Become a Freelance Writer: The Importance of Writing Samples

As you're scrolling through the job postings, you'll notice that most freelance writing jobs ask you to include at least one writing sample in your response. After you're established as a freelance writer, you'll have plenty of samples to choose from. However, while you're still trying to become a freelance writer, you'll need to write samples of your own. Here are some tips as to what your writing samples should look like:

Keep Them Around 500 Words
If your writing sample is too long, then an employer is unlikely to read it in its entirety. However, if it's too short, you won't be giving a complete example of your writing ability. A good word count for a writing sample is around 500 words.

Write Samples Based On The Job You Want
If you want to get a job as a freelance SEO writer, don't send an employer a press release as a writing sample. Furthermore, if you want to write about mortgage topics, don't send an employer a sample article about spas. This seems like common sense, but many people lose jobs because their writing sample has nothing to do with the job they're applying for. If necessary, write a new sample article based on the requirements of each individual job.

Use Correct Grammar
This is a huge one. If you send an employer a writing sample that is full of grammatical errors, then they're not going to give you a second look. If your grammar skills are sub-par, then you're going to need to take a class or really study grammar before you are able to become a freelance writer. Freelance writers do not only write articles, they are also expected to edit their own work. Few places are going to be willing to hire a freelance writer that is useless without also hiring a freelance proofreader to correct their grammar mistakes.

Include Your Writing Sample In The Email And As An Attachment
This one has more to do with being safe and knowing that the employer will receive your writing sample. When you include a writing sample in an email, paste it into the bottom of the email as well as attaching it to the email. This way the employer can see your article even if they do not have the correct program to open the attachment. Additionally, because of viruses, many businesses refuse to open email attachments. Just make a note that it's included in both places somewhere near the end of your email.