A Tutorial For Newbies In Freelance Business: Looking For Freelance Writing Jobs

Are you wondering where to look for your first freelance writing job? Are you confused about what to begin with? These tips will help you on the way to getting your first gig.

• Build an excellent resume and cover letter.

Your resume should demonstrate why you are the best freelancer for this task. If you lack any actual job experience, use humor and creativity to describe your skills, e. g. “I am detail-oriented enough to explain the difference between a robot and a cyborg.”

• Think of any texts you can use as samples of your writing.

If you have never done any writing for money, you might still have a couple of posts on your blog you are proud of. Attach them to your CV as writing samples. What most clients are looking for is your ability to write well, so show them that you can! Good writing samples are even more likely to win you well-paying gigs than a strong resume.

• Browse job boards.

Every major job board has a section with freelance writing gigs. You can easily discover them by keywords such as “blogger” or “copywriter.” Large and popular boards are a great place to find many jobs at once.

• Register on reputable freelance websites.

Browse the Internet for freelance websites. The ones found on the first page of your search results are generally reliable ones. Before registering on a website, check whether it has escrow accounts (this is a great plus). Remember that it is not a website’s responsibility to provide you with a constant job flow; you need to check it regularly for new orders, and bid for those that interest you.

• Query the media in your local area.

Local newspapers and magazines are often short of interesting stories. Buy (or borrow from your local library) several recent issues to find out what topics they typically cover. Determine whether you would be interested in writing something like that, and whether you can do it well. If the answer to both is yes, invent a story you can offer and pitch the relevant editor with it. Do not send a ready story or any samples unless required – just a cover letter and a pitch.

• Watch out for scammers.

Do not pay for starting on a project – honest employers would never ask for that. Think twice before agreeing to do part of the work for free. You might get hired after it, but you might as well just waste your time.