Decide What You Want to Do
Total specialization is a bad idea, since your prospects can quickly dry up, particularly if you're a freelancer working from gig to gig. However, generalists rarely have the time to hone their skills in every type of writing they need to. That's why you should start by considering your strengths and the kind of writing you like best.
If you prefer to write fiction, you'll have a far different and often more difficult path than nonfiction writers. That's because there are lots of would-be fiction writers out there, and the competition is stiff. Nonfiction writers will have a better time finding work to support them since their business model doesn't rely as much on popularity. They're more likely to be paid per word or per job than novelists, who often must rely on advances and royalties.
Nonfiction writers are divided up into a lot of different categories, too. The sort of pieces you write for a women's magazine will be a lot different from journalistic writing. They also don't have a lot to do with the writing you'll do in entry-level technical writing jobs. You can and probably will maintain different styles of writing for different types of work, but remember to stick to the one that's most appropriate.
A chatty, friendly voice may work very well if you're writing a vignette or how-to piece for a website or popular journal. It's not the choice, though, for entry-level medical writing jobs, where your grasp of formal language and terminology are valued, along with your ability to communicate complex concepts efficiently and effectively.
Training
Finding writing jobs, like finding other jobs, takes a little bit of training. The difference, however, is that writers don't necessarily have to go to school in their field to find work. Some writers may even find that college-type writing courses get in the way of the kind of writing they want to do or the kind of writing that will support them.
That doesn't mean that writing programs are a waste of time — many are very good, and good critiques are particularly helpful for fiction writers. However, training for writers of technical documentation is more likely to occur on the job or to be obtained from other people with experience. You can also take individual courses in technical writing, but you're unlikely to find an entire program dedicated to the subject.
Certifications are often looked well upon by employers, but once again, they're a little less standardized than in other fields. When you apply for entry-level technical writing jobs, for instance, the employer will want to look at your past work and will want to know your technical areas of expertise. In this kind of situation, good writing and some quality tech certifications will get you more than a writing degree will.
Be Responsible
The good news for people interested in finding writing jobs is that if you're a good writer and you can prove you do business well, you'll have no shortage of opportunities. As word gets around, you may even find your business growing more quickly than you expected. However, it's extremely important to be responsible. Artistic temperaments are not tolerated — you'll need to produce solid material regularly and on time if you want to be considered a good writer.
Writers who turn in good, reliable work on time and never miss a deadline are what employers are looking for. In fact, even if your work is fantastic, if you can't make deadline, you'll probably be passed over for someone with lower quality but higher reliability.
Where to Look
So, you know you should specialize in your writing, and you know that professional behavior is key, but finding writing jobs doesn't work if you don't know where to look. The fact is that there are a number of options, depending on your field. Almost all of them require you to have a good portfolio, though. So, how do you get one? Put together some sample work, do some volunteer material, or do some work for less than you'd like to charge. You'll get the experience and be able to put together a body of work that you're willing to show to prospective employers.
Next, it's time to figure out where the jobs are. One of the great things about writing for a living is that you'll often be able to take jobs that are located far away. That's because email and computers allow us to work wherever we choose. Just make sure that the job you're applying for doesn't have any kind of in-house time requirements. You may be required to commute for some entry-level technical writer jobs so that you can talk to the people you're working with in person.
An online search with the major job sites is a good idea. You'll find plenty of part-time, full-time, and contractor jobs out there. However, you shouldn't just limit yourself to these places. Network to find out who needs a writer, and don't be afraid to send out query letters. Find publications and businesses that use writers and which you'd like to work for, then send them a brief, professional sample and a letter introducing yourself.
Most of these won't pan out, but enough will to make it worth your while. Remember that it's hardest when you're new to the field, and getting jobs when you have an established reputation and a well-filled portfolio is a lot easier. So, don't let yourself get discouraged!
