What You Know: Music Writer Top Tips

Our What You Know series provides top tips on various skills & profession from a number of creative women. Scroll down to read Ray Sang's tips on becoming a music writer.

I have always loved writing but stepping into this space without degree in journalism I was always aware that there would be a lot to prove; particularly to those in positions of power. The respect of my colleagues was something that had to be earned, and while networking always helps, I wanted my work to speak for itself. Over the last 4 years, using these five simple steps, I believe that’s been something I have been able to achieve.

Let’s begin with tip number 1.

1. Just start

Everyone is always waiting for the right time, the right platform to launch on, the right words. Well there’s no time like the present! The reality is, in most cases, the words will be right because they’re yours. The worst-case scenario is that someone disagrees with your perspective and, sorry to break it you, but that was going to happen anyway. It doesn’t even have to cost you anything. Start off small with a free WordPress site to share your thoughts. You never know where it will take you. The first article you write isn't going to be perfect – trust me mine weren't. But what is life without a little learning?

This brings me neatly to tip number two.

2. Read

The best way to improve your own work is to the read the work of those you respect. Not to imitate their style but rather to analyse the elements of their writing that you like and work on ways you can translate that into your own voice. If you are lucky you may even expand your vocabulary along the way. If in doubt, use a thesaurus. (You’d be surprised how many people do).

3. Fresh eyes

Accuracy is important. Sloppy grammar, punctuation and spelling are the easiest ways to turn people off your work; particularly those coming across your work for the first time. The best way to avoid this is to leave time to look at your work with fresh eyes. There some mistakes that are just impossible to spot in one sitting, simply because you’ve been looking at the document for far too long. My own personal rule of thumb is to leave a minimum of 48 hours between my draft and the final edit, but if you are short on time a few hours working on something else should do.

4. Put yourself out there

90% of the major opportunities I've had began with me taking the plunge and pitching to publications. There comes a time where you have to trust that you’ve done the work and others can see that too. Your voice may not be the right fit for all the platforms, but you will never find out where you do fit unless push your work out there.

5. Engage with your audience

Whether it’s on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or another social media platform make your presence known. You may not be able to cover everything through your written work but speaking about the things you’re passionate about within your niche will aid you in building your personal brand. In the short term your audience begins to become familiar with your name and in the long term this will help you build credibility, allowing for a much more receptive audience when you put out your own work.

I hope you found these tips helpful, feel free to tweet me at @raysangxoxo and let me know.