Responding to Freelance Writing Jobs

More and more freelance writers are surfing the Internet for freelance writing jobs. However, many of them apply for these freelance writing jobs and are later disappointed when they don't receive a response. Have you applied to several freelance writing jobs but failed to produce the results you were hoping for? Well, don't fret, because you're not alone. In fact, pick yourself up and continue reading for tips on how you can increase your chances of getting a response to the next set of freelance writing jobs you respond to.

Not getting a response to the freelance writing jobs you responded to could mean several different things, but one of the main reasons you might not have received the response you wanted is this: the position you responded to may have been filled. Aside from that, another reason may be the way you responded. Therefore, to keep from making the same mistake the next time you respond to a freelance writing job follow these tips:

- Make sure you read the ad completely. Once you've done this, follow the instructions that the company requests. If they say to send a resume with clips or writing samples, then do just that. If they only ask for a cover letter, then create an attractive and professional looking cover letter. Be sure your cover letter outlines your experience, and try to mention only the experience related to the niche the freelance writing job calls for. For example, if they're looking for freelance writers to write about health, then include all your health credits and experience in the cover letter.

- When you respond to freelance writing jobs, don't tell the job poster to contact you. As the editor of Coffee Break for Writers, I've posted several calls for articles. In my posts, I've outlined what I'm looking for and give submission guidelines. Despite doing all that, I have received many e-mails from interested freelance writers telling me their experience, and then they say something like, "If you think I could write for you, please contact me with your needs." What do I do? I hit delete! Why? Because in my call for articles I gave all of the details of what my "needs" were and told them how to submit. If I had been looking for someone to join the staff, I would have said so, and then this type of reply may have gotten a response. Nevertheless, I wasn't looking for a staff writer ... I was looking for a specific type of article, and all the freelance writer should have done was submit the article with a cover letter. Or, I would have also accepted a query letter.

- Don't send attachments. Put everything in the body of your e-mail, unless they request that you send them attachments. Moreover, if the company requests attachments, read carefully to see what type of attachments they accept. Some will only accept PDF attachments, and others may accept PDF or Word attachments. You want to make sure you only send what they request.

- When you do respond with a cover letter, query or etc., don't tell them about your personal life or family, and don't mention that you're new or it's your first time responding to a freelance writing job. They don't care. All they want to see is professionalism, so make your response is a professional one. Only mention your experience, credits and any education that you may have related to the freelance writing job you're responding to. Furthermore, try to keep it as short as you possibly can. One page should do the job.

- Some job posters may require you to place specific text in the subject line. They usually request this so they don't accidentally mistake your e-mail for spam and delete it. Once more, make sure you read everything in their ad before responding.

- Before hitting send, make sure you check spelling and grammar. After all, you are responding to a freelance writing job, and the person doing the hiring will be checking these areas. A few errors could be overlooked, but don't send a cover letter and/or resume full of spelling or grammar mistakes.

Now that you have a better idea on how to respond to freelance writing jobs why not put those tips to use. Following are a few Web sites where you can find freelance writing jobs:

Problogger

Do you enjoy writing blog posts? This site posts freelance writing jobs from companies and individuals looking for freelance writers to write blog entries.

Performancing

Another place to find freelance writing jobs from companies and individuals looking to hire freelance writers to write blog entries.

Sunoasis Jobs

Freelance writing jobs of all types: copywriting, blog writers, article writers, Web site content writers and more.

All Freelance Writing Jobs

Copywriting, magazine contributors, SEO content, copyeditors and more.

Freelance Switch

Blog gigs and other types of freelance writing jobs.

Finally, here's a sample cover letter you can tweak then use to respond to all those freelance writing jobs that fit within your niche:

[Insert date here]

Dear [insert name here, or if they don't give a name, you could just say "greetings]:

I read your call for writers at Craigslist.org, and I'm very interested in writing for your [magazine, blog, Web site, etc.].

I am a full-time freelance writer with experience writing for parenting markets [change this to fit the market they're seeking a writer for -- the market you have experience writing for]. I have written for [insert names of publications related to that market].

[List any other experience you have related to that market here]. These experiences provide me with a wealth of new story and article ideas, and I have access to many experts as well. [If you don't have access to experts then don't mention this, but if you do, mention it. It tells the individual doing the hiring that you can get interviews or quotes if needed.]

I am available for assignments, and I can work with fast deadlines. Per your request, I have included two clips or writing samples [which ever they ask for].

You can reach me by e-mail (youremail@whatever.com), toll-free fax (866-555-5555) or phone (123-555-4444). I wish you the best with your [magazine, blog, Web site or etc.], and I hope to work with you soon.

Best wishes,

[Insert your first and last name]

Additional tip: When listing your e-mail address, give a professional looking e-mail. An e-mail like partygirls@yahoo.com or toosexy@hotmail.com may be deleted.

Good luck and happy hunting!