitch-II + interview with Indiaspend + job opps + grants

Hello writers,

Welcome to August.

Are you wondering when this doom and gloom will end, if it ever does? Honestly, most days, I cannot bear to watch the news: it’s a deadly cocktail of environmental disasters, a deadly virus, a struggling economy, job loss, deaths, and of course, the bloody politics. But fear not, we now have a temple.

On most days, I am in complete awe of the journalists (the rare good ones) who strive to bring us news that is informative and relevant. I do not know if I would have the courage and the mental capacity to do it. If you read or follow a certain journalist, do reach out to them and tell them they are doing a good job. They really could do with the encouragement and support. While at it, if you are able, donate to organisations – news or otherwise – making a difference.

I am extremely grateful for work that keeps me occupied. I’ve been working harder during this lockdown than before it; I need the distraction. Last month, I overshot my salary goal for the month, and this month, I got a byline in one of my top publications. Freelancing, as I have said before, is quite the rollercoaster. These positive bits hide dozens of rejections, weeks of self-doubt, delayed payment that resulted in earnings so low, I couldn’t pay my rent, and imposter syndrome. I guess what I am trying to say is: celebrate every victory, no matter how small you may think it is.  Got a byline? Share it with the world. Wrote one page today after days of writer’s block? Break out the champagne. Got a payment? Invest it or splurge on something special – whatever works for you.

Back to the newsletter. This week’s paid edition is a follow up to last month’s How to Pitch series - it talks about what to do after you send your pitch. There’s an interview with the editor of Indiaspend – they do longform, deeply reported, investigative journalism. I’ve detailed some job opportunities, some grants and competitions too, and a reading guide. If you want to subscribe, email itsallwrite@outlook.in.

Ready? Let’s begin.

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MISCELLANY
(Job links, grants, links to good reads, and other news you can use)

Pitch: An upcoming publication is looking for people interested in writing about/photographing/illustrating MUSHROOM/FUNGI related stuff. DM Sukanya .

Pitch: The Ladies Compartment is looking for stories for #InTheirWords, personal essays on topics like making rent in a pandemic paralysed world, and not your usual pin up: calendar and write up about a person who’s hot to you (sapiosexually). Email avantikamehtawork@gmail.com. Preference given to women and LGBTQI+ folks. Rate: Rs 800 per essay, paid upon publication.

Survey: Firstpost has started a new project called 'Lockdown Secrets' and are inviting people to share their secrets/ unusual behaviour via a survey (can be anonymous). Selected confessions will be featured on the site and their social media accounts.

Volunteer: Dalit Camera, which document perspectives on/voices of Dalits, Adivasis, Bahujans and Minorities (DABM), is looking for volunteers and reporters. If interested, write to emaildalitcamera@gmail.com

Competition: The Yale Drama Series hosts a playwriting competition open to amateur writers, worldwide. Prize: $10,000, publication by Yale University Press and a staged reading at Lincoln Center’s Claire Tow Theatre. Deadline August 15. Submission details, here.

Order: This has nothing to do with writing, but it has proven useful to many. I’ve curated a list (I love doing these!) of home chefs in Mumbai offering some delicious food.

Job: Bombay Shaving Co is looking for a copywriter: she should have worked with  consumer brands with strong grasp over e-commerce language; Graphic Designer: she should have worked with a direct to consumer brand (agency experience is valued); CRM: She should have worked across DTC brands; and Influencer/Social Media Executive. Email samriddh@bombayshavingcompany.com

Job: Brut India is hiring a newsletter writer, documentary filmmaker, video producer, branded content lead, account manager, syndication & special events. Email (keep it short) your CV and a couple work samples to sruthi@brut.media

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READING GUIDE
(Articles that didn’t just stay open in my tabs)

Resh Susan has written a lovely story on finding solace in watching K-dramas.

As someone who dislikes the term POC, this New Yorker essay on the phrase “people of color” made a lot of sense.

Do you miss eating out in restaurants? I definitely do because every meal is an experience, as these writers will tell you.

A different kind of travel story – it details a cuckoo’s (his name is Onon) journey over 27 countries.

The talented Richa Kaul Phadke gives us a peek into the sex lives of Indians during this pandemic.  

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In the next edition, I will address follow-up questions to the pitching guide. I have received a few and will answer them together.

Before ending, here’s some advice shared by Rituparna Chatterjee (she shared it on Twitter and it struck a chord).

“Close to two decades ago an editor told me, “if you want to understand what's going on in a story, first eliminate the voices that benefit from the noise, then investigate the silences.” It's served me in every conceivable situation.”

Until next time,

Adios.