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For example, instead of just having a travel blog, you could specialize in writing about off the beaten path road trips to take. Typically, bloggers earn an income by selling advertising space on their site. Blog posts can make a great addition to your portfolio when you’re starting out as a new freelance writer. If you have any particularly popular or successful posts, you can show them to potential clients as samples of your work.
If you don’t have connections, you can still make this work. You just might need to write for a reduced rate or on a trial basis while you make those important connections.
There are several different copywriting specialties, such as marketing, content, and creative. Talk to experienced copywriters to get a feel for each type of writing.
You can also explore specialized fields such as writing about legal and medical issues.
Your website should introduce yourself, highlight your skills, and include samples of your work. Try to also include testimonials from previous clients. Spend some time looking at other freelancers’ websites to get a sense for how great sites are structured.
If you’ve already worked as a writer, include some of your pieces that received great feedback. If you’re new to writing, you can write some sample pieces to place in your portfolio. Write about topics that fit the niche you have chosen.
Your pitch might be, “I’ve recently moved to freelance writing. My specialty is writing about traveling on a budget. I look for lodging and dining options that are excellent, but affordable and off the beaten path. I also love to point readers towards free attractions. Past clients have really loved my thorough research and unique point of view. ”
You can also join a group of professionals from all fields and develop contacts that work for potential clients.
You might be asked to provide a resume and writing samples before you’re given a project. Some sites allow you to choose between lengthier assignments that take a few weeks and shorter projects that you can complete in a few hours. Make sure to ask whether you will be paid by the hour or by the assignment. Some popular sites include Upwork, FlexJobs, and Writers Market.
Start by emailing the editor at your chosen publication. Use your written pitch and tell them why you’re a great fit for their publication. You can pitch a specific article idea or indicate that you are available for contract work on any assignment.
Make sure to indicate your career goals and the type of projects you would like to work on.
You might use an alcove, a spare bedroom, or a corner of the den as your writing space. Make sure you have all of your necessary supplies, like your computer, notepad, research, and a good source of light. You might decide that you like to get out of the house some days. Choose a coffee shop in your neighborhood that has an ambiance that you like and work there whenever you like.
For example, if you’re a morning person, aim to start work bright and early. If you hit an afternoon slump, you’ll already have gotten your work done for the day. Maybe you work best when your kids are down for a nap. Make sure to devote that time to writing each day. You might want to start out by writing part-time, then gradually increase the hours you spend on it as you get more work. This will give you a chance to figure out a system that works best for you.
You can get a sense for what other freelancers charge by looking at their websites. Don’t be afraid to negotiate to earn more than what the client initially offers you.
Make sure to set aside money to pay your taxes. As a freelancer, you likely won’t have an employer withholding your wages.
