When I was in my early 20s, I knew that I wanted to make writing my full-time gig but I was completely lost. I had no idea how to get my work published or how to find writing jobs. I got a few initial “breaks” but the pay was very low—certainly not enough to cover my rent. For better or worse, determination and drive are two of my strongest qualities and I wasn’t willing to give up on my dream. I kept moving forward.
I reached out to some friends in the writing community for advice and researched the industry inside and out. And it paid off. Eventually, through a lot of hard work and perseverance, I broke into the writing and publishing industry. Today, I’m proud to say that I’m a successful full-time writer. I make my own hours and most importantly, I do what I love. Here’s a few tips I learned along my writing journey.
Tip #1: Networking is critical to your success!
From the very beginning of my writing career, I made it a point to attend as many writing conferences, events, and join as many communities as possible. I quickly learned that networking is critical in the publishing and freelance writing world. By getting to know other writers, editors, and publishing professionals, I was able to gain insights into the industry, learn about new opportunities, and make invaluable connections. In addition to attending writing-related events, I also joined a number of online communities for writers. These communities provided me with a wealth of resources and support, and I am still a member of several today. If you are serious about building a writing career, I strongly encourage you to get involved in your local writing community and connect with other writers online.
Step 2: Build an online presence and portfolio.
In today’s writing landscape, it’s more important than ever to have an online presence. If you’re not actively posting on social media or writing your own blog, you’re missing out on valuable opportunities to build your brand and reach new readers. Publishing your work online can also help you attract writing clients and land writing gigs. In addition, online writing communities can provide a great way to get feedback on your work, connect with other writers, and learn about new writing opportunities. So if you’re not already active in the online writing world, now is the time to start. Get your name and your work out there, and you’ll be well on your way to success as a writer.
Step 3: Utilize freelance marketplaces, like Writers Work to find gigs, meet clients, and grow your career.
As a freelance writer, I’m always on the lookout for writing gigs that fit my interests and skills. So when one of my writing buddies told me about Writers Work, I was intrigued. Writers Work is an online platform that connects writers with publishing opportunities, provides training and advice, and allows you to build a portfolio. For me, it was the perfect way to start my writing career. The site helped me hone my skills, find writing gigs that were a good match for my interests, and build a strong portfolio of work. I’m now a well-established freelance writer, and I credit Writers Work for helping me get my start. If you’re looking to break into the writing world, I highly recommend checking out Writers Work.
Step 4: Keep your foot on the gas!
Building a base of stable clients can be a long and difficult process, but it’s worth it in the end. Keep your foot on the gas and don’t give up! The more effort you put into marketing yourself, the more likely you are to find success. Be patient and understand that this is a long-term process. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a successful writing career!