Back to Basics: Step 1 How to Get Started Finding a Freelance Writing Job
October 9, 2008 by Deb
Filed under Freelance Writing
by Deborah Ng
So I finally got around to answering some of my email (thanks to your patience) and I’m noticing many new writers and visitors to Freelance Writing Jobs, welcome all. Many of the new friends to FWJ want to know how to find freelance writing jobs. Which is an easy and difficult question to answer at the same time.
Finding Your First Freelance Writing Job
Really, the only thing keeping you from applying to your first freelance writing job is you. If you took the time to research all the freelance writing job boards, all of the opportunities and payment options, all of the different types of writing, you have no where else to go but to start applying for gigs.
Just Do It!
How do you get started finding freelance writing jobs? Here it is in a nutshell:
- Research by reading everything you can about freelance writing, rates, where to find jobs, the types of writing, how to write a cover letter, putting together a resume or writing website and more.
- Get together a couple of writing samples. If you don’t have published samples, write something.
- Apply.
Simple right?
Don’t do what I did. I printed out all the listings on the job boards every day and read them on my subway commute home every day, but I never applied. It took over a year before I could get up the courage. Don’t be afraid of rejection because every writer gets rejected. Just turn submit, submit, submit and one day you’ll hit.
Over the weeks, we’ll see more in the back to basics series which will discuss in detail everything a brand new freelance writer needs to begin. Getting started is the easy part, keeping the work coming is a little more difficult.
- The One Thing Keeping You From Finding Freelance Writing Jobs
- The Best of FWJ: 15 Posts About Finding the Best Freelance Writing Opportunities
- Pickin’ & Choosin’ Finding the Freelance Writing Jobs that are Best for You
- Freelance Writing for Beginners: Step 1 What Will You Write?
- 12 Things to Do BEFORE Applying for a Freelance Writing Job
Oh thank yo for this and I hate to say it but I was glad to read it took you a year to start applying. SAME HERE. But now that I have finally started I got two polite rejections and one wanting more writing samples. This is definitely progress!
Good suggestions. Once a person starts getting enough apps and information out there, work will come in unsolicited. Not enough to pay all the bills, but enough for some extras.
I didn’t focus on step #3 until a few years ago. Before then, all I did was concentrate on #1. I wish this site had been around then, but now I know!
I have 20 years of writing experience and a ton of print writing samples, but none online. I recently applied to two cheap content sites and didn’t even get a reply, let alone a chance to take their writing test.
I’ve been applying for four years to different things, but if you don’t know the online terminology and software, no one wants you.
Any suggestions?
Hi C.A, welcome! I always say rejection is better than no answer at all, because at least you know one way or another. Besides, you’re in great company. Even the best writers have been rejected before, some many times!
Hi Phil, for me once I got the courage to start applying and submitting the rest was downhill.
Hi Hana, Well we’re here now! I hope you’ll come by often.
Hi Jan, there’s a lot of work out there – plenty for everyone. Many places will accept you by the samples you submit and not expect you to take a writing test or install software. Just keep applying. If you’re unsure of how the online portals work or the correct terminolgy, there are articles, blog posts and tutorials all over. My recommendation to you is to look up what you don’t know. I’m technically challenged and I find this stuff easy, I’m sure you will too.
Good luck and keep us posted.
@ Jan: Apply to more magazine jobs.
@Jan – resell your print articles to online pubs to beef up your online credentials. Also try for print pubs that have online versions or sister pubs, and sell multiple rights.
Thanks, Deb! I found my first paid blogging job through this site, and I hope to find more.
Useful article. If you don’t take action, it is just a hope and dream. It is better late than never that you finally decided to follow up and get some job writing articles, albeit a year later.
Diana @ http://www.DianaTan.net