Monday, April 7, 2008

Finding Freelance Gigs

It was worth the wait. The writer who I got in touch with several days ago has shared several of her ideas about how and where to find freelance gigs. Unlike the freelancer who writes for parenting magazines and newspapers, this freelancer prefers to proofread, edit and write copy for business clients and organizations. Some of her suggestions are:

  • If you're just starting out, volunteer your editorial and writing skills to local organizations in order to build a portfolio and collect testimonials.
  • Identify and target a niche based on your experience. For example, if you've worked in insurance for five years, try pitching your services to insurance companies. Offer help with their copy or newsletters.
  • Look to trade magazines, professional associations and small business groups for leads. Talking with people from these groups and reading relevant trade publications will help you identify an area of need, potential clients, and maybe even generate a project assignment.
  • Offer to help students with their papers as a writing coach for a college program. An advanced degree will help, in this case.

The theme here is: be proactive and uncover potential projects for yourself. Don't wait for someone to advertise a position or ask for help. Find out what they need on your own, and if you think your services would benefit them, make an offer. (I know, easier said than done!)

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