This past year has been a tough one for everyone. The lockdowns have torn up our economy and caused many creatives to lose their livelihoods. Contracts dried up, assignments faltered, and paychecks disappeared. But there is hope.
Life as a freelancer has its challenges, now more than ever, which is why it helps to be creative in finding solutions. Now is not the time to stick to the usual.
Work is out there. Here are a dozen places to try to find it:
Writer’s Organizations
Many writer’s organizations have job boards or postings for work. They also offer great networking opportunities to find out how writers in your area are finding work. The emphasis in that sentence was on the word how. Don’t try to poach connections. But do learn methods from the more successful and established writers in the group. Try for some of the jobs listed on the boards, but also analyze them to see if there is a pattern—a specific type of work requested more often or a type of company making the request. You can learn a lot about your market from the listings. BONUS TIP: Look at fiction groups as well as nonfiction. You can make a lot of connections by attending genre group meetings, such as Mystery Writers of America or Sisters in Crime, Romance Writers of America (currently a troubled organization trying to reestablish itself), Science Fiction Fantasy Authors of America, and the like.
Organizations for Related Fields
Don’t limit yourself just to writer’s organizations. Branch out to other related fields, such as groups for marketing professionals, advertising, graphic designers, production companies—any type of creative work that requires writing. There are the agencies that use and hire writers. Make sure they know your name if you offer that type of writing.
Niche Professional Organizations
Look at the type of writing you do. Is there a particular subject you specialize in or are skilled in? Those niches have corresponding groups. For example, if you do mostly science-based writing, then look for scientific professional groups. If you focus on technical writing, find professionals who need that skill and join their group. You might find a lot more work attending meetings for engineers than you would talking to other writers. Don’t be afraid to branch out and be the only writer in the group. That is an ideal situation for cornering the market. You can find professional organizations in your state by visiting the Directory of Associations.
Associations
There is an association for nearly every interest on the planet. If you are passionate about a subject or cause, explore the associations that focus on that topic. Talk to them. Even if they don’t have freelance opportunities available, they may be able to introduce you to people who do. You can find associations in your area with a quick Google search or by going to Public Organizations.
Chambers of Commerce
A local chamber of commerce connects your freelance business with other local establishments. It’s a great way to get involved with your town or city and make new connections. These connections could lead to partnerships and work.
Want Ads
Yup, you read that right. The good old want ads are a great place to find leads. It doesn’t matter whether you are looking at them in newsprint or on Craig’s List. The point is to find out which companies are hiring writers. Even if you don’t want a full-time writing gig, you could use the current opening to approach the company about hiring you for freelance to fill in the gap until they find someone. If you do a great job, they may decide to keep you on for special projects. Or, if they can’t find a candidate who is as good as you are, they may decide to keep you on as a permanent freelancer. Either way, it is a great way to make an introduction. Then again, you may want a full-time gig and this is a great way to find one.
Job Boards
These work the same way as above. Sometimes you can find companies looking for freelancers, but you will find companies actively seeking writers. Job boards are a bit problematic because of the sheer volume of candidates. Posters are inundated with replies in many cases. Keep trying and be sure to check listings early and frequently if you want to land a job. Or use the same method as the want ads and use openings as a way to introduce yourself.
Publications
Query everyone. Freelancing is dependent on perseverance. Make a list of every publication you would like to write for and start targeting your queries. Look beyond the major consumer publications. There are a whole host of trade publications that use freelancers too. Try looking up your subject area on Webwire.
Blogs
Blogs typically don’t pay much, but there are some who offer up to $300-$500 per blog. They are rare, but worth finding. Again, break down the type of blog you would like to approach by examining your specialties or interests. Then send out queries. Be sure to have your samples and pitch ready. Blogs tend to operate on a faster timeline than publications.
Content Creators
These are the companies that crank out copy on a large scale. They could be a content farm (which is not always ideal) or a web development company that offers services to fill their clients’ sites. Be careful, but do explore your options. If you can get on with a reputable content creator, it’s steady work, which is always a good thing in freelance work.
LinkedIn
This isn’t a new idea. Most of you probably get the bulk of your work through LinkedIn. It is the best networking site for business. If you don’t use it, try it. It takes time to make connections and get work, but the investment may be worth it for you in the long run.
Companies
Lastly, look at companies in your area that you would like to work for. Maybe they have a great reputation or a great product. Maybe they are perfect for your specialty. Companies typically have bigger budgets than nonprofit organizations. Most also respect the role of freelancers. Getting work directly from companies (as opposed to through agencies or services) can be lucrative.
BONUS TIPS
If you want more leads, I recommend reading these former blogs:
Getting Freelance Writing Jobs Even During COVID-19 (Part I of III)
Top 15 Tips for Running a Successful Writing Business
Freelancing Is Business
Freelancing Is More Than Magazines: 26 Other Markets to Try
Top 10 Things People Don’t Tell You About Being a Freelance Writer