How to Make a Writer's Resume

Getting noticed is key to being hired as a writer. Knowing how to put together a writer's resume has everything to do with getting noticed. There are a lot of writers out there who have similar skills and the same drive as you do. Making a writer's resume that sells your craft immediately and successfully is imperative. To do that, follow these steps.

Instructions

1. Create a professional look. Reputable publishing companies that pay well expect a resume to look clean, precise and crisp. With a professional look, you have more chances of having your resume read.

2. Tell the truth. When starting out as a writer, sometimes there is a temptation to stretch the truth for the purpose of making yourself seem more appealing to the editor or publisher. People can check to see if you really did write for the New Yorker or National Review. Remember editors and publishers like to work with writers they can trust.

3. Write the resume. Center your name, address, phone numbers and email address at the top of the page. Double space down and on the left in bold write "Objective." Under objective state "freelance writer" or "writing position." Double space down and on the left in bold write "Work Experience." Under work experience list relative experience keeping it close to the present chronologically, about five years. You can place another title for "Special Skills" in bold if you have something unique that makes it worth hiring you--science, law or computer skills.

4. Proofread the resume to make sure anyone can read it. The information in your resume must be presented without blemishes but brief and to the point. Misspelling words or not using the correct word and parts of speech is a red flag and will likely get your resume delivered directly to the trash can with no further consideration.

Tips & Warnings

• The Internet has ample resume templates you can use to post your writing resume online. The templates are professional and effective. These days, most writers display their resumes on the Internet.

• If you have any doubts about the look or clarity of your resume, have a friend, business associate or family member whom you trust to read and proof it.

• Resumes look better and are easier to read done in a 12-point font.

• Update your resume on a regular basis; especially if you change your address, email or website link. Also, if you landed a writing gig with a reputable publisher like the New Yorker or National Review, you'd want to update your resume, right away.

• Try to keep your resume on one page.

• Think of a resume as your calling card. Your introduction of who you are, what you've done and what you can do.