Blogging has helped me find my voice and write from my heart.
Before I began blogging I never felt as if I had something that I was truly good at. Writing daily has become a vital part of my life now. The compliments I receive from readers truly fuel my passion for writing and help me realize I have finally found that something I was always looking for.
So with all that said, my strength is also my weakness.
I can write until my fingers are about to fall off but I have yet to find any freelance opportunities despite my efforts.
Four children ago, before everything revolved around the internet, I did an extensive amount of writing.
Our mom is too busy writing to change us out of pj’s.
Today, no one is interested in writing samples that are Word attachments and Power Point presentations so that leaves me with my current body of work, my blog. My writing here tends to be very personal so, unless Hallmark plans to stop by, I feel like I am out of the freelance loop.
I need diversity in my writing, I need to make a name for myself in the freelance world and most importantly, I need someone to give me a chance writing online content.
So this is the area that I would like to improve upon.
Do you have ideas? Are there any sites I should try for getting my feet wet in freelance writing? What do I need to do to become competitive in the freelance writing arena?
This post was written for prompt #7 of the #SummerBlogSocial:
Tell us about something blog or social media-related that you see as a strength of yours, as well as an area that you could improve upon.
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I’m totally late on this, but I wanted to chime in anyway. This is what I want to do as well and I’ve had a little bit of luck.
There are way more things posted on Craigslist than I would have expected. I use that and sites like the writing gigs one to find things and I just apply. I’ve sent some things as Word docs, which helped me get one gig.
Also check on Media Bistro – that’s a better site than elance and those sorts – better jobs and better pay.
One other one is Yahoo! Associated Content. I wrote a few things for them to get a portfolio going (but they won’t pay Canadians – boo) so I haven’t done much more of that. Helps to have stuff published online though (and you can claim assignments, so you have your pick of stuff).
I’ve got a visual CV, which is great because it looks more slick and it also allows you to include a portfolio. You can upload documents or link to things you’ve written.
Great questions. Thank you for writing this! I have bookmarked it because I need advice too.
I’m finally comfortable calling myself a writer and would love to break in to the freelance world. Baby steps…
Like most of the other people on this comment thread I’m in the same boat. I worked as a journalist for 12 years but because of the inflexible schedule I quit just last month. (Yikes!) So I’m launching my freelance career. I’ve been grilling some of my friends who make a good living freelancing full-time and I have to say I’m encouraged. One site that was highly recommended for me to check daily was: http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/
Good luck to us all! 🙂
Thanks so much, I will check it out. Good luck to you!
Great questions! I’ve just started thinking about this, but have no clue where to start.
Okay, first? That picture is ridiculously cute. Love that riding bikes is done in pjs. Really everything is better when pjs (and chocolate) is involved.
I wish I had some sage advice to offer in terms of carving a niche in the freelance market, but I sadly haven’t had much luck with this myself. I have slowly let go of the dream that I’m well on my way to becoming the next Carrie Bradshaw. But what I wouldn’t give to write for a living and to make a good living doing it 🙂 Best of luck to you, my dear!!! XOXO
I have nothing additional to add. We had chatted about this before. 🙂 Good luck getting started!
Thanks, I\’ve been using all of the advice you gave me and adding it to what I\’ve received here.
If you aren’t already connected, check out Nicole @mtdlblog http://www.momentsthatdefinelife.com/about
I think she might be a good resource for you. I know she has some regular writing gigs and does some freelance stuff, also.
I love Nicole and keep meaning to ask her, thanks for the reminder!
No advice, but just wanted to let you know I’d read whatever you wrote. I love your writing style and you inspire me. I can’t wait to see what you will write next!
Awww, thanks so much, what a great compliment!
I don’t have much of anything to add, as I too am looking to officially make the leap from blogger to freelancer. I think the key is letting potential employers know that you are available for hire. Maybe, you could, as others suggested, create a professional page then link to it from this blog. Craigslist also includes some great opportunities, if you have the patience to check daily. Also, and I have done this, get to know freelancers whom you admire and ask what they did to get where they are. In my experience, particularly among mommy bloggers, people are more than willing to give advice and help with making contacts, etc.
Lastly, and in addition to your great blog, and since you’re starting out, maybe you could take advantage of free or next to nothing opportunities to showcase your writing on the web. I wish you luck! I’m sure you’ll get started on the path you want to be on in no time!
Thanks so much for taking the time to give me all of these ideas and for such a well thought out comment, I truly appreciate it!
So glad you wrote this! I can see there are lots of us with the same question. And there have been some great suggestions! Will keep checking back for more!
I write for another site as well BUT I don’t get paid. I do it for exposure. I’m looking for opportunities but like you I don’t know where to start.
I think a lot of us are in the same boat!! WE NEED HELP!!!
I’m with you… I don’t know where to start either. And I think that freelance writing would be an easy way to get a start in writing on other subjects and a move towards a new career for me.
I have no advice because I have never freelanced but I can sympathize. I obviously would love to find a way to get paid for my writing because I think it would be a dream come true to make money doing something I love. I’m looking forward to seeing the responses to this post!
I’ll send you an email. I have too much to say for this box.
Yay! I will be waiting for your email. You\’re the best!
