Do you have a knack for writing? If yes, then it can be your source of income for the rest of your life. Yes, you heard it right! Becoming a writer isn’t a hard nut to crack because you don’t have to wrap your head around something.
It’s nothing more than a piece of cake if you put in sincere effort.
Thousands of people around the globe are earning a handsome amount of money through professional writing.
They write blog content, product descriptions, social media copy, press releases, and many other things that help small and large businesses thrive on the internet.
However, starting a fresh career as a writer can seem like an intimidating task, especially if you’re just getting started.
However, with some determination and the right approach, it’s definitely possible to break into the writing world as a beginner. Actions speak louder than words.
So, don’t just make claims, step into the real world and show the power of words.
Six Ways to Shine Your Writing Career
A penny saved is a penny earned. You can make your life easier through professional writing. Here are top tips to help launch your writing career.
1. Discover Your Slot
It all begins with finding your niche. You have to be in the right slot to make the most of your writing prowess. There are tons of wonderful opportunities available online and all it takes is to choose your arena.
Find out particular genres and topics that are according to your interests. Don’t choose a niche that’s not your type because if you do so, you might start comparing apples to oranges.
Don’t try to be a jack of all trades – specializing will make your work more appealing to potential clients or publishers.
Do some soul-searching to pinpoint what really gets your creative juices flowing, whether that’s travel articles, personal finance pieces, or science-fiction short stories.
Once you zero in on your niche, you can more easily pitch relevant ideas and build expertise.
Don’t get intimidated if you don’t comprehend something complex, because free paraphrasing tool can help you develop a deeper understanding of the complicated subject matters.
A free paraphrase tool is an AI paraphraser that can take existing content and instantly convert it into streamlined prose for a better understanding.
So, feel free to take advantage of the paraphrase tool and keep that in mind while choosing your niche. The tool will assist you with things that you find difficult to write about.
2. Build Your Portfolio
The next thing you ought to do is to build a strong portfolio. Employers need to see what you do and how you do before they sign a contract.
Don’t do anything at the drop of a hat. Plan things ahead of time so that you can show them the best piece before signing the deal.
Quality samples of your work are crucial to build credibility as a new writer. So get in the habit of writing articles, stories, or other pieces regularly, even if they’re just for your own portfolio initially.
Create a website and publish samples on it to showcase your style and areas of specialization.
Contribute regularly to industry publications, personal blogs, or online magazines – not only to build a portfolio but also to get experience working to deadlines and editors’ feedback.
The more polished samples you can provide, the better your chances of standing out from other beginners. Don’t be hasty, remember, good things come to those who wait.
3. Expand Your Network
Break the ice and start talking to other writers in the industry. Be friend with them and share personal interests.
Get out there and introduce yourself to other writers, editors, agents, and potential clients in your area of expertise.
Attend industry conferences to make valuable connections face-to-face. Do it first, you will understand the importance of networking later.
Follow key players in your field on social media and engage with their posts.
Offer to guest post on relevant blogs and websites to get your name and work in front of a wider audience. Start commenting on blogposts published by others and learn from them.
You never know where those initial connections may lead, so put yourself out there and network like your career depends on it.
As the saying goes, it’s not what you know but who you know. So, make sure you are connected to a bunch of people who are already working in the writing industry.
4. Cold Pitch Because it Works
Let me spill the beans here. Cold pitching is a secret weapon that you can use to take your writing career to the next move.
Don’t wait for writing opportunities to come to you – actively pitch ideas and story proposals to various online publications, magazines, and potential clients.
Research what types of articles they regularly publish and tailor your pitches accordingly.
You might be thinking how can you do so without having a starting point. Well, it’s not that difficult. Add a short intro about yourself, a one paragraph overview of the proposed piece, and some notes on your qualifications and experience.
You might get response once in a blue moon, but stay motivated. Be prepared for rejection – pitching is a numbers game, and you’ll need to send many proposals before landing a paid gig. Throw caution to the wind and get out there.
With persistence and targeted pitches, you’ll eventually start to reel in some bites.
