Are you a writer just starting out in the freelance world? The freelance writing industry may seem a little like the Wild West because, in a way, that’s how it actually is. There is every price imaginable for your writing—all the way from no pay to thousands of dollars for an article. But if you want to take the first step and are wondering how to get your freelance writing published, here are some tips.
Start local
Depending on what kind of writing you are looking for, there is probably something nearby. And publishers and editors are more likely to pull from their local resources when finding writers and writing. Starting local will probably not get you high pay, though, unless you live in a large market like Chicago, LA, DC, or something similar. But it will be one of the fastest, simplest ways to get your name on an article.
Contact an editor/publisher directly
Email (or call if you can find a number) the editor or publisher. Even if they don’t reply right away, your email probably got starred and they plan to check out your portfolio.
Have a portfolio ready
You may not have been published, but if you want to be you better have some writing ready. It could be from a personal blog, an article submitted, or even your own creative writing. Just have something to show your style of writing and display your skills. If you have no writing to show when you reach out to an editor, I guarantee you won’t be asked to write.
Have a niche
Editors, publishers, and marketers are looking for writers who can fulfill a specific need. You need to show you can do that. You may even need to show them they have that need. Have a specific niche for your own writing so they have an idea of what they’ll be getting from you. They may want something slightly different and ask if you can do that instead when you are starting out. But the reason they ask is because they see you are skilled in an area, so it is likely you can expand those skills into a similar area that they need.
Market yourself
Create a website. Use social media: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook. Have a portfolio and a blog. Have business cards/promo materials. Make sure you are getting exposure online and people are seeing your name so when they hear of a freelance writing need, your name pops into their mind.
Be ready for low rates, but don’t work for free
The beginning of the freelance writing path often comes with insultingly low rates. If you feel uncomfortable with the rate, bargain them up or don’t take the job. I don’t recommend working for rates below your comfort level, but sometimes it is the easiest way to get published. Weigh the benefits to taking a rate below your comfort level and determine if you receive enough exposure from the article. If it is just an article for money, don’t take it.
The two things I recommend never doing are working for free and using bottom shelf freelance sites like Upwork or Fiverr. Working for free just encourages the idea that your time and work have no monetary value. And using sites like Fiverr and Upwork will just send you on a downward spiral of devaluing your work and deteriorating your skills.
——
The freelance world may be a little like the Wild West, but there are ways to get started and stay safe. And if you do things right you can do pretty well for yourself. You just have to get started. So get out there and write!
