With every other person wanting to be a writer, how do you stand apart from the crowd?
The ease of blogging or being published online allows many people to call themselves ‘writers’, even though they may be using the internet just as a means to share their thoughts with the world. How do you, as a professional writer, distinguish yourself from the millions of hobbyists out there?
Marketing and promoting yourself is a serious part of a freelance writer’s career. Editors and potential clients, especially internationally, don’t know you exist. To get their attention, you need to compete with other freelance writers and staffers and make your presence known.
Freelance writing isn’t always about writing. Along with writing, building a brand and promoting yourself should be on the top of your agenda. Without a marketing plan, your freelance career is unlikely to be very successful, no matter how good a writer you are.
Selling yourself, however, is easier than you think.
For starters, think online. The internet offers you many easy ways to create an online presence. Create a website, a professional blog or sign up for a networking site like LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com) or Ryze (www.ryze.com).
Network with other writers on forums and groups like the ‘Writing in India’ yahoo e-group, Newbie Writers forum or Absolute Write. Forums like these not only encourage you to learn from other writers, but you also learn of new writing opportunities, pay rates for publications and other news relevant to the industry.
Create an email signature that announces your identity as a writer. Keep it short – include links to your writing website or blog. Add the signature to every email you send out.
While you’re making all these efforts online, don’t forget to network offline too. Some writers are notoriously shy and conscious about promoting their business, but unless you take it seriously, no one else will.
The easiest way to tell people about your work is creating simple business cards to give out to interested people. These could be potential clients, local businesses who may need a writing service, other writers or leading names in a field who could serve as experts or case-studies for a future article.
Participate in events for writers such as literature festivals or poetry readings. Frequent places like local bookshops and art galleries. Leave a business card and ask to be put on their mailing list. That way, you will be informed of upcoming events, new arrivals or have the opportunity to interview a celebrity guest or two. The opportunities for finding work are endless.
If you would like to take marketing more seriously, check out Mridu Khullar’s free e-course on ‘A Month of Marketing’ or read up on the subject at Freelance Folder.
Then, take one little step towards promoting your writing services today.
- chryselle
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Comments:
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I am extremely reluctant to promote myself as a writer. I guess it’s time to start marketing myself as a brand before my competitors beat me.
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