Where-oh-where to begin?

Discussion in 'Copywriting' started by AmaNicole, Oct 10, 2007.

  1. #1
    After reading through copy and article writing forums, following links from all over and reading many a blog on the subject of online freelance writing, I have learned tons of valuable tips but, if anything, just feel more confused. I guess my question here is: where to begin? Do I build a portfolio of writing on the topics I have expertise in first? Or do I solicit potential publishers to find out what they look for and then cater to those needs specifically? My goal is to be a well-paid article writer of original content; I have education and keen interest in a few different topic areas, and my English skills (if I do say so myself) are top notch. If anyone has anything to offer me in regards to a starting point, I would be ever so grateful. Thanks in advance! Also, my apologies if this topic has already been covered here. If I could just be steered in the right direction...
     
    AmaNicole, Oct 10, 2007 IP
  2. Kamistore

    Kamistore Peon

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    #2
    Basically same question here. I've a grad degree in humanities, working as an offline copywriter and am wondering if I could really earn something with my writing online.
    I am sure this has been covered before, but seeing most posts here makes me think it is for those, who are "in" already.
    So, where does one start? What does one make in the beginning?
     
    Kamistore, Oct 11, 2007 IP
  3. jhmattern

    jhmattern Illustrious Member

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    #3
    I cover a lot about how to start as a freelance writer without getting sucked into overly low-paying markets over at www.AllFreelanceWriting.com. There's an article there on how to get high paying freelance writing jobs. Do a search for that one, and it should outline quite a bit for you.
     
    jhmattern, Oct 11, 2007 IP
  4. AmaNicole

    AmaNicole Guest

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    #4
    will do, thanks Jenn! I've been to this site before, it's just that there's so much info I didn't know where I should begin looking in particular. Now I do, so thanks again!
     
    AmaNicole, Oct 11, 2007 IP
  5. internetauthor

    internetauthor Peon

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    #5
    This might help, also.

    Thanks!
    Rebecca
     
    internetauthor, Oct 12, 2007 IP
  6. Oosha

    Oosha Well-Known Member

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    #6
    That's a great report, Rebecca!
     
    Oosha, Oct 12, 2007 IP
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  7. rayaan

    rayaan Peon

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    #7
    Excellent advice, Rebecca. I especially agree with the manners and professionalism part. Besides being good at what you do, being friendly and easy to work with can go a long way in developing long term work relationships and getting referrals.
     
    rayaan, Oct 13, 2007 IP
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  8. KeywordsandCopy

    KeywordsandCopy Peon

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    #8
    AmaNicole - check out my blog on freelance writing. I have a couple hundred posts on getting started, finding jobs, etc. Let me know if you have any questions!
     
    KeywordsandCopy, Oct 13, 2007 IP
  9. deepower

    deepower Well-Known Member

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    #9
    deepower, Oct 13, 2007 IP
  10. seowritinggroup

    seowritinggroup Peon

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    #10
    Jenn's site is really good; I would recommend it highly if you are a new writer looking for information. I have also found www. freelancewritinggigs. com(no spaces - I am too new here to post a live link) to be valuable. There are writing gigs posted daily, but the site owner also has some really good discussions (some of the most recent discussions have been on writing a good freelance cover letter, spotting writing scams, etc.).
     
    seowritinggroup, Oct 14, 2007 IP
  11. Stephen Doyle

    Stephen Doyle Peon

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    #11
    there are plenty of great tips and advice on here and some of the websites in the link the content is fantastic.

    i dont bother about portfolios etc from the beginning.

    sell yourself,

    convince your prospect that you can do a decent job.

    too many would be writers try working for free or low pay to start and guess what thats exactly where they are in 6 months time.

    to me there are plenty of ways to get work.

    speak to businesses
    printing and leaflet companies
    small new start up businesses are great
    other writers may be able to provide some overflow work

    theres always work about but i as always advise some of it is
    online and some off.

    good luck

    Regards,
    Steve Doyle
     
    Stephen Doyle, Oct 14, 2007 IP
  12. jgjg

    jgjg Peon

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    #12
    You might try elance. some of the freelance sites are very competitive and you don't want to be stuck competing with people who will for 90cents per hour.

    sometimes if you land just one client who is very active online, you can have pretty well paid work for months...

    also, try to collect credibility as you go...I haven't done that well, and looking back, it would be nice to have quotes from people I've done good work for when possible...even if it isn't only from writing, things like building websites etc..could give some good testimonials.

    you might want to supplement your writing with website skills too. If you are coming from offline into online area, it is good to have some understanding of how webpages work (for example, you can probably get paid more for SEO optimized articles with keywords built in) and it makes a good selling point in my opinion
     
    jgjg, Oct 15, 2007 IP
  13. AmaNicole

    AmaNicole Guest

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    #13
    Wow, thanks so much for ALL of that free info! I hope some other new writers benefit as much I have from so many experienced online writers.
    A great report from Internet Author especially, and Jenn's sites are quickly becoming indispensable to me on a daily basis. Thanks again!
     
    AmaNicole, Oct 16, 2007 IP
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  14. Courtknee

    Courtknee Peon

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    #14
    Welcome to writing online! :) I can get a little overwhelming at first. The advice in this thread was great. I have a free report as well that's in my sig that might be helpful as well.
     
    Courtknee, Oct 16, 2007 IP
  15. Kamistore

    Kamistore Peon

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    #15
    AmaNicole, if you do not mind, would you share how effective your first steps are?
     
    Kamistore, Oct 18, 2007 IP
  16. AmaNicole

    AmaNicole Guest

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    #16
    Actually...
    After a couple weeks of reading a lot of helpful tips on getting started, I wrote out a personal business plan for myself in three month increments (where I want to be in three months' time, six months', etc. and how I plan on getting there), and also weekly and daily goals. I break down the daily goals in a planner and make sure I complete them all each day. Things like forum posts, seeking out potential clients through sites that are related to my fields, joining new forums, writing blog posts for my own blogs since I don't have a portfolio yet, reading TONS on online freelancing.
    Anyway, just the other day someone tracked me down through DP and asked if I could do some articles for her that are related to one of my specialties, I think she searched "health article writers" or something similar, and I just finished them and sent them off to her. But I handled our PM's very professionally, stating my rates before taking on the tasks ($.15/word), and I guess I lucked out because she's not happy with her current content writer, so hopefully she'll ask me to write for her again. Basically, I make sure that I'm diligently seeking out places to see and been seen in. I'm starting on a business site for myself now, so that I have somewhere to send the potential clients. Blogging keeps my skills honed and my info up-to-date, and I enjoy it!
     
    AmaNicole, Oct 18, 2007 IP
  17. seowritinggroup

    seowritinggroup Peon

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    #17
    Excellent job. Your planning will pay off in the long run. Keep marketing and getting your name out there and you'll be getting more clients before you know it.
     
    seowritinggroup, Oct 18, 2007 IP