If you know that ''write jobs'' really translates into the ''right jobs'' for you, then here are 10 top tips for turning your writing dreams into reality.
• If you’re inexperienced at writing, you should take some local creative writing courses. These are always being offered as short courses at community colleges and universities. Some writing classes are also available online, and you can even find software programs that will give you some good practice and refresh your knowledge about language and sentence development. Even if you are an experienced writer, refresher courses can still benefit you, or you might choose to be the instructor for one of these courses.
• Remember that good writing is a result of both talent and skill. Without frequent practice, your skills will become rusty and your writing will suffer. For most true writers, every day is another opportunity to engage in more writing. Many individuals construct scenarios or articles by typing on the computer, but real writers will do the same thing in their minds as well. It is not uncommon for these people to be building an entire short story or poem in their minds while cleaning the house, eating at a restaurant, or fixing a car.
• Use every opportunity to write that comes your way, whether you’re being paid or not, especially if you’re new to the writing world. This means that you should volunteer to help on a church or school bulletin or newsletter, contribute an article or story to a local newspaper, and search for any other opportunity for someone with writing skills. These will provide you with experience and references to use in the future, and they will also provide you with published work that can be used to demonstrate your level of talent and writing skill.
• Read magazines that are devoted to writers and writing to gain more knowledge about your chosen profession. There are many articles in these magazines written by professional authors that can give you ideas and tips on how to refine and improve your own writing abilities. You will also find contests that allow you to enter your stories and poems for chances at both money and publishing opportunities. These periodicals will also contain lists of publishing companies with contact information and information about what types of writing they are currently accepting for consideration.
• Use online job boards that post positions for writers and authors. WritingCrossing.com is one of the best of these national Internet sites. They provide interested individuals with a comprehensive list of all of the top writing job opportunities. You will be able to look through the jobs for freelance writing assignments, newspaper positions, and many more opportunities that offer pay and benefits to qualified people.
• Expand those self-limiting word horizons and be willing to try new types of writing opportunities. Never limit yourself by sticking with only one style of writing. If you have only written book reviews, you won’t know if you can write about travel until you are willing to try. This is where practice and extra writing classes will prove invaluable. The more styles of writing you can do, the better your job chances will be. Flexibility and resourcefulness are necessary tools for any skilled writer to have.
• Join a writers group or organization. Even an online group will give you some great chances to discuss topics, pick up some new ideas, and network with others who have the same passion for words that you have. You may also pick up some interesting job leads.
• Do not allow your passion and your desire to overwhelm your common sense when it comes to your writing abilities. If you’re told that you need to work on your writing skills, this is what you should do. It will only be wasted effort and frustration if you keep trying for jobs by submitting writing examples that are just not up to par. Investing the time now in improving your work will pay off for you in the future.
• Sometimes a position may come along that offers great potential, but the pay turns out to be less than what you’d hoped for. Try not to let the pay be the deciding factor, though, when it comes to a writing chance that seems to be the perfect one for you. Look at all of the pros and all of the cons before making a final decision. This job opportunity may be a stepping stone to better writing jobs in the near future. Remember that you do not land the top writing assignments on your first day of searching.
• You may have your heart set on writing that wonderful, full-length novel (who doesn’t?), but it’s important to remember that every writing job and assignment will contribute in some way to that future dream. Take advantage of opportunities to write now that are in your sphere of expertise.
• Consider creating a website that you can use to display some of your best work for future employers. Having your resume and a portfolio of your best work ready to download to interested clients is also going to help you get the writing jobs you want. Remember that first impressions do count, so make sure that any written communication concerning a writing position is free from typos and is professionally polished before you submit it.
