Jobs galore, pitching tips and holiday plans
journo tips, podcasts, supporting regional voices & local journalism
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From Katie B…
IT’S OFFICIAL! We’re off to Stirling and Fort William in less than two weeks! I’m so excited to go on a road trip, seeing the sights Scotland has to offer and finally meet Katie W. August is going to be full of happy memories, with my birthday coming up, a trip to Scotland and hopefully visiting friends in the second week of my annual leave - so many things to look forward too.
I’ve promised myself to get some editing done before my two weeks off. I’ve got the final edits to finish on a collab episode, plus one episode and a ‘snack of natter’ to edit. I can’t wait for you all to hear them.
From Katie W…
Not all days go according to plan. Yesterday, I started my morning in a really good mood. I interviewed an actor who has a show at Edinburgh Fringe. I love interviewing performers and writers. In fact, my first writing gig was for a theatre mag and now I got to revel in it all again. But then it all just hit the fan, a few things went wrong, case studies didn’t get back to me and then I was refused by two shops when I asked to film content. Then I freaked out, cried and felt like my day was ruined and I was behind schedule. I don’t think we really talk about the bad day enough, even if in the grand scheme of things, they’re not that bad.
But you know, it can be tough. And it’s tough to try and pick myself back up, to be honest. This job can be so unpredictable, especially when I’m relying on other people. But it’s all part of it. I know I can be my own worst enemy and get in my head, beat myself up over the tiniest of things. So moving forward, I want to try and change that because it just holds me back and I am so desperate to produce as much content as I can.
#SnackofNatter - Katie W nattered to Craig Paton at Press Association about news wires - listen now!
Journo tip of the week
Let’s chat… how to cope with rejection emails when pitching.
On our Instagram this week, our followers voted on a poll for some advice on how to cope with rejection emails. With faster news cycles and an unprecedented amount of media outlets, pitching is becoming more and more challenging. Here are 3 top tips for coping with rejection emails when pitching:
Pitch once? Pitch again! - Pitching is so complex and all journalists find it challenging. Try not to be too disheartened if your pitch gets rejected first time around. Try pitching again at the end of the month or the middle of the month. Sometimes it’s all about timing when pitching a feature or article.
Ask for feedback - Constructive criticism gives you the chance to learn and move forward with your writing. Some editors may be busy but always ask politely for feedback and act upon it for your next pitch. Listen, learn and say thank you.
Everyone gets rejected! Rejection is part of the journalism industry and being a journalist requires perseverance and hard work. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to pitch every week and remember that we only see the success stories and publishing wins from our peers. Social media can increase that feeling of insecurity - focus on yourself and where you’re at on your career path.
Who to follow
Georgia Chambers - newspaper editor at the ipaper
Jack Aitchison - live editor at the Herald
Sophie Halle-Richards - senior reporter at Manchester Evening News
NN reacts
Katie W: I CANNOT WAIT FOR HOUSE OF GUCCI
Katie B: I present to you: Father, Son and HOUSE OF GUCCI 😍
Song of the week
Katie W:
Katie B:
Jobs and opportunities
FREELANCE: Sunderland Albion Football Club are looking for social media coverage during matchdays; from photography to writing match reports and live tweeting throughout the game. Email sunderlandalbionfc@gmail.com to apply.
FREELANCE: The India Story Agency is looking for environmental and social solutions stories in any global context. £150 for short write-throughs. They pay within days of submission and pitching guidelines can be found here. Pitch to indiastoryagency@gmail.com with PITCH in the subject header.
FREELANCE: Culture Bridge North East are looking for a freelance creative producer to work with them from September 2021 until March 2022 on an exciting new programme for schools. Find out more info here. Deadline for submission of proposals by 5pm on 19th August. Submit your proposal, on no more than two sides of A4 to bridge@twmuseums.org.uk
FREELANCE: Art UK are looking for pitches about the UK’s art. Pitching guidelines can be found here.
FREELANCE: Anna Cafalla from Dazed is looking for beauty features exploring wellness / beauty trends, myth-busters and ask an expert pieces, investigations into cosmetic procedures or new industry ingredients, scene reports and emerging aesthetics etc. She has put some examples and more info in her twitter feed, so worth checking that out. Email anna.cafolla@dazedmedia.com £150+
FREELANCE: A slightly different call out but I love it! The Spill are commissioning short stories. To get your story published on The Spill, and for more details, please send an email to team@thespillmag.com with 'Fiction' in your subject line.
FREELANCE: Hidden Compass is open for pitches/submissions. Their stories blend travel and discovery with science, culture, art + history. Pitching guidelines can be found here and you can email your pitch to submissions@hiddencompass.net
FREELANCE: Alex Lloyd is on the Sunday Mirror & People features desk for the next few weeks. Send your feature pitches, especially real life stories to alex.lloyd@reachplc.com.
FREELANCE: For fur parents and general animal lovers- Better Pet are looking for freelancers and they pay $30 per hour. See more here.
