By Pam Baker
You need work fast (every freelancer does) so I’ll cut the chat and get to the chase.
Get a website. Most website services have templates you can use to simplify things.
Put your clips on there and a bio plus contact information. I list email only, no phone numbers, maybe a mailing (not my home) address. That’s because I don’t want any nuts or stalkers to come calling. I can always give out my number after an editor has contacted me by email and I’ve checked them out.
Organize your clips into folders by topic (business, sports, relationships, lifestyles, fashion, news, whatever). Editors are busy people. They do not have time to search all over your site for a specific clip. But also list the publications by title prominently on the web page if you have impressive pub credits, or a long list of publishers. If not, post clips by topic in folders only.
If you do not have clips on a subject you would like to write about, create spec samples and put them in a folder titled only by the topic. Note that it is a sample or spec copy on the actual page, not as the folder title. That will allow editors to judge your work in a new area but you still haven’t given anything away for free.
Now create two to three short email queries all including your new website address (URL). I have one email query geared for copywriting positions, one for journalism, and one for speechwriting.
Next, go to website listings of job openings. Let’s look at journalismjobs.com for example. 95% or more of the listings are for staff positions. That means 100% of the listings are potentially freelance jobs.
Each job listing is a cry for help. A real need exists and the lister wants to fill it ASAP. All you have to do is explain briefly how a freelancer is a better choice than a staffer (usually because there are no benefits for the employer to pay, that sort of thing) and why you are the better freelancer for the job. You might not get the job as advertised, but you might get other work the employer has yet to list on the site. Call it creative serendipity.
Remember this is a numbers game. The more often you apply, the more likely you are to land something. That’s why you need several email queries of different slants and your resume on hand. Do not put your resume on your website. Remember the crazies out there!
Set aside some time each day to apply to as many job announcements as you can. Sometimes you will need to slightly modify your email message, other times you can use it exactly as is.
I average 15 queries/applications a day, which totals 75 for the week. I net on average 6 new assignments per week. It is what salespeople call “cold-calling” and it works.
I do not track the applications or note where I applied, nor bother to follow-up, unless of course it’s something I really have my heart set on. But mostly, I just play the numbers and wait on the catch. More out, more in. That’s the rule. Do it everyday religiously.
I do the same with sites like Freelance Daily which lists freelance jobs only. Play the numbers, everyday. Apply, apply, apply. Query, query, query. Just takes a few minutes when you have a website of clips, and some easily modified but canned queries and an updated resume on hand.
Check your email regularly. Be quick to respond with price quotes or additional information as requested or with acceptance or a “I pass, but please call again.” But, always, always respond.
Just remember, the only things that really count in the job listing are the job requirements. Can you perform the job? Then answer the ad. Don’t worry about things like “a college degree in journalism needed” or “full-time staff position.” None of that matters. Just show the editor/employer you can do the job and do it well.
Things that do matter are “this is not a telecommuting or freelance job,” “must work onsite,” and “must have x years experience.” Pay attention to those words and act accordingly. Your intent here is to create opportunity for yourself, not just irritate everybody out there (plus that editor may move to another publication but still remember his annoyance with you. That’s a bridge you don’t need to build).
Once you get everything set up, this daily exercise should not take longer than 30 minutes a day. Yet, if done faithfully, the effort will keep you working steadily and profitably for years to come.
