If you have a knack for writing and are passionate about carving out a career as a professional writer, simply continue reading to discover 5 tips on getting started.
How to become a writer:
Spend as much time reading as you do writing
Whilst it’s wise to allocate time to practice your craft, you’ll also refine your writing skills by reading on a daily basis. As you’ll discover, which writing techniques work and which writing techniques lose your attention as a reader. It’s also well worth assessing each piece you read by writing down, the aspects of the piece which you enjoyed as well as how you would improve the piece which you’ve just read. Over time you should discover which writing techniques work best for your style of writing.
Make a regular effort to attend local writers groups and workshops
In order to take your writing to the next level, it’s important to seek out opportunities to have your work critiqued by professionals writers. If you’re keen, it’s well worth using a search engine such as Google to find local writers groups and to sign up for any writers’ workshops which may be on offer. A good place to search for upcoming writers’ workshops is your local college, which may offer night classes for adult writers who are keen to upskill. If you’re lucky, your class may even be taught by an experienced university professor who specializes in English literature or communication.
Consider freelancing in order to create your first portfolio of work
While freelancing is unlikely to make you rich overnight, you will collect pieces of writing which you can use to create a writer’s portfolio, which you can show to potential clients who are interested in your work and are keen to get a sense of your writing style, before hiring your services for the first time. If you manage to impress your clients, they may also be willing to provide you with glowing references, which you can display on your website. If you’re even luckier you may meet long-term clients, who will be able to provide you with a reliable, regular income.
Make sure that your portfolio boasts a variety of different pieces
Some writers make the common mistake of filling their portfolio with similar pieces. When in fact, it’s far wiser to choose different pieces to highlight your various skills as a writer. As an example, you may want to include a piece which highlights your ability to market a product or company as well as a short, fictional story. When it comes time to pitch a job offer to a potential client, you’ll be able to link them to the piece, which best highlights the style of writing, which they’d potentially hire you for.
Create a professional, attractive website to promote your services
It’s well worth creating a professional website, which will allow potential clients to get in direct contact with you, without an intermediary such as a freelancer site, taking a cut of your profits. So if you’re keen to carve out a successful career as a professional writer, it’s well worth following the 5 invaluable tips listed above in order to get started.
2018 ·