Freelance Writing Jobs | A Freelance Writing Community and Freelance Writing Jobs Resource » Job Hunting Tips

Free Samples and Writing on Spec: Should You?

Deb Ng — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:30:56 +0000

Many freelance writers aren’t a fan of writing on “spec.” That is, to create an assigned article for a potential freelance writing client or publication without the promise of acceptance. This usually happens when a publication doesn’t want to commit to a new writer without giving him or her an audition first.

When you encounter a freelance writing job ad looking for a specially prepared (and possibly unpaid) sample, that’s almost the same thing as writing on spec. I call these request “special samples.” Special samples are writing requests beyond the clips that are submitted with the initial query or application.

Questions to Ask a Potential Client Who Wants Free Writing Samples

Most potential clients request clips and writing samples to get a feel for your writing. They want to be sure your voice and tone fits their own, and, also, they want to be sure you know the subject matter. In most cases, published clips will do just fine. For some clients this isn’t enough and they want writers to complete an assignment before they’ll agree to hire them. This is when we run into problems, especially if the client wants to keep all special samples without paying for them.

Before creating new samples at a potential client’s request ask him the following:

Why do you need new samples when I already showed you several examples of my writing?
How much will you pay for me to write this sample?
Who owns my writing sample?
What will you do with my sample if I’m not hired?

Many potential clients are actually very well-intentioned, they only want be sure you can handle the material. However, there are other clients who are looking for free content. Asking questions will prevent you from helping to stock someone else’s website without seeing anything in return.

There have been occasions where I’ve written on spec:

About.com’s Prep program is a two week audition where potential Guides create content for their Guide Site. Several writers apply and build sites at the same time, but only one writer is chosen for the job. Those who don’t make the cut are left with nothing to show for their hard work. Fortunately for me, it paid off and I landed the gig. If I didn’t I probably would have used all of the content for my blog.
One regular client asked me if I would try tackling a particular topic. The gig was lucrative but I never wrote about that particular subject before. Rather than lose this client to someone else, I wrote the piece on spec. I also got the gig.

Providing free samples or articles on spec is never a sure thing. While most freelance writers shy away from clients requesting free samples, there have been occasions where it’s turned out well for the writer. If you’re going to write a free sample, make sure you’re compensated, especially if the potential client will use the sample. If you’re not compensated and it’s only to be used as an “audition,” make sure your client knows he doesn’t own any rights to the content, he may not publish it without your consent, and it is yours to do with what you wish. If the client wants all rights to a sample even if you don’t get the gig, run. This is only someone looking for free goods.

Every day writers ask if they should submit free samples. My answer is always to consider the source and ask the right questions. I’m not a fan of writing on spec, but I did have success with it a couple of times, and I know other writers with similar stories. Just keep in mind you may not receive any form of payment for your work, and the potential client may very well end up keeping your samples to use as he wishes. For another side of the story, read John Hewitt’s excellent account at PoeWAr: The Dangers of Writing on Spec. While there are differences between writing on spec and turning in free samples, the outcome can be the same. Lots of work for nothing.

What are your thoughts? Have you ever submitted a free sample? Would you write on spec?

Why It’s a Good Idea to Check the Freelance Writing Job Boards Every Day Even If You’re Not Looking for Work

Deb Ng — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 14:40:11 +0000

I’m not actively seeking freelance writing work. I have a couple of clients and this blog to keep me busy. For the most part, I don’t apply for a gig or send a query unless I find something that truly piques my interest. Still, I check the job boards every single day. Even if I’m not trolling for freelance writing job leads to post here, I still make it a part of my daily routine.

I know not every freelance writing blogger recommends you look for work so often as it cuts down on productivity. However, I feel it’s important to do so, even if you only take fifteen minutes to scan the job boards. I feel it’s an absolute necessary part of my routine.

