Hazel – You have a very specialized skill and that’s a terrific selling point. I for one hate math and numbers etc. I do like money however, so I never have a problem with that :0) It’s great you can utilize your specialty and branch out when you want to – the best of both world indeed!

Jenny B – Thank you! I think it’s really important to find out what you don’t like to write about. I have one subject in particular that drives me barking mad and though I always have issue with turning down work :0) I never have one with saying no thank you to this particular subject. (boy it’s hard to interact and keep identifying comments a secret!)

Jenny D – I think the standout point in your comment was “something that makes a writer stand out.” That is so important. Whether it’s standing out in a niche as an expert to standing out with kick-butt writing, or well known publication names beside your articles, separating yourself from the pack is key.

Having a niche has helped me to sell more consistently, and to build a name in a specific field. As a result, my querying process has become more informal, responses come more quickly, sources are also more receptive to being interviewed by me, and I am better able to negotiate pay.

That said, I don’t believe a writer must have a niche. There are writers who do very well writing on a variety of subjects, and they gain a following due to their mastery of words, rather than based on a subject. Then there are writers who write under different pen names for varied niches.

I also don’t think that writers who choose to have a niche should necessarily allow themselves to be pigeon-holed. I try out new subjects and writing forms, so I can learn new things and expand my repertoire. Sometimes the new subject/form works out wonderfully well, and I acquire another niche to write for.

My niche is writing articles about business, and particularly when it requires data analysis. I frequently do some of the analysis in Excel and sometimes provide graphics to go with the articles. I also know how to find and read financial information about companies.

I’m not locked into writing about a particular industry or subject, and that allows me to feed that ravenous curiosity! Best of both worlds for me.

I guess I probably have a variety of niches. I don’t want to be a writer of just one niche because I like to keep my options open. By expoloring I’m learning what I like to write and what I’m not as interested in writing.

All the best in the competition and in your writing career.

You can also be an expert in several niches over time, can’t you. Again, being an expert is a recipe for more $ and a better chance of scoring gigs in that niche.

I have a niche but it’s not a business niche, it’s a “type of writing” niche. It’s a differentiator that helps me stand out.

Bottom line, I’m on the fence…I kind of agree with you tho

Fiona Exactly, you can always expand outside of your niche and you never know, it may give you new inspiration and contacts for your niche.

AndrewKeep working and you’ll get full time and there’s nothing wrong with being busy :0). But I definitely get your point – sometimes we need to temper our curiosity.