If you’re wondering where to find grand-slam, out-of-the-park sports writing jobs, you’ve come to the right place.
Let’s face it, you’re an ideal candidate.
And with the sports industry in your crosshairs, the only thing you’re missing is somewhere to sling your pitch.
So what if I told you I knew about 15 slam-dunk places where you can find sports writer jobs?
Ready?
Let’s play ball!
Sports writing covers breaking news, player stories, stats, analysis, and other sports-related content in amateur and professional leagues.
As a sportswriter, you might:
But most of all, sports writing captures the experience and drama of competition.
Think all sports writers are New York bigwig reporters working for ESPN and Sports Illustrated?
Well, don’t hang up your cleats just yet.
Because even if you don’t have a bachelor’s degree…
As long as you’re a sports fan with an appetite for writing, you have a shot at landing full-time, well-paid work.
Let’s take a look at 15 all-star places where you’ll find freelance sports writing jobs.
Cue the Rocky theme song now.
Because of its reach and strong branding, SBNation is a must on your pitch list. If there was ever a way to fast track your way from freelance writer to sports editor, it would be with SBNation on your resume.
The site is “always on the lookout for strong passionate writers who are motivated to develop and write engaging content.”
Although they cover NBA and NFL news stories too, their bread-and-butter is pro-wrestling content.
Love college football and the NFL?
Right now, Athlon is looking for freelance football writers to join their ranks of paid contributors.
Boasting over 3 million monthly readers including “NHL executives and HR people, hockey publications, player agents, radio and TV personalities,” The Hockey Writers should be #1 on your list if you’re looking for NHL sports writing jobs.
With over 400 active writers and an open application process, LWOS is a newbie-friendly option if you’re a rookie sports writer.
And the best part?
“LWOS hires from within so there are always ways to grow with our company!”
All content on FanSided is fan-driven (hence the name) and there’s always tons of paid sports writing jobs available.
Love fishing as much as writing?
Do you prefer camo pants to football pads, or a big blue sky to a jumbotron?
Outdoor Life dispenses expert advice on all things related to hunting, fishing, and wilderness gear.
Live for the adrenaline rush of rock climbing?
Let’s face it, sports betting isn’t going anywhere.
FYI: They have full-time staff writer positions, and part-time contributor jobs available.
Printed content varies among training, health and nutrition, athlete profiles, destination travel stories, and in-depth editorial features.
Their online content is more relaxed, ranging from short person essays, to training tips, and even recipes.
MMA is here to stay.
You know what that means, right?
More sports writing jobs!
They typically cover North American pro-leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB, but also report interesting (or controversial) events in college and high school sports.
Feel like pitching them an idea?
So why is it on this list?
Well, there’s a huge market for sports memorabilia — judging by the prices these items fetch at auctions — and WorthPoint is always on the lookout for freelance writers.
Unlike other sports jobs, there isn’t really a set way to become a sports writer.
Some people study sports journalism and work their way up through newspapers, magazines, and television.
Others hustle as freelancers on the internet writing for sports blogs.
Regardless of the pathway, the common denominator is an understanding of sports and the ability to write about sports.
So don’t worry if you don’t have a fancy degree, it’s still possible to become a sports writer.
Now, as an aspiring freelance sports writer, you’re probably looking for per-word rates for reputable sports websites and magazines.
Here’s what we found:
While some written content is paid per word, many publications pay a flat or negotiated rate based on the type and complexity of an article, so your mileage may vary.
Trying to land a degree in Journalism or Sports Media?
Then think about an internship.
You’ll gain valuable, real-life sports writing experience and have an edge on the competition come graduation time.
But want to know the best place to find college sports writing jobs?
College!
Almost every college has a website, newspaper, or even a podcast where they cover college sports.
The caveat:
If it’s a college publication, there’s probably no compensation, and you’ll have to be a student.
The good news?
You’ll network like a boss, which will come in handy when you’re looking for paying jobs, especially with bigger media companies.
Absolutely.
That is if you love sports and have strong writing skills.
Let me paint a picture:
Imagine having your opinions and insights heard not only by your friends at a sports bar, but by people around the world.
That said, sports writing is still a job, and you need to be comfortable with the pressure of research and analysis, meeting deadlines, and editors critiquing your work.
It’s not always fun and games writing about fun and games… But it’s still pretty awesome.
Sure!
But first, a truth bomb:
Your main competitors are giant media companies. Don’t think you’ll win going toe-to-toe against them without a plan.
Let’s tell it like it is, sports fan:
You wish every day felt as thrilling as the big game in overtime, right?
Well, it’s time to chase that feeling.
What you have in front of you are 15 incredible opportunities calling your name.
So dig deep.
Because the bases are loaded and you’re on the mound.
This is your all-star moment.
And only one question remains:
Who are you going to pitch?
The post 15 Winning Places for Beginners to Score Sports Writing Jobs appeared first on Smart Blogger.