If I’m going to blog about freelance writing, I better have a good idea of the job situation

The name of this blog is Freelance Writing Jobs. I wouldn’t be true to this blog’s title or mission if I didn’t keep up with freelance writing trends. I can talk to you every day about finding work or applying for gigs, but if I’m not doing any of it myself, I really have no call doing this. Plus, as a freelance writer, it’s important to know what’s going on in the job market. I may not need to find work today, but that doesn’t mean I won’t be in a position to have to do so tomorrow.

Visiting the job boards each day allows me to see:

Who is hiring

Who is hiring tells me a lot about the freelance writing job scene. For example, if I notice a bunch of Fortune 500 companies begin hiring freelance writers all of a sudden, I will be curious as to the reasons why. I might want to investigate. Are these businesses now outsourcing because it’s cheaper than paying a salaried employee? I’ll also look into what they’re paying and the best ways to apply for these opportunities.

On the other side of the coin, it will also allow me to see the lower payers such as the content sites. I’ll want to research them too to see if they’re good opportunities for writers. I’ll see who is taking advantage of writers and if there are new scams targeting writers. If content sites are placing fewer job ads and not hiring as often, I’ll wonder about this trend as well. Do they have enough writers? Are they saving money?

It’s always a good idea to know what is out there, no matter where you are in your career. You never know when you’ll need to apply to any of these opportunities.

What they’re paying

In trolling the job boards every day, I’m noticing an upward trend in rates for web content and blog posts. Two to three years ago clients were offering $2 to $5 for a blog post. Now the norm is $2o to $50 for a post. If I didn’t read the job boards every day I wouldn’t know about this positive trend. By viewing the job boards, I also have an idea of which companies prefer a rate quote, and what many private clients and corporations are willing to pay writers. Again, I’m noticing an upward trend from several years ago. This tells me, I can raise my rate and still be competitive.

How many jobs are available:

By visiting the job boards each day I can note how many jobs are available. Fewer opportunities means more writers applying for each opportunity. I might also want to research the reason why the down trend for this blog or a proposed article.

Fewer opportunities means I have to be more diligent about perfecting my application or query because it has to stand out from all the other extra applicants. It also means I might have to apply to more gigs to ensure I don’t hit a “famine” period.

As a freelance writer you owe it to yourself to know what’s going on in your industry

Ignorance isn’t always bliss. It may be time consuming to check the job boards every day, but not doing so can be a mistake. The best way to know what’s going on in the freelance writing world isn’t through the blogs, it’s through the job boards. That’s where you’ll get the real information. It’s how you’ll learn the trends in hiring and rates. It’s a way to learn which jobs bring in the big bucks, which types of freelance opportunities are having a boom and who is going bust.

As someone who writes about freelance writing every single day, I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t check the freelance writing job boards every day. How could I talk to you about trends, rates, opportunities or applications, if I didn’t keep apprised of any of these situations?

I feel keeping a close eye on the job board gives me and edge and keeps me fresh. That’s worth a half hour of my time each day.

What are some of the things you learn from the freelance writing job boards?

6 Tips for Finding New Freelance Writing Markets

Deb Ng — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 21:10:13 +0000

Is it your goal for 2010 to find new markets for your writing? The good news is there are so many publications and places to choose from. The challenge is knowing where to look.

If you want to fit some extra querying into your strategy for the new year, consider these tips for finding new markets.

1. Check out the waiting rooms: Waiting rooms provide a bonanza of information for market-seekers. Many businesses subscribe to a variety of titles to keep their clients and patrons entertained while waiting. Staff members also recycle by bringing in magazines from home. Sort through the tables and racks to see if anything captures your interest. If so, open to the masthead and jot down the contact information. Once you get home, search online for more information so you can better tailor your pitch.

2. Visit the library: The library is even better than a waiting room for learning about new magazines. Most libraries subscribe to periodicals from around the world. Every time I browse magazines at the library, I find titles and niches I never even knew existed. Jot down the titles that interest you and then find yourself a copy of the Writer’s Market. Inside you’ll find almost everything you need to know about querying those markets.

3. Use the Writer’s Market: Speaking of Writer’s Market, if you don’t want to use the library copy each time you want to check out a market, consider buying you’re own. You can purchase one new or used*, or you can subscribe online for (I think) about $5 per month. What makes the Writer’s Market so valuable is that it lists tons of markets, all their contact details and everything you need to know about querying each market. It also includes querying tips and more.

