Anyone know of any car publishers?
Anyone know of any car publishers?
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Dalto123

Original Poster:

3,205 posts

192 months

Thursday 28th July 2011
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Hello all!

Well I dont really know how to write this so I'll give it a shot.

I'm a mad petrolhead and I love writing about cars I've been driving them since an early age and competing in grass track autotesting for several years now, with the target of making it into sprints/rallies etc within the next year. I write for my club magazine and I've been published in Total BMW writing the current news features and the lead story about the new BMW M5 and a couple of articles in last years edition all for work experience.

I've been told I have a knack for writing and required very little editing in terms of writing style. I am always looking for new ways to write and also to gain more contacts in this trade. I appreciate getting work experience in this sector of work is difficult but anything published with my name on is a big help.

I was wondering if there is anyone on PH who works in the automotive journalism sector or knows of anyone who is willing to take on an enthusiastic, hard working student. I have several weeks off from school (thankyou school holidays!) so my timing isnt an issue.

Again I'd really appreciate any advice on how tofurther my career into this sector and see if theres anyone willing to ive some work for me to do.

Many thanks in advance

Phil

Athlon

5,849 posts

235 months

Thursday 28th July 2011
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Most auto mags are filled with stuff by freelance writers but if you want I could give you the details of the editor of Classic American or American Car, don't know if that type of motoring would be up your street though?

Dalto123

Original Poster:

3,205 posts

192 months

Thursday 28th July 2011
quotequote all
Athlon said:
Most auto mags are filled with stuff by freelance writers but if you want I could give you the details of the editor of Classic American or American Car, don't know if that type of motoring would be up your street though?
Hi, thanks very much for the quick response. It would be brilliant for you to pass my details onto the editor/editors of Classic American/American Car magazines, I really appreciate it.

Phil

okgo

42,074 posts

227 months

Friday 29th July 2011
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Why not Haymarket? They are the biggest presence in motoring magazines and do take people on this way...?

maix27

1,070 posts

225 months

Friday 29th July 2011
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Your attention to detail when writing isn't great...

You'll fit in perfectly with the rest of the motoring press!

On a serious note, you have two routes.

1) Find a specialist mag that fits with your interests and apply direct.
2) Look at the big players’ websites (Haymarket has been mentioned, also check out Bauer, Dennis, Future, BBC Worldwide(Top Gear) and Unity Media)

I'd advise putting together a cover letter, maybe a mock article and sending it directly to the Editor or Deputy Editor (email addresses should be easy to come by with a little digging, or looking inside the front cover!)

Make sure whatever you write is spell checked and you've read it a number of times. Having worked in mags and in recruitment, if I'd read your OP as an application I'd have thrown it in the bin. I'm only being critical as in these times it's tough to break into any industry, let alone quite a niche one.

It’s important to understand that all mags are different, some value writing ability above all else, others don’t worry so much about that as long as you can spot the difference between a Garrett GT32 and a GT35 on site. Have a read through and get a feel for the style before you put stuff together.

Above all, tailor every approach, these people edit text for a living, they can tell when it’s used repeatedly!

Good luck, let us know how you get on.

okgo

42,074 posts

227 months

Friday 29th July 2011
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If you want to do the above I can help put it in front of the right person at TG.

Dalto123

Original Poster:

3,205 posts

192 months

Saturday 30th July 2011
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okgo said:
If you want to do the above I can help put it in front of the right person at TG.
That would be excellent, thank you very much for your help smile

maix27

1,070 posts

225 months

Tuesday 16th August 2011
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How you getting on so far?