Writing for Greeting Cards

Writing for greeting card companies is not only an easy way to earn extra money, but is also an excellent opportunity to begin a career.

I began writing specifically for greeting cards about 4 months ago. Before I actually started to send my ideas in I had to do some research.

I started out by searching what companies are out there. We all know about the top companies, Hallmark and American Greetings, but what about the smaller companies? Upon my research I found out that there are well over hundreds of companies. I had to find out if any of them accepted freelance writing ideas, before I could send them any ideas. Most of the companies I looked into had websites, which I would go to and see what kind of products they sold and if they accepted work from freelancers. I did come across sites that did have any information about weather or not the accepted ideas and in that case I just e-mailed the company.

After researching I narrowed down my list based on how long the response time would be for that specific company to get back to me with a response.

The waiting time was anywhere between 2 weeks and 4 months. Some companies had a waiting period from 6 months to a year. I personally wasn't interested in waiting 6 months, nor was I willing to wait over 1 year to find out weather or not they were going to use my work.

I eventually narrowed my list down to about 15 companies. I then began to send e-mails to each company asking for guidelines and if the any specific needs or wants at the time. I have to add, each company was very good at getting back to me In a reasonable time. I would like to mention, when you do send out for guidelines, it's a good idea to keep it short simple and to the point what you are asking for.

So after all the researching, studying each individual market and narrowing my list down, I was then ready to begin writing and sending out my verses.

Like I mentioned before, I started out with greeting writing about 4 months ago and after 2 months of submitting well over 200 ideas to several companies I got my first offer. Gallant greeting cards accepted two of my verses. Now some of you may be thinking that having 2 out of 200 verses accepted isn't that good, but in all honesty it's a start. I don't expect and neither should you to get all your ideas accepted. If you do get more ideas accepted then myself, then KUDOS! to you.
Breaking into the greeting card market can be a easy task, but like with any job you have to be willing to learn the ins and outs of the business.

Everyday I learn and see something I didn't know about yesterday. Anyone can write and if you think you don't, then there are classes and books to help you out on your journey. With time, patience, and the will to write and learn, you too can write for greeting cards.

This is not only a fun and exciting opportunity, but rewarding as well!!!