Building a List of Recommendations for Writers

Professional Endorsements Enhance Writers’ Reputation

Sep 4, 2009

To succeed as a freelance writer, building a list of recommendations from clients and colleagues is a must. Here's how to take the writing career to the next level.

New freelance writers are often faced with the familiar chicken-in-the-egg scenario: how to gain new customers if one doesn’t already have an extensive list of professional recommendations, and how to gain endorsements if the consultant has no prior clientele. By following a few simple steps, freelancers can step on solid ground and watch the new business begin to prosper.

Send Clients an Email Survey

Anyone who has purchased a book or other item through the ever-popular online shopping site Amazon has received an email a few days later asking for a review of the purchase. Amazon reviews are meant to rank sellers and are the primary indicators of reputation on the site. In the same way, writers should send clients a post-project survey for every project completed. Questions could include:

Tap Editors for Endorsements

If the writer has worked closely with editors on projects involving books, articles, or academic literature, approach them for a professional recommendation. Typically the endorsement includes a summary of the person’s skills and strengths in addition to job accomplishments, work ethic, and overall personality. Reviewers will need a resume and two writing samples for reference.

Ask Colleagues and Coworkers for Recommendations

While editors assess the writer from the top down, colleagues and coworkers provide potential clients with a close-up look at what it’s like to work one-on-one with the person. If the freelancer has worked with trusted colleagues on projects involving technical, business, or peer-reviewed academic writing projects, tap them for recommendations that highlight competency, personality, and work ethic.

Social Networking and Freelancing Websites

Online social networking has grown exponentially as a means of building and maintaining a list of recommendations. Specifically Linkedin, the web’s premiere professional networking site, has become popular for online business social networking. Consequently, every writer should create a profile on Linkedin and begin searching for clients and colleagues who can provide recommendations. Freelancing websites including Sologig, GetAFreelancer, and Elance have built-in systems for building a positive reputation through client recommendations.

At first glance, building a list of recommendations may seem difficult, even intimidating. However all freelance writers should tap clients, editors, and colleagues for endorsements in addition to creating a profile on the Linkedin online business networking site. Once the freelancer establishes a growing list of recommendations and establishes a positive reputation, more companies eager for quality writing will come knocking on the door.

The copyright of the article Building a List of Recommendations for Writers in Freelance Writing is owned by Daniel Gansle. Permission to republish Building a List of Recommendations for Writers in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.