Last Wednesday night, freelance writer, author and veteran of the magazine industry Melissa Walker was in the basement of the Business Building to talk about her experiences as a writer and how to break into freelancing.

Walker gave helpful tips on how to begin what could be a lucrative career as a freelance writer. “The idea is key,” Walker said, in reference to pitching an idea to an editor for a freelance story. But she also noted that it was a great idea to have an interesting story to tell an editor.

“I’m a casualty of Rosie Magazine, and people always want the gossip,” she said. Walker would tell editors she was working when the magazine folded and many people were interested in what went on and how Rosie O’Donnell treated her employees.

Walker said it is important that a pitch is detailed.

“Detailed doesn’t mean long. It should be succinct.”

Flattery is also important. Mention past pieces you liked or sections of the magazine you are a fan of, Walker advised. This way the editor will know you have done your homework and are very interested in the magazine.

She also said to send the idea first and wait for the editor to ask for clips. It is also important to make sure your subject is willing to be interviewed before you pitch a story about them.

Walker also emphasized the importance of pitching an online component to your print story. “I don’t think magazines are dying but they are changing a lot,” Walker said.

Walker informed the audience of just how lucrative freelancing can be. Not only does it get your name out there and show initiative, which can be very helpful when searching for a job down the road, most magazines pay between $1 and $2 a word, which can mean earning between $500 and $1,000 for a story.

“The best part about Melissa’s talk was she was very candid and open. She was honest about her experience in the industry,” Kaitlin Tambuscio, junior journalism major and treasurer of ED2010, said. ED2010 is an organization for aspiring magazine editors and was responsible for bringing Walker to campus.

Walker also had tips for interviews, which include having at least 15 questions prepared and to do background research before, as well as know what angle you need. She recommended tape recording if possible so you can listen better.

Before becoming a freelancer and author, Walker also worked as a Features Editor at ELLEgirl and Prom Editor at Seventeen.

In her junior year at Vassar College she interned at McCall’s Magazine and knew from then on that she wanted to work at a magazine.

“That was the only job I got without knowing someone,” she joked.

She also noted that even though many people stress the importance of getting a job right out of school, she does not believe this to be true. She took a year off after college to waitress and still found her way into the magazine business after a brief hiatus.

Walker is the author of three books, with her fourth book due out in May. She also started up a daily newsletter last year, “I Heart Daily,” with ex-ELLEgirl Anne Ichikawa.

In addition to tips for freelancing, she gave advice for networking and making connections in the world of journalism.

“Be friends with everyone, even if you don’t like them. People change jobs all the time,” Walker said, stressing that someone may become a good contact down the road.