Following the previous post where I provided Karli with some ideas on how to start getting published, Karli penned a few lines on her initial thoughts in the 'comments' box. I thought these might be worth sharing as they are the types of thoughts any other aspiring photojournalist might have at the beginning of their journey.
Getting published isn't as easy as writing something vaguely in line with what the magazine is about, sending it in and hoping for the best. I've always thought the research and thought that goes into each submission is the most time consuming and sometimes confusing (as your thoughts change direction over and over until you're not quite sure what it is you are hoping to write about). It's always good to know you are not alone, so here are Karli's first thoughts:
This is the moment when you're standing at the base of the mountain, and as you look all the way to peak, you just think 'right, that's a bloody long way before I'll reach the top... deep breath'. I'm used to starting at the very bottom of a very large pile and slowly creeping your way upwards – the world of journalism isn't for the faint-hearted. And neither is what I'm about to do; but I guess that's what makes it so fun. If everybody could just walk into the glory without the graft, then it wouldn't be as worthwhile would it?
So after reading Brendan's comments over and over, trying to soak it all up and use the nuggets of info for all they're worth, I'm now sussing out the competition as he suggested. I'm trying to get a feel for the publication as my first task – their style, tone and content. I've had a few chuckles reading other submissions and bracing myself for bringing out the big guns. It gets me all revved up when I size up competition because I can't help wanting to be better.
Before even thinking about writing my bid for travel journalism prestige though I'm checking out the contributor guidelines like my life depends on it. I know if I don't give them what they're after it's a pointless exercise. For the next few days I'll be getting my head stuck into Wanderlust magazines – not much of a hardship really since dreaming about the next adventure is one of my favourite pastimes! Wish me luck...
P.s. When I say I had a few chuckles - I meant because they were good and amusing articles, not because I thought they were rubbish! Just wanted to clear that up before I lost friends... not my style promise!
Keep Writing...
Brendan
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