How to write your way around the world!
There has always been a certain appeal about being a writer. Being able to express your feelings, thoughts, ideas and opinions, and getting paid for it, is a lot of peoples dream job! In the past it was notoriously difficult for both authors and journalists to get published, but these days the internet and the demand for knowledge and information has made writing a much more accessible occupation. It is also one that has become more rewarding. With the internet allowing people to read, comment and share articles all around the world you get near instant feedback and praise for your ideas!
As well as an enjoyable job there are many other perks to being a writer - you get to set your own schedule, there is no commute to work, you can choose your own office (or cafe), you can work your own ideas and you usually don’t have a boss! Sure, there may be an editor or publisher that you need to deal with but they are usually rooting for you to produce your best ideas. Surely being a writer is too good to be true? Keep reading, it gets even better!
In the last 5 years there has been a boom in ‘digital nomads’, ‘online entrepreneurs' and ‘freelancers’. I’m sure you've heard at least one of these terms before! With the rise of the book -The 4 hour work week - people have started to realise that most jobs these days can be done over the internet, and writing is no exception! So why stay in your grey hometown, working a 9-5 job in a sterile office when you can travel the world while you work! And what more enjoyable way to work and travel is there than being a freelance writer? Go where you want to go, write what you want, tap into your creativity and get paid for it! Becoming a freelance writer isn’t easy (or everyone would be doing it) but it isn’t difficult either, it just takes time and persistence, but once you get the hang of it you will want this job for life!
But how do you start writing your way around the world? Here are 10 tips to get you started:
Look online
The first step to becoming a freelance writer is to do some research. If you know what you want to write about then find magazines and websites related to that subject e.g. fashion, DIY, sports, fitness etc. On every major site you find start to look for the ‘work with us’ or ‘contact us’ page. Some sites like travelfish.org are always looking for freelance travel writers in specific countries. If it is obvious that the content of the site comes from a range of different contributors then email them and suggest an article you’d like to write for them. Don’t email asking them about how much they would pay you or demand a price, get them interested in your idea first! Also check websites like odesk or elance to see what people are looking for. Set up an account and start applying for freelance writing jobs!
Write for exposure but not for free
There are very few freelance writers that have never written articles for free - sometimes your name on a prominent website such as CNN travel, Asian correspondent or the Tripadvisor blog can lead to other magazines being interested in your writing abilities. Think about what names would look good on your CV and pitch them stories. However there are also a lot of websites and blogs that want content for cheap or for nothing. If you are going to write for free them pick your sites and articles carefully, writing for free is sometimes worth your while for exposure as a writer but sometimes it is just other people benefitting from your work!
Write about what you are passionate about
To some writing about motorbikes or the latest virus protection software is dull, to others it’s fascinating. One of the benefits of being a freelance writer is that you can choose what you write about (to an extent). It is difficult to write about subjects that don’t interest you, and it will likely feel like hard work. However it is easy, enjoyable and sometimes effortless to write about things you like and are passionate about! Many people get by being freelance writers by writing SEO (Search engine optimization) content on lots of random topics, but the best freelance writers write what they know and enjoy!
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Travel
One of the hardest things about writing is deciding what you should write about. Write what you are passionate about but alo try to make it interesting. One of the easiest ways to find stories is to travel. Explore the world, your city or even your neighborhood. Open your eyes to gain a new perspective.Ask questions and don’t assume you know what is happening - keep an open mind. This will allow you to experience some amazing places and dream up some amazing stories, which in turn will fund your travel around the world. It’s a win win situation!
Set up an online portfolio to showcase your work
If you are emailing newspapers, websites and magazines with your story ideas then it is useful to also send them a link to your other writing work. Clippings.me allows writers to create an e-portfolio with links to previous articles published online. This helps potential clients see your work and writing style and will save you having to write an example article to show them your writing ability.
Create a personal blog or a website
If you want to write for online sources then it is important to know a little bit about the online world. You don’t need to learn how to read python or code, but the skills you learn when creating a wordpress site or building your own website will be extremely useful! From choosing a site name and writing a description to SEO content and working out how to get your site to rank high in Google searches, this will all be useful in making you a better writer. You can even use it as a way to showcase your stories and articles when you start freelancing!
Monetise your blog
If your blog becomes popular then why not make some money off of it. Affiliate links, reviews and ad space are all useful ways to create a bit of extra revenue from your site. And why not write about your experience in travelling (while working as a freelance writer)? With a well written travel blog you can request free hotel stays, flights and tours in exchange for writing about the experience!
Network
If you intentionally set time aside to network then your chance of exposure is higher. Look for writers circles or online networking parties. Most of the young generation who are travelling around the world will be able to offer you something - from advice, recommendations, stories or even friendship. If you are lucky you may even meet an editor in need of a new writer for their magazine
Set goals
If you don’t write then can you call yourself a writer? Set yourself daily goals of writing stories, part of a book, on your personal website, about something cool you saw while travelling. With these finished stories you can send them to online magazines and websites. They are more likely to buy a finished story than an idea! And keeping to your goals will be good practice for when you actually get lots of work and have to write an article or two a day!
Find your niche
After dabbling with the first 9 tips to writing your way around the world, you should know more about what you enjoy writing and what you are good at. Now it’s time to further specialise. Approach magazines or websites and ask for a weekly column (this will allow you creative writing freedom and a regular income). Focus your personal blog or start a new one focusing on your niche (this will allow people to google and find you easily). Explore your niche and partner with companies or even start to write a book on that subject.
Writers are not the most well paid out of all the professions but what matters most is drive, enthusiasm and personal enjoyment. Write what you love and travel where you want to - the work will follow!
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