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Please welcome again our contributing writer, Stephanie Samuel, to the blog. Today, she’s telling us about a career path many aspire to engage in, but are not sure where to start. In this post, Stephanie shares with us her 5 best tips to become a freelance writer.
Whether you want to change careers or grow your brand, becoming a freelance writer can be a great opportunity to expand your resume.
Moonlighting as a freelance reporter helped me break into the news reporting field. It is also the way I set myself apart as a professional.
However changes in technology have made these opportunities harder to come by. The growing popularity of blogs and the increase in free online content means that independent writers must take certain steps to remain competitive.
Here are some tips to put you ahead of the competition.
Cater to Your Strengthens– What are you into? Write a list of topics you feel confident discussing – be it traveling or health and fitness – and look for publications that are interested in articles about your area of expertise.
Mine Your Contacts– Knowing the right people can help you get in the door faster. Look through both your personal and professional contacts for connections to your desired publications. Use social networking sites such as Linked In to build relationships beyond your immediate circle of friends and colleagues.
Introduce Yourself- Visit local publications, meet the decision makers in person and let them know who you are and what you want to do. An impromptu introduction might be the bold move that gets you a byline.
Show What You’ve Got- Make sure you have a portfolio of previous work, a sample article or a pitch list of possible stories on hand as you meet editors. Make sure your samples showcase your skill set and help content managers get a proper sense of what they can expect if they hire you.
Draw an Audience – In this digital world, your work as a writer and content producer is not over once you’re published. It is important for freelancers to show publications that their work can draw in readers. So make sure to promote your work and the publication on your social media accounts.
Any other tips you’d like to suggest?
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Stephanie Samuel is a reporter with over nine years of experience. She has written for various publications including the AFRO-American, the Prince George’s Sentinel, and The Christian Post.
