Write for blogTO

We're looking for some fresh new voices to join the blogTO team. If you're passionate about Toronto and know a thing or two about writing, taking photos and eating ice cream then we want to hear from you. Read on to learn about what we're looking for and how to apply to write for blogTO.

Ok. The part about the ice cream was just a joke. It's really toast that you need to know about. As in, do you know how to make it brown without burning it? What about if it's frozen? And bagels?

Here's what we look for in new writers:

1. In depth knowledge of at least one of the following subject areas that we cover: The arts, film, music, fashion, food, books/lit, theatre, local politics, urban/city issues and the environment/green issues. Our focus is on local and for our cultural coverage we're looking for more independent/non-mainstream stuff. In other words, things you wouldn't read about in, say, the Toronto Star.

2. Ability to contribute at least two posts a week.

3. Handy with a digital camera and access to Photoshop or other photo-editing software that allows you to edit and re-size photos for use on our site.

4. Access to the internet. Although we do meet somewhat regularly, we're a virtual organization so you'll need your own computer and internet connection.

Here's what you can expect from us:

1. Support helping you do what you do best. You'll be provided with your own blogTO email address and business cards, guidelines and instructions for how to write for us and post to the site, as well as editorial support from our talented editorial team of Tanja and Jerrold.

2. Some pay. We don't pay much. We're grassroots. This isn't CanWest where we've started a ludicrously implossible free weekly that has zero chance of sustaining itself and are willing to incur millions of dollars of losses. Um, we're a web site. We're growing. We have advertisers and we're able to pay our writers a modest amount for their contributions. Warning: Don't think of this as your next day job. It won't be enough to pay the rent.

3. Media passes and access to events. Yep, we're media which means we apply for media accreditation to events we want to cover and are regularly extended media invites to a whole bunch of stuff. Media may not pay that well but it sure has perks!

4.Fun! In a survey by the Globe & Mail, blogTO was given a 9/10 on the fun scale of places to work. That's higher than both the Toronto Sun and that karaoke joint around the corner from my apartment.

Next steps:

You must be seriously interested if you're still reading this. Here's what you need to do next:

Send an email to jobs [at] blogto [dotcom] indicating the following:

1. What subject area(s) you'd like to write about as well as a few words about how you'd like to cover them. For example, don't just say you want to write about fashion. Please tell us what sort of fashion coverage you'd like to contribute.

2. Confirm that you have access to a digital camera and photo editing software.

3. Confirm that you can contribute at least twice a week. If you think you can contribute more frequently, please let us know that too.

4. Mention any previous writing, blogging or photography experience and please include any links to writing samples, Flickr photos or anything else that you think would be indicative of your work.

That's it! Thanks for your interest in writing for blogTO. We hope to hear from you soon.