Dear writer,
There are times like these when I feel like I have nothing to say. And, that I am talking into the void because statistics tell me a small percentage of you are actually reading/ opening the newsletter.
I am slowly pulling myself out of the slump I mentioned last edition. Since I cannot find the motivation to write stories, I am working on pitches. My earnings have taken a hit this month, so I am hoping for at least one international pitch to be approved! How are you doing with your pitching and writing?
This week’s paid newsletter has an interview with the assistant editor of Man’s World India, Samreen Tungekar where she talks about how to pitch the magazine, and how to be a good editor. There are pitch calls, job opportunities, a handy pocket guide, and miscellaneous writing resources.
In the coming editions, I will be sharing interviews and advice on food writing, content marketing, self publishing, sports writing, and more. Do subscribe.
As I’ve mentioned earlier, I have closed yearly subscriptions to IAW (I am unable to change that on Substack). If interested, I can offer one month, three months or six months only.
Want to subscribe? Email itsallwrite@outlook.in or reply here.
The free version of the newsletter is below. I’ve spoken about some pitching basics, there are job opportunities, and a reading guide.
Ready, let’s begin.
STRAIGHT TALK
This being the free version of the newsletter, I wanted to share some advice I hand out for free.
Here, I share general information about pitching.
Don’t let foreign publications scare you. If you have a strong story, go for it. Earning $100 is still more than what you would get writing for most Indian publications.
Research, research, research: Before you approach any publication, you have to familiarise yourself with their work. Read stories, look at the different sections, make note of what stories have already been covered.
Simplicity is good: Sometimes, the simplest stories will work. It’s the monsoon so definitely pitch your local editors’ food stories/ community stories/ monsoon festival stories etc.
Cut out the trash: Now, more than ever, editors have little time to read a long email/ pitch. Be succinct and brief.
Be polite: A simple greeting is enough. And a thank you at the end.
Follow up: Always! If it’s a timely pitch, put that in your subject line and follow up in two-three days. If it’s a story that can wait, give it two weeks (this is my limit, you can choose a week or three).
Finally, give yourself a break. When things get overwhelming, step back and take a breather. It will help.
JOB BOARD
A neurosurgeon is looking for an illustrator (a collaborator) for his book of poetry. Email adityagupta71@gmail.com
Kabuki Creative Studios is looking to connect with freelance writers — specifically looking to connect with people who write on biz/tech/adjacent genres. Email chinmay@kabuki.studio
Roundglass Sustain is looking freelance voiceover artistes for their short films and videos. Requirements: Good command of the English language, fluency in regional languages an added advantage, clear diction, modulation, and pronunciation. Email resumé with work samples to sustain@round.glass
Yuvaa is hiring a Community Growth Lead, Campaigns Lead, Video Lead, Video producer, Social Media Associate, Community Executive, and Executive Assistant to EIC (intern). Currently #WFH and then out of an office in Mumbai. More details, here. Email careers@yuvaa.co.in
READING CORNER
I recently learned about pice hotels in Kolkata — started to provide cheap and comforting meals to migrant workers: Jennifer Kishan’s talks about their dwindling numbers.
Did you know that ice cream, Coca Cola and brownies became popular in Calcutta in WWII because of American GIs? Read more in Adrija Roychowdhury’s Indian Express piece.
“What we taste is a combination of memory triggers, emotional states and our perception of the hands that have cooked our food. Neither joy nor disgust is produced isolatedly in response to flavour. They are produced in our relationships with the hands that cook, including our own” — Farah Yameen writes beautifully on the hand-food relationship.
This is the story I wrote after a month and half. It was the food publication I co-own with a friend, But First, Food. I am proud of this piece because I persevered and completed it.
I am still seeking testimonials: if IAW has helped you in any way and you would be willing to share how, get in touch? Thank you.
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I also welcome suggestions on what else you would like to see in this newsletter. or just say hello, so I know that the void can sometimes talk back!
Until next time, stay safe, be kind to yourself, and wash your hands.
Regards,
Joanna