Write For GWJ! (call for writers)

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As we bid farewell to one of GWJ's most prolific and creative voices, we look at the same time toward the future of the site. The (temporary?) loss of one feature spells the opening for new voices to be introduced, and while we do loves us our Fletcher, we also love the opportunity to introduce new and incredibly varied talents to our readership. After all, Fletcher himself came to us via an open call for writers in the aftermath of losing the equally valuable and talented Sway. So, now we call once again to our readers and bid the next talent forward. We are looking for gifted writers with an engaging and unique voice.

There is work involved, of course, but for someone out there with the talent and interest, there is a spot on the GWJ roster for your voice. Details for entry and what we're looking for are below.

The Short of It:

- We are looking for 2 writers
- We are going to be choosy, and are looking for untapped, raw talent that is open to development.
- If you're interested in writing for GWJ on a permanent basis, craft an article related to gaming (editorials and reviews are fine) of approximately 1,000 words.
- Submit your piece as an attachment (.doc, .pdf, or .txt) to [email protected] with the subject Call For Writers Submission.
- Be clear, insightful, readable, witty, and smart.
- We will be accepting submissions through May 1st

The Long of It:

We are looking to expand our writing pool by two, should two solid candidates present themselves. We seek one regular writer, primarily of editorial content, who is willing to contribute one full length article at least once every other week. This person will be expected to have a strong voice, engaging writing style, and ability to speak to a breadth of gaming related topics. We are looking, in short, for a writer of untapped talent.

We are also looking for a periodic writer who will be invited to occasionally contribute editorial and review material. This writer will be expected to submit at least one piece every three weeks. Technical proficiency, and a clear, clean voice are no less important here.

Promises of fame and fortune would be, I think, as blatant a lie as I could manufacture in such a short span of time, however, it's not completely without precedent that writing for the site has been the springboard to bigger and better. We take pride in seeing some of our most significant contributors build a portfolio of work and experience with us here that they are able to turn into the beginning (or middle) of a writing or editorial career, and for those of you interested in testing the waters of writing in the gaming industry "… well, there are worse places to start. You will find one of the most supportive and free environments in which to write as, perhaps, exists on a site of any credible size.

What I am looking for is talent and potential, so if you think you've got the chops for writing, and you wouldn't mind a few thousand close personal friends giving you a read every few weeks, then write up roughly 1,000 words on your favorite gaming subject and send it to [email protected] as a .doc, .pdf, or .txt with the subject Call For Writers.

I look forward to seeing the talent of our community!

- Elysium

Comments

I look forward to reading the submissions!

And I submit to the forwarding of the readings! No, really, I do.

Wait, Fletcher's leaving? Wha-wha-what?

For those who don't follow GWJ Radio and its comments, yes, Fletcher is leaving. He has accepted an editorial position at The Escapist, an outstanding opportunity for an outstanding establishment. We will miss him sorely.

One of these days I plan to take a crack at this... but not today.

I have a feeling that this announcement has Pavloved many into associating terrible loss with unbridled excitement. *shakes fist at establishment*

...it's not completely without precedent that writing for the site has been the springboard to bigger and better. We take pride in seeing some of our most significant contributors build a portfolio of work and experience with us here that they are able to turn into the beginning (or middle) of a writing or editorial career, and for those of you interested in testing the waters of writing in the gaming industry "… well, there are worse places to start...

Maybe I should elaborate. Not too long ago, I gave up the "good life" as a scientist, deciding to test my luck as a professional freelance writer. Although I'm certainly no household name (yet), I have had some recent successes. I know for certain that my first article acceptance, my first feature sale, my first gaming-related article sale, AND my first videogame review sale all occurred as a direct result of my work for GWJ. I'm not exaggerating when I say I owe Gamers With Jobs my fledgling career.

I'm not saying that writing for GWJ yields fame and fortune and loose women. But it does offer an opportunity. What you do with it, of course, is up to you.

In that same vein, I'm pretty sure that my experience writing for GWJ helped me gain acceptance to a Ph.D. program recently. No joke; I filled my application with hyperlinks, and they responded with enthusiasm and money.

I should also emphasize that we are just as interested in submissions from lurkers as we are in those from established names in the forums. Even if you've never before posted to GWJ, I encourage you to send in an article.

KaterinLHC wrote:
...it's not completely without precedent that writing for the site has been the springboard to bigger and better ...

Maybe I should elaborate ...

*sigh* The corpse is not even cold ...

Those about to write, I salute you!

Fletcher wrote:
KaterinLHC wrote:
...it's not completely without precedent that writing for the site has been the springboard to bigger and better ...

Maybe I should elaborate ...

*sigh* The corpse is not even cold ...

Those about to write, I salute you!

Are you still here?

Kat wrote:

Not too long ago, I gave up the "good life" as a scientist, deciding to test my luck as a professional freelance writer.

Lobo wrote:

In that same vein, I'm pretty sure that my experience writing for GWJ helped me gain acceptance to a Ph.D. program recently.

