Beginning in content writing (for money), any advice?

Discussion in 'Copywriting' started by in7, Nov 21, 2009.

  1. #1
    What advice, suggestions, resources, would you give to someone who is considering getting into content writing?

    I know researching is essential in content writing, that's why I posted this here. What better place to research something than where others have experience in it already?

    Thanks for your help.
     
    in7, Nov 21, 2009 IP
  2. lightless

    lightless Notable Member

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    #2
    lightless, Nov 21, 2009 IP
  3. in7

    in7 Peon

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    #3
    Thanks for this. I read in another post (can't find it now) that she has a great e-book for starters. Any idea where to find it?

    Thanks for the advice.
     
    in7, Nov 21, 2009 IP
  4. Matt Willard

    Matt Willard Greenhorn

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    #4
    Here you go:

    http://webwritersguide.com/

    A worthy purchase.
     
    Matt Willard, Nov 22, 2009 IP
  5. in7

    in7 Peon

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    in7, Nov 23, 2009 IP
  6. harvester

    harvester Well-Known Member

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    #6
    Another way of researching the freelance writing market is to look at the work of other writers, with a view to deciding whether you can improve on their work.
    Clients will sometimes send you samples of other writers' work, either because they want you to write articles which are written in a similar style and given a similar treatment, or because secretly they aren't too pleased with the other writers' work.
     
    harvester, Nov 25, 2009 IP
  7. Hijynx427

    Hijynx427 Well-Known Member

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    #7
    I've been a freelance writer for about ten years now. I would say that your best opportunity is to establish a portfolio of work that is BROAD. Write about what you like first, but then make a list of 12 things you really don't like or things that don't really interest you. Write an article on a topic under each of those 12 categories and include those in your portfolio. It helps you look like a well versed writer. Also, don't stop at 12! Keep expanding your portfolio every month with a few articles here and a few there. As you get assignments, those will only help because now you have a dollar figure associated with some of your writing. You can use this to negotiate payment terms with editors later.

    :)

    Good hunting!

    Jason
     
    Hijynx427, Nov 25, 2009 IP