early birds

The other day, a friend of mine received a reply to a resume he had just submitted: "Sorry, but the position has been filled." Thing is, he was still within the deadline listed on the job posting. Just goes to show you that it's a good idea to submit your resume as soon as possible. If you wait until the last day, they may have already started interviewing people and found the person for the job.

the basics

The Magazine Publishers of America (MPA) publishes four downloadable PDF brochures on the fundamentals of having a successful career in magazines. They 're full of common-sense tips on breaking in to the industry, navigating the work environment and advancing your career.

rainy days

If Mark Newman is right – that everyone will be fired at least once in their careers – then I can't help but think that if I've made it this far without getting the ax, then when it happens to me, it's going to be pretty big. He's right though, even if you're great at what you do, that's no guarantee that you won't be let go. Publishing has so many ups and downs, there's no way of knowing if your job – or your magazine – will be around tomorrow. A few ways to be prepared:

• Update your résumé regularly, especially when you've completed a major project (good résumé fodder) or your job description has changed, even if your position hasn't.
• Always be networking. Your contacts are good sources of leads when you're suddenly looking for work.
• Have a buffer in your account. Keep enough money in your bank account to keep you going for at least a month, more if you can.

who should I send my resume to?

Resumes should go to both HR and whoever is doing the hiring, usually the managing editor. If you're not sure who's in charge, call the publication and ask (usually it's best to speak with the editorial assistant).

writing workshops

Two workshops that may be of interest (as posted on Canadian Magazines):

The PWAC chapter in Moncton is hosting "The Write Stuff: Writing for Profit Workshop" on Sat. Jan. 26, in which they'll cover carving your niche, finding appropriate markets and protecting your rights.

The Ottawa Art Gallery is presenting a series of workshops on critical art writing, called Articulation. The six workshops run on Saturdays between Jan. and May.

professional development

Coming up this March, Magazines Canada is offering a two-day intensive program in Vancouver about online publishing. Web Weekend will cover sales, marketing and building online communities. Similar events were held in Toronto and Halifax late last year. For more info, check out Magazines Canada.

how much?

A few weeks ago, I was speaking to a friend about a freelance proofreading gig she was applying for. What got me was that the publication she was dealing with requested that she keep in mind that they were a small operation with a limited budget, and should quote her rate accordingly. Essentially, they were pressuring her to reduce her rates. My advice to her: Quote your usual rate (or slightly above), letting them know that you're willing to negotiate (provided that you are, in fact, willing to). This establishes the worth of your work while signalling that you are flexible. It's also a good idea to decide what your minimum is before beginning negotiation; you'll be mentaly prepared to walk away if they're unwilling to pay a fair amount.

professional development

The Toronto Chapter of the Professional Writers Association of Canada has some useful seminars coming up, including one on the art of writing profiles (Jan. 22) and another on how to balance a freelance career and your personal life (Feb. 19). Find the entire listing, with times and location, here.

what do I charge?

Curious as to how much your work is worth? One handy resource is the What To Pay a Writer page on the Professional Writers Association of Canada website.

being a better boss

I've had my fair share of good and bad bosses, both in and out of the industry, as I'm sure you all have. On the Folio: site, editor Mark Newman blogs about taking care of his staff.