Automotive journalism....how to even begin???

[psdtj]

I, like an abundance of others, dream of one day becoming an automotive journalist; not because I want to drive Lamborghini's everyday (although that is, of course, a large part of the reason!) but because I love cars and I love to write. I write a lot, both at work and in my own time; I've been told it's pretty good as well!

I've sent examples to magazines, racing drivers, businesses, journalists and all sorts of other people...the vibe tends to be pretty good, which is always nice....but how on Earth do you convert that from good words, good luck and "we'll keep you on file" to an actual viable role or freelance work??

When I last spoke to the web editor of Autocar and Auto guy at 'the Gentleman's journal' I was just told "keep on writing and it'll happen!", but that's pretty vague and doesn't really point you in the right direction!!

I guess my question is - does anyone have any more direction? Is there somewhere I should be posting? Is there someone who's particularly receptive?

[psdtj]

Thanks for taking the time to reply guys

I have a blog/published work/write almost all content for our company website (which is pretty massive), so that's always a good start,

I think the next logical step is probably to take some form of journalism/grammar course...there's only so much you can teach yourself!!

That sucks about him not being into car, I can't even comprehend how it's possible!? I think an intervention is afoot!

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TwigtheWonderkid said:

The recognised starting journalism qualification is the NCTJ Diploma. Hope that's of help.

It is thanks pal!!

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ChasW said:

I think this sports journalism example is a good one. I know a couple of people that made it in this field and they share the same attributes: mad keen on sport to start with, pretty well educated and well informed on both their favoured sports and others, started right at the bottom rung of the ladder, learned from those above them and were in it for the long haul. FWIW I'd encourage you to develop your own style. Motor journalism seems to awash with the "clever dick" types whose ambition would be to be a Top Gear presenter and therefore think that the essential skill in writing is to be witty and funny. There are other ways of engaging the reader.

I agree with that! It's all about having a unique style...it very much depends what I'm writing about and who for!

I'll just have to keep pushing and keep sending examples to everyone!

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Carnage said:

I got a job as a staff writer on a motorbike magazine off the back of a speculative CV, a couple of articles, and some feature ideas.

As stated above though; if I was a sub editor and read your OP I would be wincing. If you're going to put yourself in the shop window your output needs to be impeccable.

I promise I can write! I wasn't really with it when I wrote this (which I know is no excuse!) I'd post example work but I'm pretty sure I'm not allowed to link to external sites?

The start of that is very helpful though, did you just send all of that to the magazine or was that a progressive thing over time?

[psdtj]

Carnage said:

None of the above is personal and good luck with getting a job!

Taken completely as constructive I can assure you

Could I be really cheeky and email you an example of my work - it'd be good to hear your opinion on my actual work seen as you've been in the journalistic world?

Either way, thank you for the insight and feedback; lots to think about.