Inventory Your Skills and History
You're here because you know you can write, right? What makes you think you can handle all those freelance writing jobs? Don't tell me! Write it down!
Get ready to write the most convincing freelancer's resume by summarizing all those experiences that you know prepared you to write. Perhaps you were responsible for the company newsletter in your last job? Or, maybe you wrote for the school newspaper while working on that journalism degree? Get it all out-think hard!
Write Your Resume
I'm convinced that a writer needs a resume. Some other experts in the area are not so sure. But I believe that you need some kind of document that shows why you can write for pay. Now, maybe you won't use this document in the traditional job-hunting sense, but putting one together will be a useful exercise in summarizing your strengths and it will serve you well in our next step. Need some tips on getting that resume together?
Flesh Out Your Portfolio
Writers generally use a portfolio to showcase published pieces, clips and past freelance writing jobs. Remember the step above where you put together your resume? It's already paying off! Use your resume to think of some pieces that you would include in a portfolio. For example, let's say that you helped in writing the text for your previous employer's website. With the employer's permission, you could use some of that text as an example in your portfolio. Or, did you happen to write an incredible letter for your local PTA or Rotary Club? Pull out a copy, and use it to sell your powers of persuasion.
Take It Electronic
Yes, you are going to have to get online. Many of the freelance writing jobs available are virtual, and you'll need a webspace to send potential employers to view your portfolio
Don't panic! There are options available for the technologically challenged. One solution may be to start a blog. Be sure to visit About Weblogs to get started in that direction.
Another alternative is any number of websites specifically designed to host portfolios. Portfolios.com offers free hosting for up to 5 samples.
