“Dear Kristin,
I’m a year and a half into full time freelancing – best job in the world. I’ve written about everything from dating to architectural marvels. Heck, I was even groped by Pauly Shore, ok my foot was.  I’ve broken into some major markets, too: Woman’s Day, Health, Wired, The New York Times. My problem is focus. What I’d really like to do? Be the person who writes about books and authors for major publications, like Vanity Fair, Elle, GQ, Esquire, Playboy. I want to review for the New York Times, Washington Post, LA Times and the New Yorker. ... I can’t seem to jump over that hurdle into dream markets.

I have been having active email conversations with editors at Entertainment Weekly for months but haven’t been able to land an assignment yet… It’s encouraging to hear back from those editors, but frustrating at the same time when they keep saying “no, but keep trying.” I wonder if I’m casting my net too far and/or too wide. I’ve been poking at Elle for two years now. I got a response once – a rejection that basically said the editor was more impressed I was from her region than the pitch. I followed up a few times but nothing, and now she has a different role with the publication.” - Jen Miller

Note:  This question was submitted to me by my pal, Linda AKA “The Renegade Writer.”  She’s hosting a career makeover contest and asked me to join her panel of experts.  Check out Jen’s story here. My response is here.

Hi Jen,

I pulled a line from your post:

“My problem is focus.”

So, let’s work with that first. Most of the creative clients I’ve coached have struggled with the very same demon. You have loads of ideas but not enough laser-beam focus, right?

Here’s what I suggest. You mentioned SEVERAL publications you’ve tried to break into such as Entertainment Weekly and The New York Times . You even said you’ve been “poking at Elle” magazine for quite some time. I’m sure they love that.

Well, Jen, it’s time to stop poking and start prodding. You need to take it up a notch.

I’m reminded of a former client with a dream to work for a famous motivational guru. After attending one of his seminars, she was determined to join his staff. This was a tall order since the guy is literally famous with tons of groupies around the world.

We harnessed the power of focus, though. Eventually, she got a job as his traveling assistant and even lived in his home when they weren’t traveling. How’s that for focus!

Your goal to write for the ‘biggies’ reminds me of the same lofty goal. You want to work for the best. I don’t blame you.

So, do what my client did. Create a campaign and make yourself known. This is no time to be wimpy. Bring in the big guns. If you’ve got the goods, they’ll hire you. Here’s what you really need to know, though. High level companies like to hire people they know or think they know! If you can get someone from the inside to recommend you or at least mention your name, you’re golden. That’s how it works.

Start with ONE of your target publications. Pretend YOU are a laser beam of light and focus, focus, focus. Network with your friends and find an INSIDER in that publication, at any level. Call the ‘insider’ and keep networking. Ask him/her to put you in touch with an editor or any decision maker. And, keep your mission in mind. Make it a game and ask everyone you know to help you by networking on your behalf. Most of the ‘hot’ jobs are found that way. Of course, be prepared to show them the goods. Make sure you have a packet of writing samples and press clips. Dazzle them with a sample book or author review for their publication, too. Tailor it to fit their format. Make it easy for them to see your work in their magazine.

Look into online professional networking groups such as LinkedIn, to get a jump start. Create a profile and let people know your *very focused* goal. They’ll help you.

Once you’ve exhausted all resources for one of your ideal publications, start the process all over with another publication. If you’re a good juggler, you can try to network with a few at a time. But, no more than that. Keep it focused and manageable to start.

So, hop to it! Let me know how your networking goes and if you need any more tips or encouragement to keep going.

Your coach,