How Should Professional Writers Display Their Portfolio?

Writers must have their body of work organized.

Portfolios are a very useful tool for writers when they are trying to make themselves available for work. Collections of past publications can demonstrate to employers the skills and techniques they possess. Therefore it is important to display these portfolios in the right way in order to make a good first impression. In the twenty-first century, the number of ways in which to present a portfolio has increased. Some editors prefer electronic versions while others prefer to see work in old-fashioned binders. As a result, writers should be prepared to present their work in both these forms.

Things You'll Need

• Binding folder
• Page dividers
• Labels
• Clear sheet protectors
• Paper
• Scanner
• Printer
• CDs, disks or flash drives
• Abode acrobat program
• PDF translator program

Instructions

Displayed in a Ring Binder

1. Purchase a smart looking ring binder. Do not be tempted to buy one with a colorful or psychedelic front, as these are not professional. Also arm yourself with dividers, labels and clear sheet protectors.

2. Write something about yourself and put it in the front of the binder. Explain a little about your career thus far and your aspirations, while giving a brief introduction of what will be in the portfolio.

3. Use the dividers to separate your work into different categories to help show off your flexibility with regards to your writing. You will also appear more organised for doing this, and the reader will thank you for breaking up the portfolio with stopping points. Use the labels to give each section headings.

4. Put your papers into clear sheet protectors in order to keep your work at its most presentable. Newspaper clippings, especially, have a tendency to tear and turn yellow over time, so its important to keep them in good condition.

5. Write out another note and put it at the end. This time thank the person for reading through your portfolio. Also remember to put in your address and contact details.

Displayed in Electronic Form

1. Upload your writing work onto your computer by using a scanner. Download the program Abode Acrobat and a PDF translator if you do not already have them on your computer. Use the PDF translator to turn your scanned files, which will originally appear as picture files, into PDFs that you can then use to add to disks or send via e-mail.

2. Create a folder for your electronic portfolio and then create separate folders inside with individual headings so that, once again, you can show off the diversity of your work. Fill each folder with the files you have uploaded, but remember to keep it to your best work in each folder.

3. Copy the portfolio folder to a CD, disk or flash drive. This will not only give you a back-up for your files but also a means of sending off your portfolio quickly.

4. Turn your portfolio file into a Power Point presentation. This will make easier and impressive viewing for the reader. In this you should establish a table of contents showing off your range of work and then include links in each page to your PDF files.

5. Know the whereabouts of the folder on your computer so you can easily access to update or send your work off as part of an e-mail.

References

• My Writing Mentor: Thursday Tip--Your Writing Portfolio
• Writing World: Portfolio