Get a Job!
Tips for Beginners
Each day I wake up one step away from what my husband said was the worst poison ivy case he’s seen in a long time. Today, things are much less weepy (both physically and emotionally), and I’m able to type without stopping to blot my arms. Disgusting thought, but try living it. Though I look like I was just pulled from burning wreckage, I feel ten times better. My beach vacation next week may be salvaged after all!
Today’s topic – as promised, I’m going to try to explain from my experience how a beginner can find projects. It’s a process – find the gig, apply for the gig, get the gig and perform the work. Getting paid is another beast, best handled in another week.
Where are you going to find work? Let’s assume since you’re reading this, you’re online. What better place to start, eh? Here are some favorite haunts of mine:
About Freelance Writing
Media Bistro
Writer’s Weekly
Craig’s List
Deborah Ng’s Freelance Writing Jobs
Note that none of these are a pay-to-apply job board. That’s because from my personal experience, they don’t work so well. Some of the boards, such as Guru.com, don’t have open-bidding situations in which writers can see what others are bidding. That’s a bit better, but I object in general to being expected to pay to view the ads. You can find the same for free elsewhere.
Another place to look for work is within your circle of friends. I’ll caution you here – working for friends can be tough as it’s hard for some to separate their close relationship from a business deal. However, your friends can be your best marketers. Let them know you’re a writer looking for projects. Let everyone you meet know that. When asked what you do, don’t say, “Oh, I’m hoping to be a writer someday.” If you want the gig, wear the hat. Say “I’m a writer.” Ask if they know anyone who needs a writer. You’d be surprised where work will come from.
I’m assuming that many of you work somewhere else. If so, look at the people you come in contact with every day. Do they know you write on the side? If not, let them know. Don’t broadcast to everyone in the office that you’re trying to start a freelance career or you’ll be on the street faster than you expected, but do mention that you handle freelance writing projects in your spare time. Some of my long-term clients came from contacts I made while at my last job.
Also, don’t overlook your local newspaper or magazine office. Newspapers are always looking for contributing writers (stringers). The pay is absolutely lousy, but there’s no faster way to get your name known in your region than to have your byline in the local paper on a regular basis.
Another great place to start – temp agencies. Mind you, that’s not any temp agency. Make sure you look to agencies that specialize in creative talent, such as Aquent, Boss Staffing or The Creative Group. There’s no better way to build a portfolio and gain some valuable contacts than through short-term projects. While you’re at it, don’t overlook the advertising agencies. They’re usually looking for extra proofreading help, especially during the summer months. Drop by with your resume, or call the office manager to see if you can help with overflow work.
Tomorrow, we’ll go over how to put together a query letter that gets noticed. Until then, here are a few gigs to get you started:
Website Promotion Writer
Skiboarding Writer
Book Researcher/Writer
E-Learning Author
Copywriters
Online Entertainment Journalists
Freelance Business Writer
Freelance Magazine Writer
Freelance Bar Reviewer
Technical Writer
Another suggestion: I’ve gotten jobs by just networking in my everyday life. Met a man standing in line at a restaurant once, and we did the “What do you do?” chat. Turns out he needed a biz writer, so I handed him my card. Got a decent short-term gig from it. My best advice to new writers is always be prepared to sell yourself.
Excellent idea! Thanks for sharing it.