What do readers want? If a reader can’t tell the difference between a piece written by a punter versus a professional paid writer, and doesn’t care, then writing as a paid profession might be about to change dramatically.
I am just going to give you a second to process this fairly cogent point that Rachel made in response to this post.
Blogging (and I guess the internet in general) has given rise to a new breed of writer. One who has a reliable income stream completely unrelated to writing and thus doesn’t need to make money from writing.
This allows them to write for enjoyment and offer up the fruits of their labour for free. And lots of publications are happy to publish the work of these ‘non-professional’ writers because, as Rachel notes, readers generally aren’t demanding higher quality content.
So what does this mean for aspiring writers looking to make a dollar from their writing? They are entering a market being flooded with seasoned journalists as newspaper redundancies mount. And they are coming up against writers who are happy to write for free.
Does it mean this is a terrible time to start a writing career?
I say no. It’s actually a great time to start a writing career (so long as you’re willing to think outside the box a little).
Let’s start with one of the first challenges a new writer usually faces – the request for previously published work. It’s a bit chicken or egg – magazines and newspapers are unlikely to look at a pitch from someone who has an empty portfolio. But how can you create a portfolio if no one will publish you?
Happily, the internet is a content hungry beast and there are online publications who desperately need to feed that beast. This means new writers are able to get runs on the board very quickly. You’re unlikely to get paid for this portfolio building stuff, but it doesn’t matter. You have much bigger fish to fry.
And that fish is the corporate fish. Every single business – big or small – has a website now. And the majority of these websites are filled with bland, colourless copy. These websites are crying out for some attention from a great storyteller (that’s you!).
But it’s not exactly the same kind of fun as writing for Vogue is it? I mean writing web copy for any business is going to be pretty boring right?
That’s the sentiment I voiced to a clever friend who does a lot of corporate communication work and her eyes widened.
No way Kelly. There are a lot of corporates crying out for writers to really bring their communications to life – especially for customers and employees. More and more corporates realise they have to match the quality and entertainment value of ‘mainstream’ media if they’re to stand any chance of capturing their customers’ and employees’ attention. So they are really keen to find creative and humourous writers. Not only can it be fun work – it also pays well.
So how do you get your hands on this fun, well-paying work?
Well you ask for it.
I am a web designer and hands down the slowest part of the web design process is getting our client to provide their web copy to us. And by the time they do, it is clear they have extracted this copy from their head with all the joy of an infected tooth.
So have a look at the websites of businesses you know and love … and see if you can bring some fun and storytelling to their copy. And then pitch your services to them. Chances are they will cry with relief; oh god yes, our website copy sucks but we didn’t know there was anyone who could make it better.
Happily, once you’ve done a few of these jobs you won’t need to pitch your services anymore because businesses will start coming to you via word-of-mouth. (High five!)
And the best things about corporate work? You generally get to charge an hourly rate instead of being bound by the word rate most magazines and newspapers pay. And the lead times are much shorter so the money hits your bank account sooner. (Fist pump!)
Are you an emerging writer? Have you ever considered doing corporate writing?
Corporate writing is the only way I can afford to be a freelance writer! I was a web designer/producer for 11 years before I made the switch to writing and the reason I switched was because of the content bottleneck that ALL web design projects face. It’s a great place for an emerging writer to start.
Krissy recently blogged: What I know about writing.
Yay – this is EXACTLY what people need to hear Krissy!
Kelly Exeter recently blogged: Is this a good time to start a writing career?
Great perspective and advice here, Kelly. I had never thought of doing corporate work. I know I need to earn something from my writing to make my creative projects pay longterm – so this sounds like something I’ll be looking into! Love your ‘thinking outside the box’.
Thanks miss
Kelly Exeter recently blogged: Is this a good time to start a writing career?
I really enjoyed this post and the different perspective it presents.
Corporate work was something I had never thought of, creative work – yes, corporate – no
Certainly has the wheels turning in a different direction – perfect!
xx
Josefa @always Josefa recently blogged: Kinnie
Thanks Josefa!
Kelly Exeter recently blogged: Is this a good time to start a writing career?
I like to do a mix of both – mag features & corporate copywriting. This post really rings true, in that the writing landscape has changed. But I believe there will always be a need for clear, concise, effective content. Whether that’s for websites or magazines.
And p.s. I’m launching one of those sites that is crying out for contributors! Hope you don’t mind the promotional comment, but I’d love posts from women about their freelancing tips & experiences.
Just head to sheelance.com
Kat Tate recently blogged: 3 easy ways to market your freelance business
Don’t mind at all Kat
Kelly Exeter recently blogged: Is this a good time to start a writing career?
First up may I say Lisa Lintern is a legend.
Secondly, I spent ten years as a copy writer. I have a freelance writing business, which is so shamefully ignored I cannot even talk about it.
Thirdly, and my only useful piece of advice if you want to be a writer, is fucking write. Write every day and write bravely. Do not think about your reader.
