If you’ve ever wondered if you’re good enough to be a freelance writer, here are two ways to tell. The advice dispensed here can be used by every wannabe or aspiring freelance writer who may have the “I wonder if I’m good enough” fears.
Two ways to tell if you’re “good enough” to be a freelance writer
1. Is your writing “good enough”
Many wannabe freelancers wonder this. But, all you have to do is look at article directories, websites, ebooks and newsletters to see that writing ranges from very poor, to high quality pieces.
If you can string two grammatically correct sentences together, in most cases, your writing is good enough. Throw in some keen research skills and the ability to adhere to deadlines, and you can be a freelance writer.
Bottom line: You don’t have to be a genius or have some type of special writing ability. Simply the ability to write well (eg, structured, grammatically correct materials that flows and makes sense is all you need to know how to do).
2. Do you have freelance writing experience?
Don’t worry about this. Aspiring freelance writers should target niches they know well and/or or have a lot of experience in. That way, the only things you’ll have to learn are the general aspects of what a client wants, not the actual information itself.
How to get started as a freelance writer
1. Create Freelance Writing Samples
To get around the “I don’t have any freelance writing samples” problem, simply write up 3-5, 400-600 word articles and use them.
Nobody has to know that they haven’t been published. Most potential clients won’t ask if you’ve been published. They’ll just want to see proof that you can write. These “samples” will prove that.
2. Get a Website
Publishing a simple, informational site is all you need. It doesn’t have to be fancy. In fact, the simpler and more clean it is, the better. There are three pages every freelance writing website should start out with:
About Me Page
List your credentials and a professional profile (not a resume). Your professional profile can list things like memberships and associations, volunteer work, special interests, etc. It should not be a typical resume, because this sends a signal that you’re looking for a job. A professional profile signals that you’re a business looking to “partner with” a company.
Samples Page
This is where you would list all of your samples. If you don’t have any, as previously mentioned, create a few and list them here.
Service Offering Page
This is where you’d list all of your freelance writing services, and your rates if you wish. Some like to offer rates on their site, others don’t. By listing them though, you give clients all the information they need up front to make a decision.
The next time you question if you’re good enough to be a freelance writer, remember, if you can read and write, there’s a freelance writing niche out there that can use your services. And yes, you are good enough to conquer it.
