We’re in the middle of our week-long series on ‘How To Become A Freelance Writer’. Yesterday we discussed how to create and showcase writing samples. Today…

Sell, Sell, Sell
If you want to become a freelance writer, you must also be a salesperson. Your product? You. And the great news? You’re the exclusive purveyor of this product. You have a corner on the market!

You’ll find writing gigs through three general means:

Cold-calling
Whether it’s a literal phone call or a letter of inquiry pitching an article, this scenario involves you reaching out to a total stranger (who is not actively looking for you), making the pitch, creating interest, and closing the deal.

Online
I’ve found some amazing writing gigs through online research. I’ve also encountered scores of flaky would-be producers, entrepreneurs flush with optimism but not capital, and delusional artists who think they should get paid while I– and everyone else involved– should ‘do it for the love.’ Folks who make the Star Wars cantina scene look like the cast of America’s Next Top Model.

Here’s my personal scorecard:

• Craigslist (A-) Yes, Craigslist is a flake magnet. It’s also a uniquely useful website provided you’re prepared to sift through the detritus. To save you scads of time, create a unique CL search, then pop the results into an RSS reader. Huge timesaver. Need pointers on how to do this? Drop us a comment or hit me up directly.

• LinkedIn (A) A social networking site like Facebook, but geared exclusively toward the business realm, LinkedIn is a great way to build out your connections. Just keep in mind, it can only facilitate the connecting; leveraging these relationships is entirely up to you. Oh, and while you’re there, be sure to say ‘hi’.

• LinkUp (B+) A no-nonsense job search engine that focuses on jobs that are real and available, some of which are not listed elsewhere.

• Careerbuilder (D-) Unless you want an avalanche of spam for bogus job opportunities, avoid CareerBuilder.com.

Networking
Even in a tech-centric, on-demand world, nothing beats having a network of friends and associates keeping an eye out for you. With the advent of social networking and social marketing, this has become all the easier.

Let those in your sphere of influence know about your plans to become a freelance writer. Ask them specifically to let you know about writing opportunities they encounter. By the by, this is a perfect time to leverage the writing showcase website you recently created.

Oh, and remember the list you created, the (10) outlets related to the niche you’re passionate about? Haul that sucker out. We have work to do…

Make It Happen:

- Make a cold call (mail a letter of inquiry, pick up the phone and dial a publication, etc.)

– Check out current writing gig opportunities on Craigslist and LinkUp

– Set up an account on LinkedIn and make connections with people you’ve worked with. Don’t forget to link your LinkedIn account to your new blog website featuring your showcase writing pieces.

– Contact (10) friends and acquaintances. Let them know you’re going to become a freelance writer and ask them to let you know about writing opportunities they encounter.

Tomorrow, the Hey Porter! series on ‘How To Become A Freelance Writer’ continues with a two-part tip on how to make more money writing freelance with less effort. Don’t miss it!

- Matthew Porter

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