Hokay, writerly types: A question.

Say youse wants to submit a writing sample to a place. The place asks for your 6-10 page spec (no problem, already done the first draft) and a resume.

Say you've never published anything except your not-so-often-updated blog.

What would you put for a resume? What would a writing resume look like?

...

...HALP!!

It depends where and what you're submitting, Joe.

For instance, when I was editing fiction, it was always nice to hear that a potential author had experience writing for newspapers or similar, but only because I knew (or hoped) it meant they would have some sense of professionalism and deadlines. That said, writing for newspapers doesn't mean you can write fiction, and vice versa.

I know most of the big magazines want clips (usually published) before they'll consider working with you.

For smaller, local newspapers, you can usually work on spec, or chat with an editor to get your foot in the door.

In this case -- not knowing where exactly you're submitting -- I would submit your writing sample with a resume that emphasizes any writing experience you've had in any of your jobs. Did you work on a paper or magazine in college? In high school? Did you write ... I don't know, scripts for sales calls or training manuals?

The editor will probably judge mostly based on your sample, but it's always good to have a resume with all the particulars on hand, too -- my bet is the resume is more for that purpose.

But I could be talking out of my ass because I don't really know what you're writing for. Share!

It's for a television thing. Aimee sent me an ad that asked for submissions...they're looking for new writers.

But they want a resume and I don't know what the hell a writing resume even looks like. It's not like former employment. It's not like I can put "2005 - 2006. Livejournal Entries. Some drabbles. Duties included: Not sucking overly much."

*sigh*

You can't? Crap. (Gets offline to rewrite resume.)

But if they're looking for new writers, your sample is going to be much more important than any professional writing experience. Discuss in your cover letter how you've always been interested in TV, blah blah. Also mention any experience you have in that field -- didn't you do some production work, or lighting or something, with ND? That could be more important than the writing experience -- again, your sample has to be what wows them.

Did you do any writing or non-acting stuff for any comedy group? That would probably be worth putting on there.

Oh, there's a good call! Okay, now I'm getting some ideas.

Can I put You'll All Pay on there as well, do you guys think?

Also, how does one format a writing resume?

Yeah, definitely put You'll All Pay on. And I would format it like any other resume.

What about the G4 thing?

What about the G4 thing?

Yeah, I can put down the appearance on Filter.

The actual writing for G4 did not so much happen, though. Pity.