And now I want a Tim Tam xxx
Ha ha yes Lisa IS a legend. Was such a pleasure having her here in our fair city for a real life chat – even if it was very briefly!
And I reckon it’s time to un-ignore your freelance writing business! Imagine if some bigtime corporate let you at their web copy. That would be unreal!
Kelly Exeter recently blogged: Is this a good time to start a writing career?
Great post Kelly. During my days as a VA, I did a lot of web copy writing and it was actually really interesting. I enjoyed the challenge of turning a boring business website into a creative and attention grabbing site through copy.
And you are right. It is a great angle for new writers to dip their toes into and begin creating a portfolio.
Jodi Gibson recently blogged: Life Insights: Dear Internet, do I need you?
Thanks Jodes!
Kelly Exeter recently blogged: Is this a good time to start a writing career?
Kel once again you never fail to inspire! Next can I ask for a piece on building flagging confidence? Then I might have the courage to approach these corporate organisations and offer my services!
Donna Webeck recently blogged: The plan is… there IS NO PLAN
Start small Don! Approach a smaller business you love but whose website text is woeful! The worst they can do is say ‘no thanks’ right?!
Kelly Exeter recently blogged: Is this a good time to start a writing career?
It’s how I got on the writing track in the first place! From marketing to in-house comms to freelancing from home. And working on my own things in my spare time (what spare time?!).
It’s only boring if you keep it boring. But even financial information and legal lines can be interesting if you find the right approach.
Great piece.
Emily recently blogged: Don’t go to the zoo during school holidays
Ha ha ‘spare time’ – I know exactly what you mean!
Kelly Exeter recently blogged: Is this a good time to start a writing career?
I love this Kelly. While I would love to write for glossy magazines all day long, the reality is that this ‘boring corporate’ work is what is allowing me to be sitting at home in my gym gear while the corporate world is out there slogging away the 9 – 5. I’m guilty of putting my corporate stuff on hold when I have a magazine commission come in, thank you for helping me remember my priorities!
x
Cassy Small recently blogged: I Want To Be a Doctor When I Grow Up
I have kind of inspired myself to start trying to find some ‘fun’ corporate work!
Kelly Exeter recently blogged: Is this a good time to start a writing career?
Great post Kelly. I have never really considered corporate work before but I will now. I am relatively new at freelance writing and so it’s great when people like yourself are willing to share their tips and advice. incidentally, when i read your post “the course that changed my life” I was so inspired. I enrolled in that course today. So thank you in advance!
Michaela Fox recently blogged: Help! I am under House Arrest
Oh Michaela how cool. Did you enjoy the course?!
Kelly Exeter recently blogged: Is this a good time to start a writing career?
I keep meaning to seek oportunities to make money from writing (as the sisters do) but at the end of the day I don’t have time! I love to write but I only write for me. This is a great idea though x
MultipleMum recently blogged: A month of health: Connection
I sometimes think that is the perfect combination – being able to write purely for pleasure because you don’t NEED to make money from it. But I have to admit that it IS nice being able to make a little bit of money from my writing
Kelly Exeter recently blogged: Is this a good time to start a writing career?
I have never ever even thought of this but it is bloody brilliant. I have been stuck as a Business Manager in the Corporate world for most of my love – what an awesome way to combine what I know, business and marketing with something I love to do – writing. i will definitely look into this. Thank you – seriously, THANK YOU xx
Sonia Life Love and Hiccups recently blogged: I Had A Dream ….. Random Alert!
Oh how cool Son! Such a pleasure to have planted a seed
Kelly Exeter recently blogged: Is this a good time to start a writing career?
I would love to do corporate work and in my humble opinion I’d be darn fine at it. Thanks for this little bit of inspiration.
Mumabulous recently blogged: A Life More Ordinary.
Ha ha – well that is awesome then!
Kelly Exeter recently blogged: Is this a good time to start a writing career?
Great advice Kelly. When I started my degree/blogging, a friend with a design business approached me to do some web copy but I knocked most of it back because NEW BABY! I did a little bit, more for the experience, but I’d love to approach some larger companies. That’s the bit I find daunting!
Carli recently blogged: Not in my backyard
I reckon start with a favourite business and then go from there. As I said though, you’d be surprised to hear how many businesses KNOW their web copy sucks and are just dying for someone to come to them and say “I can fix that for you!”
Kelly Exeter recently blogged: In case you missed it
OMG love this post AND love the comments!!!
(MORE FISTPUMP!!)
Cheryl from BusinessChic recently blogged: Maternity chic in a pencil skirt + Fashion for Dating wrap-up
Ha ha I love that you love this post
Kelly Exeter recently blogged: How to deal with grief the wrong way
I love writing, but haven’t done anything for a mag or such yet. I don’t really have that interest, but I do want to write books.
You’ve given me lots to think about.