Your Turn: What Do You Use as Freelance Writing Clips?

Here’s a question I receive often:

What should I use as clips when finding freelance writing jobs?

First and foremost, potential clients want to get a feel for your writing style and expertise. When choosing clips, make sure they’re relevant to the advertised gig and, also, that they’re your best representation.

I can tell you a story about someone who was just rejected for a job he really wanted. After talking with the editor, he learned his sample wasn’t very impressive. So the writer asked for a second chance, submitted a new sample, and got the gig.

Some writers are worried because they only have content site experience and read conflicting reports as to whether or content site clips can be used to land freelance writing jobs. The short answer to this is, “sure.” The longer answer is, “it depends.” I can tell you that my content site clips landed me some very lucrative opportunities. I can also tell you that many of the higher paid freelance writers and freelance writing bloggers you talk to in the freelance writing community also worked for content sites and used those clips to successfully land more lucrative opportunities.

However, choose what is considered your most prestigious clip. If your local newspaper published your article, use this instead of a content site clip. If you’re a good writer and you have strong samples, editors will offer you opportunities , regardless of where you were published before. Anyone who makes it more about the place you worked than about your writing shouldn’t be an editor. Several years ago I worked with editors who wouldn’t accept Associated Content clips simply because A.C. doesn’t have a very strict acceptance policy and it kind of skewed my thinking. I’ve since learned to read the writing through before making a decision.

Choose your strongest writing and try and choose a piece that is relevant to the gig. For example if a gardening website is looking for writers, they don’t want to read your automotive clips. If you don’t have relevant samples and really want the gig, take some time to write an informed article to use as a clip.

Let’s talk about clips today. What do you use for writing samples. Did you successfully land freelance writing jobs with your samples? Did your clips for lower paying clients lead you to more lucrative opportunities? What clips land you the highest paying jobs?

Discuss…


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7 responses
  1. Ann Olson Avatar

    Thank you for mentioning Associated Content. There’s been a lot of trashing and looking down on writers who write for AC recently – it’s nice to see one of the ‘big’ bloggers giving AC writers some respect. Seriously, thanks.

    I’ve used articles from a previous lower-paying client (with permission) and articles from Associated Content. It’s usually a mix of the two. My clip from AC scored me one of my highest paying gigs ($40+ per article).
    .-= Ann Olson´s last blog ..DS Tutorials: What to Do After Being Accepted as a Writer =-.

    1. Deb Ng Avatar

      Hi Anne,

      To be honest, I’m not a huge fan of Associated Content because I really do wish they had more quality control and a stricter hiring party. However, I’ve learned not to judge a writer by where he works. So instead of seeing “AC” and tossing the resume aside, I’ll read the sample.

      Nice work with that $40 article!

  2. Caroline G. Keyser Avatar

    I write for Demand Studios, but since I’ve got tons of newspaper clips (and a few magazine ones), it’s never occured to me to use them for anything other than a quick 15 bucks. They’re far from my best work, and I wouldn’t want to use them as clips for a magazine or newspaper, but I’ll keep this post in mind and maybe someday I’ll find a use for them.
    .-= Caroline G. Keyser´s last blog ..Three golden rules of writing effective Web site copy =-.

  3. Jeanne Avatar

    When I respond to Craigslist posts, I always have a slight problem. My magazine clips are too large to send through Craigslist. They are my best clips. I’ve tried every which way to reduce the file size. I have them posted to my website server and can include links, but I’m not sure people click on links all the time. Does anyone else run into that problem with Craigslist posted jobs too?

    1. Sandra Henderson Avatar

      Jeanne, I simply set up a free online portfolio through Word Press – yes, it’s a blog layout, but you can easily make it work to showcase your writing samples. The file storage there is large enough. When I reply to craigslist ads, I just include the link to the clip in my online portfolio. Same with my resume.
      Cheers,
      Sandra
      .-= Sandra Henderson´s last blog ..Welcome + Willkommen! =-.

  4. Anne Wayman Avatar

    Back when I was editing magazines and newspapers, the clips showed me that the person could actually write – which is what I wanted to know. So I use, as you suggest, strong samples and if I’ve got something that matches what the potential client is looking for fine. Other wise a couple of strong samples.
    .-= Anne Wayman´s last blog ..Details and the Story =-.

  5. Amy Avatar

    Jeanne, I simply set up a free online portfolio through Word Press – yes, it’s a blog layout, but you can easily make it work to showcase your writing samples. The file storage there is large enough. When I reply to craigslist ads, I just include the link to the clip in my online portfolio. Same with my resume.
    Cheers,
    Sandra
    .-= Sandra Henderson´s last blog ..Welcome + Willkommen! =-.

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