You can be a
professional writer and not be the author of a book. Online reference Wikipedia
defines WRITER as “A writer is anyone who
creates a written work…" A writer does not necessarily have a
published book, not every writer aspires to write a book. Writers are
communicators, we use words in various mediums, sometimes we own bylines and
sometimes not. No matter where our words are used though we share a passion of
the written word
A few still
have the misconception that a writer has authored a novel before wearing that
title – for years I would introduce myself as a freelance writer and expound by
citing numerous newspaper articles, ads that I wrote copy for, and speeches I
penned for local politicians along with other such endeavors. I did aspire to
be a novelist and when I first approached agents and publishing houses, my two
decades of salary as a writer were dismissed and I was labeled a “newbie”.
Don’t let the limits of someone else’s imagination confine you.
If you
choose not to pen a novel, you can still cater to your love of writing, find a
niche, pick up your pen and write. What are some writing jobs you can explore?
Print
newspapers and magazines sometimes use stringers to cover local events or hire
freelancers to write features, calendars, social columns and more. Try
reviewing books, movies and restaurants. Are you an expert in an area that
might be of interest? Try contacting your local periodicals and propose a
running column on let’s say local volunteers, new businesses, schools,
gardening, or local lore. Some of the same opportunities exist for online
publications however you might want to expand your coverage area since the
internet offers much more widespread circulation.
Local
businesses and organizations might need newsletters, press releases or
advertising flyers and brochures written. Job-seekers can often use the
services of professional resume writers. There is also call for general
business correspondence and letters, annual reports for shareholders, business
plans, research and trend reports. Successful grant writers can often command
nice fees as their jobs certainly pay for themselves. Many online syndication
services are available that ask for various articles of interest. Retailers and
advertising companies look for catalogue and ad copy writers.
Sometimes
someone will want you to ghostwrite a book for them – this means that you will
do all of the work but you will get none of the credit as your name will not
appear on the finished work. While this can be a bit ego deflating, your pay
should compensate. Check ads on local bulletin boards and online freelance
writing sites to find potential opportunities. Your client has an idea for a
story of content and it is up to you to put it into book form. Depending on the
subject the book may or may not find a publisher so make sure that your pay is
based first on the time you have to invest in the project and not on royalties.
Technical
writers may be called on to write product manuals, magazine articles and
textbooks. You’ll need to be proficient in the area you are writing in.
Personal job experience in the field itself is desirable. Check job boards and
newspapers and contact product distributors or places known for technical
journals. Also check online for websites which offer technical advice and
“FAQ’s”.
There are
numerous writing jobs out there and many ways you can take pride in calling
yourself a writer. When you can enjoy the work you do, it’s simply heavenly.
Carry business cards and take every opportunity to promote your marketable word
skills.
Writing exercise: Imagine that you are holding something in
your hands, it should be something pleasant for you (a small cuddly pet, a
beautiful piece of jewelry, a book, etc). Describe the feeling you have to
someone else. Let them know what you are holding without saying what it is, be
sure to include what you feel while you are holding this item.
Writing prompt: Using the seven numbers of your telephone
number, in any order, write a very brief story about people sitting around a
dinner table (how many people, how many dinner rolls, etc).
