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If fashion and writing are two of your passions, becoming a fashion writer is a great way to combine the two. Fashion writers often write articles and other material for magazines and newspapers, but fashion writers can also write books, sales or PR material, product descriptions and a variety of other content.
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If fashion and writing are two of your passions, becoming a fashion writer is a great way to combine the two. Fashion writers often write articles and other material for magazines and newspapers, but fashion writers can also write books, sales or PR material, product descriptions and a variety of other content.
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Introduction
- If you love fashion, becoming a fashion writer is a great way to get paid while researching trends and other topics related to style. Great writing skills and an attention for detail is important. It's also important to have a creative and visual mind.
Step 1: Make a Plan
- First, think about exactly what type of writing you would like to do. Most fashion writers produce article for magazines and newspapers. Among those, many freelance, which means receiving pay for each assignment without a guarantee of a stable salary, but with flexibility to make your own hours and often more options to pick your topics. Others are hired for a specific publication. Other options include writing sales or PR materials related to fashion or writing books.
Step 2: Learn about Fashion and Apparel
- If you enjoy fashion, you may think you already know much about the industry. But fashion is more than the latest trends. Start learning basics about the apparel industry, apparel design, different types of fabrics, color theory and other topics that will help you understand fashion better. Also study some fashion history and learn about trends throughout history.
Step 3: Read
- Even though you know about fashion, you might not know how to write about it. You probably already read fashion magazines, but start studying the way they are written. Although it's important to develop your own style, reading what others write can help you learn what to look for when writing about fashion.
Step 4: Education
- The degree and education you need for the job will vary depending on the exact position.
- A degree in fashion is usually not required, unless the writing will be quite detailed and complex or for those within the industry.
- A degree in writing or a related field, such as English or Journalism, is sometimes required.
- Regardless of the prerequisites for a position, it's always an advantage if you take some classes related to fashion or writing.
Step 5: How to Find a Job
- To get a job in fashion writing, look at general job resources as well as those specific for jobs in media, writing or the fashion industry. If you want to work for a publication, it's usually helpful and sometimes necessary to first have an internship. Internships are often unpaid, but many offers college credit or different perks instead of a paycheck. More important, they give you an opportunity to learn about journalism and make connections. Also consider freelancing to break into the field.
Step 6: How to Freelance
- Many fashion writers freelance instead of being hired for a specific publication. Freelance writing generally gives you more flexibility but less stability.
- Start by finding a publication you want to write for.
- Read several issues and take note of the type of stories, length of stories and writing style.
- Come up with a story idea that fit the publication and are timely. Do some groundwork, such as research and interviews.
- Contact the publication to "pitch" your story (an informal description of your idea) or to provide a query (a longer description of the topic which follows a set format).
- For more information, visit Mahalo's guide on How to Break into Freelance Writing.
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