Q: Working as a cops reporter after two decades of freelance writing is a major change in pace, perception and perspiration. Especially at this age (mid-40s). I’m learning that a beat reporter I’m not. A feature writer I am. A columnist. Even my editor believes this, but the only slot I fit into here is as cops reporter. And I don’t see much out in the jobs market for a feature writer/columnist. Am I cooked?
K. M., Minnesota
A: Your choice seems clear, K.M. If the place you’re working at doesn’t and won’t have the job you want, you either need to leave that place, or stay there to whatever degree of doneness you can tolerate. You’re right; there are few calls for feature writer/colmnists. So, go for the before-slash job, and try to grow the after-slash once you get to the place and get the lay of the land.
Few newspapers will go outside for an untried columnist because being a good column writer requires, among other things, a deep knowledge of the area and audience. Columnist is also a destination job that is more likely to be filled with an in-house candidate than … the other kind. As you stalk that feature writing job, work with your editor to see that you’re getting the kinds of clips that will show prospective employers just how good a feature writer you can be. In the meantime, you present paper should benefit from your good writing.
