So you want to get paid for your writing, but you’ve never been published.
You have no formal experience, and no one’s ever hired you for a writing-related job.
The professional legwork that comes with getting paid to write can be intimidating.
Honing a few important skills can help you get started.
Writing, the simple act of putting pen to paper, is challenging enough on its own.
But most writers have no problem putting in the creative effort.
Social Skills
Not all writers are introverted, but many of us certainly are.
Here are a few ways you’ll have to break out of your shell.
It implies you’re free to make it simply based on your contacts.
Still, it’s true that many opportunities are given to people through networking.
After all, it’s just convenient.
You probably already knowhowto networkmeetup groups, keeping in touch with colleagues, communicating with fellow writers, etc.
“Force yourself to commit to a certain amount of professional engagements per month.
In chatting with people, don’t worry about being funny or clever.
It’s enoughto just be nice.
Give before you receive.
Offer to help someone out to build your web connection.
A simple gesture can go a long way.
You also want to ensure to be professional, diplomatic and kind.
If an editor turns you down, thank them for their time.
Of course, you’re not guaranteed a gig just by being diplomatic and friendly.
But opportunities often arise through networking, and a professional social demeanor goes a long way.
Embrace Social Media
We all know the writing landscape has changed dramatically in the last decade.
Social media is a big part of not just writing, but many other industries, too.
Nimble explainshow social media can benefit youas a freelancer.
modernize your social circles when you write something new.
In fact, many of them expect it.
“Can you retweet your posts?”
At the time, that question was novel.
Now, it is increasingly commonplace and no longer an afterthought, but part of the main deal.
Don’t give into the mentality that embracing these changes means you’re not a true artist.
Salman Rushdie is on Instagram.
Technological evolution is nothing new, so it’s best to embrace it.
Speak Up
Don’t be afraid to just ask for opportunities, either.
Tell your connection you’re interested in freelance opportunities.
Here’s a personal example.
As a result, she helped me land several lasting gigs.
It made me wonder if I should’ve spoken up sooner.
Of course, don’t incessantly email an editor or friend asking for favors.
No one likes that, and if you do it, your emails will probably be ignored and deleted.
Resourcefulness
Some professions come with a pretty standard blueprint.
It’s not easy, but that’s pretty much the roadmap for every doctor.
But writing doesn’t work that way.
Some professional writers have a writing degree; some don’t.
Some get jobs because they launched a blog that became popular.
Some writers are hired because they have friends who are also writers.
In other words: be resourceful.
But, as a former publicist, she did have marketing skills.
She optimized them, and basically became her own publicist.
As a result, she landed a few bylines and then became published by Simon and Schuster.
(In fact, I asked her for some specific tips for marketing yourself as a writer.
More on that later.)
I got my start as a college newspaper editor.
That “free” review led to a paying job at the newspaper.
Years later, I became interested in wine.
I parlayed that into teaching a wine-tasting class, which led to a gig as a newspaper wine columnist.
Adapt
Part of being resourceful is learning to adapt.
Maybe they have a different standard for writing.
Maybe they expect you to look for photos to accompany your story.
Today, it is no good just being able to write well.
Here are a few specific marketing skills you should familiarize yourself with.
And it’s possible for you to do it without being sleazy and obnoxious.
Build an online portfolio.
Start a blog and engage with readers.
Find like-minded people online.
Ourfull article on the matteris worth checking outthere are some great tips.
If you’re an introvert, you’ll probably findthese tips helpful, too.
Angel agrees that it helps to start a blog, where you’re able to regularly post content.
Create content with a fresh twist and voice.
Look to grab the attention of an editor with your storyline or title and content.
She adds that part of branding yourself is just being genuine and showcasing your unique voice.
We have some tips forstarting your own blog, too.
Websites likeQuicksproutkeep up with the changes for you, and break it down in simple terms.
Guest Posting and Pitching
If you need a byline, consider guest posting.
This can help with branding, but it can also beef up your portfolio.
This way, when you pitch an editor, you have multiple bylinesnot just content from your own blog.
To land a guest post, you’ll have to come up with some relevant ideas and pitch websites.
If she says “yes,” I follow up with ideas while the connectionhowever tenuousis still fresh.
Angel adds that it helps to thoroughly research outlets.
You might look for less popular sites that are actively looking for new talent.
Or you might look for new websites that are just hungry for content.
Thick Skin
Any writer will tell you: thick skin is a must.
Writing for pay normally involves a lot of rejection.
And if that’s not fun enough, there are differenttypesof rejection, too!
Here’s how you’ll have to get over any sensitivity.
The stuff you’re most embarrassed to share might be the most well-received.
Don’t be afraid if the work isn’t perfect, either.
Plenty of hugely successful works are far from perfect, depending on whom you ask.
One trick that’s helped me?
I not only expect criticism, I ask for it.
This makes them feel more comfortable telling me if something sucks.
Also, it prepares me, emotionally, for the critique.
Learn to use criticism as a tool for improvement.
Of course, some people can be real jerks about it.
They’ll criticize your writing with the goal of hurting your feelings rather than trying to help.
This is why persistence is so important.
Of course, sometimes you try one method over and over and it just doesn’t work for you.
It’s okay to try something else.
Learn toget back up and keep trying,even if it means tweaking your plans.
That’s where resourcefulness comes in, too.
When it comes to the specifics, every writer’s success story is pretty different.
Your personality, experiences and situation are unique.
But there are a few skills that are universally indispensable, no matter what route you take.
Photos by Tina Mailhot-Roberge,Nithi Anand,Rachid H,Bruno Cordioli,guido da rozzeandMoyan Brenn.
