Make a point of learning more about why potential clients are looking for a writer in the first place and study the hell out of the marketplace and the kind of changes in advertising, search, social media, and all of the other things that are going to force changes in the way people conduct business and information acquisition on the ‘Net.
Where I Hunt for Freelance Writing Job Leads – and You Should Too!
April 11, 2010. 14 Comments
My list of places to find freelance writing jobs for our daily job lists changes on a regular basis. As I learn of new resources or remove resources that aren’t working for us anymore, I make adjustments to my list. I also like to make these lists available to you from time to time so you can do your own thorough searches for freelance writing jobs. Plus, I think it’s fair to link to those people who make gigs available to us all. Some of these places require a subscription fee, but many are free. I hope you find this [Read more…]
Will Funny Get You the Freelance Writing Job?
April 7, 2010. 10 Comments
Back in my early freelance writing days, I felt being clever and amusing in my cover letter gave me an edge over other freelance writers applying for the same thing. It didn’t. If I learned one thing, it’s that freelance writing clients only want to see funny if funny is called for. All other times they want to see professionalism. I also learned that no one laughs harder at my jokes than me. In other words, I’m not necessarily as funny as I think I am and it could be the same way for you. These are quotes from real [Read more…]
Free Samples and Writing on Spec: Should You?
February 9, 2010. 22 Comments
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 [Read more…]
Why It’s a Good Idea to Check the Freelance Writing Job Boards Every Day Even If You’re Not Looking for Work
January 5, 2010. 12 Comments
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 [Read more…]
6 Tips for Finding New Freelance Writing Markets
December 16, 2009. 9 Comments
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 [Read more…]
3 Tips for Applying for Location Specific Gigs – When You Live Outside the Area
November 11, 2009. 2 Comments
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, [Read more…]
Pitch to the “Hidden” Places that Hire Freelance Writers
November 5, 2009. 5 Comments
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 [Read more…]
10 Ways to Get Your Freelance Writing Foot in the Door
November 4, 2009. 7 Comments
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 [Read more…]
Confidence vs. Arrogance
October 22, 2009. 14 Comments
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 [Read more…]
Top 10 Freelance Writing Job Ad Red Flags
October 9, 2009. 30 Comments
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 [Read more…]
4 Tips for Approaching Freelance Writing With an Open Mind
September 29, 2009. 9 Comments
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 [Read more…]
How to Turn a Full Time Job Into a Freelance Opportunity
September 15, 2009. 1 Comment
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 [Read more…]
10 Important Things to Consider When Applying to Freelance Writing Jobs
September 14, 2009. 3 Comments
Though I have no regrets, I know I made quite a few mistakes as a freelance writer, especially when first starting out. I like to use these experiences as opportunities to do better. As far as I’m concerned negative situations can be used as reminders and tools to aid us in seeking positive opportunities. I think I made most of my mistakes because I was so gung-ho to get started. When I began, freelance writing blogs weren’t a dime a dozen like they are now. I did read a few books and articles but most of it was trial and [Read more…]
How to Get a Big Job from a Small Country
August 8, 2009. 9 Comments
by Sharon Hurley Hall One of the worries people have about taking their freelance career on the road or moving it abroad is how they will actually get work. There can be a feeling that if you are cut off from the major urban hubs then you might find it difficult to gain access to high paying clients. That’s not true at all. With a bit of organisation, you can have a successful freelance writing career, no matter where in the world you choose to live. 1. Get A Good Website if you’re not at the end of a local [Read more…]
Yes, You WILL Be Googled
July 30, 2009. 25 Comments
Whenever I put out a call for writers, I get a flurry of what I call “Google Me” cover letters. These are from writers who are apparently too important to send me a proper cover letter, but, if I want to know more about them I can give them a Google. I always want to tell them to be careful what they wish for. You see, I DO Google potential job candidates, and so do many others. I often wonder if job seekers really aware of what they put out there. Beyond page 2 To think no one will Google [Read more…]
