How to Find Paying Writing Markets
Money-Making Writing Jobs That New Writers Should Consider
Sep 28, 2009
Writers who are serious about making a living at writing should consider these sometimes overlooked markets.
New writers often have to be creative at finding work in their desired career. When the pay cheques are coming few and far between, it’s important not to overlook potentially lucrative markets. Here are some markets to consider.
- Newspapers. Small, local newspapers are often understaffed and overworked. If the local newspaper is advertising for an editor or reporters, chances are they might consider buying freelance work till things settle down. This is often an easy market to break into. Writers can simply contact the editor and offer their services as a part time reporter or express an interest in covering a local event or story. But don’t expect high pay for the work. Weeklies don’t usually pay all that well.
- Magazines. Beginning writers can acquire the clips so necessary for establishing themselves in the business by pitching to smaller regional and niche magazine publishers. The pay may not be great, but the experience can be invaluable.
- Resumes. Local employment centres and online resume writing services are often looking for resume writers. Don’t underestimate the value of this opportunity to improve upon writing skills and gain experience.
- Greeting cards. Greeting card companies often buy card sentiments in batches from freelance writers. This can be an appealing market for writers who enjoy writing verse and experimenting with creative expression.
- Government agencies. Most writers overlook the enormous potential that government agencies represent as markets for their writing. Governments publish massive amounts of content each year. Writers can crack this market by offering their services to specific departments of interest. For example, writers with a medical background should approach health service agencies, agencies that offer addiction services, and other health related government agencies. Governments at all levels represent an enormous market.
- Technical writing. User manuals and technical documents are always in large demand. Writers with any technical experience can tap into this market by watching the job boards or offering their services to companies of interest.
- Travel writing. Travel writing sometimes is thought of as being an exceptionally difficult market to break into. But it may not really be that difficult. Writers should think locally first, before trying to break into the international travel writing scene. New writers wanting to write travel pieces should start with covering local destinations that they know well. Some possible markets for these articles are online e-zines and local newspapers.
- Website design companies. There are many website design companies that specialize in designing websites for businesses of all sizes. New writers can offer their services to these companies as editors of content or content writers for businesses that need well-written copy.
It can be frustrating for new writers to find ways to generate a steady income from their writing. But it’s not impossible and often local work is the best way to break in and gain experience.
The copyright of the article How to Find Paying Writing Markets in Freelance Writing is owned by Tammie Burak. Permission to republish How to Find Paying Writing Markets in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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