Tips for new freelance writers
If your just starting out as a freelance writer it can be hard to find work. Here are a few tips to help you find freelance writing jobs out in the huge world wide web.
1. Have a Portfolio. - Don't send someone an email asking for a job, when you haven't actually written a thing in your life. You may know you can do the job, but your going to need to prove it to someone who doesn't really know you. This will require you to have some sort of portfolio. It doesn't have to be huge, but try writing a few articls on topics you would also be looking for jobs in. For instance, if you want to be a travel writer then write a few travel articles to send out to prospective employers.
2. Try to get your work published. I have a list a mile long of places where my work has been published. A few of them I have been paid pretty hansomly, others not so much. The idea is that someone read what I wrote and though it was worth some webspace. If you've just written some sample articles as suggested in #1, try getting them published on a website like associatedcontent.com. I personally recommened giving them non-exclusive rights, that way if you want to use the article later for a perosnal project you can. So far, everything ive given them non-exclusive rights to has gone for more money than the articles I've given them full rights to despite the fact that they claim the opposite will happen. there are also sites like constant-content that will allow you to sell your work for a price you name, i have a few things up on there but have yet to sell any. Other options would of course be to get your own website, which isnt really a bad idea.
3. Get a website - take this blog for instance. Totally free. i can write whatever i want, and I have a link to give people who might be inteested in what i have to say. I email them a link, they click link...BAM my work is on their screen. if no one wants to accept your work, or even if they do...try setting up your own website or a blog to showcase your work to potential employers.
4. Write write write. Even if you don't have a job to be working on, always write. You'll keep yourelf in practice so when a job does come allong the words will flow.
5. Check freelance writing websites a few times daily. i usually try the morning, lunchtime, and then early evening. Freelance writing jobs will be snatched up quickly. You don't want to miss that perfect job because you waited a few days to check a website. as a freelancer you need to always be looking forward. Sure you have a job now, but when this one is finished, what are you going to do. Always apply for things. ALWAYS. It would be better to have too many offers and be turning work down rather than not having enough money to pay rent.
1. Have a Portfolio. - Don't send someone an email asking for a job, when you haven't actually written a thing in your life. You may know you can do the job, but your going to need to prove it to someone who doesn't really know you. This will require you to have some sort of portfolio. It doesn't have to be huge, but try writing a few articls on topics you would also be looking for jobs in. For instance, if you want to be a travel writer then write a few travel articles to send out to prospective employers.
2. Try to get your work published. I have a list a mile long of places where my work has been published. A few of them I have been paid pretty hansomly, others not so much. The idea is that someone read what I wrote and though it was worth some webspace. If you've just written some sample articles as suggested in #1, try getting them published on a website like associatedcontent.com. I personally recommened giving them non-exclusive rights, that way if you want to use the article later for a perosnal project you can. So far, everything ive given them non-exclusive rights to has gone for more money than the articles I've given them full rights to despite the fact that they claim the opposite will happen. there are also sites like constant-content that will allow you to sell your work for a price you name, i have a few things up on there but have yet to sell any. Other options would of course be to get your own website, which isnt really a bad idea.
3. Get a website - take this blog for instance. Totally free. i can write whatever i want, and I have a link to give people who might be inteested in what i have to say. I email them a link, they click link...BAM my work is on their screen. if no one wants to accept your work, or even if they do...try setting up your own website or a blog to showcase your work to potential employers.
4. Write write write. Even if you don't have a job to be working on, always write. You'll keep yourelf in practice so when a job does come allong the words will flow.
5. Check freelance writing websites a few times daily. i usually try the morning, lunchtime, and then early evening. Freelance writing jobs will be snatched up quickly. You don't want to miss that perfect job because you waited a few days to check a website. as a freelancer you need to always be looking forward. Sure you have a job now, but when this one is finished, what are you going to do. Always apply for things. ALWAYS. It would be better to have too many offers and be turning work down rather than not having enough money to pay rent.
posted by Emily @ 2:35 PM
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