Word Whore or Respected Professional Writer? Getting Published and Paid Without Having to Turn Tricks

By Anne Witkavitch

Now that I’ve grabbed your attention, let’s get down to business. I hear you want to be a successful freelance writer. That is great news! But I also get nervous, like I do when I hear about some young girl with starry eyes who quits college, packs her bags, and moves out west for her big break. It rarely happens. Those who do find success know it takes more than just good looks and talent to reach their dreams. They are willing to take small acting jobs to build their resume and hone their craft. They network and make reliable contacts. They have a strategy. And they slowly and deliberately develop a steady stream of work.

Many people mistake freelance writing as an easy way to make a living. Like the young girl who thinks because she has the face, body, and talent she’ll land the first audition and win her Oscar® next year, many freelance writers expect that their talents will get them the first assignments they go after, or worst yet, believe their ring tones will go off nonstop just because they’re open for business. But when that doesn’t happen, they get desperate and seek any opportunity to get their words in print, on computer screens or on paper, which could have disastrous consequences for a would-be career.

Be careful! Before you listen for that never-ending ring tone, make sure you:

• Research and Learn the Business. Read some of the excellent books by Bob Bly or visit his website www.bly.com . Bly is considered one of the gurus of freelance copywriting and has been around since I had my first business in 1991. Another great book is What to Charge: Pricing Strategies for Freelancers and Consultants by Laurie Lewis. An important read to understand how to price your time and talent effectively and realistically.

• Understand your mission. What kind of freelance writing do you want to do? Articles and features? Web content or promotional copy? Speeches and presentations? Or does your background and expertise warrant a unique blend of all of these?

• Position your business. Be able to articulate your value proposition (why should clients hire you? What makes you unique?) Know what kind of work you want to do before you write. This will most likely adjust as you grow your freelance business, but you need a starting point.

• Develop a strategy. Include clearly defined goals and objectives, a timeframe, and desired results you hope to achieve in the next three years. Think finances; in other words, how much money do you need/want to make each year and how will you do that?

• Build Your Target Market. Create a contact list of people who need your services and would be willing to pay for them. Be innovative. Check out creative service providers who represent contractors and freelancers. Attend networking events in your industry. Check out your local Chambers of Commerce and reach out to small business.

• Create an Online Presence. You at least need a simple website that tells prospects about who you are and what you do. Create an online portfolio that professionally presents your best work. Dedicate one page for your resume to give a comprehensive overview of your background if this strengthens support for your services.

About Anne Witkavitch: Anne is a published writer, speaker, and consultant. She holds an M.F.A. in Professional Writing. Her explication of Joan Didion’s The Year of Magical Thinking was previously published in Miranda Literary Magazine. Read her thoughts about being a 21^st century working mother on her blog The Eclectic Writer. She also is the “resident sanity expert” and a blogger for TravelingMom.com.