FREELANCE: BBC are looking for a producer for Asian Network. They are looking for creative individuals to work with the BBC Asian Network on an ad hoc basis. You would be expected to have an understanding and knowledge of a wide range of music genres. Send your CV to popmusiccasuals@bbc.co.uk
FREELANCE: Astrid Taran is looking for pitches on food and drink for Trip Savvy. Accepting pitches from around the globe, so it would be so cool to see Scottish and Northern writers here. Rates range from $200-$450 depending on story. Please pitch write@tripsavvy.com before noon EST Monday 8/2.
FREELANCE: GlamourMag are expanding their pool of freelance writers. Ali Pantony is the new Acting Website Director. See more here
MENTORSHIP: BBC have launched a UK-wide talent search for young climate reporters. Entrants must be aged 18 to 24 and will be asked to submit a story about climate change that they want to report on, which is relevant to them or the area they live in. They will also be required to provide a short video or audio clip demonstrating their storytelling and broadcasting skills. Find out more here.
NEWCASTLE/FREELANCE: New Writing North are looking for a freelance consultant who will work to refresh their brand and develop a new digital home for NWN’s work. This work will bring together a wide range of projects and audiences and help to underpin their capital fundraising campaign. Closing date to submit your proposal is 9am on 6th August.
NEWCASTLE: Reach PLC have 7 jobs in Newcastle; from content editor (SEO) to a rural tourism writer. Head over to journalism.co.uk and select ‘Newcastle’ on job location for more information.
NEWCASTLE: Jump are hiring a graphic designer. You’ll create concepts and provide creative direction across a huge scope of design projects. The scope of work and clients you'll be exposed to is broad and diverse, across brand and digital. Full-time, permanent role. Email your CV and details of your current package and benefits to talented@wesayhowhigh.com
NEWCASTLE: Reach PLC are hiring a breaking news reporter. They’re looking for someone who has digital publishing + social media skills, is an ‘accomplished blogger’, has an NCTJ/or is working towards one and media law training plus a driving licence.
HARTLEPOOL: Hartlepool Borough Council are hiring a communications & marketing officer. 12-month fixed term contract, £22,183 - £23,541 per annum. Closing date is 20th August.
DARLINGTON: HC-One Limited are hiring a customer communications officer. £24k per annum, permanent/full time role. You’ll deliver regular communications through letters, home level toolkits, a company newsletter and creating a structure for resident and relative forums and build local and national brand recognition through promotion of the USPs, brand and customer experience and bring ideas for change.
LEEDS: The BBC are looking for a producer for the creation of a number of 30 minute films a year. They’re looking for long-form current affairs and/or factual TV filmmaker with a track record of producing distinctive content. Band D salary, fixed term contract/attachment until March 2022. Closing date for applications is 1st August.
WHITLEY BAY: MuseumNext are hiring a writer to join their team. £22,088 salary. They’re looking for a talented journalist to join their team and chronicle how museums and the wider cultural sector are embracing new technologies, engaging audiences and striving for greater relevance. You’ll help shape their direction by identifying emerging industry trends that can be featured in stories and developed into training programmes and events.
GLASGOW: Glasgow Clyde College are hiring a marketing executive. £23,635 per annum, fixed term 12 month contract. Closing date is 3rd August. You’ll be responsible for providing professional, effective support for all aspects of the marketing function – including communication, marketing, digital, PR and events management, whilst consistently supporting the team to enhance the brand, recruitment and income for the college.
EDINBURGH: The University of Edinburgh is hiring a research and marketing assistant. Closing date is 8th September. Fixed term 12 month contract, £20,130-£22,417 salary. You’ll be responsible for day to day administrative support to their research, knowledge exchange and impact team and marketing and communications team.
GLASGOW: Love theatre and communications, then this is the job for you! Ambassador Theatre Group are hiring a marketing and communications officer. You'll play a key role in managing their local profile, combining inventive digital marketing techniques with traditional advertising opportunities to help reach large audiences across Scotland. £22k per annum, closing date is 6th August at midnight.
EDINBURGH/REMOTE: Bowndless are hiring a social media and influencer manager. They’re looking for a passionate individual who is both creative and commercial who can drive sales, increase traffic and build brand awareness through exciting and engaging influencer campaigns. £21,258 - £28,971 salary; full time/permanent.
GLASGOW: Got a passion for politics and breaking news? Reach PLC are hiring a Live Politics Writer for the Scottish Express.
ABERDEEN: DC Thomson are hiring a sports reporter for the Press and Journal and Evening Express. You will spearhead coverage of Aberdeen Football Club Women’s step-up to Scottish Women’s Premier League 1, as well as providing coverage of other sports in the area – which could include golf, tennis, rugby and more. You will be responsible for producing exclusive stories, breaking news and unique content, including features, analysis, data interpretation and comment, alongside pictures, video and audio material. Closing date is 6th August.
GLASGOW: Peebles Media Group are hiring a staff writer on the wedding magazine Tie the Knot Scotland. Key responsibilities include: creating and writing engaging content for print and digital, from short news stories to long-read features; contributing creative ideas aligned with reader and advertising needs; maintaining and growing the title’s social media accounts; fact-checking and proof-reading content; maintaining and liaising with advertising and PR contacts. £22k salary. Details of how to apply are at the bottom of the job specification.
Good luck if you are applying!