4. Visit writing forums: Writing communities share market tips and advice all the time. Becoming a part of the various communities will enable you to share and learn about the different markets and the best ways to break into them.

5. Do a web search: Searching for “Writers Markets,” “Submissions Guidelines,” “Write for Us,” and “Writer’s Guidelines” will turn you on to plenty of new opportunities.

6. Talk to other writers: What are your writer friends doing? Why not ask? Ask your friends on Twitter and in the forums. Ask the people in the groups you subscribe to or the groups you personally attend. Most writers are happy to share.

How do you find new markets?

*Affiliate link for 2010 Writer’s Market Deluxe (Writer’s Market Online)

3 Tips for Applying for Location Specific Gigs – When You Live Outside the Area

Deb Ng — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:26:01 +0000

Have you ever come across a location specific freelance writing gig that sounded perfect, but you didn’t live anywhere near the requested area? That’s not necessarily a reason to skip the gig. Some clients are more than open to the idea of hiring freelancers outside the area, they just don’t know it yet.

Here are some tips for applying to freelance writing gigs outside of your area:

Read the entire ad: If the client specifically requests area specific freelance writers and mentions this in the ad, don’t apply. Should the opportunity arise later to hire freelancers outside of the area, he may remember you as someone who didn’t follow directions. There are reasons a client wants a freelancer close by, usually to attend meetings or to come in to the area to give periodic progress reports. If they insist on hiring someone local, move on to the next gig.
Be honest: Let the potential client know where you live right off the bat. For example, you can say in your cover letter, “I’m a freelance writer residing in Baltimore, Maryland…” Your client might become frustrated if he finds you to be a terrific candidate yet calls and finds out you can’t come in for an interview. Once he reads about your location he can then decide on whether or not to read further. Mention it without making it a part of your pitch. You don’t have to discuss why he should hire someone outside the area, let your pitch decide for him.
Be convincing: Give a good pitch. Let this potential client know what you can do for him and his business. Show him how you’re perfect for the job. Make the location seem like an insignificant part of the job. Don’t bring up working at home or kids or personal stuff. Talk about why you’re the best person for the job, and you may just have a shot.

Do you ever apply for location specific gigs outside your area? If so, how did that work for you

Pitch to the “Hidden” Places that Hire Freelance Writers

Deb Ng — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:56:03 +0000

Have you ever done a search for “freelance writer” only to land on a gig that isn’t for a freelance writer at all? For example you may land on a job for an editor who has to “supervise freelance writers” or a managing editor who has to “hire freelance writers”. Don’t click away from these gigs yet. They’re actually offering valuable information — they’re telling you these businesses hire freelance writers. Even though they don’t have job ad requesting freelance writers, it doesn’t mean they’re not open to the idea of reading your pitch and, at the very least, keeping your details on file for future reference.

Here’s what to do:

Contact the business - Don’t necessarily ask if they hire freelance writers. Instead, ask for the name of the person who hires freelance writers or the name of the person who is the hiring agent or in charge of human resources. Unless you’d prefer to do a cold call, in which case you’d have to get past the receptionist and that’s not likely. I never cold call without sending a bit of information ahead anyway.
Research the business: Many ads list the company’s name and location. Learn as much about the business as you can to find out if you’re a good fit. For example if they’re a pharmaceutical company and you have no experience writing health, medical or pharmaceutical related material, you’ll want to pass. If it’s a business that manufactures sustainable materials and you’re a green living expert, you may have found a job for which you’re well-suited. Besides, it’s always a good idea to know everything you can about a business you want to work for in order to better make your pitch.
Send your pitch: Rather than a cookie cutter “please hire me or keep me on file” type of pitch, create a letter that touches on your experience and why you would like to work for this business. Let them know how you will benefit their business and their brand and offer bang for the buck. This is where your research comes in handy.
Include your resume: If your past experience will benefit you in landing a gig, by all means include it with your pitch. List past happy clients and let this potential client know you’re happy to provide references upon request.
Include testimonials: Having a list of glowing testimonials will only help your cause. Make sure each testimonial is from a check- able reference.
Include contact details: Don’t forget a business card or sheet listing your contact details.
Follow up: One to two weeks after sending your package, give a call to follow up. Ask for the person who you sent the package to. If this person doesn’t know who you are explain how you sent a package containing your details as a freelance writer. If you’re told the other party can’t come to the phone, do leave a message but also ask when for a good time to call back. Don’t be a nudge. If you don’t hear back in a few days call again. If you still can’t get through to someone ask the receptionist to leave a note saying you appreciate having your details kept on file in the event they’ll need to hire a freelancer. If you make a pest of yourself, they won’t want to work with you.

