New Wave
Sports journalism is one of the most popular areas for young professionals. The number of students studying journalism at university proves the industry remains a major draw, and many of the best and brightest writers pick sports as their niche. But you don't have to be a wet-behind-the-ears graduate to seek a career as a sports writer.
The internet changed journalism forever, and it soon became apparent that anyone with a laptop and connection to the web could publish their opinions. Although anyone can become an author, that doesn't mean everyone should. Quality always beats quantity, and the genuinely talented are beginning to get ahead. The volume of below-par website writers and contributors helps the strong scribes get noticed.
Do you have a passion for sports and consider yourself a gifted writer? Writing online sports content for a living is more achievable than you might think. If you love soccer and know more than most, why not prove it by launching a blog covering the best bonuses offered by sportsbooks in California? Finding a gap in the market is almost as important as the quality of your writing, and if you choose well, you could start earning right away.
But how do you start writing and earning a living from journalism? This article aims to place you on the right path. You don't need a degree to follow this process, just strong writing skills and an unwavering desire to succeed. Keep reading to learn how to make 2023 the year you become a professional writer.
Times have changed
Print journalism is fast approaching the end of its shelf life. Think about it, when was the last time you discovered news first by reading a newspaper? It rarely happens as most stories in the paper are yesterday's report on TV, radio, online, and social media channels.
What you want to be today is a digital journalist.
The job title covers all written and published online content, including on websites and smartphone apps. That may be news stories or sports, two fast-moving industries constantly evolving. Editors need writers who can work to tight deadlines, react to the latest developments, and inform readers.
A sports fan's preferred method of receiving information on their favorite teams and players is through official club channels or social media accounts such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Check your socials after a high-profile sporting event, and you'll see a hive of activity. There is a thirst for knowledge, and you have the tools to meet those expectations.
If you have a talent for writing and an interest in making it your part-time or full-time job, you are already on the right path. Countless good and excellent websites deal with sports news and betting. Find one you enjoy reading or an app that doesn't already cover your sport and drop them a message.
Moderate to good-sized sites will often allow new writers to prove their worth. In most cases, this type of writing is voluntary, but it's a great way to get your name and talents noticed by the wider public, gaining a fresh audience. It is your big break if you want to smash into digital sports journalism.
Don't worry about money at this point. If you are talented and work hard, the cash will come in the future. In the meantime, you are after writing experience, which is worth its weight in gold. In addition to showing your skills, working voluntarily in the early days of your writing journey shows potential employers you can stick to a deadline, edit your work and continue to be reactive to breaking news stories.
There will come a time in your writing career you'll start to notice how good you are and can be. You'll arrive at a crossroads where you can see your articles are the best on the site and better than most you are reading from paid writers. It's time to earn some cash.
Writing won't make you rich overnight but it will give you a steady and gratifying career. When you feel the time is right, build a portfolio of your best work and email it to potential employers offering freelance work. You can also apply for writing jobs at major news outlets. Never launch too early; wait until you are pleased with your collection of writing work.