How To Snag That Freelance Writing Job

So, you want to be a freelance writer. You've scoured the Internet for
the best paying writing jobs, and now you're ready to apply for some of
them. There's just one problem: so are a few hundred other freelance
writers, many of whom have a lot more experience than you do. How on
earth are you supposed to make sure you stand out from the crowd?

Here's how:

1. Make sure you read the advert properly

This is an easy way to make your query stand out, because
amazingly, the vast majority of queries we receive are from people who
haven't read our requirements properly. We get proofreaders applying
for copywriting jobs, people with no writing experience applying for
projects which state "experience required" - you name it, we get it. An
email from a writer who has read our requirements and taken the time to
explain how they can meet them is a rarity - and will always get a
response.

2. Check your spelling

This should go without saying, but all applications for
freelance writing jobs which contain less than perfect spelling
and grammar, go straight to the recycle bin. Make sure yours isn't one
of them.

3. Get personal

My name is all over my website, and is included on every job
advert I write. It's very rarely used. Most freelancers who contact me
refer to me as "Dear Sir". I'm female. An email which addresses me by
name makes me stop in my tracks as it shows that the person has taken
the time to find out a little bit about me and my business, and to send
me a personalised email, rather than a form letter. That person will
get a response in kind.

4. Show, don't tell

Fiction writers have heard this one before. It applies to
freelance writing too, though: rather than telling employers how great
your writing is, show them. Even if you don't have any published clips
to attach, send a sample of something you've written, and written well.
It will speak louder than all of your words of explanation.

5. Don't be flashy

Yes, fancy fonts and multicolored text stand out, but for all
the wrong reasons. Writing is a creative endeavor, but when you apply
for a freelance writing job it's important to let your words do the
talking. On a practical level, not all email clients will display html
emails, so what looks to you to like a pretty snazzy email may appear
to your prospective client as a big old mess.

6. Show them your references

When you write for a living, it's important to collect
testimonials from clients you've worked for before. You can put them on
your website, print them in your brochures, and, of course, paste them
into your quotes and queries. When it comes to winning clients, there's
almost nothing more effective than a personal recommendation. As you
close your letter, then, add a short line saying, something like, "My
previous clients include X, Y and Z – I've attached some of the
comments they've made about my work." If those comments are good
enough, I can almost guarantee you'll get a response.