(Like the sign? What grabbed you–the idea–or the word that is spelled wrong?)
Ever hear the expression, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained”? It may be a bit cliche, but it has a solid ring of truth to it. In your career as a freelance writer, if you don’t take risks, it will be very difficult for you to move forward. Staying in your comfort zone may feel good, but let’s face it–that isn’t what is going to get you paid. Here are some things to consider that will help you get rolling…
Send out a certain number of queries per week. Make the number reasonable for you and the amount of time you have available to devote to them, but get ’em out there. The most wonderful ideas in the world do you no good if they are just in your head.
Reach for a higher market. If you have been getting published in trade mags, try a regular glossy with national circulation. Working for content companies? Write a query for a magazine on the web. Wherever you are at right now, set a goal of reaching up one peg on the ladder and keep swinging until you connect. There is nothing like upward movement to help give you momentum.
Ask questions of writers who have been around for a while. Why is this a risk? Those of you who are afraid to ask questions know the answer–it can be embarassing to admit you don’t know something. Guess what? It’s even more embarassing to pretend you do–and then find out the hard way that you should have asked somebody. Believe it or not, it can actually cost you work.
Send out a letter of introduction. If you don’t have clips, try your local newspaper or a local publication. If you have clips, reach out with a letter (or e-mail) to a magazine you would like to write for…and inquire about freelancing for them. This works especially well with trade magazines. Keep in mind that it is not as good of an approach for national mags, as they tend to prefer actual queries.
Set a goal for yourself this week that you take just one risk. Freelance writing is an active career path to choose, so take a deep breath–and get in the game!
This is a great post, Catherine. While I’m not in a rut when it comes to getting work, I am definitely in a bit of a rut when it comes to moving up the career ladder. Thanks for the reminder about harnessing momentum.
I think it’s human nature to like being comfortable. We have to push a bit to move up–myself included! It is often uncomfortable or more work than we’d like….but the payoff is a good one!
What seems to get lost in this new world of the “web” is that true communication in the real world, as well as in the online world, is what gets stuff done. Put your neck out there and making contacts will allow you to win in this game.
Great post! Taking risks can be tough but in life, and work, it tends to really pay off.
I decided to step out of my comfort zone by going to more and more networking events. I used to avoid it because I’m a bit of an introvert but, funny enough, the more I do it the easier it gets! (Genius concept, right?) I’ve gotten my name out there and have a few projects in the works as a result. Now I can’t imagine not going to at least a couple of events a month.