OK, it's not the Oscars, but for the hopefuls who attended my Photojournalism Course in the Philippines last March it might as well be.
Yes, the results are in, Mark Evans, editor of Sport Diver UK has decided which of the articles he liked best:
"Hi Brendan,
The winner has been chosen! Virginia Fage. One of the others had a nice writing style, but was let down by pics (only seven underwater out of 20), and the other had reasonable writing and the odd nice pic, bit overall, in terms of workable text and a usable mix of pics, Virginia had the edge.
So, she will be appearing in print in the April issue...
Mark Evans
Editor
Sport Diver
The Mill
Bearwalden Business Park
Wendens Ambo
Essex
CB11 4GB
Tel: 01799 544243 (direct line)
Email: mark.evans@sportdiver.co.uk
Website: www.sportdiver.co.uk"
As you can see, it's not just all about the words, but the package you provide for the editor. Those who attended my course will remember me saying time after time how it's your job to make your article as attractive as possible for the editor. Getting them to say, "yes" is more than just doing the words, it's about providing for their every need, so when they finish reading your copy and looking over your package of photos and associated material they think to themselves, "I wish every freelancer would do this!"
Well done Virginia, and for some of the other would be contributors, there's a little surprise when the April issue comes out. Watch this space (and Sport Diver's website - there's a clue!).
Keep writing.....
Brendan
PS - I'm back! :)
