"I suggest a re-reading of the book The Millionaire Next Door, that reveals that most 'wealthy' people in America don't fit into the cliché of what culture suggests the rich 'look like.' (Think the plumber who drives a three-year old pick-up truck, not the software entrepreneur driving a Lexus.) 'Successful' blogs are like that: not about being a rock star, but having an platform from which to engage in a conversation."
Following his own advice, Hammock has spent five years earning the trust of his blog readers. Running a publishing house, a busy blog, and working as a business magazine editor, he ascended to his sweet spot in the Technorati ratings. I picked Hammock to participate in my deceptively simple feature: Five Easy Questions. In the spirit of Jack Nicholson’s mad piano player, I run a weekly set of quality interviews with writing pioneers—delivering some practical, unexpected advice about web publishing...
Jason Boog:
Speaking as a blogger, what would be your advice to a fledgling writer hoping to launch a blog?
Rex Hammock:
I think maintaining a blog about something one is passionate about is the best way to hone ones writing craft. I've been blogging for five years (and writing professionally for 20 years before that).
My blogging has helped me develop better skills, and a better voice; a voice that is more authentic.
Jason Boog:
In addition to your blog, you also lead a large business publishing
firm. Speaking as a magazine publisher, what is your advice for
freelance writers looking to break into the world of business
publishing?
Rex Hammock:
It's not "large" in the large media sense, but yes, we do publish magazines that are read by large audiences. I suggest freelance writers break into publishing via business-to-business magazines (trade magazines).
Developing an expertise in a narrowly focused business niche will get you published. The more you are published, the more you gain credibility and expertise. Many of the writers in consumer magazines started out in b-to-b jobs.
Jason Boog:
If someone is interested in writing for a title at Hammock Publishing, what would you recommend that they do? As an editor, what kind of stories are you looking for?
Rex Hammock:
Like most multi-title magazine publishers, it's hard to give a universal answer to that. Most of our magazines use free lance writers. Some have all staff-written content. We are working on having writer guidelines related to all of our titles, so that free lancers can see how to approach each title.
In general, it is best to find who the managing editor is (in our case) and send an email to them. Most important advice for any freelancer approaching any magazine: read the past year's worth of publications (more, if you can get your hands on them) and figure out what type of stories make it into the magazine.
Craft you query email to fit the sweet spot of the magazine's editorial focus.
» Sara Gran Day from ThePublishingSpot
Today, after a week of grappling with story ideas, drafts, and blog posts about the art of getting published, I realized I was missing the point--it was time to write. So I wrote. Last night, tonight, and the whole rest... [Read More]
Tracked on: February 17, 2006 1:20 PM | Permalink to Trackback