Even though they may not be advertising, plenty of businesses hire freelance writers. Finding ads for other writing and editorial professionals may help lead you to these “hidden” markets.

What have you got to lose?

10 Ways to Get Your Freelance Writing Foot in the Door

Deb Ng — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:11:53 +0000

We’re talking about freelance writing experience today. Many writers mention how hard it is to get their proverbial feet in the door without having to take entry level web opportunities. It’s true, these jobs are the simplest to get, but there are other ways to get started as a freelance writer. They may not take the easy way out, but they’re tried and true. Continue some of these ways for getting started as a freelance writer.

Ten Ways to Get Your Freelance Writing Foot in the Door

Work pro bono – Though I don’t recommend writing for free, I have been known to do so for a good cause (and sometimes a few relatives). For example, few years ago a friend approached me about writing a brochure for a Habitat for Humanity event. Though they offered to pay, I didn’t accept. It was for a good cause and I felt the clip to be a resume booster. It was and still is. Charity work pays in more ways than money. Since then, I’ve more than a few pieces for charity and even some for local businesses that needed a boost.
Contact local newspapers and magazines - Many small newspapers, magazines and “Pennysavers” don’t pay much, but offer good opportunities for getting started as a freelance writer. Local newspapers often look for articles of interest to the community. Pitch public interest pieces or offer to cover town meetings and events.
Contact local businesses: Who writes the paragraphs for real estate in the real estate magazines? Call Realtors to find out. Who handles brochures or web copy for businesses in your area? Contact them to find out. Businesses always need writing but they don’t always have the time to look for a good, affordable writer. Make a list of the place that might have a need for writers, and give them a jingle.
Talk to friends, family and neighbors: Let everyone know you’re open for business. In their travels they might find someone who needs a writer and recommend you.
Advertise: If you don’t mind putting out a little money you can advertise in the newspaper, local business publications, the church newsletter, and on community bulletin boards. You might also create a writer’s website and use keywords to direct local businesses to your site.
Network: Join clubs, especially those geared towards the community or small businesses. I had a few very good gigs come from being the president of a local women’s organization that I originally joined for recreation. Attend conferences and seminars and even non-business-y events like local dances or lectures.
Join a professional organization: Why not join your local Chamber of Commerce or a small business owners group? How about a freelance writing organization, The Society of Professional Journalists or the National Organization of Women Business Owners? The people who are members of these different organizations like to hire within.
Write for the web: Web writing opportunities are plentiful and profitable. They range in all levels of pay and will help to build up clips and experience.
Start a blog: Start a blog in a topic you know well. Not only can this help establish as an expert, but it will also catch the attention of potential clients. For example, say you’re a former wedding planner and you decide to start a wedding planning blog. Someone looking for a wedding writer might come across your blog and contact you. You will also have several posts to use in querying for wedding writing opportunities.
Create your own clips: If you need some clips to land work and don’t have any, write a few in your areas of expertise. Run them through a second pair of eyes to be sure they read well – and then use those clips when you apply for available opportunities.

How did you get your foot in the door?

Also see: 30 Types of Freelance Writing Jobs and How to Get Them

Confidence vs. Arrogance

Deb Ng — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:24:22 +0000

Confident people are very attractive. They have an air of self assurance about them. Arrogant people, on the other hand, can be a turn off. They’re not sure, they’re cocky. They use their arrogance to hide insecurity. Confidence can land you a gig, arrogance can cause you to lose out.

