Getting Started as a Freelance Writer
Robert Bly's Guide to Establishing a Writing Career
Examining writing as a business and a craft, Robert W. Bly offers a guide for both novice writers and those with experience alike. Getting Started as a Freelance Writer covers a wide range of territory without sparing any vital details; from how to obtain assignments to negotiating, Bly’s guide is a valuable roadmap for any writer seeking to establish a freelance career.
Inviting readers to engage in a bit of introspection before diving into a freelance career, Bly encourages potential freelancers to first consider what their own definition of success is. With that in mind, Bly suggests that writers find the intersection of their passions and the market’s needs.
Similarly, Bly extols the value of specializing rather than approaching the writing market as a generalist. By honing in on a certain niche, plus capitalizing on your own interest and expertise, Bly asserts that more opportunities will present themselves.
Balancing Dreams with Reality
While writing a best-selling novel or a Pulitzer Prize winning collection of poetry is an admirable goal, Bly advocates that freelance writers become a specialist in some aspect of what he deems “commercial writing.” According to Bly, commercial writing is writing focused on helping a company sell a product or service, or writing that promotes an idea or cause for an organization. Bly outlines the following examples of commercial writing:
- Advertising copywriting, including print ads, TV and radio ads
- Technical writing
- Online writing
- Fundraising writing
- Direct marketing
- Public relations writing, such as press releases
- Corporate communications, including ghostwriting, speechwriting, and writing presentations
As a freelance writer, being able to meet commercial writing needs can provide a steady stream of income and potential jobs. With this base, writers have more freedom to still pursue the form of writing that is their true passion—such as scriptwriting, poetry, or fiction—knowing that commercial writing assignments are a consistent source of income and security.
General Tips for Freelance Writers
Getting Started as a Freelance Writer provides a wealth of practical advice for commencing and sustaining a freelance writing career. While every word of Bly’s book is worth reading, there are several poignant ideas Bly sets forth:
- Prepare a package of information, such as a brochure, highlighting your services, background, clients, etc. that you can send to people who respond to your ads, or people you meet networking.
- Dedicate time to organizing your business, which includes designing and stocking your own letterhead, envelopes and business cards.
- Join relevant industry associations and attend meetings and networking functions.
- Seize opportunities to write columns or articles, teach seminars and workshops, and partake in activities that establish you as a thought-leader within your market.
- Ensure that you have a written contract or signed letter of agreement before starting any writing assignment.
- Don’t underestimate the importance of saving money and establishing a retirement plan, even in the beginning stages of your career.
- Work on multiple projects simultaneously to avoid writers block; if you’re stuck on one assignment, you have another to turn to.
- Seek out writing assignments in unexpected places such as trade publications or resume writing.
- When submitting to magazines or literary journals, conduct research first by looking into the style, length and genre of publications.
- Hold onto letters of praise or other testimonials that you can use in promotional materials to advocate your writing services.
A Valuable Resource for Freelance Writers
Getting Started as a Freelance Writer offers a wealth of advice in addition to the few points mentioned here. Covering how to find assignments, how to market yourself as a writer, how to conduct your business obligations, and how to maximize your personal productivity—amongst many other topics—Bly’s book is a comprehensive resource worth reading cover to cover.
Source
Bly, Robert. Getting Started as a Freelance Writer. Boulder, CO: Sentient Publications, 2008.
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