Hi David,
Firstly, congratulations – not just for graduating in a few months but for the excellent grounding you already have in various commercial writing disciplines. You’re already ahead of many others!
To answer your question in terms of the best resource for freelance assignments. You can begin by checking the various freelance/employment sites online. I list a number of them in Chapter 15. In addition, a great resource for tracking down prospective clients is the media. When I started, I clipped news articles reporting on companies expanding, releasing new products, taking new directions, etc. Then I would send them a letter addressing their needs (and introducing myself and my services). I found this, overall, was the best marketing approach I have ever used. It’s quick, inexpensive and an effective way to promote yourself and demonstrate your literary abilities at the same time. This approach is explained in some detail in my book, including some direct mail letters you can use.
Apart from this, David, I would also approach all of the contacts you have made – not just in real estate but in your general life. There are countless opportunities available for you right there. Your contacts don’t have to be marketing managers – but they may know the marketing manager of their company or put you in contact with them. This is simple and common sense but it’s often overlooked.
But before you beginning prospecting, you must understand you won’t get very far unless you have something to offer them – a portfolio of your work. I know what you’re thinking – how do I get started in the business without past experience?
In your case, I suggest you include the best samples of your work from your studies (ie PR and direct mail copy, layouts, as mentioned). If you’re having trouble attracting clients, you may consider doing some low-cost or no-cost projects for friends, family and local organizations. This will help increase the size of your portfolio, and from here, you can also seek referrals and referrences, as detailed in the book. Remember, this is just to get you started. Once you have one or more clients, you can charge a reasonable fee and expand the business.
I trust this helps. And, yes, to answer your other question – there’s plenty of money to be made in commercial writing. But, like most things in life, it’s up to you. If you believe in yourself and apply the principles in this book – you will succeed. It worked for me.
I’d also suggest that you re-read the first two parts of ‘The Wealthy Writer’. It’s important to invest the time up-front in building a solid business through solid planning. There will be plenty of time for the ‘fun stuff’ later on.
Good luck!
Regards
Michael
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Michael Meanwell
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