How To Earn The Paying Freelance Writing Gigs

One of the hardest parts about becoming a Freelance Writer is gaining the experience needed to earn the “plummer” assignments. First and foremost, to be a Freelance Writer, you have to know how to write and write well! That doesn’t mean that jobs will just fall into your lap or that you’ll come by opportunities easily. It takes hard work. While some writers have a gift for writing, others may have to work a lot harder to produce a piece that someone will pay money for. It’s important, as a writer of any kind, that you continually advance your skills. Take writing classes, attend writing conferences, write every day, even if it’s short – in essence, daily immerse yourself in writing and you will only get better. If you don’t? You may need to talk to another writer, ask for advice and critiques…if that doesn’t work…you might need to consider another career.

For those of you who DO feel writing is the right path for you, here is some tips on how to get started in freelance writing and actually get paid for it!

1. Gather your writing experience (volunteer, college paper, memos at work, poetry, short stories, and more) into one big list.
2. If the list doesn’t have at least 3-4 solid examples of your writing ability, seek out volunteer opportunities, or give in to the lure of content mills to build up your list (not fun, but sometimes a necessary evil).
3. Turn your list into your writing resume.
4. Start applying for freelance writing jobs. En masse. Every day. You may not get the high-paying jobs at first, but, like any career, this should be the start of your upward arc, with each job and each piece bolstering your talent and resume.

As you gain much needed experience and build your portfolio, you will eventually find yourself reaping the rewards of higher paying writing projects. It truly is a field where pay is commensurate with experience. Here is an excellent article by Deborah Ng about 30 different types of freelance writing gigs. She offers valuable information on the different types, what kind of experience and education is needed, and more. Perfect for someone starting out in freelance writing who isn’t sure where to head with it.

When I originally delved into freelance writing, I was all over the place. I applied myself to every category imaginable, trying to get my feet wet. While I don’t recommend this method at all, it did allow me to figure out what I’m particularly talented at writing. I’m still fairly new to the paid arena, but I have a better focus of where to apply myself when bidding on projects.

Guru and Elance are two highly reputable sites where everyone from newbie’s to seasoned writers can build a freelance writing portfolio and bid on paying writing jobs.

Best of luck to you on the freelance writing road!

Breaking Into The World of Freelance Writing

I’ve created the requisite profiles on freelance writing websites. I’ve scoured the “search jobs,” submitted my proposals, waited with bated breath for a reply…only to realize after a week goes by that another one bites the dust. It’s on to the next one, hoping and praying that someone is willing to give me a chance as a freelance writer.

It’s a tough nut to crack! The conundrum arrives in the form of writing experience. People want you to have experience with published writings/editing, yet, as a new freelance writer, it’s an area that’s sorely lacking.  So how does a newbie freelance writer/editor break into the freelance writing world? There are a few steps that every person wanting to break into the freelance writing world should follow.

1. Get Examples!

I could call this “get some experience” or “get some volunteer work,” but despite the phraseology, the first step is essentially the same: you need some kind of example to show a potential employer. You can’t put together a resume without an example, and there’s no use having a website or blog advertising your services without an example of those services. No matter who you are, what path you’re taking to freelance writing, or what kind of freelance writing you want to do, your number one step is to get examples.

So, how exactly do you go about that?

• Volunteer for a writing project with a local  non-profit.
• Write up your most perfect, flawless article on a subject that interests you (and then turn it into a nicely presented PDF).
• Scrounge up a (short) paper from college, and make sure it’s perfect.
• Use a piece that you’ve written for past employment.
• Write a letter to the editor of your local paper or magazine that is passionate and informative.
• Start a blog.

Whatever you decide to use or write, make sure it’s as near to perfect as possible and fits in with the kind of freelance writing that you aim to do in the future.

2. Write Your Resume

A writer needs a resume. Some other experts in the area may not be so sure, but I believe that you need some kind of document that shows why you can write for pay. You may not use this document in the traditional job-hunting sense, or maybe you will, but putting one together will be a useful exercise in summarizing your strengths and it will serve you well in the next step. Here are some tips on putting together a writing job resume.

3. Flesh Out Your Portfolio

Writers generally use a portfolio to showcase published pieces, clips, and past freelance writing jobs. Remember the step above where you put together your resume? It’s already paying off! Use your resume to think of some pieces that you would include in a portfolio. For example, let’s say that you helped in writing the text for your previous employer’s website. With the employer’s permission, you could use some of that text as an example in your portfolio. Or, did you happen to write an incredible letter for your local PTA or Rotary Club? Pull out a copy, and use it to sell your powers of persuasion.

4. Take It Electronic

Yes, bite the bullet. You are going to have to get online. Many of the freelance writing jobs available are virtual, and you’ll need a webspace to send potential employers to view your portfolio.

Don’t panic! There are options available for the technologically challenged. One solution may be to start a blog. Another alternative is any number of websites specifically designed to host portfolios. Many websites, like Wix.com and Weebly.com, offer easy to build websites if you’re looking for something more advanced than just a portfolio space.