Freelance Resource Monday: Mediabistro

When you're just starting out in the freelance writing world, you need help. Lots of it. You want to know what the heck a query is, where you're supposed to send it, what skills you need to have, how to market yourself, and a million more things. I hope to address many of these topics right here at Julie Tries Writing.

But until I do, you're in luck: there are a ton of fantastic resources—online, in print, you name it—to help you out. So I've decided that each Monday I'll share one of my favorite freelance writing resources with you, dear readers.

First up: Mediabistro.


It's a site dedicated to creative types who work with content, including editors, writers, graphic designers, book publishers, and more. You'll find the latest media news, blogs, jobs listings, and online and in-person writing courses and workshops. Plus you can create your own online freelance profile (for a fee) so employers can find you.

If you fork over $55 a year, you can become an AvantGuild member. Basically, it's an all-access pass to the Mediabistro site, including How to Pitch articles for your favorite pubs, professional resources lists, a mastheads database, an editorial calendar guide, salary surveys, discounts on eClasses and seminars, and more.

I regularly rely on How to Pitch articles and the mastheads database to get going with my queries. And I've even taken a Mediabistro class before (more on that soon).

There are a slew of other benefits too. As an AvantGuild member, you'll have access to health insurance discounts, financial planning and tax services discounts, dental savings, deals on books and magazine subscriptions, and more.

Now, I'll ask you: What freelance resources do you rely on? Share here!