Freelance Writer's Perfect Pitch PT 2

Part 1

4. Give The Customers What They Want

Employers often ask for samples of writing. The best approach is to make these specific to the area the writer is needed for. In other words, if a job is asking about search engine optimized articles, freelance writers should send examples of their SEO articles.

Example: When I queried for the parenting lesson, I sent two parenting articles as examples of my work. For the general writing gig, I sent one SEO article, one parenting article and one writing article. This showed three areas of expertise.

Freelance writers who haven't published in the area targeted by employers can send a couple of samples that indicate the range of writing they can do. It is best to pick two or three very good pieces of writing. If one of these has been published somewhere, so much the better.

5. Follow Instructions

Most people say how they want writers to submit the information. These days that is increasingly by email, but many people are afraid of viruses and specify no attachments. Freelance writers should follow submission instructions to the letter, or their writing will not even get read.

6. Provide Some Backup

Just in case the writing samples provided are not to the employer's taste, include a link to other examples of writing work. These could be on a website, which all freelance writers need. This gives writers more chance to show the range of their writing, and get that job. I always include a link to my website, which has recent work on the front page, as well as links to my resume and other work I have done. It can't hurt to have an employer look at it. Even if I'm not right for this writing job, I may be right for the next one.

7. End Politely

Email communication is often less formal. 'Yours sincerely' is for letters. I get a lot of emails which close with 'regards' or 'best wishes'. It would be hard for anyone to take offence at this. Remember to say you are looking forward to hearing from them or working with them. Writers should also include any contact details that have been requested.

Freelance writers who follow these steps will leapfrog their submissions to the front of the queue. Even if they don't get the job, they will have made a contact they can add to their contacts book. This person can then be queried for future work.