way. But the
usual method by which a girl is taught journalism is by working on the
staff of a newspaper. Such positions are not easily found. Application
may be made at newspaper offices for a regular position when one becomes
vacant. While she is waiting to obtain regular work, the girl may write
special articles and submit them for publication. We may take for granted
that she enjoys writing, but she should be able to choose subjects on
which to write. One of the first questions that an applicant for newspaper
work is likely to ask is: "What shall I write about?" This question the
writer must learn to answer for herself. She should know what is
interesting and worth writing about. The journalist, besides enjoying
writing and having some gift of expression, should be keenly interested in
people, and should have enthusiasm for her work. The hours are long and
the rate of payment not particularly high, but the true journalist is
always in love with her work. Positions for women on newspapers are varied
in character. Some women are general reporters and take assignments from
the city editor. Others are in charge of a woman's page and may have one
assistant or more than one, working under their direction. Some are special
writers, covering a certain amount of general work and having a specialty
in addition, such as music and drama, book reviewing, a page for children,
fashions, market reports for women, and so on. An assistant on a woman's
page may begin at ten dollars a week, and as her work increases in value
she may receive twelve, fifteen or eighteen dollars a week. The woman
journalist in charge of a woman's page is paid as a rule from twenty to
thirty-five or forty dollars a week. Few women journalists are paid larger
sums.

A number of other positions are held by women in connection with weekly
newspapers, magazines and publishing offices. Salaries vary all the way
from ten or twelve to thirty or forty dollars a week. The average salary
for the woman journalist who has proved her ability is in the neighbourhood
of twenty-five dollars a week. Many newspapers and some printing offices
employ girls as copy holders. These girls begin at a weekly wage of seven,
eight or nine dollars, and when they become expert, receive higher wages.
The best paid positions for women proof readers are held by those who have
proved their ability to compete with men expert in the trade. Women proof
readers belong to the men's union and the