Nothing worse than cold-calling an editor Try to learn as much as possible about the style of the publication you are writing for before you send your query. Try to read at least a few recent issues. Dube.net and Clonztville . After that it can become routine. More freelancing opportunities out there than ever before.
Technology makes it easier for both editors and freelancers to communicate with each other.
The industry getting more flexible, so needs flexible people. People who can work on different topics within a field. Long-term relationships with their writers. Lots of interest in international stories. The less journalists there are where you are going, the more likely it is that you can get assignments.