How to Build a Writer’s Portfolio

As a new freelance writer starting to build a portfolio is an important step in becoming a successful writer. You may be a good writer, but the problem still remains you have no experience and no sample to share. Here are some ways to start building a writer’s portfolio.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Offer to write for free for local newspapers. By doing this, you will get experience. Along with the experience will come getting your name known locally for future writing with the newspaper or other publications.

2. Enter yourself into writing contests. By entering writing contents, you push yourself to try writing in different genres. This gives you examples of your writing even if you don’t win anything in the contest.

3. Pick a cause you have a passion to support. Then volunteer to write for them; for example press releases or articles for local paper or magazines. This will help both of you. You will have writing samples while the cause will have the much needed press coverage.

4. Check to see if there are any new businesses locally or online. It is a known fact that when starting a business funds, are low and once again you will both be benefiting from your writing.

5. Blogging is another great way to get experience, and samples. There are a number of places online with blogging for free or a low fee. When applying for freelance writing projects being able to direct them to your blog to view your style will help your name start to get known.

6. Set up your own website. This will possibly cost a little money. But it could be the best decision you ever make for your writing career. Again, setting up a website would be a place to direct individuals who may want to hire you but would like to see your writing style first.

Tips & Warnings

• Even though some of these ideas may cost a little money, none of them are over the top. By taking the time to work out a budget for starting your writing career, and doing this first step sooner rather than later.

[writetolife]

on 9/15/2009 Very useful tips. I had been really confused about the portfolio thing. Now I think I know how to get started. Thanks.

[zahzel]

on 4/23/2009 Good tips for writer's profile. You must be good they picked u for top dog. CONGRATS! Z

[omghow]

on 4/23/2009 Thanks

[nevaehmadison3]

on 4/23/2009 Great article! I'm actually in the process of most of your ideas now. Thanks!

[jjsteenhagen]

on 4/23/2009 I'm having an issue with this as of lately. Great idea's. I've thought about starting a web site, but fear the idea of it not turning out. Thanks!