Here are a few more differences between people who are confident vs. people who are arrogant:

Confidence is knowing you’re up to the task. Confident people don’t have to wonder if they’re qualified to pitch for a job. They’re always sure about the job they can do and convey this to the potential client in an equally assured manner. They know why they’re a perfect fit for a gig and tell the client in a calm, clear manner. Their resumes show a long list of happy clients.

Arrogance is saying you’re up to the task. Arrogant people are abundant in bravado but lacking in substance. In a job interview an arrogant person won’t talk about why he’s best suited for the task. Instead, they talk about why the other people are wrong for the task. Arrogant people don’t know how to talk about themselves without insulting others.

Confident people share details. They answer questions without a lot of “me,” “me,” “me.”

Arrogant people: Brag.

Confident writers hope potential clients recognize their ability.

Arrogant writers criticize anyone who doesn’t appreciate their greatness.

Confident people aren’t worried about competition and don’t mind sharing the tools and stories leading to their success.

Arrogant people use their skills to talk down to others.

Confident bloggers teach.

Arrogant bloggers condescend.

Confident people keep an eye on their fellow writers and bloggers but don’t consider themselves competition.

Arrogant people bad mouth others to prop themselves up.

Confidence: You walk.

Arrogance: You strut.

Confidence: People take notice.

Arrogance: People roll their eyes.

Confident writers offer respectful disagreement when their thoughts don’t jibe with that of another writer.

Arrogant writers point fingers and call names but never make a point.

Confident writers have the faith and the ability to meet their their clients’ needs.

Arrogant writers: It’s their way or the highway.

What are some of the difference you see between confidence and arrogance?

Discuss…

Top 10 Freelance Writing Job Ad Red Flags

Deb Ng — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:01:34 +0000

When you troll the job boards every day you learn a little about the tactics many shady or very low paying employers use to find freelance writers. As someone who has been reading freelance writing job ads every day for over a decade, I can tell you some things haven’t change. The good news is that after all this time it’s easy to spot poor opportunities.

Perhaps you’ve come across these red flags:

Top 10 Freelance Writing Job Ad Red Flags

1. Perfect for Work at Home Moms, Retirees or College Students

Jobs are perfect for writers, not situations. The only reason a potential client will tell you something is “perfect” for someone else is usually to justify low rates. They’re saying because you’re retired, in school or work from home, you shouldn’t expect the same rates as higher paying companies.

2. Lots of Exclamation Points!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sometimes the people who write ads are enthusiastic and have a flair for the dramatic. I’ve never seen a “Work at Home!!!!!!!!” job that wasn’t scammy. If you come across one of these opportunities, ask why they’re working so hard to catch your eye. Sure, it can be a terrific opportunity, but it can also be a clunker. Proceed with caution.

3. Earn “Up To….”

I have news for you. It’s very rare you’ll make thousands of dollars a day working at home. You might earn thousands each month, and I know some bloggers who earn thousands each week, but to earn $15,000 a day isn’t happening. Not even for John Chow and Darren Rowse. Trust me, if it sounds to good to be true, it is.

4. Hundreds of Ads – Every Day

Some very legitimate and worthwhile companies advertise on all the different job boards each week. When they start hitting every city in every state, on every job board, every single day, one starts to wonder. It’s understandable that popular content sites are going to advertise often to find writers. When they start spamming it leads one to wonder. Is the turnover rate so high? Is the pay rate too low? Why are they so desperate for writers?

5. Different Names and Email Addresses for the Same Company

Sometimes a business is flagged so often on Craigslist everyone knows to stay away. We remember the business name and all the players. The business owners change tactics by using different email addresses and the parent company name instead of the name used in the original ad. Ask yourself, why are their ads always flagged, and why are they taking such pains to look like they’re another company altogether?

6. Asking for Money

You should never have to pay to work for someone. Ever. Period. Done.

