How To Turn an Assignment into a Gig

Freelancing is a career that many try and often cannot sustain because of fierce competition. Securing a gig, any gig, is the hardest part. But once a writer is in, they can utilize certain methods that will guarantee more work.

To initially get involved, writers need to pitch to companies within their expertise. If they are community reporters, they should hit up other local publications. If they report on technology for one site, branching out to several different tech news sources is a good idea. It’s much more difficult to pitch to news sources that don’t relate to a writer’s career.

Once an editor bites and writers receive an assignment, they have to work hard to prove themselves. U.S. News‘ Lindsay Olson advises that freelancers should stick to deadlines and meet the required expectations. “Make sure you understand your clients’ needs and the assignment deliverables. Set clear expectations upfront and don’t take on projects for which you aren’t well suited,”she said.

It’s also important to read other articles the publication produced and match the writing style. When the editor sends back critiques, freelancers should be thorough and ask as many questions as possible. Always be thankful for the opportunity throughout the whole process.

A handwritten note will put writers on their editors’ radar and permanently in their rolodex, according to Melanie Brooks of Freelance Switch. Email might be a faster, easier method to communicate gratitude for a published piece, but a handwritten letter shows more personality and demonstrates thewriter went the extra mile. Writers can weigh the pros and cons and see what best fits their style.

If it was a pleasant experience and writers want to keep up the connection, they should pitch more ideas. Usually editors are looking for possible stories, but if writers can’t think of any, they could ask if there are pitches that need coverage.

Blogger Susan Johnston suggests making the case for ongoing freelance work. If writers produce copy for a site, for example, they can pitch additional aspects of the site that may need copy. “You could suggest other ways to continue the relationship, like adding a blog (which, of course, needs content updated regularly) or creating a monthly newsletter,” she said. “Obviously, the benefit for you is a regular paycheck, so be sure to emphasize the benefit to the client, whether it’s improved SEO or greater customer engagement.”

Another way for writers to sustain the relationship, aside from keeping in touch regularly, is to branch out to other parts of the organization they’re working for and become acquainted with staff members. If assignments dry up in one area, they can be available in abundance in others. “Get to know the company’s decision makers to firmly place yourself in the culture,” Olson said. “Solidifying these relationships will ensure you receive recommendations for future assignments, and potentially full-time work with the company or through a referral.”

After a writer successfully completes an assignment, it’s crucial to maintain the relationship and ask for more work.  In this job market, freelancers don’t have many options. They must cultivate existing connections and strive to advance within the organizations themselves.

Ex: Image courtesy of Flickr, Mel Green