How To Get Writing Jobs

By Allena Tapia, About.com Guide

Once you've set up shop and got the hang of this career, your focus will fall (for a while at least) on drumming up more writing jobs and potential clients. This pathway will highlight all of the information you need to secure writing jobs that will make your new career secure and profitable. And, soon enough, you'll develop a client roster, some marketing savvy and a reputation, and then the work will come to you.

Prepping for Writing Jobs
Types of Writing Jobs
Finding Writing Jobs Through Freelance Writing Job Lists

Finding Writing Jobs Via Freelance Bid Sites
Finding Freelance Jobs on Job Search Engines
Writing Job Hints and How-To

Prepping for Writing Jobs

If you're going after freelance writing jobs, there is a standard set of documents that most potential clients are going to ask for. Let's take a look at the pieces you'll need in your arsenal.

Types of Writing Jobs

Writing jobs come in many different types and genres. Knowing what's out there will help the writer to aim for the kinds of work that are best suited to the individual situation and needs.

Finding Writing Jobs Through Freelance Writing Job Lists

Finding writing jobs through lists can work well in the beginning, especially if you use discernment when choosing which lists (for example, go for an association's list or a niche-based list as opposed to recycled Craigslist postings). It works because the people advertising for writers are actively in need and hiring- there's no convincing someone that they need your services, no selling someone on the value of a freelance writer, and no networking for the future "in case you ever need..."contingencies. For writers working to build clips and a client list, this can be rich ground. Here is all the information you need to know about writing job lists.

Finding Writing Jobs Via Freelance Bid Sites

Just like freelance writing job lists, freelance job bid sites require some wariness from the writer/user. That's not to say that significant work isn't available from these sites, though, provided you know how to look, and what exactly you're looking for. Again, keeping up with these sites requires (unpaid) time on the writer's part, so lean on these only as an entrance to your career, to build up clips and a client list. Here's what you need to know about finding work on freelance bid job sites.

Finding Freelance Jobs on Job Search Engines

Using traditional job search engines, such as Monster and Indeed, is another option available to the enterprising freelance writer. However, since these postings are most often aimed at 9-5 cubicle workers, there are some caveats involved for the freelancer.

Writing Job Hints and How-To

Once you've prepared for and located jobs you're interested in, actually getting the jobs can be a whole different ball game. Here is a collection of hints, tips, and tricks to help you land the job above the competition.

Freelance Writing