P.S. There are job listing sites on the job boards they may request money. It’s one thing to pay to find a job on a membership-only job site and a whole other story to pay to work for a client. The client should be paying you to work for him and not the other way around.

7. Vague Ads

Ever wonder why certain employers don’t put any information in job ads? Because once you “inquire within” you learn you wasted your time. Again, not every vague ad means the client has something to hide. However, most employers will at least let you know a few details about what the job entails in order to attract the right type of writer.

8. Free Samples

We discuss free samples often. Again, this isn’t necessarily a sign that a client isn’t a good one. Some clients want to make sure you’re a good fit and don’t know it’s not quite ethical to ask someone to write a sample on spec (and not pay for it). Other clients want something for nothing and take your sample and use it without compensation. Before you submit a sample, find out what will happen if the sample is not accepted and paid for. Will he use it anyway? Or do you get to retain the rights and submit it elsewhere?

9. Quantity Over Quality

Ads saying they’d rather you were prolific than talented are sure to be low payers. Anyone who doesn’t care about the writing, doesn’t care about the writer. He’s only interested in stocking his site with content to earn money.

10. May Lead to Paying Opportunity

Does this look familiar? “The job doesn’t pay now, but it may pay in the future.” My response to that is, “contact me when it pays.” Our landlords don’t allow us to maybe pay the rent. Our grocery stores don’t allow us to maybe pay for the grocieries. Writers shouldn’t maybe write for anyone.

Deb’s disclaimer: I’m not saying jobs with these red flags are always poor opportunities. Indeed there are some good jobs asking for free samples or using exclamation points. However, the spammy stuff tends to over sell in their ads or do their best to appeal to the people who are inclined to accept lower paying opportunities. Use what is posted here to proceed with caution. There’s nothing wrong further investigation. If a job appeals to you, by all means, apply. Always read the fine print and make sure the end justifies the means.

4 Tips for Approaching Freelance Writing With an Open Mind

Deb Ng — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:53:26 +0000

Recently, I wrote about how times have changed for freelance writers. It’s not my place to say everyone has to embrace or even accept these changes. However, I feel I’m being realistic when I say things have changed drastically for writers in the past 20 years. We can waste a lot of time and energy fighting change, or we can figure out the ways to make it work to our benefit.

One thing that hasn’t changed in the past 20 years is how there are still poor, decent, good and really great opportunities. Holding out for one type of opportunity may mean you’re waiting around a long time in between gigs. Picking and choosing a variety of types of projects can end the famine.

I attribute some of my success to keeping an open mind and not holding out for one type of gig. Now, I’m not going to ever tell you that my way is the only way. My way works for me, it would be silly and condescending to suggest anyone who doesn’t do things my way is clueless or a moron. However, I can share some of what I learned over the years, and you, the reader with an open mind, can use what works best for you.

Here are my tips for approaching freelance writing with an open mind.

1. Sometimes lower paying work has many benefits:

I don’t believe in working for pennies or quarters. However there are many jobs that provide a livable (above minimum) wage, even though they’re below the rates many freelance writers are willing to accept. Before writing off a job as too low, look at the perks. For instance, do they offer regular bonuses for jobs well done? Do they offer tools for success? When I worked for b5Media, Darren Rowse regularly added to an online training manual of sorts. To me, this was a benefit of a lower paying network because I was learning about blogging from one of the best in the business.

There are other perks to consider as well. Working at home is a big plus. Flexibility with time is another. Other considerations include not having to pay for childcare, restaurant lunches, commuting fees or regular restaurant lunches. Not having to pay for all these items may make it easier to accept a gig paying a little less.

2. Having a base pay rate doesn’t mean you can’t make adjustments now and then

I believe in having a base pay rate. This is what I quote to clients who are inquiring about my fees. I find that by having a base rate, I don’t bid too high or too low. I stay within my comfort zone. However, there are times when I’m willing to work with a client and lower my rates a little depending on the amount of work, the client’s name or reputation and how badly I want the gig. This isn’t to say I would go from, say, $50 an hour to $5 an hour, but keeping an open mind about pay enables me to work with more clients.

