94 compelling first paragraphs to jumpstart your articles

How to start any article, plus the podcast every media pro needs to hear, a side-by-side of freelancer services, and how disruption should be the goal of every digital ad.  [Image](  THEUPTAKE Your must-read for tips, trends and tidbits about working in media November 21, 2018 [How to start any article]( Beginnings. Without them, there’d be no middles, no ends, and certainly no paycheck from your publisher. Jason Shen analyzes the first paragraphs of 94 compelling, super-shared feature articles from NYT, Fast Company, and The Atlantic—and identifies the [13 best ways to start writing your next smash-bang piece.](  [Podcast Alert: Minorities in Publishing]( Last week, we presented our first webinar for MB Unlimited members: “How to Pitch for More Inclusivity and Representation.” Featured speaker Jennifer Baker also has a kickass podcast, “Minorities in Publishing.” [Check out 78+ episodes (with transcripts!) for wide-ranging conversations about inclusion in our industry. Thanks, Jenn!](  [When you're depressed but still have to work]( We’ve been programmed to achieve no matter what—[but what happens when you’re struggling with depression?]( Be sure to take care of your mental health while you’re at work. Organize your day around your best and worst times. Rely on your support system. Seek outside help. And have an honest conversation with your boss.  {NAME}, CHECK OUT THESE NEW JOBS FOR YOU [SuperSummary Managing Editor (Remote) SuperSummary Working from home]( [Staff Writer, TheWeek.com The Week New York City, New York]( [Digital Marketing Director Geopolitical Futures Working from home]( [Be part of the writer's community who is helping travelers and hotel around the world Arrivedo Help travelers with local recommendations you share in a hotel’s Neighborhood Guides.]( [Seeking freelance politics contributors Heavy Inc. Working from home]( [See all new jobs >](  [DELICIOUS: Content Marketer's Playbook]( Here’s a droolworthy treat to devour this week. Contently has just released [“The Content Marketer’s Playbook: Brand Awareness & Thought Leadership.”](  This 37-page guide is the first of five aimed at helping marketers (you!) get their content in order (ugh!). Includes: 7 steps to building an effective strategy, success metrics, brand awareness checklist, and—gasp!—more. Mmmm. We’re getting hungry just thinking about it...  [How to write a cover letter that will get you the jobÂ]( Ah, the cover letter. Relic from days of yore. Medieval torture device. Unnecessary evil. Or is it?? (It is.) Nevertheless, when you’re stranded at sea and the only way to survive on your leaky raft is to send the world’s best cover letter to the Coast Guard HR department, you’ll want this [list of 10 tips from a hiring manager who knows.](  [Do you Upwork?]( Fiverr, Upwork and a seasoned professional. Who delivers the best work for the best price with the fastest turnaround? No matter how you hustle you'll want to see what happens when a fake company asks three freelancers to tackle the same project. [Does this in-depth case study change how you think about your freelance approach?Â](  [Everything we know about marketing is old]( That’s the big lesson learned at IAB’s inaugural Direct Brand Summit. “Making ads used to be about creative experts spending millions to create TV ads using their instincts. Now, brands that win...crank out tons of different ad creative executions on Facebook and Instagram.” Explore the [10 essential takeaways all marketers need to know.](  [Help stop media harassmentÂ]( Are you a member of the media who has experienced online harassment of any kind? Share your experiences by filling out [this 3-minute confidential, anonymous survey](. It’s just one step being taken by The International Federation of Journalists to help combat harassment of media professionals. Results will be released on November 25.   [Holiday tax deduction: The gift that keeps on giving]( Freelancers can deduct $25 for business gifts, per recipient, per year. Not only that—a token of your appreciation goes a long way in maintaining a healthy, long-term client relationship. Check out [10 creative, beautifully designed client gifts](  that are less than $25 a pop. (And heck, treat yourself to something nice while you’re at it.)   Want more? Learn a new skill, land a better gig, and get a healthy dose of inspiration at [Mediabistro.]( We’re always open to your ideas and feedback. Just reply to this email. [SEARCH JOBS](  •  [SIGN IN]( You received this email because you subscribed to The Uptake To update your email preferences or unsubscribe, please [click here](. [Mediabistro - 825 8th Avenue - New York, NY - 10019](