Writers are almost always passionate about writing, but not that many are passionate about business. Those that neglect the business side of the equation often wind up wondering where all the writing jobs are. In truth, there has never been a better time (financially) to be a writer. Writers who have a hang for business don't lack for work. If you're just starting out, have never gotten a good start, or are digging your way out of a slump, here are some proven methods for getting writing clients.

Getting clients is one of those great mysteries of the writing life. It's a mystery because the writers who can do it rarely talk about it.

And there are a lot of things people believe about this that are just plain wrong.

Here are six ways to get clients—some of which you may not have thought of before. These techniques are appropriate for landing new clients, winning back former clients, and stimulating more business from your regulars.

First, build your network. Networking is one of those things that a lot of people talk about but few people really grasp. For a professional writer, your network is made of the individuals (not the companies, not the industries, not the departments, not the publications) who might hire you. You need to keep tabs on these people. That means holiday cards, occasional e-mails or phone calls, and reminders about your business. I would say that 60% of my business today comes from somebody who knew me (somebody in my network). This is your richest field for business ... mine it!

By the way, people hire writers. Let's say a person at Company A has worked with you for a while when he quits to take a new job at Company B. Guess what? You're now more likely to get your next writing job from Company B than Company A, but if you play your cards right, you may be able to stay on at Company A, too. People are loyal to people; companies are loyal only accidentally.

Second, talk about what you do. Don't become the abominable dinner guest, but make sure you let people know what you do. People know people and believe it or not, there are actually people who are scratching their heads trying to find a writer. Don't belabor the issue, but make sure your friends, neighbors, guests, acquaintances, and mailman know what you do. I once got a year-long gig from a contact my mom made in a bowling alley! (She told one of the bowlers on the other team what I did for a living—and I got a phone call from the other lady's daughter a few days later. She was looking for a very specific type of writer!)

Third, don't overlook sites like e-lance and other places where freelance talent can bid on jobs. True, it's a bazaar on those sites and you will see crazy offers (like "write 100 articles for $12, must be able to complete assignment in three hours") but there are some very respectable businesses that use those sites. Be discerning, but check it out. I use these sites to fill will what I call "dead time," those periods of the year when my business slows down. I've never not made money working these sites—but you can't bid on every job there. Some of those jobs aren't worth having!

Page 1 of 3 :: First | Last :: Prev | 1 2 3 | Next