I get asked a lot for advice on breaking into journalism, and I mostly tell people to start writing for free, then look for entry-level writing gigs. Sadly I am generally unable to actually specifically name any such gigs. But just now, one fell into my lap. Or email inbox.
Seems as if manga/anime publisher Tokyopop is starting up a new web magazine devoted to all things popular culture, and is looking for freelance writers to pen columns, reviews, and features about video games, anime, manga, music, food, the works. There's monetary compensation involved, although it doesn't say how much.
If you're interested, they want a writing sample and "brief proposal", however you interpret that, sent to [email protected]. A list of the specific positions available is right after the jump.
TOKYOPOP.com is looking for individuals over 18 years of age* to be reviewers, columnists and feature storywriters...
Reviewers will be needed for the following:
MANGA
ANIME
VIDEO GAMES
FILM/TV/DVD (Sci-Fi, Horror, Fantasy, Action)
MUSIC (J-POP, J-ROCK, K-POP, anime soundtracks, videogame soundtracks)
A columnist will be selected for each of the following categories:
MANGA
ANIME
VIDEOGAMES (No sports-related videogames)
FILM/TV/DVD (Sci-Fi, Horror, Fantasy, Action)
MUSIC (J-POP, J-ROCK, K-POP, anime soundtracks, videogame soundtracks)
FASHION/COSPLAY
FOOD & LIFESTYLE (Eastern food and manga lifestyle)
PEOPLE (Manga personalities)
Feature writers will be selected for each of the following categories:
MANGA
ANIME
VIDEOGAMES (No sports-related videogames)
FILM/TV/DVD
MUSIC (J-POP, J-ROCK, K-POP, anime soundtracks, videogame soundtracks)
FASHION/COSPLAY
FOOD & LIFESTYLE (Eastern food and manga lifestyle)
PEOPLE (Manga personalities)
If you are interested in contributing, please e-mail [email protected] with brief proposals and a writing sample by June 19, 2006. If chosen, writer will be contacted to work out a writing schedule and will receive monetary compensation for such work. Pieces should be written with journalistic integrity and TOKYOPOP style.
Writing guidelines for TOKYOPOP.com (word count)
Reviews: About 500 words per review
Columns: A minimum of 1,000 words
Features: A minimum of 1,000 words
*Entries limited to applicants who are 18 years or older, or majority age in the area s/he resides in, whichever the higher.
