Working as a freelance writer will bring new opportunities, many of which will require you to cover topics that you’re unfamiliar with. One of the skills required of freelance writers is learning how to effectively write pieces that are comprehensive, and the most effective way to do so is by developing a process you can follow.
A process that includes reputable sources and different perspectives on the topic allows the writer to understand all the concepts covered in the article and conduct interviews with subject matter experts before beginning a draft. Adding another feather to your metaphorical cap can start here and now. Read on to learn more about the best way to write about something you know nothing about.
Research and planning
Starting with a general overview of the topic can be an excellent starting point for a freelance writer who is writing about a new subject or topic. The best way to start researching is through reading content that provides a basic understanding of the topic’s fundamentals.
It’s ideal to use reliable and reputable sources when undertaking the research portion of the writing process. For complex topics, it is beneficial to take notes on what you’re reading to keep it accessible when you begin writing your piece. Writers who embrace a learner’s mindset can quickly grow and adapt to subjects they are unfamiliar with.
Finding several sources that provide different perspectives can give you a comprehensive overview of the subject, eliminating bias and providing the best piece possible. Depending on what you’re covering, you can also conduct interviews to collect first-hand information. Make a list of the best questions to ask during an interview to ensure you get information you can use in the piece.
Structuring and drafting
After doing your research and collecting information about the topic, you will want to begin structuring what you plan to write through an outline. The outline will provide a roadmap for your ideas and make the process of writing more seamless. Review the notes you took when researching to write an introductory section that shows an understanding of the key concepts and terms.
You’ll also want to determine the angle you’d like to take with the piece when you are writing your outline. Do so while writing with a need-to-know mindset. Using that mindset can minimize fluff and provide the audience with the information they are seeking. Write with confidence and explain any key terms in relational ways, including metaphors and analogies, to make the information more accessible and understandable for readers.
Your ability to use metaphors and analogies can translate more complex terms into text that a broad audience can understand. You can also begin citing sources within the outline to get the overall structure in place.
Revising and polishing
The last steps you will need to take when writing about something you know nothing about are to revise and polish the outline into a finished piece. After completing and reading over the outline, you can start on the final draft. If you are happy with what you’ve written, start proofreading from the beginning through the lens of someone else.
The proofreading portion of the writing process is one of the most critical. It may be one of the more boring parts, but it is vital to eliminating mistakes and providing content that will grow your freelance writing career. Changing your scenery can allow you to read the piece from a different perspective. You can also ask a friend, family member, or colleague to proofread the piece and provide feedback.
After collecting feedback on the draft, it’s beneficial to go through what you’ve written again and make any changes that you deem necessary. To be safe, you should consider sending the piece back to the person who completed the proofreading after making the changes, especially if the client is particular. Ensure you avoid “infodumping” on the audience when writing the final draft, and write with confidence to share information authoritatively.
Expand your freelance writing capabilities
Learning how to write about something you know nothing about is an essential step in your journey as a freelance writer. Be thorough with your research and use reputable sources to gather information. Use that information to create an outline, and proofread your outline to look for mistakes. You can use the feedback to polish the article, ensuring it uses a confident tone and shares the proper information.