Comments on: Writing Samples: What to Show a Potential Client

By: Your Turn: What Do You Use as Freelance Writing Clips? : Freelance Writing Jobs | A Freelance Writing Community and Freelance Writing Jobs Resource

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 19:32:15 +0000

[...] and foremost, potential clients want to get a feel for your writing style and expertise. When choosing clips, make sure [...]

By: Using the Web to Find Writing and Editing Jobs | PoeWar

Using the Web to Find Writing and Editing Jobs | PoeWar — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 18:22:27 +0000

[...] Writing Samples: What to Show a Potential Client [...]

By: To Niche or Not to Niche? | Freelance Writing Jobs

To Niche or Not to Niche? | Freelance Writing Jobs — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:24:17 +0000

[...] just wrote a great post on choosing [...]

By: Sue

Sue — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:21:57 +0000

I’ve had editors tell me that they like seeing a sample before it was edited, so they have a more clear idea of the quality of work they’ll be receiving. I send something that has already been published. I’ve gotten a few jobs — including one posted here last week — because I do this.

By: Rachel .:.A Step Ahead.:.

Rachel .:.A Step Ahead.:. — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 23:32:20 +0000

I created an online portfolio to hold the majority of my samples. When emailing a potential client, I am sure to tell them about my online portfolio and I attach other samples that relate to their subject if needed.

By: Kristy

Kristy — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 22:54:21 +0000

@ Kerry – Sometimes I do that; however, when the client asks for a resume, it is better to provide a resume than a narrative paragraph. I’m a stickler for following their directions.

By: Kristy

Kristy — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 22:53:18 +0000

Thanks Jodee! And I’m glad to see I’m not to the only one that is interested in the topic! Whew!

By: Amanda Nicole

Amanda Nicole — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 16:24:23 +0000

PS: I have a writer’s resume that I’ll paste into the email if a posting specifically asks for one, but I’m not entirely happy with it, so I’d also be interested in coverage of that topic. Specifically, how to include website content creation on a resume. Thanks!

By: Amanda Nicole

Amanda Nicole — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 16:21:24 +0000

I include up to 3 relevant samples in my response to a job posting, as well as mention my relevant experience in the cover letter. I also add a link to the portfolio page of my website at the end of the email; I’ll say something like, “And here’s a link to my full portfolio. Please feel free to have a browse around my website to get to know me a bit better.” That way, they also get an idea of my rates and why I charge what I do.

By: Cherrye at My Bella Vita

Cherrye at My Bella Vita — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 13:40:36 +0000

I’m glad you asked this question, Aurora. I’ve encountered this a few times, as well. I would do it as long as the client knew the article could not be used unless I was hired/payed. From my limited experience with this the clients who are honest appreciate the fact that you respect yourself and your work and it opens the door to clear communication. If a potential client balked or was non-responsive, I would move on.

By: Kerry Dexter

Kerry Dexter — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 13:29:32 +0000

just a comment to Kristy’s situation: perhaps a paragraph of narrative biography would work better than a resume?

By: Sandi

Sandi — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 06:50:46 +0000

Thank you so much for this! Extremely helpful!

By: Jodee

Jodee — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 03:53:10 +0000

@ Kristy: I’ve the sample resume idea to my list of thing to cover.

By: Jodee

Jodee — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 03:33:45 +0000

@ Amy: I don’t write in one specialized niche, so I tell people what kind of work I’ve done (general content, SEO, ebooks, reports, blogs, autoresponders) and give them an idea of some of the topics I’ve covered.

@ Aurora: I haven’t run across that one in awhile…I would think that a potential client can get an idea of your writing style from your prior work. If they want you to do a test assignment that they are willing to pay for, then that’s not a problem but I wouldn’t be working for free.

By: Kristy

Kristy — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 03:32:24 +0000

You know what I’d like to see? A sample resume. I don’t know why I’m having trouble with mine, but I am. My “corporate” resume was no problem, but the writing one is. I think part of it is because I’ve got so much experience as a ghostwriter that I can’t really give specifics. I’ve been doing it for over a year and I don’t have much I can show. The resume just seems to look so pitiful. I don’t know, maybe I’m just overreacting, but is there any chance we might see a sample resume?

By: Aurora

Aurora — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 02:48:53 +0000

I always send what I believe is the best match for the topic the client is looking for, but also something that will match the style and angle they are looking for. For example, I may have a related topic piece, but if it is more reference and I know the client is looking for a news format, I will also provide news-oriented pieces to show my style (if I don’t have a single piece that matches both in one).

This is a bit off-topic, but your post reminded me I had a question to ask of others. What should one do when you are asked to provide a sample that is original (400/500words+). Would you include your copyright informatiom so the potential client cannot use this (just incase you don’t get the job), or would send it along and cross your fingers and consider just another task to getting another job?

By: Amy Derby

Amy Derby — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 02:32:25 +0000

Good topic, Jodee.

I choose my samples carefully to match with the position. I don’t respond to job ads unless they mention a topic and give details, so I always have a pretty good idea of what they’re after when I respond.

In a way I guess I do list other topics I’ve covered, although I don’t do it in an actual list format. After I’ve addressed my direct experience to their area/topic/whatever in my cover letter I’ll say, “I currently blog for one law firm about A and another about B. In the past I have blogged about X, Y and Z.” (Maybe that is what you mean.)

Then I choose the best samples I have to match the gig. I limit it to three, unless they specify that they want more than three, with more available on request.