Writing Greeting Cards

[Kate77]

Hello
I have a random question here and dont know how to look into it further. Is there such a job as a freelance writer of greeting cards? I am interested in writing rhymes, songs and poems and thought that I should look into using these skills to earn extra money! The obvious path for this would be to contact the head offices of Clintons, Hallmark etc, but thought that maybe you guys may have some more advice or ideas!
Thanks

[Buenchico]

Head to your local library and ask for the Writers'and Artists' Yearbook 2006. (It should be in almost every library. You can buy it from most bookshops for �13.99 but you only need pages 465-468 so photocopies will be cheaper!).

The pages referred to, above, list all of the main greetings cards publishers in the UK. The listings not only provide contact details but indicate the type of freelance work that they're prepared to consider. Many state 'No verses' but some have entries such as 'Considers humurous verses' or 'Rhyming and prose verse 4-24 lines long'.

The W&A Yearbook 2006 also contains an article, "Winning the Greeting Card Game". (Pages 461-464). This is aimed primarily at artists but much of the information would still be relevant to those submitting verses.

Incidentally, Clintons are solely a retail company and not a publisher. The entry for Hallmark reads "As there is an in-house editorial team, only humour writing submissions will be considered".

Chris

[joko]

there is a huge sort of trade fair called decorex - you could approach the companies directly

[Kate77]

All your advice has been very helpful! Many thanks x