From sj-approval  Mon Jul  3 14:12:41 1995
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Date: Mon, 03 Jul 1995 14:12:41 GMT
From: Morris@handscol.demon.co.uk (Morris Price)
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To: sj@world.std.com
Subject: Helping Wannabees
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RANDOM TIPS FROM AN EX-EDITOR

When applying for a job (work experience, whatever) resist the temptation
to start your letter: Dear Sir/Madam ... use yr journalistic initiative
to find the editor's name; if it's a she, find her preferred mode of
address (Miss, Mrs., Ms., etc). Hint: Telephone.

Don't get your Mum to phone and find out why s/he hasn't answered yr
letter. Some editors work on the basis that if you're interested *you*
will follow up - phone call, second letter ... And they assume you won't
be taking yr Mum with you to interview the President.

If asked to submit an 800-word article, *don't* send 4,000+ and a
covering letter suggesting a five-part series. They knew what they wanted;
yr job is to give it 'em.

If you must phone try to do it when they're not busy - and always ask
if they're free to talk.

-- 
Morris Price
replies to: morris@handscol.demon.co.uk
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