A Good Practice For Finding Work – Keep An Open Mind

by Candidate #5

As a writer, I often find myself struggling to diversify and break out of a specific niche. It is important not to let yourself become pigeonholed and labeled as a certain kind of writer (unless of course, you’re making good money doing just that and see no need to branch out). Whether you are just starting out as a freelance writer or simply looking to expand your clientele, here are a few ideas on the best way to go about finding work.

Follow Other Writers. No, I don’t mean cyberstalking here. But I often come across other writers on message boards and blogs and enjoy visiting their Web sites to see what kind of writing they are doing. It’s not unusual to come across someone’s blog and realize it is affiliated with a network that may be looking to hire new bloggers. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve discovered job opportunities just by checking out networks and publications other writers have been published in. Check out the bio page of your favorite book about freelance writing. Where else has the author been published? Look up those places and you may find a new list of places to pitch your work.

Market Yourself . . . Often. This can be subtle, and as simple as printing out business cards or filling in that your occupation is "freelance writer" on information forms. If someone asks what you do for a living, don’t be shy. They could be a small business owner looking for a copywriter or looking for a professional to write a press release for them. A few years ago I interviewed a local preschool director for a parenting article. When I went to enroll my son in her school, she remembered who I was and ended up hiring me to write a press release about her business to send to the local media.
Get Yourself A Web Site If You Haven’t Already. I wavered on setting up a Web site for the longest time because I thought it would be too expensive. Then I finally asked around and found out I could get a pretty affordable package through GoDaddy.com. I’m not a good graphic designer, but they had plenty of templates to choose from and I was able to set up a respectable site in no time. Having a place to showcase my clips was a boon for my business and I’ve often had comments on how having a site makes me look much more professional. And it’s a tax write-off! Again, visit other writer Web sites to get an idea of whom they are using and do your homework. You won’t regret putting it together if you research the best service for your needs before getting set up.
Look For Opportunities . . . Everywhere. Look at the free publications in the lobby of your doctor’s office or at the library. Many of them may be looking for writers, but you won’t know unless you e-mail a resume to them or send them a quick e-mail (after you’ve looked over the publication first, of course). Know a good web designer? Offer your copywriting services for a future project and you could make a heck of a team. Send your credentials and samples to your local newspaper. Many of them are always looking to add stringers to their roster but don’t necessarily advertise it. I got my first break with such a publication by researching a story on Bunco for another local magazine. An editor of a newspaper was at the party, and well, the rest is history.

Make A Habit Of Looking For Your Own Leads . . . Every Day. Your plate may currently be full, but you never know when someone’s budget might be cut and you’ve lost half your month’s salary. Freelance Writing Jobs is a great place to start, but put together your own list of places to find work and check them every day. Many writing blogs now feature regular job listings. If you see a job you are perfect for, tailor a cover letter and send samples (if requested) immediately. Prospective employers get inundated with applications and may not get to yours if you are the 200th person to send something in. Also, apply for the job even if you think you may not have time for it. It’s easier to turn down a job than go scrambling for an extra gig when the mortgage is due and you’ve just lost your best paying client.

Be Good To Your Editors . . . You Never Know Whom They Might Connect You With.  I had no idea my section editor at a newspaper (a different one than mentioned in the Bunco story) was married to the publisher of a local business publication. I received an e-mail from the husband out of the blue one day asking me if I was interested in writing for the trade magazine. I have worked hard for the first editor for over a year and while business has been slow with the newspaper, she did me a favor by passing my name along. Trade magazines typically pay a lot better than newspapers, so I’m glad I was so diligent in tracking down sources and meeting deadlines for the first editor. Your clients will often reward you for your hard work by giving you extra assignments or turning you onto a new client. Keep that in mind as you prioritize your work.
Curiosity is a good thing when it comes to finding freelance work. All of the above tips have helped me establish a good roster of clients since I began in earnest several years ago. Make looking for new work part of your daily routine, whether it is scouring job boards or putting a link to your Web site in your e-mail signature. You never know who (or what) new opportunities you might come across by keeping an open mind!