And once you get your foot in the door with one client or publication, it will be easier to pitch follow-up ideas. Remember, a little learning is a dangerous thing.
So, make your prospects learn everything in detail when you approach them.
5. Try Freelancing Platforms
There are many reliable online freelancing platforms to try out. Never judge a book by its cover. A platform that you may consider trivial can turn the table for you.
If you’re looking to build a portfolio and client list quickly as a beginner, online freelancing platforms can be a great way to pick up some low-risk writing assignments.
Sites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr allow you to create a profile showcasing your services so clients can browse profiles and hire writers for specific projects.
The work may not pay top dollar, but it’s a reliable way to get started and gain valuable experience working with different clients.
Just be sure to carefully research each platform’s fees and policies before investing significant time. And always deliver high-quality work to build a strong track record.
You may interact with clients who give you a tough time, so be prepared for that too.
6. Promote Yourself Online
Having a strong online presence is crucial for any independent writer or freelancer. Cut the mustard and create a professional website or blog to house your portfolio and writing samples.
Optimize it with relevant keywords and regularly publish new content to draw in readers.
Spread the word by staying active on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn – engage with your target audience and share your expertise.
Consider starting a newsletter to build an email list you can market directly to.
Online self-promotion is key to getting your name and brand out there as a newbie. The more visible you are across various online channels; the better chance potential clients have of discovering your work.
Breaking into any new career field takes time and effort, but with the right strategies, even complete beginners can start building a successful writing career that’s fit as a fiddle.
Focus on developing your niche, building a portfolio, networking aggressively, pitching ideas regularly, considering freelancing platforms, and promoting yourself online.
Stay determined, put in the work, and your writing talents will eventually start to pay off – just don’t get discouraged if success doesn’t happen overnight.
With persistence and the tips given above, your writing career is sure to pick up steam.
Online Sources That Can Assist in Writing
Aside from tips mentioned above, you can take advantage of a many online tools that can aid in writing and help you become a pro author in no time.
Don’t worry, they are simple and easy to use. You can make the most of these online writing tools and take your writing career to the next level.
Here are some online tools writers can use to hone their skills and get up to speed as a beginner:
icon-angle-right Online Courses
Sites like Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer an abundance of writing courses you can take to brush up on various skills.
From grammar refresher courses to classes on specific genres like blogging or technical writing, online courses are a cinch to fit into any schedule.
icon-angle-right Blogging Platforms
Sites like WordPress are great places to practice your craft and get feedback. Post articles regularly to build up a portfolio and engage with readers. It’s a win-win that lets you flex your writing muscles.
icon-angle-right Online Writing Communities
Join forums on Reddit or Facebook groups to get peer feedback, ask questions, and learn from other writers. Bounce ideas off the community and support others – it’s a two-way street.
icon-angle-right Writing Apps
Apps like Grammarly, Pro Writing Aid, and Hemingway Editor are handy proofreading tools that help catch errors and polish your writing.
You can also use apps like Write or Die to hold yourself accountable and get in the zone.
icon-angle-right Online Contests
Enter short story, article, or essay contests on sites like Writer’s Digest for a chance to win prizes. The deadlines keep you on your toes, and feedback from judges points out areas to improve. It’s a learning experience even if you don’t win.
icon-angle-right Social Media
Use platforms like Instagram to join writing industry discussions, get writing tips, and connect with other writers.
Follow relevant hashtags to virtually surround yourself with supportive writing peers. It’s a great way to network and keep learning as you go along.
With these online tools in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to honing your writing skills and getting up to speed in no time flat. Just get in, get your hands dirty, and learn from others.
About the Author!
Afrasiab Ahmad, a passionate writer specializing in crafting SEO articles for online business marketers and he’s also doing research in uses of ML and AI in an AI paraphrasing tool, with the aim of boosting their Google rankings. He is graduated with a degree in English Literature, He possess a solid foundation in language and communication. He consistently contributes articles on digital marketing, SEO techniques, and the latest trends in technology.