Confusion and Finding Freelance Writing Jobs
Every freelance writer, no matter their experience, is always on the prowl for new jobs. There are thousands upon thousands of freelance writing jobs out there. The only problem is that many writers are confused about how to find them. Do you fit this mold?
Confusion and finding freelance writing jobs is very common. The good thing is that you can kick confusion to the curb soon enough. It just takes a little bit of knowledge and some time to settle in.
What is confusing you? This is the question you need to answer above all else. You may be confused about where to find freelance writing jobs; this is fair enough. In this case you should take the time to study your marketing plan in further depth. Your plan should not only tell you what types of freelance writing jobs to chase, but where to look for them.
Others find it simple to apply for freelance writing jobs that they find online. But what they don’t understand is how to drum up business when there is no advertised opening. This comes down to cold calling, cold emailing, and working your network. Let me be honest. This is something that you will probably struggle with early in your freelance writing career. I did, and most people I coach do as well. Fortunately, this does not mean that you will always be behind. Practice makes perfect, and soon enough you will see what goes into finding freelance writing jobs in this manner.
You never want to be overly confused as a freelance writer. Don’t make finding new jobs rocket science. Instead, follow your marketing plan and take the time to learn about the many ways to win jobs that are not advertised. The more involved you get with the freelance writing industry the less confused you will become.
July 29th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Jim, thy middle name is confusion! That’s exactly how I feel at the moment. I’ve been temping on and off ever since I quit my fulltime job in Sept 07. Since the beginning of May I’ve been scraping by on unemployment, but I’ve been using the time to complete a couple of (low-paying unfortunately) writing jobs as well as keep my new blog up-to-date. I continually market through social media and it has actually brought me a couple of non-paying gigs which I took simply for the contacts (plus they didn’t take too much of my time). Now I’m having to look at finding clients and paying work and I really am stumped. Do I have a business or marketing plan? No. Do I even know where to begin with those? No. Do I know what I’m doing? NO! LOL Any suggestions would be greatly appreciate.
July 29th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Jim,
I have a few suggestions. First, Chris Bibey has an excellent resource for aspiring freelance writers, a report you get for subscribing to his posts via email. So you should definitely do that. I am annoyed to have some things in my inbox, but Chris always offers solid advice.
After reading this full-time report, I would suggest that you visit Jenn Mattern’s two websites: allfreelancewriting.com and queryfreewriter.com. Chris even did an extensive interview of QFW and you will find some great marketing ideas there. AFW will cover issues like setting rates and finding jobs: she even posts links to gigs multiple times per week. Also, you will want to visit Yolander Prinzel’s marvelous creation, freelancewriterville.com. Her website is designed as a kick in the pants to get you going and jumpstart your business.
All of those options are free. I would also suggest Jenn Mattern’s book, Web Writer’s Guide. This book is an invaluable business guide for any freelance writer. It is a $37 investment that will pay back many, many times. When you finish the book, you’ll have a business primed for success and you’ll already have made back the money you spent and then some.
Please note that I am friends with and fans of the people and places I’ve mentioned and that I am in no way receiving any kickbacks for these recommendations.
Hope this helps. If not, just ask. Us writers, we like to help each other out.
- Jessie Fitzgerald, The Paysite Copywriter
July 29th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
Jessie - I could not have said it any better myself. Jim, take her advice! She covered a lot here, and all these resources will help to clear your mind.
Thanks again, Jessie!
July 29th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
queryfreewriter.com should be queryfreefreelancer.com. It should be forwarded, but it isn’t!
July 29th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Jessie, thanks for the suggestions and taking the time to put them down in such detail. I’m thankful for writers who are willing to help each other out.
July 30th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
@Jim–You’re very welcome.
@Chris–Thank you! I have been reading your blog everyday since the day I started my freelance writing business and you’ve helped me a ton!