If you enjoy writing and are on the hunt for a way to put your skills to work, professional letter writing may be an option that’s open to you. While it may sound like an easy task, it does come with its own set of challenges and pitfalls, and it can make a lot of sense to do some research before you get started.
Before you start
Many people like writing, and may have dreamed of living by their pen or keyboard. While that’s certainly possible, it doesn’t just happen. It takes skill development, research, and a willingness to put in some hard work.
Taking stock of your skill set
Before you begin, do some personal SWOT analysis. What skills do you already have and what ones do you need to work on? Are there areas or topics you are especially passionate about? This interest can matter, as if you are tasked with preparing letters for a business or not for a profit group in the field, it will really show through, often making your work more engaging to the reader.
A portfolio showcases your experience
What experience do you already have under your belt? Have you spent a lot of time as a content writer or preparing advertising copy? This is where preparing a portfolio of your best work comes in. It will give potential customers and clients a chance to see what you can do, and building one can be as easy as creating a basic website or blog.
What sorts of opportunities are out there?
Once you feel that you are well grounded in writing and preparing letters in a variety of styles and are ready to “take the plunge”, it’s time to begin, but how do you get started? Where can you look for jobs? The truth is that there’s lots of options, and you can find one that is really well suited to your interests, skills and desired pay grade.
When it comes to letters, there’s quite a market for them in the business world. You may be asked to prepare sales, professional or personal letters, submitting them through a particular freelancing platform. In the private and not for profit communities, there’s a need for items such as donation requests, grant applications and other business letters as well as professional correspondence, and you may help your client save both time and money by outsourcing the job to you.
Where to look for work
There’s a wealth of sites online that cater to the gig economy, and each has its own way of doing things Fiverr UPwork, People PerHour and other platforms all have opportunities for letter writers, and as you gain more experience, you will be able to command a higher rate of pay.
Don’t forget to check out virtual assistant work
Businesses ranging from small, home-based companies to large corporations, may outsource a variety of business tasks. These may include virtual assistance duties such as preparing emails and letters. InboxDone.com is an example of a site that can connect you with opportunities in this field.
What to watch out for
Now that your interest has been piqued, you may want to get started right away, but it’s wise to take a few minutes and learn what risks to stay aware of as you begin your search.
Unfortunately, there’s lots of scams out there, and you need to be vigilant. It can be smart to pass by jobs where you have to pay to take a “training course” or purchase a starter kit. It can also pay off to steer clear of any opportunities that seem too good to be true. You can earn a decent income, but you have to work and put in effort. Stick to established sites that have earned a good reputation over time.
Whether you are writing as a career or just to earn some extra money, while the world of freelance letter writing offers a variety of opportunities, many prefer the stability that goes hand in hand with working for an established content company. At Words or Worth, this is just one of the benefits we offer our writers. Submit an application to get started today.