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How to Get a Writing Job Like Mine?

A couple of months ago, I was scrolling through Twitter, looking for articles to read. One of the many articles I came across was a piece written by a man named John Lee Anderson. It was an opinion piece that discussed the changing nature of the modern-day working class father, and it made me think: what would make my dad (and me, for that matter) unique?

Besides being a loving father and a respected member of the community, my dad is also a freelance writer. He has been writing for over 20 years for various websites and magazines, and now makes a living doing what he loves. If you’re looking to get into writing, perhaps this article will provide some useful tips on where to start.

Improve Your Networking

If you’re looking to get a writing job, you’re going to have to prove yourself to be a capable professional. One way of doing so is by demonstrating that you’re a capable networker, who knows how to connect with publishers and media companies.

A few years back, I would have said that networking was one of the least important aspects of becoming a freelance writer. In today’s world, building a good network is a must. It’s quite easy to do, just follow these steps:

  • Join societies and communities of writers. Attending events and participating in conversations is a great way to make contacts who can help you in your quest for employment. You can find many online societies that are designed for freelancers, and getting involved in these communities will prove to potential employers that you are a well-established professional who is actively looking for work.
  • Join freelancing groups on Facebook and LinkedIn. While these platforms won’t get you directly into an editorial role at a publication, they will allow you to connect with other professionals who are also looking for work. This can put you in touch with editors who can help you get your feet wet, and get you published on a regular basis. Plus, you can also showcase your work on social media and gain some credibility.
  • Consider applying for writing gigs that you find online. There are many platforms that allow independent contractors to post their services, ranging from copy editing to content creation for websites. You can put in the effort to learn how to write the perfect pitch, which will then serve as the foundation for your freelance career. Be careful when choosing the work you take on, as some companies will ask you to sign a contract, prohibiting you from speaking to other editorial agencies about your post.
  • Practice. A lot. Be sure to put in the time to learn how to write effectively and professionally. Whether you’re a student or a working professional, there’s always something you can learn from a good writer. Take a course or buy a book, and continue building your skills.

Know Your Market

If you want to write for the Huffington Post or The New York Times, you’re going to have to do a bit of research into the demographics they’re catered to. What is the most popular subject among their audience? Which areas of expertise do they value most?

In the case of the Huffington Post, according to Tinosky Research, their demographic is:

  • Gen-Z
  • Millennials
  • Women
  • Urban dwellers

The New York Times’ research indicates that their demographic is:

  • Baby boomers
  • Generation X
  • Men
  • Culture & tech

Knowing your market is quite important when getting started as a freelance writer. You don’t want to pitch your services to a publisher whose audience doesn’t match your demographic. It will obviously reflect upon your credibility if an editorial board member or the publisher themselves questions your suitability for the position. As a general rule of thumb, seek out media brands that you feel comfortable writing for.

There are numerous places you can find this information, including:

  • The New York Times’ editorial staff page
  • The Huffington Post’s editorial staff page
  • The Wall Street Journal’s newsroom
  • The Washington Post’s editorial staff page
  • Forbes’ publications

Be Diversified

If you’re looking for a steady stream of work, you might want to consider pursuing freelance writing as a side gig. The more platforms you’re on, the more exposure you’ll get to potential employers. Besides, working for different publications will give you a broader scope of work. Different publishers value different things, which you can take advantage of. You can also use this variation of your CV to your advantage:

  • Bachelors in English (with a minor in Communications, Marketing or Media)
  • Awards & Achievements
  • In demand

This gig can be quite lucrative if you can nail the occasional pitch. However, keep in mind that it can be quite demanding. You have to be prepared to work long hours for relatively little pay. But if this is the case, it’s certainly worth it.

Even if you do enjoy writing, perhaps consider another side gig. Having a second source of income just in case things don’t work out with the editorial board of a major publication can be quite helpful. It’s not always easy to earn a living as a freelancer, and if you do, perhaps it’s time for you to sit back and enjoy your wealth.

Nowadays, being a working father is quite common. According to a recent study by the American Association of Advertising Agencies, 47% of fathers either worked remotely or were economically inactive.

The trend of working remotely is here to stay. As long as there are stay-at-home moms and dads, there will be freelance writers willing to put in the work for the companies that value their expertise.