How to snag that freelance writing job
So, you want to be a freelance writer. You've scoured the
Internet for the best paying writing jobs, and now you're ready
to apply for some of them. There's just one problem: so are a
few hundred other freelance writers, many of whom have a lot
more experience than you do. How on earth are you supposed to
make sure you stand out from the crowd?
Here's how:
1. Make sure you read the advert properly
This is an easy way to make your query stand out, because
amazingly, the vast majority of queries we receive are from
people who haven't read our requirements properly. We get
proofreaders applying for copywriting jobs, people with no
writing experience applying for projects which state "experience
required" - you name it, we get it. An email from a writer who
has read our requirements and taken the time to explain how they
can meet them is a rarity - and will always get a response.
2. Check your spelling
This should go without saying, but all applications for
freelance writing jobs which contain less than perfect spelling
and grammar, go straight to the recycle bin. Make sure yours
isn't one of them.
3. Get personal
My name is all over my website, and is included on every job
advert I write. It's very rarely used. Most freelancers who
contact me refer to me as "Dear Sir". I'm female. An email which
addresses me by name makes me stop in my tracks as it shows that
the person has taken the time to find out a little bit about me
and my business, and to send me a personalised email, rather
than a form letter. That person will get a response in kind.
4.
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Show, don't tell
Fiction writers have heard this one before. It applies to
freelance writing too, though: rather than telling employers how
great your writing is, show them. Even if you don't have any
published clips to attach, send a sample of something you've
written, and written well. It will speak louder than all of your
words of explanation.
5. Don't be flashy
Yes, fancy fonts and multicolored text stand out, but for all
the wrong reasons. Writing is a creative endeavor, but when you
apply for a freelance writing job it's important to let your
words do the talking. On a practical level, not all email
clients will display html emails, so what looks to you to like a
pretty snazzy email may appear to your prospective client as a
big old mess.
6. Show them your references
When you write for a living, it's important to collect
testimonials from clients you've worked for before. You can put
them on your website, print them in your brochures, and, of
course, paste them into your quotes and queries. When it comes
to winning clients, there's almost nothing more effective than a
personal recommendation. As you close your letter, then, add a
short line saying, something like, "My previous clients include
X, Y and Z - I've attached some of the comments they've made
about my work." If those comments are good enough, I can almost
guarantee you'll get a response.
About the author:
Amber McNaught owns http://www.WritingWorld.org, a community
website which aims to help freelance writers find freelance writing jobs
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