Ask Ms. Thought: Fab Freelancing

I absolutely love your blog and I think it is an excellent example for bloggers looking to get their work published in other arenas, as well as those looking to make a little more money off what they write. I have had my blog for about 5 months and I absolutely love it.

I sit at my day job all day and just write for my blog. I am seriously looking into how to make a substantial living from what I write. I also do a lot of product reviews for various designers, but I don’t charge. I just do it because I love it (is this something I should be charging for?) I’d really like to get my stuff published on a bigger platform and I’d love to figure out how to get paid for what I write. I was just wondering if you had any advice. Thanks!

Sincerely, Funds for Freelancing

Thanks for the blog love!

This is a great and very topical question. With blogs getting the notice from mainstream media, bloggers are using their skills to get noticed in other avenues and that includes publishing and freelancing.

Getting published and launching a writing career is difficult but certainly not impossible as the market for freelancers is swelling. Starting a blog, which you’ve already done, is a first step to getting your work noticed. It’s funny because I started Stylish Thought as a place to showcase my writing, build my portfolio and improve my skills (and garnered several jobs and an internship). Make your blog the best representation of your writing and it will speak for itself.

Once your blog is established you’ll need to get out there and find work. This can be the hardest step for beginning freelancers. But there are job opportunities everywhere. Search job boards, blogging sites, check your favorite fashion website to see if they’re soliciting contributors, print business cards with your blog and hand them out. Keep a moleskin notebook and jot down ideas you have for articles. This will come in handy when websites and publications are looking for pitches. Jobs are everywhere, but you have to search.

Gathering potential clients sets you up to research and decide which opportunities are right for you. If your blog is about expensive accessories, you may not want to apply to an eco-fashion, budget website. When applying to jobs remember to follow ALL GUIDELINES to the letter. There’s no faster way to rejection than not following directions. Also don’t shy away from low-paying jobs (some are great places to get clips, some are not- use your judgment). I wouldn’t suggest charging for product reviews as it may taint the honesty of your reviews.

The great thing about freelancing is that once you start getting published and gathering clips, it’ll be easier to get more jobs. Experience breeds success and the more you write, pitch ideas and apply the greater the chance that you’ll keep getting published. Freelancing takes a lot of motivation and dedication, so don’t quit your day job and keep writing.

Resources:

Jobs @ Problogger
Freelancewritinggigs.com (site down, but will be back up shortly)
Blogger Jobs
Elance.com (a Contract/Bid site)

Got a dilemma, style snaffu, or quick question that Ms. Thought can help with? Email me at stylishthought@gmail.com

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