Whether you’re planning to study journalism or creative writing, you’ll need a portfolio to show your work to prospective employers. What’s more, with more and more businesses turning to online review platforms like Yelp and Google Review, your portfolio needs to reflect your ability to write engaging reviews as well as traditional essays. In this article, we’ll teach you how to create a writing portfolio that’ll impress the editors of top tier English publications.
The Basics Of A Good Writing Portfolio
It’s essential to learn the basics of creating a top-notch writing portfolio before you start adding content to it. What do professional editors look for in a writing portfolio?
In general, editors want to see originality, quality, and a confident approach. They want to see your strengths and how you can expand on them to create something unique. When it comes to creative writing, editors want to see evidence of your ability to put your thoughts into words. To start with, learn how to write a very short story. You’ll find lots of great prompts on famous literary websites like StoryClub. It’s not at all difficult to write a one-act play or a short story in the vein of H. P. Lovecraft or Joseph Conrad. Take your time with these shorter forms; you’ll become much better at it than you would if you were to rush into a thousand-word blog post. The shorter your pieces, the more you can fit into your portfolio. That means more chances to impress the editors who’ll be reviewing it.
Journalism And Non-Fiction
If you’re applying for a journalistic or non-fiction writing position, your portfolio should reflect your ability to research and report on a variety of topics. Although it’s not always required, for online applications your portfolio should also include some content in the form of a story, analysis, or campaign. When it comes to journalism, your portfolio should shine in comparison to other applicants. It should showcase your ability to report on breaking news, as well as on ongoing events and trends. Your work should be engaging and full of important information. In addition, it should conform to the journalistic standards set by the news organization in question. If you’re writing for a niche publication, make sure your portfolio reflects that; if it doesn’t, then your chances of being accepted are somewhat limited. Remember: no one article or portfolio ever fully expresses your talent, so build up an arsenal of short stories, reports, and other content that best illustrates your skills. Once you’ve amassed a small library of work, take some time to sit down and read through it. Proofread and edit it, making sure that each piece is of good quality and that the content is presented in the most engaging manner.
What About Creative And Libel Law?
In cases where you’re writing for money, your creative or libel law expertise may come in handy. If you’re writing for a business magazine, your understanding of legal matters may give your work an extra edge. For instance, if you’re writing about a business owner who has a significant following on social media, you might want to explore how you can use that to your advantage. When it comes to creative writing, you don’t need to be limited by what you know or think you know about the law. If you’ve never written a romance novel before, there are numerous tools online that can help you turn your hand to it. When you’re writing non-fiction, familiarity with legal processes can also give your work an extra something. Knowing how court cases are handled and the laws that govern them can lend your writing a more convincing air. In addition, a familiarity with legal issues can also make your conversations with editors and fact-checkers easier. If you’re worried about libel or creative liability, you might want to consider refraining from writing about certain subjects or using certain language.
Keyboard Versus Voice
If you’re applying for a writing position that mostly consists of keyboards rather than pens, you may need to consider which one you prefer. Some people find it difficult to write by hand, while others enjoy the feeling of putting thoughts on paper. If you’re the latter type, then you may want to consider a career in editorial writing. Regardless, whether you prefer to write with your fingers or your laptop, your voice should carry the same confidence and polish as your keyboarding. When it comes to creative writing, you have the option of either writing a short story or poem in the first person or using a third-person limited point of view. Whichever you choose, make sure that your work sounds like you – that is, that it feels conversational and natural. In other words, don’t hesitate to experiment with different styles and ways of presenting your thoughts and feelings. In the end, it’s all about you and how you present yourself, so make sure that your writing voice is a strong and polished one.