rolling out Freelance Information

Are you a voracious reader? Do you read books, newspapers and/or magazines every day and have the capacity to retain information? And you want to write for rolling out urbanstyle weekly? Fabulous! Freelancers are a vital part of our team, so we welcome your written queries and pitches submitted via e-mail. Before you read further, we offer these tips on how to become a freelancer:

* Pitch an actual story idea. Sending an e-mail that simply lets us know you’re a freelance writer interested in writing for us doesn’t tell us a lot about you. Your writing background, your interests, and how you approach your subjects are pertinent pieces of information. Send us a thoroughly researched pitch that introduces us to your writing style in the form of a cover letter and attach a résumé. We care about the quality of ideas in queries as well as the writing. This is your introduction to us. Show us your style; let us hear your voice.

* Read the newspaper before you pitch. Get to know the various sections in our publication. In your pitch, explain where in the publication you think your story would best fit and how it will benefit our readers. We are only interested in fresh pieces that appeal to the urban reader. We want bite, solid reasoning, unknown but relevant facts, and good grammar. We address our readers as intelligent, sophisticated, and inquisitive people. Each week we reach about 1.2 million urban tastemakers and trendsetters, well educated professional men and women between the ages of 21 and 45.

We assign approximately 40 percent of the features each month to freelance writers familiar with the entertainment industry, corporate America, entrepreneurs and community-based organizations in their respective markets. We hire experienced writers because they know the market, the craft, our audience, lifestyle trends and business etiquette.

What is rolling out urbanstyle weekly?

rolling out is the largest chain of free African American weeklies in the country. We service 21 U.S. markets: Atlanta, Baltimore, Birmingham, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Memphis, Miami, Newark, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco/Bay Area, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C. Our publication is filled with original content and hits newsstands every Thursday.

Departments, Columns, and Features

Cover Stories (1500 words) – Mixing compelling images with poignant editorial, ro’s cover stories capture icons from the arts and entertainment, sports, media and political arenas. Each subject is carefully selected to capture what’s on the mind of its readers now.  The in-depth story is accompanied by high impact photographs of trendsetters and the influential. (By assignment only)

Executive Desk (250 words) – CEO, COO, CFO, President, Vice President, Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President, i.e., leaders of Fortune 500 companies. This section provides invaluable information about leading, cutting-edge executives; the secrets of the pros. See ‘business profile’ for more information. (By assignment only)