Techniques Of Obtaining Freelance Writing Jobs
She sits in an office cubicle, day after day, dreaming of an exciting career in freelance writing. Susan Gerlitz is a secretary for an oil and gas company but she’d rather be at home, writing articles. She wrote stories for her college newspaper but doesn’t know how or who to talk to about writing again.
Many people want the freedom and fulfillment of a freelance writing career. If this is something you’ve considered, it is entirely possible. However, it’s not something that can happen overnight. Like any new career, you must learn new skills or polish up old ones. Consider taking a writing course, which at best, will help get you back in the practice of writing. This will ultimately give you a profound sense of confidence once you get into the freelance market place.
Writing is the easy part. Building relationships in the industry is the daunting part for many people. Begin by starting slowly. Many careers have begun by writing on a part-time, volunteer basis. Perhaps your community league or association or local charity organization has a newsletter and is looking for free editorial. Write about interesting people in your neighborhood. These profiles make for very interesting reading and help establish your name in the community. Once you start a collection of stories or articles, you have a portfolio of samples to show editors who may want to see what you can do.
Get to know the editors of local papers and magazines. Determine your area of interest and pursue relationships with editors who publish that sort of work. For example, if you love sports, get to know local sports editors and introduce yourself. Give them some story ideas. They might just ask you to write one.
Get to know other writers in your area. Start with a quick email saying you loved a recent article, or flat out explain that you’re breaking into the business and ask them for some advice. Other writers aren’t always in competition – some are so busy that they give editors names of other writers. If your name is top of mind, that just might be your big break.
If you’re longing to write fiction, joining a writer’s group is one of the best ways to increase your circle of influence. That’s where you’ll find out who publishes fiction, either in short story or book form. There are hundreds of magazines world-wide that publish fiction pieces, which may pay more than non-fiction writing. However, it’s much harder to get published as a fiction writer.
No matter which route you take, the important part is to get to know as many people as possible and build a reputation. While you’re waiting for opportunity to knock, write every day. Keep yourself busy with the process of writing and you’ll start making those key connections.
A D Kerr writes for Word Wolf which is a blog about make money online and has articles published such as ways to write for the search engines.
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