3. Variety is the spice of life

Though my preference is for web writing, I’m not married to it. I enjoy a variety of projects. In this economy, purists might want to branch out of their genres and try something different. Web writers might try querying an editor now and then. Journalists may want to supplement their income with web content projects. The point is, there are plenty of options nowadays. Why put all the eggs in one basket?
4. Accept change

I’m old-fashioned about many different things, but not work. I know that I can’t do the same thing forever. I also know that times have changed. I don’t have to like every new type of opportunity that comes along, but I’m not necessarily going to fight them all either. It’s not 1982 anymore. We don’t have to embrace opportunities we don’t agree with, but we should accept the fact that times have changed. There are different types of writers, different types of budgets, and different types of opportunities. Approach the new way with an open mind rather than mourn the way things used to be.

Freelance writing in 2009 requires an open mind. Those who remember this will do well. Those who end up clinging to ghosts of media’s past may find themselves without work. In today’s economy that’s not the best option. Approach freelance writing with an open mind. Find the pay and opportunity formulas working best for you. Above all, try not to dismiss something you know nothing about, it might be the way of the future.

I’d love to learn your thoughts, so please speak up in the comments.

How to Turn a Full Time Job Into a Freelance Opportunity

Deb Ng — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:21:09 +0000

Have you ever come across a full time job that’s perfect for you – except you don’t want to work full time? You might be surprised to learn that some employers are open to the idea of hiring a freelance writer in place of a full time, staff writer. The open minded don’t mind the power of suggestion, as long as you offer a coherent, intelligent proposal.

Make a List

Before you write up a proposal, make a list of the things about the job that appeal to you. Also, make up a list of reasons you should be hired instead of a full time candidate. Think about your areas of expertise and how they will benefit this employer and the job. Make a list of everything that will cause this potential client to take notice. Don’t go over the top, but give him a reason to consider your proposal over throwing it in the trash bin.

Get a Name

Do your best not to send a generic email. You want your mail to land on the desk of the person doing the hiring. Unless the name is listed on the job ad, you’ll have to call the business to find out who should receive your proposal. You don’t have to offer an explanation to the person answering the phone beyond, “May I please have the name of the person hiring for the writing job so I can send a personal note.” Now, this may not get you a name, but having one is better than sending a generic “Hi!” if you can swing it.

Research the Company

Learn as much as you can about the company you wish to freelance for. Find out if they’ve hired freelance writers or teleworkers in the past. Do they have a reputation for thinking outside of the box? Are they up on the current trends? Are they experiencing layoffs? These are all things you can use to your advantage when creating your proposal.

Send a Proposal

Ok, so you have a list and maybe a name. It’s time to create a proposal. Make sure it’s professional and clean. If you feel the need to send it to some writing friends to proofread, please do so. If you send a proposal filled with typos you won’t stand a chance. Include:

An introductory letter
A resume
Testimonials from past clients
A convincing argument – including the reasons why you’re the best person to do this job, how hiring a freelancer can benefit his company, and what you will bring to the job.
Your proposed rates

Send it in

Email and snail mail your proposal. This gives the potential client two opportunities to read your proposal. At first, he might not even consider your application and delete the email. However, once he receives your package he might be more inclined to give it a glance.

Follow up

Wait a week or so and call to follow up. Don’t make a pest of yourself but call and ask for the recipient of your proposal. If you can’t get past the receptionist, let her know you are calling to follow up on a package sent. If no one returns your call, try back again in a couple of days. Even if you hear nothing back, this potential client may keep your information on file for a future project.

Keep in mind…

Many employers don’t wish to receive proposals from freelance writers. If an ad states the job isn’t open to freelance writers, you won’t want to push your luck. He might remember your name and not hire you if there comes a time when he is accepting applications for freelance writers. Don’t be pushy. Send your information, make that follow up call and leave it. It’s a longshot and if you push it, you’ll ruin your chances for good.

The next time you see a full time opportunity that you wish was freelance, do a little research. You might be able to turn that situation around to your favor.