Freelance Writing Opportunities: Useful Recommendations To Keep In Mind

For most people, getting started in the freelance writing industry is a daunting prospect. In a day job, while the job search is a pain, once you get a job, all you have to worry about is working well. In freelancing, you are constantly on a job hunt. That can be difficult for the most confident and self-assured people.

Here are a few recommendations about finding freelance writing opportunities that will get you going:

1. The shotgun approach is wrong

Most people think that applying to anything and everything is the way to go. You target a million bulls-eyes and you are bound to hit one or two, right? Wrong! You may land a job or two using this approach but think about the damage you are doing in the process. You are basically advertising yourself to potential clients as being a desperate novice that will work any job. This way you become one of two things, white noise that is annoying and someone no one listens to or someone who can be taken advantage of by being low-balled on pricing. This leads nicely to our second point:

2. Apply to jobs selectively

Know what you are good at and apply to only jobs in that niche. Do not a use template job proposal that you send to every advertised position. Instead research the job posting and if possible the job poster and tailor your proposal accordingly. Identify their problem and become their solution. Make sure you proofread your proposal. It would be a waste if you get rejected because you typed there instead of their!

3. Be prepared to work for a low rate

If you are at the start of your freelance career, be prepared to earn a little less. Discounts can convince a client to hire you and once you have convinced them of the quality of your work, you can always ask for a raise. Conversely, if you are an experienced writer, see point 4 below.

4. Do not underestimate your value

If you are an experienced writer and have a good track record, do not sell yourself short. Determine your working rates and stick to those levels. Remember they are your rates and any potential client has to agree to those rates to get you to work. This builds a professional image and any client that values quality work, and there are plenty who do, will be more than willing to pay your higher but reasonable rate.