When I decided to freelance for print publications, I always felt a little bit like an impostor. It was all in my head of course, but that didn’t mean the feeling wasn’t real. I didn’t come from a writing background or work my way up from lowly editorial assistant, so who was I to tell an editor that I was the person to write you a 1,500-word feature story on my experience as student at the world’s finest culinary school?
The cure for this crisis of confidence is your Sinatra Test.
“And if I can make it there, I’m gonna make it anywhere.”
- Frank Sinatra, New York New York
What would be THE thing that, if you added it to your résumé, you could stare down that big, imposing goal and say, I’ve climbed Mt. Everest [or whatever it is] so I can do anything.
My Sinatra Test was getting published in the New York Times.
I studied the sections of each day’s paper, I studied the sections within the sections. I asked my mentor for advice and for contacts. I heard the editor of a section I was pitching speak and met him face to face (I pitched him for a year, and he rejected me politely each time.) I pitched other editors with no reply at all. And then, a funny thing happened at a friend’s wedding. So I wrote about it, and got feedback from my writing group. And on November 18, 2007, Needle and Thread and the Chinatown Night appeared in the City section.
When I found out that it would run, it didn’t seem real until about two months after I saw it in print. I couldn’t comprehend it. I didn’t care that only the New York City editions get the City section, my byline was in the bleepin’ New York Times! I still get a thrill of searching for my name at nytimes.com
So now I know that when I wrap up any story pitch with “My work has appeared in The New York Times…” I will get that editor’s attention. I will get a cogent reply. All that toil and sweat got me one little credit, and that opens doors.
So what is your Sinatra Test? What’s the brass ring? What’s stopping you from putting that big fancy feather in your hat?
I love this post – what fabulous advice! Fresh and unique perspective that I really needed to hear on building some confidence. I found you on the EFCN forum, and your energy and enthusiasm was so contagious I had to come check out the site and I’m so glad I did. Can’t wait to read more.
Thank you!
Why, thank you! This inspires me to get off my ass and post more!