It's astoundingly common for freelance writers to hit a snag or two or many along their writing career journey. All too often new writers come blazing onto the scene filled with excitement and ready to work. But then they discover that jobs don't find you simply because you tout yourself as a freelance writer. Writing jobs are something that you must pursue. This can be frustrating and rewarding. But it requires some commitment.
It can take some time to land that first freelance writing job, especially when you don't have a current portfolio of writing samples. You may be required to start with a low paying job and work your way up rather than aiming for the highest ones from the start. Experience certainly helps. Once you have one paying job it opens the door for more to follow. Hanging in there for that first writing job is essential.
Many would be writers throw in the towel within the first week or so of little success. Job hunting in the freelance writing world takes some real dedication. If you're searching among online listings then consider how many writers are also applying for those jobs. It can take a while to land that first worthy writing gig.
What really matters is your determination as a freelance writer. It can take years to reach the level of success that some writers claim to have reached. Do you have it in you to last that long?
~Trina M. Lee
www.TMLWritingServices.com
Showing posts with label freelance writing job. Show all posts
Showing posts with label freelance writing job. Show all posts
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Free Writing Samples - Do or Don't?
An issue that many freelance writers are constantly faced with is the "free writing sample" issue. Many clients will request one and at the worst, expect one. When is it a good idea? And when should you say a polite "heck no"?
1. You need to build a portfolio. This is a time you may want to consider doing a few free articles or editing jobs. Nothing outrageous of course, just enough to show your skill. You are giving work away for free though so let the potential client know that you plan to show it in your portfolio as a sample to others as well.
2. You already have an established freelance portfolio. This may be one of those times to say no. If you have plenty of creditable experience to show this person and they demand free work, it's better to walk away. This is a livelihood for most freelance writers. Doctors and lawyers don't work for free when they have families to feed, why should we?
3. It's a well paying job that would do wonders for your freelance writing career. Consider a free sample. If you know the potential client is legit then it may be worth your time. Decide what the position is worth to you.
4. The job is coming through a freelance job site or bid site. These are often the lower paying of the freelance writing jobs out there. Rates tend to be lower than the work is worth. If the articles only pay $5 or less less there is no reason you should have to submit a free sample. The price alone is highway robbery after paying the site commission fees. If you choose to use these sites for work that's fine. But don't sell yourself so short as to give work away for free.
Consider this: every writer that bids on that job may be asked for a free sample. In the end the buyer has so many he doesn't need to choose or pay any one of them. Just a thought.
Freelance writing is a rewarding profession. However, it's also a challenging one that requires plenty of persistence and thick skin. Do what you have to do in order to secure the freelance writing job that guarantees you success rather than a loss of wage and time.
~Trina M. Lee
www.TMLWritingServices.com
1. You need to build a portfolio. This is a time you may want to consider doing a few free articles or editing jobs. Nothing outrageous of course, just enough to show your skill. You are giving work away for free though so let the potential client know that you plan to show it in your portfolio as a sample to others as well.
2. You already have an established freelance portfolio. This may be one of those times to say no. If you have plenty of creditable experience to show this person and they demand free work, it's better to walk away. This is a livelihood for most freelance writers. Doctors and lawyers don't work for free when they have families to feed, why should we?
3. It's a well paying job that would do wonders for your freelance writing career. Consider a free sample. If you know the potential client is legit then it may be worth your time. Decide what the position is worth to you.
4. The job is coming through a freelance job site or bid site. These are often the lower paying of the freelance writing jobs out there. Rates tend to be lower than the work is worth. If the articles only pay $5 or less less there is no reason you should have to submit a free sample. The price alone is highway robbery after paying the site commission fees. If you choose to use these sites for work that's fine. But don't sell yourself so short as to give work away for free.
Consider this: every writer that bids on that job may be asked for a free sample. In the end the buyer has so many he doesn't need to choose or pay any one of them. Just a thought.
Freelance writing is a rewarding profession. However, it's also a challenging one that requires plenty of persistence and thick skin. Do what you have to do in order to secure the freelance writing job that guarantees you success rather than a loss of wage and time.
~Trina M. Lee
www.TMLWritingServices.com
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