Landing Your First Freelance Writing Job – Where to Begin?

I recently talked about the importance of taking some time to research freelancing and freelance writing before starting to look for a freelance writing job. I won’t rehash the discussion, but it’s important to know what you’re getting into. What happens next? How do you land your first freelance writing job?

It Takes Time to Find Freelance Writing Jobs

It’s important to know before you begin that for many writers it takes time to land a gig. Certainly it’s easier in the Internet age, but many writers look for months before getting a nibble. Don’t be discouraged. Many employers wish for writers with more experience. If you’re rejected tell yourself it’s nothing personal. Remember that some of the greatest writers in the world were rejected for years before landing a book or magazine deal. Just tell yourself that it’s part of the job and you’re in very good company. Keep positive. Plenty of places are happy to hire talented beginners, if you’re persistent you’ll find them.

Where to Begin?

Begin at the job boards. Some job boards, like Media Bistro, post gigs geared towards experienced journalists and magazine writers. These are harder to break into. Other boards such as FWJ and Craigslist list plenty of opportunities for beginners. Don’t only look online though. Local newspapers also have the occasional freelance gig.

You might also visit or call local businesses to inquire about their needs. Restaurants need menus, graphic designers need copy writers, and many shops need flyers and promotional material. Also, organizations and civic groups need brochures and schools need reports and other writing. You’ll get turned down 9 times out of 10, but the 10th opportunity can get your foot through a very big door. Once you please one client it can lead to more work and word of mouth recommendations.

But Wait…Don’t I Need Clips?

Employers looking for experienced writers will want published clips. These can be links to online work, PDF or other files, or copies of newspaper and magazine clips. If no such animal exists, write up something relevant and use this as your “clip”. In most cases the potential client wants to see your writing style and that you can produce clean content. You don’t necessarily need to have written for a major publication to provide these. Some online clients want you to write a sample especially for them, if this is the case you might want to see how much they’ll pay for you to write on demand.

I’m Nervous About Applying

I think the one area in which I was most hesitant was in sending in my application. How would I word my cover letter?

There are plenty of good tips and ideas in our cover letter clinic, plus you can give it a Google.  Each writer has a different formula for what makes a good and successful introduction. It’s especially difficult in the beginning when you don’t necessarily have career highlights to list. I do believe in being short and to the point, highlighting your assets and letting the client know how you can best benefit her and her company.

It will be trial and error at first. If you don’t get any nibbles tweak…and continue to tweak. You’ll know you hit on the right formula when you start getting responses to your query.

Do I Need a Resume?

This is another area where not all writers agree. For years I only sent an introductory letter when applying. I did fine. After reading an article on the importance of a writer’s resume I decided to include one when I applied for web writing gigs. I had a higher success rate when I included a resume with my inquiry. Consider this though, if you’re beginning as a writer will you have enough experience to add to a resume or will it look padded?

Just Do It!

Ok, so you researched, you found a few gigs you feel are perfect, you think you have a good cover letter and maybe a resume, now you have no more excuses. Apply. Just do it. You know in your heart you’ll make a great writer now there’s nothing keeping you from looking for a great gig.

Just do it!