It’s no secret that I love writing and my biggest dream is to become a successful published novelist. In a word, duh.
But I’ve also come to the decision that in 2-3 years’ time, I want to be able to make a living from my writing and my writing alone. Yes, freelancing. It’s a tough profession and means I won’t be driving around a Lexus anytime soon, but when I sit down and think about what profession would make me the most deliriously happy – it is writing. I want to write. Novels, articles, columns, blog posts.
So I spent time last weekend, searching around online and coming up empty with how to get this freelancing career off the ground. I came up with a few blogs and online magazines I would love to pitch an article on, but I felt a little lost on what I needed to do first.
And then it came to me.
I need writing samples.
I have barely any. It’s something that always made me feel a little bad about myself when I was in journalism school. We had articles and reports to write, but I don’t find those good examples of my writing. And I know I have tons and tons of writing samples from blog posts, but when I comb through my archives, there is only a handful I would consider using as writing samples.
So where is that leading me? Well, I’m taking a page out of Ashley’s book and putting out the request here. I want to guest blog for YOU. I am aiming to write 50 guest blogs this year on a variety of different blogs. Personal blogs, niche blogs, blogs with hundreds of readers, blogs with no readers. If you have a blog, I want to guest post on it!
I have a form to fill out to keep things organized because this is going to be a pretty major undertaking for me. And it’s a bit terrifying. But if I want to be able to write for a living, well, then, I have to get over this fear of not being good enough and just go for it.
You can suggest a topic for me to write on, or I can come up with one myself. Both ways challenge my writing abilities. I’ll write about health and fitness, faith and religion, cruising, dogs, social media, past experiences, how-to’s, books, pop culture, travel, sports… just to name a few categories. But feel free to suggest other topics, as I’m open to writing about anything that suits your fancy. (Within reason, that is. Obviously, I can’t exactly write about living abroad or why you should run a marathon.)
Once I see your request on my spreadsheet, I’ll send you an email where we’ll nail down some of the finer details such as the topic and due date. I’m really excited about this new venture and I think it’s the first step I need to take to discover how to live my dream.
And that’s it! Just fill out this form and let’s get this thing started.
Bring on the writing!
I just signed up on your form! Can’t wait to read all your guest posts. This is exciting!
I am excited and terrified all at the same time. Thank you for signing up!
I will be filling out your form too – you’ve guest blogged for me in the past and I’ve loved them! Also, if you’re looking to get some more writing experience under your belt you could always be active with More Love Letters!!!
Oh, thank you so much, Becky! Those words mean the world to me. And thanks for signing up. Yay!
Definitely can’t emphasise the importance of clips enough – you’ll need them to point to when you pitch for paying gigs. Also, for bigger clips to build your portfolio, I’d try sites like the Awl or Hairpin – I hear they’re welcoming to contributors, and even just one on a site like that would be impressive (I recall seeing in a comment thread somewhere that the person’s post on The Hairpin helped secure her a paying assignment later on).
Thank you for the links! That’s so helpful. I really have to no idea what I’m doing with this thing, but just going to try every avenue I can. 🙂
Dollars and Deadlines is an awesome blog (look it up!) with heaps of tips and templates on pitching and introducing yourself to editors. Also there’s a few other great resources for writers, esp freelance, in my blogroll under Career. I think I’m gonna write a big post about freelance writing later this year but feel free to chuck any questions my way if you think I could help.
How exciting for you! I should have totally made out a form for bloggers to fill out on my blog, and didn’t even think about it. That’s okay, though, I’ve already get four guest posts I need to write and am aiming to get that done this weekend since I don’t have to work. Good luck on your writing quest! 🙂
I just really dig Google Docs so I decided to be uber-nerdy and create a form. 😉 I’m really excited for both of us on this venture!
Good for you for actively working to branch out and do more writing! That is really exciting. You have to start somewhere and this is a great place to start!!
Thank you, Lisa! I’m really excited about doing this… but also slightly terrified for what I’ve signed myself up for. 50 blogs! Eep! 🙂
I am all for helping you with your goal… off to fill out the form!
You are a DOLL! Thank you!
What a fabulous idea! I shall fill out your form right meow!
(Also – Remind me to click through to your blog off of Reader more often because I’m in love with how pretty your design is!)
Oh this is so fun! You’ve guest blogged for me a couple times, but you’re more than welcome to do it again.
Also, please tell me you’ve seriously considered entering the Stratejoy essay contest and applying for the next season of bloggers? This is your time, lady!