If there’s one truth about today’s world, it’s that it’s in a state of flux. Technology is rapidly advancing, and while this may have its ups and downs, it does present some valuable opportunities for those who would like to live by their pen, or in this case, their keyboard.
Not just another side hustle
Many people find themselves working more than one job; some even have several on the go at once. This may result in them having very little time for other pursuits, especially if they are working in a traditional brick and mortar workplace.
Freelance writing takes the approach that you can work when and where you wish so long as there is WiFi connection. This makes it easier to schedule your day so you can enjoy other activities.
How to get started
You may now be wondering how you get started. Your first step should be to practice as much as you can. Write about subjects that interest you, and perhaps even more importantly, challenge yourself by choosing topics that are new to you or you find difficult. Have your work reviewed by someone who isn’t afraid to tell you the truth, as this will help you to improve your talents.
It can be a wise idea to make sure you have a notebook and pen or some other way to jot down your ideas when they happen, even if you are away from your keyboard. This way, you will have a wealth of topics to draw on in the future if you feel you’re getting stuck for ideas.
Choose your niche
Once you feel you have a handle on the technical aspects of writing, you may find it helpful to choose a niche for yourself. If it’s something you are passionate about or really find interesting, this will come through in your words. Another perk of doing so is that, by becoming somewhat of a subject matter expert in a particular area, you can become much more appealing to potential clients.
Will it be profitable?
A tip for creating a freelance writing career where you can make a living is to do some research. Look on freelancing sites to find out what clients are looking for and what they are willing to pay for both niche and generalized articles. LinkedIn can be a good start, and while you’re there, you can make a profile for yourself to garner more attention. You can even create posts that show off your talents to anyone viewing your page.
It can also be a wise move to review a company’s payment structure before you sign on to accept a job. Do they pay by the article or word, and how much? How long after your work has been accepted will you get paid and how will this happen?
Start small
Some successful writers got their start by writing small pieces. These don’t tend to earn very much at first, but once you get experience, you can begin to write longer pieces and ask for higher amounts for your efforts. This will give you lots of practice while building up your personal portfolio.
When bidding on projects, don‘t undervalue yourself. Anyone wanting quality content will be savvy enough to realize they get what they pay for.
A word of caution with some freelance writing sites. It pays to be choosy. While most are above board, some ask their writers to prepare items such as term papers for students or even fake reviews of medications. It’s smart to stay away from those.
Think big
While some may choose to start small, others want to hit the ground running by crafting larger submissions for magazines and other publications. The Writer’s Market provides anyone wishing to break into the scene with a list of hundreds of publications looking for content.
Don’t count out Craigslist
When you’re just getting started, Craigslist can be a boon, as it often has writing jobs listed. Many writers got their feet wet by applying for freelancing jobs posted on the site. Just choose your city and click “writing/editing. Kijiji is another option and has sites for most Canadian cities and towns.
Build a blog
Blogging is a tool that may be very useful to anyone trying to break into freelancing. They provide a way for you to show off your talents, gain a following and with some luck, catch the eye of a future client. Promoting yours can be as simple as including a link in your email signature line.
What are you waiting for?
If you love writing, feel you have a knack for it and want to either supplement your income or even start a brand-new career, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us now at Words of Worth, and we will be happy to show how you can turn your talent into a job to be proud of.