Organization Name/Information: New Mexico Marketplace

Contact name/Information:
Rena Larranaga, Editor
Phone: 888-0500 ext. 102
email: rena@nmmarketplace.com

Information about the Internship

What tasks will the intern perform; what specific/general skills/experience do you seek?

We are looking for freelance writers to write business profiles of our advertisers on assignment. These pieces are typically 650-800 words in length, and require an in-person interview of the subject. Experience with profiles and/or advertorial-type writing helpful. The process goes something like this: 1. Editor assigns stories around first of each month: 2. Writer schedules an appointment and meets with business owner for approx. 45 minute interview; 3. After the story is written, writer submits the profile to the business owner for final approval; 4. Writer submits approved piece to editor by deadline, which is usually around the third Monday of each month; 5. Payment made a week after deadline.

What specific documents/communication projects will the intern work with and be able to present in a portfolio (or otherwise substantiate) upon completion of the internship?

A sample copy of the magazine with the writer’s bylined work will be mailed with the payment.

How much supervision/mentoring will the intern likely receive or have available?

As freelance writers, the interns will primarily work independently. However, the editor is available for whatever issues may arise

Is the internship paid or a volunteer opportunity? Paid. Current rate is $85 per profile.

Expected range of hours worked per week (cannot exceed 20) Freelance on assignment. No scheduled work hours. Estimate 45 minutes to 1 hour for interview, plus writing time and approval time.

Expected duration (normally cannot be less than 4 weeks) Ongoing need. Our magazine has been in business for 20 years.

Location of the work: Off site

Other pertinent information:

This is a freelance opportunity, so the writers will work remotely from their own location, interviewing business owners at their place of business. Microsoft Word is the preferred file format for submissions. Samples of writing should be provided to the editor prior to any assignments being made. Most of our advertisers provide products and services for the home. So, the typical Business Profile is written for the consumer/homeowner who wants to know why a particular company is the best in the window/carpet/cabinet/landscaping industry. See the website www.nmmarketplace.com for samples of previous Business Profiles.