Narrative journalism is a powerful form of storytelling that can captivate readers and provide a deep understanding of complex issues. Instead of just presenting facts and figures, narrative journalism delves into the lives of characters, explores their experiences, and weaves a compelling narrative that engages the audience.
However, embarking on a narrative piece can be daunting, especially for those new to the genre. These articles require a significant time commitment, emotional investment, and may involve costs that editors are not always willing to cover. Despite these challenges, the experience of creating a narrative piece and the final product can be incredibly rewarding.
In a recent webinar on breaking into narrative journalism, panelists shared their insights and advice for freelancers looking to venture into this form of storytelling. Jane C. Hu, a freelance writer, Brady Huggett, the enterprise editor at Spectrum, and Pamela Weintraub, the senior editor for science and psychology at Aeon, offered valuable tips for aspiring narrative journalists.
Narrative journalism, as defined by the panelists, involves telling a story that goes deep into a particular person or place, with a dramatic arc similar to that of a work of fiction. It can be a minimum of 2,500 words, but elements of narrative storytelling can be incorporated into pieces of any length.
The process of creating a narrative article can be lengthy, from the acceptance of the pitch to publication, taking anywhere from a few months to a year or longer. Writers should expect to submit multiple drafts and undergo an intensive editing process. While narrative journalism may not always pay well, and expenses may not be covered by publications, the intrinsic value of telling a compelling story can be a motivating factor for freelancers.
The market for narrative journalism is robust, with many publications eager to publish these types of articles. However, due to the intensive editing and budget constraints, editors may only run a few narrative pieces per year.
When pitching a narrative article, freelancers should send a detailed pre-pitch to gauge interest, conduct thorough research, and ensure the main character’s participation before pitching. Persistence and a compelling pitch are key to successfully landing a narrative assignment.
In conclusion, narrative journalism offers a unique and immersive storytelling experience for both writers and readers. While the process may be challenging, the end result is often well worth the effort. By following the advice of experienced narrative journalists and honing their storytelling skills, freelancers can break into this rewarding genre and create impactful narratives that resonate with audiences.
