Freelance Writers: Think Packages

I just got a call from an editor asking if I’d be interested in doing a package for his magazine.

I’m sure you know what I mean. Packages are feature-length (or longer) bundles of shortish write-ups, like World’s Greatest Anythings, or 50 Things You Must Do Before You Die (start a blog!), Best Places to Retire, Tech Toys You’ve Got to Own….

I said yes.

A lot of freelance freelance writers either turn their noses up at packages or simply don’t think about them. If you’re making a tidy living writing narrative features, great. More power to you. But if you’re in the trenches with the rest of us, think about packages and roundups.

Here’s what I like about packages:

They’re usually big. Good money.
Seldom require travel. You’re not expected to visit all 50 Best Dinosaur Excavations.
Hence no uncompensated downtime.
Research-heavy. I’m really good at research.
Pithy shorthand writing. A fun voice to channel.
Often get to write display copy.

Sure, I’m not crazy about some aspects of package writing:

Generally rushed. Mags are always desperate for a list of subjects so they can get photo working on picture research.
Research-heavy. Oh, wait: I’m good at that!
Weird shorthand writing. A tiresome voice to channel.
Rarely win awards.

I’ve done packages I’m proud of, like National Parks and Seven Ages of Adventure for National Geographic Adventure. Some weren’t so sexy, like a roundup of portable barbecue grills, and a compilation of seafood festivals.

But packages have paid a lot of my bills. They can pay yours, too. Devise some package ideas for magazines and websites you want to contribute to. Query editors with a couple of package outlines. Or inquire about what packages are planned for the coming year. They often use multiple authors for a single package.

You might not win a Pulitzer, but a single package can make a few mortgage payments.