Have You Ever Wanted to be Paid for Writing About Music? This Could Be Your Chance
I get emails every week from people asking how they can break into the world of music writing. I also hear from established music writers looking for more work. What to do? Maybe this.
I’m involved with a brand new online (and very revolutionary) music site called FlinkFame which will launch in the next couple of weeks.
The site needs writers and contributors. LOTS of writers. And yes, we’re talking about paying gigs. They’re part-time–you work from home and on your own pace–but it could grow into more.
If you’re in the Toronto area, we’re holding our first ever recruitment/information session Thursday, May 1 starting at 7:30. (Location TBA, but it’ll be downtown somewhere.)
No formal experience is necessary, but you have to a great command of the English language, a way with words and appreciation for written works. It also goes saying that you must have a burning passion for writing about music. All kinds of music.
If you’re interested:
- You need to register with me by sending your name and email to alan@alancross.ca. Make sure you put MUSIC WRITER in the subject line.
- You need to bring a fully-charged laptop that you can connect to WiFi.
- We’ll need about two hours of your time as we introduce you to the FlinkFame ecosystem and explain how you can make some cash as a Flink music writer.
- We’ll jam on some stories together.
- Food and refreshments will be served. (I’m pushing for lots of pizza.)
- And yes, we’ll answer every question you may have.
If you’re not in the Toronto area, just hang tight. I promise you’ll have a shot.
Who’s with me?
Are you interested in acquiring writers who specialize in hip-hop music and culture?
Absolutely!
Is it possible to get involved with this from abroad or is it just Canada-based for now?
Not yet–but the opportunity is coming. Stand by.
that could be fun…but I am on the wrong coast! (well the right coast, but the wrong one for this).
My roommate is a bit shy about her talent, she plays and writes post-romantic piano (better than some people with 20+ years of formal education). I know it’s probably not something that’s, Err, “popular” these days, is this something she should be looking into when you guys extend to Montreal?
Why not? If you never ask, the answer is “no” 100% of the time.
Hi Alan, I’m interested in the seminar, but I don’t have a laptop. Is this going to be a problem? Thanx!
Come anyway. You’ll at least see how it works. Send me an email to alan@alancross.ca to formally register.
I’m Hamiltonian, and I’d love to write for this project. I write a fair bit about music, old and new, on my blog. Sadly, my laptop battery is dying, and I don’t drive, so I’ll have to miss the seminar and wait until the opportunity opens up for those of us outside of TO.
I also have a good friend here in town whom I believe would also be a great contributer to such a project. He’s been notified, and I hope he takes the bait, because he’s the only guy I know personally who knows even more than I do about rock history.
Damn. Too bad. But there will be more sessions. Stand by.
When opportunities for us out west open up, I’m very interested.
the gamut of rock to jazz to shooting the icons – I’m intrigued…
Yep. We need experts in all categories and genres.
Hey Alan – I can’t make it to Thursday’s session, but will there be another follow-up/second session in Toronto anytime soon??
If unavailable to attend Thursday, is there an on line training for FlinkFame enabling us to submit to you?
Not at the moment. This is something you really have to see in action first.
I live in Oshawa and am willing to come to T.O. to see what this is all about … which must mean something to me, cuz I hate commuting to Toronto ..
Send me a note to alan@alancross.ca so you can register. We have to make sure we have enough room.
Is that 7:30 a.m. or p.m.?
7:30pm
Hey Alan, I’m 16 and wondering if you would need someone to cover the youth perspective on a wide variety of musical genres. I have extensive knowledge of music from both a playing and theoretical standpoint. I am passionate about music and most alternative genres ranging from metal to indie. I can also write about building guitars and general instrumental technicalities. I live in Burlington and can’t make it to Toronto on Thursday but I’m really interested in being part of this. Thanks for considering me.
We’re looking for all kinds of perspectives, but you have to see the system in action first. If you’re interested, shoot me an email to alan@alancross.ca with MUSIC WRITER in the subject line.
Will you be serving Pepperoni Pizza or Veggie Lovers? This WILL impact my decision to attend or not.
We will aim to please all!
Have you announced the location yet?
Yes. Have you registered with me yet? If not, send an email to alan@alancross.ca
I have! You told me to stand by for more information.
Standing by!
I didn’t receive any information on the location and I sent an email two days ago.
We were over-capacity. However, we have another session Monday. Wanna go? Email me at alan@alancross.ca
Hi Alan,
Why do you think that $1 per article is fair compensation for somebody’s work? There should be a big fat asterisk next to “paid” in your headline.
Best,
David.
It’s NOT $1 in compensation. That’s not the model at all. Where did you get that from? Email me and I’ll explain it: alan@alancross.ca