The World on a String: How to Become a Freelance Foreign Correspondent

by Alan Goodman, John Pollack, Wolf Blitzer (Foreword)

Young reporters need not spend years struggling in obscurity to land coveted foreign assignments. In fact, technological advances and cost-cutting at major media companies have created unprecedented opportunities for enterprising journalists to succeed abroad as freelance correspondents--stringers--for newspapers, magazines, radio, television, wire services, and Internet outlets.  This step-by-step manual describes how to:*choose your region wisely*select the right equipment*establish vital editorial contacts at home and abroad*make ends meet while filing stories to various media*prepare for the risks of reporting from war zones*work effectively with distant editors Colorful anecdotes and practical advice from successful stringers around the world highlight advice from from successful stringers around the world highlight the trials and triumphs of freelancing abroad, enabling you to assess and take control of your career in the competitive world of journalism.

Genres: Writing

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 15, 1997

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading this book, my conclusion was that I could not become a freelance foreign correspondent. Not very inspiring.

I should also add that I have a dear friend who became a freelance foreign correspondent and did so in a very different manner than this book detailed.

It is true that it is an exceedingly difficult profession to break into; however I do not recommend this as a resource for inspiration.

[shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

i got this from the library. it is from 1997 so a lot of stuff has changed, no doubt, but there are some good stories and what seems like good, practical advice about life as a foreign correspondent.