The Hidden Freelance Writing Job Market
June 3, 2008 by Deb
Filed under Freelance Writing
by Jodee Redmond
Just like in the brick and mortar world, a hidden job market exists
online. We do post job leads from ads here every weekday, but that is
only part of the overall job market. While I in no way want to
discourage you from checking out the job ads, I do want to give you
some suggestions for alternative ways to find freelance writing work.
Find Organizations that Hire Freelancers and Approach Them Yourself
Not sure how to find them? Here’s a suggestion. Check the job boards
for editing jobs. Look for ads that are looking for someone who can
"manage a stable of freelance writers" or that talk about "developing
relationships with freelance writers" and the like.
Now that you have found a lead for a company that works with
freelancers, you can do some homework on the company to see if it is
one that you would be interested in working for. If so, then send in
your resume and samples with a cover letter indicating your interest.
You may not hear back from the company right away or the company may
not be looking to add to its stable of writers right now. In that
case, the company may keep your contact information for a later time.
Or you might strike gold and get your information on the desk of a
person who needs freelance writers right now. (You won’t know unless
you put yourself out there and go after the companies that interest
you.)
Contact Ezine and Newsletter Publishers
Do you subscribe to any ezines or newsletters that relate to your
niche market? (If not, you really should. They are a great way to find
new ideas and keep on top of new developments.)
Ezine and newsletter publishers need fresh content for every edition.
After you have seen a few examples of the ezine or newsletter (to get
an idea of the writing style and subjects are being covered), why not
send a polite e-mail to the publisher offering to write some content
for them?
If you decide to use this approach, do let the publisher know that you
are a regular reader of their ezine or newsletter. It indicates that
you have taken the time to learn something about them before trying to
make contact, which will make you more credible in their eyes. (Do ask
if the publisher would be willing to include a link to your web site
and/or your e-mail address with the article you are submitting. That
way, other potential clients who have seen your work can contact you.)
Place Your Own Ad on Craigslist
Employers aren’t the only ones who can place ads on the board. Why not
write up an ad that showcases what you can do and put it under
Services (Write/Edit/Tr8). Be sure to mention the type of writing you
do and what topics specialize in. A potential client may be looking
for you!
I hope you find these suggestions helpful and wish you luck in your
search for freelance writing jobs.
Great tips as always! Thanks so much.
I have a book that lists 60 “hidden” job markets. I also came across an article on EzineArticles.com that lists 70 different types of freelance writing work. Such markets include resume writing, advertorials, script writing for training films, and annual reports among many others. I am always surprised that so many writers just focus consumer articles, web content or copywriting. With a little research and imagination they can find many different opportunities.
Years ago I read about a woman with a membership site for women. She wrote short stories offering solutions to issues relating to women’s lives. She charged $10 a month and had 300 subscribers. I thought this was such an innovative way to make money writing.
huh. never thought of placing an ad on craigslist. Good idea.
Freelancewriting.com is another place to post your own ad. I have gotten more responses here than I did with CL.
Jodee, thank you for these suggestions. It is amazing what a little bit of “asking around” and “digging around” can do. As writers we not only need to be creative in our writing but also in our job hunting.
My…I just love these articles! They are so informative!
I would add get to meetings in your areas of interest. I picked up my largest client over the last five years (total fees) by going to a conference looking for clients.
This is something I would like to try. I especiallly like the idea of posting on Craigslist.
I’ve placed ads on Craig’sList for writing and for Russian tutoring. I haven’t made much money from them — perhaps partly because I don’t renew them very regularly — but they perform well in searches.
Jodee..love all the tips! Thanks.