I’d love your opinion/wisdom, too. (even though I know I’m leaps and bounds behind Jessica in the getting ready to freelance department!)
You need to write a post about it, then. #bossy #hashtagevenwhennotontwitter
Seriously, I can’t just send an e-mail with a draft copy of an article, or even an e-mail with just the idea? Crap.
What if you create a totally separate professional blog that is just used to house the writing you want to use as your samples. From there you could link up to the other places on the net that you’ve been featured, and then just put up those “unpublished” samples that you are really proud of and think showcases your best writing ability. I’ve thought about doing that.
That\’s a good idea, I had never thought of doing something like that. Thanks!
ooh – good questions. I am wanting to know the same thing. If I happen to find anything out, I’ll pass it along.
Thanks so much!
I’ll be stalking this post as you get some information. I’ve been trying to figure out how to jump into Freelance as well, but like you said, no one is really interested in attached Word Documents. I HAVE heard that having an established online presence is a huge asset. And you definitely have that, and the capability to put out some great content. Have you checked sites like Babble to see if they are hiring? Good luck!
Babble has a huge requirement for pageviews, traffic, etc. and I\’m not there yet :). Will just keep looking though. It\’s hard to jump in, isn\’t it?
Hi Jessica, when I found writers for our business, I’ve searched on Craigslist, Linkedin and elance. I guess the first question is what type of business would you like to write for? What subject matters would be of interest to you?
I honestly could write content for just about anything. I would love to do more writing in the parenting arena or on autism or loss/grief but can also do more technical writing and content for companies.
If you want freelance writing gigs, my advice would be to setup a blog where you highlight your writing skills. Also, tell people you are writing for freelance writing jobs and specify what type of writing you’d like to do.
It seems like magic. Maybe a lot of it is who you know? I write for another site, but I don’t get paid. I was offered the opportunity to be a regular contributor through a blogger I know here in Austin, and even though I don’t get paid, I’m hoping that it can lead to something more. Maybe I’m dreaming?
I agree, somehow it has to just happen and then you\’re in. At least that is what it seems like.
I wrote “freelance,” but I mean to type “Craigslist” — it’s been a long day. 🙂 Sorry!
Ha ha, I came here thinking you would be giving advice, because I obviously think you’re amazing like that!
So, I don’t have any advice.
However, I don’t think your blog/personal stories are only Hallmark-worthy. A lot of parenting magazines, like Parenting, American Baby, etc. do human interest stories. I think your writing style could be a good fit.
Also, I saw on your Linked In that you used to be the director of the Autism Center at OU? (am I right or confusing something?) Between that and your personal experience with Ashlyn, I think you could be really inspirational and informative about your journey with her over the past 16 years.
I figured that was what you thought when I saw your twitter mention :). Sorry no advice here. I feel like I could do a lot of writing on autism and have extensive experience in it I just need to figure out how to put a package together and who to approach. Oh and I need 20 more hours in the day ;).
When you do figure it out? You will be amazing at it. Are there any specific publications that you found particularly helpful or engaging? Those might be a good place to target. I know you’re just starting out, but with your work/life experience with the subject, plus your writing style, I think you might find some serious interest in your ideas.
Mock-ups are acceptable for your portfolio as long as you’re clear that they are samples, not necessarily works completed for hire.
I don’t recommend it as a long-term strategy, but I found a few freelance gigs through freelance and sites like oDesk and Elance.com. If you go this route, be careful. You don’t want to work for peanuts, and a lot of the jobs underpay — BIG time.
If you ever want to shoot me any questions, by email feel free. I work full-time as an editor, but I’m a part-time freelance writer too.
Thanks so much Emily, I was hoping you would read this post because I saw your background when visiting your blog ;).
I’m just starting to look into this and am overwhelmed by the process. It feels like if I could just get one I could move forward from there…it’s the getting that one that seems impossible!
Exactly! That\’s where I\’m at.
Hi Jessica:
I can only commiserate since I’m in the same boat! 🙂 I’m doing some research on this very topic and if I run across something helpful, I’ll give you a shout on Twitter.
Kelli
Thanks Kelli, that would be great. Sorry you are in the same boat but nice to know it\’s not just me.
Two places that might be worth checking out locally: Patch.com and Oakland Press. Both use freelancers extensively and are always looking for great content. I can’t promise the pay will be that great (maybe $50/story), but it might be a place to start! Send them a note with a few ideas and see if they bite! Every once in awhile I hear of other great paying gigs, so I’ll be sure to keep you in the loop if I come across anything that would be a fit for you 🙂
Thanks so much Lauren, I did try Patch and couldn\’t find anything in our area but will have to remember to check back often and will look into the Oakland Press.
I can’t remember what city exactly you are in, but there have been several new Patch sites popping up. Another local one that is a no-brainer is Metro Parent. Here are their writing guidelines to give you an idea of what they look for: http://www.metroparent.com/Metro-Parent/Write-For-Us/. I think if you sent them your blog and suggested a topic, they might bite. I know I would LOVE to read a feature about the things you’ve endured as a parent. Best of luck! I’m keeping my eyes peeled for you 🙂
Thanks so much, you\’re the best!