See, writing for GWJ will put you in the company of doctors and scientists. How cool is that?

As for myself, GWJ gives me the courage to go on living despite my loathsome day job. Though I am much aggrieved by Fletcher's departure, I take great comfort in the fact that I'm still surrounded by inspiring, terrific people.

Lobo wrote:

I should also emphasize that we are just as interested in submissions from lurkers as we are in those from established names in the forums. Even if you've never before posted to GWJ, I encourage you to send in an article.

I similarly emphasize and encourage. I responded to a similar call for writers over a year ago, having never even ventured into the GWJ forums. It was well after my first few pieces were published that I discovered how fortunate I was to be writing at this site, for this community.

Thanks for the testimonials guys. I like to think that writing for GWJ is so personally rewarding, that you won't even notice you don't get paid!

Kat's story is a fine example of how GWJ changes lives though. For just a few pennies a day, you too could contribute to a dramatic change in a scientist's life. Call now. Operators are standing by to take your pledge to change the life of a scientist like Kat. And like Jimmy, who's been studying invertebrate biology for the past twenty years, and who dreams of becoming a soccer player ...

I know I love writing for the site when I have time...although, lately, that's been less and less as real life, business and paying gigs rear their ugly heads. Nobody every threw loose women at me though. If only I had known that was one of the perks, I might have contributed more often. (OK, probably not...as it turns out, I don't really have that much to say about gaming. Lots to say about technology, politics, world affairs, elegant pornography, the best way to roast an exotic animal, and why hipsters should be clubbed like baby seals; but really that much about games. )

Now...if someone wants to make a game where we get to club hipsters as foreplay, and have sex while making molten chocolate cake and ... I'm totally your reviewer.)

duckideva wrote:

Now...if someone wants to make a game where we get to club hipsters as foreplay, and have sex while making molten chocolate cake and ... I'm totally your reviewer.)

Sadly the next gen CHAFAHSWMMCC games are still only in their initial design phases. I myself am eager to see how well the Revolution's unique controller will lend itself to this often neglected genre.

Okay, this is important.

Fletcher will still post here, right?

He can still post in the forums, yes.

The Fly wrote:

As for myself, GWJ gives me the courage to go on living despite my loathsome day job.

It works for that? Hmm. Maybe after I finish updating my resume...

I note that you fail to mention that the staff writers become ineligible for the approximately annual donation give-aways. So, give up my one-in-thousands chance to get a free game or the like once a year or so after donating more than the likely the cost of said game for the fun of regularly inflicting my heavily passive voice pretended creative writing on you folks? I don't think it likely. (Besides, I don't write no good no-how.)

My confidence/skills as a writer in english is insufficient, I'm afraid. It must be great to be able to serve such a mass market, just because you were brought up in english. I'll find my way in Dutch game magazines/ websites though

Can I put in a request for more Pyro fan fiction?

In the "blast from the past" category, I've put my hat in the ring. I'm can't fill Flect's shoes, but I can cetainly turn a phrase.

I find myself wanting to submit an article but not knowing if I would want to write for the site.

I think I'll write one anyway to have something to write. It will be nice to write with a goal rather than the vague mutterings in my diary every night.

-- D. Houser, M.D.

*edit* That was 4 "writes" in 3 sentences. I am so in.

mateo wrote:

In the "blast from the past" category, I've put my hat in the ring. I'm can't fill Flect's shoes, but I can cetainly turn a phrase.

Where in the blankety-blank-blank did you come from Mateo? Been a while.

croaker wrote:

I note that you fail to mention that the staff writers become ineligible for the approximately annual donation give-aways. So, give up my one-in-thousands chance to get a free game or the like once a year or so after donating more than the likely the cost of said game for the fun of regularly inflicting my heavily passive voice pretended creative writing on you folks? I don't think it likely. (Besides, I don't write no good no-how.)

You make it sound like there are no benefits. I'd gladly give up my chance at fabulous cash and prizes for the semi-regular butt pats I've been receiving. It's even better when Certis moisturizes.

Wow, I was still poking at Fletchers twitching body when I saw this one (don't worry Fletch, I was using softwood to poke)...poor guy

I may give this a shot...not a "writer" by trade, but it you never know.

I've always kind of wanted to apply but I have a fatal combination of too lazy, too busy and not that great of a writer. It would be a big disappointment for everyone.

Some killer talent came out of the woodwork last time, though (Fletch and Deva), so I definitely look forward to seeing what happens this time around.

Podunk wrote:

I've always kind of wanted to apply but I have a fatal combination of too lazy, too busy and not that great of a writer. It would be a big disappointment for everyone. :lol:

Separated at birth!

Sounds fun, been a member for awhile it just physically pains me to be so descriptive while writing!

mateo wrote:

In the "blast from the past" category, I've put my hat in the ring. I'm can't fill Flect's shoes, but I can cetainly turn a phrase.

Who can fill those shoes? And for that matter, all the other classy acts on the GWJ front page make the proposition of applying to be a writer here very intimidating. Yes, very intimidating indeed, but tempting nonetheless...