Hey y'all. I have been freelancing (writing, editing and project work) for a year now. Last year I got plenty of work, but some of my steady gigs have dried up, right at the same time, and just at Christmas. So now I’m back where I was a year ago. Your advice please. Do you think it would be wiser to begin 2008 by actually looking at the Writer’s Market book, writing articles and trying to submit them places? OR do you think I should just hit the pavement and make cold calls to companies in my area? OR both? Question, how do I go from writing just for local businesses that know me, to breaking out and getting jobs in my state and across the nation? FYI, according to what people have posted on this site I’m paid well. I am afraid of trying to find jobs online and want to make the best use of my time. Thanks in advance. I have already learned a whole heap reading the posts on here.
Seasidewriter - This is a common problem among freelance writers. Obviously, clients are going to come and go. In my opinion you should start out using Writer’s Market at the beginning of 2008. This is a great way to find markets that not only suit your interest, but also those that pay well. Coincidentally, I just wrote a post about this topic on my blog; check it out for more info. And of course, send me an email or pm if you have more detailed questions!
Just stay active, stay writing and keep looking for potential clients. Just remember you only need to find a couple of steady clients to be in the money again. Approach people that might only vaguely be interested in your services, you would be surprised how many people actually accept your offer and will become a client.... I had never heard of "writer's market" before you mentioned it, but I can say that as an individual finding clients should be very possible if you have a strong portfolio and you shouldn't necessarily need to invest in something like that...
You could also try your luck at the helium marketplace and the contest area. The site itself is really bad for good writers, but some good jobs pop up in those areas.
Actually, a subscription to Writer's Market doesn't cost much - barely $30 for a one year subscription. It's a terrific investment if you're planning on adding some magazine credits to your portfolio.
The Writer's Market is a good resource if you're going into the publishing world. Otherwise, it most likely won't do too much for you (depending on what you know). Since you seem to interested in non-local business, you should first set up a Web site. Next, figure out where your target audience congregates and work to get into that circle. It may be online, at conferences or some other venue. I wouldn't use this site as a guide. If you're a professional writer, look at the rate guide in the Writer's Market and use that as a comparison.
Something I learned this year is to never cease marketing your services. In fact, it's at the times you're fully-booked when it's ideal to promote yourself the most. Why? Well, there's always famine after the feast. I can't count the number of times when I land gigs right at the moment another ends. If it were me, I'd do all that you mentioned. But then again, sometimes I forget I'm only human and end up getting burned out in the process. I agree with marketjunction. Set up a web site first and go from there.
Thanks so much! I appreciate all the input. It's been a great motivater. I guess it all boils down to marketing myself, and plugging along. Today I got an old copy of Writer's Market from the library just to get some ideas and made contact with some businesses and dropped off my card. I'll be ready to hit the ground running in 2008. Oops, cliche. Sorry!
For whatever reason most writers don't think about marketing much or take it seriously. And that's why most bottom feed and live client to client rather than having a progressing and booming business. I've yet to meet a self-employed writer who is making six figures (or pretty darn close) and not marketing at all. Sounds like you're ready to make 2008 a great year. Best of luck!
I find that there are either not enough hours in the day or I have no work there never seems to be a happy medium
I find things slow down around this time of year and then pick up early in January. I have a slowdown and many writers are going through the same thing right now.