Newspapers: A Source of Freelance Writing Jobs Leads

Did you know that your daily newspaper can be a good source of leads for freelance writing jobs? I’m not necessarily talking about the job ads, either, in case you are wondering.

If you are looking for work from local clients, the newspaper is a good way to find out what’s happening with businesses and organizations in your community. Check out the business section to find out which companies are introducing new products or hiring more staff. A business that is launching a new product may be interested in your pitch to update their marketing materials or web site to showcase the new addition to their line. The company newsletter may need to be redrafted – or the company may be interested in starting one for staff or loyal customers.

A business that is on a hiring drive may need the assistance of a writer to draft updated job descriptions or ads for new workers. The employee manual may need a facelift, or the “Careers” page on the company web site may need to be updated.

The newspaper may also profile new businesses in your area. Carefully studying the profile will give you some valuable information. You will find out exactly what the company does and who the owner’s target market is. The most important piece of information you will find in a newspaper profile is the owner’s name and contact information.

You may want to mention that you saw the profile in the newspaper and include a clip of the page when you make your pitch. The fact that you took the time to do so will get the recipient’s attention and make them more receptive to the services you can offer to the company.

Have you ever used the newspaper as a source of leads for your freelance writing business?

The Freelance Writing World: Big Enough for Everyone

I consider myself to be a feminist, and have been since the ’70s. Not in the “women of the world unite; all men are evil” way, though. I like and respect men, and I think that gender shouldn’t be the reason why girls and women shouldn’t be able to define success in any way that they choose.

When it comes to the world of freelance writing and writers, I don’t think there is any “one size fits all” definition of success. When I started writing, I thought it would be wonderful if I could make enough money to buy groceries every week and help out with some bills. I achieved that first goal and much more, and now I get to work full time doing something that I actually love.

To my mind, there should be enough room in the freelance writing world for people who want to dabble in writing to earn a few extra dollars here and there, as well as those who want to (or have already achieved) a six-figure career. No choice is better than the other; they are just different.

Some people used to state that because women now have more opportunities that we should all climb on the high-powered career bandwagon and doing anything else is letting all of our sisters down. That wasn’t true then and it isn’t true now. Feminism should be about choices for women, even if we choose something different for ourselves.

How does this relate to freelance writing? Freelancing also offers choices. I say let’s throw the doors wide open and look at all the choices and the possibilities that the choice to freelance gives us. I, for one, love to hear about the kind of work my fellow freelancers do. It inspires me to broaden my own horizons and apply for gigs that I may not have considered before.

In much the same way that a symphony won’t sound right if everyone is playing the same instrument, there is room in the freelancing world for all of us, no matter what kind of work we choose to do. Everyone is invited to the party, and everyone is welcome.