Your online writing portfolio is a collection of your work samples that you can use to demonstrate your writing skills and potential for freelance work. The format of your online writing portfolio is entirely up to you, but it usually includes a few of the following elements:
- A cover letter or statement of purpose that introduces the reader to the portfolio contents
- A brief description of your background, including any relevant education or training
- A copy of your CV
- At least three published articles
- Any other relevant information that might help the reader get a clear picture of who you are
Your writing portfolio serves as your online resume, so you may find it helpful to review and update it regularly. Many employers, including those in the creative industries, will request a written sample of your work to evaluate your suitability for the role. Having a clear picture of your work ethic, skills and the value you add to the workplace will assist you in negotiating the terms of your contract and in showcasing your capabilities as a writer.
Get Inspired
To get inspired for your own work, you can apply a few simple techniques. First, take a look at the work of others. What does it contain that you can use to build upon? More importantly, how can you improve it? It’s a good idea to set aside a few hours per day to come back to your work later and improve it. Varying your routine and taking short breaks can also help you stay inspired throughout the day.
Get Feedback
Feedback is incredibly valuable when improving your work. Having an objective opinion on your work is the perfect way to ensure you’re always heading in the right direction. Once you have a few pieces of feedback, you can start to see a pattern of strengths and weaknesses, and you can start to form an idea of what you might want to change. Having someone else read through and comment on your work is the perfect way to ensure you’re following the correct process to reach your full potential as a writer.
Be Prepared
Just because you have a portfolio doesn’t mean that you’re ready to land your first freelance job. In fact, it’s the complete opposite. Landing your first freelance job is a lot harder than just having a portfolio. Landing your first freelance job means you have to prove to the employer that you are worth hiring, and that you can add value to their project. To do this, you will need to research the market value of your skill set, build up your client base, and then negotiate a fair price with your first few clients.
Get Help
If you’re struggling to find the right words or you just need some inspiration, there are plenty of online tools that can help. The nice thing about these tools is that they don’t just provide you with words, they provide you with an entire story. By following the instructions, you can choose a word or phrase, and within seconds, you will have a story created just for you. All you have to do is provide the tools with the information on the characters and the setting. Once you’re done, you can retell the story using your own words.
Hopefully, this article gave you enough inspiration to get your creative juices flowing. If you’d like, you can download a free copy of ‘The Perfect Resume’ by DocuSign to get started creating your resume. You can also visit our Job Search page for resources on how to find freelance writing jobs.