by Jessie Heekin

Created on: November 12, 2008

How To Create Your Writing Portfolio

So you want to be a freelancer writer? I applaud you for stepping out into a curious career field that can be the cruel mistress or benevolent goddess to its different suitors. Enough with the cheesy analogies; a common problem faces many aspiring freelance writers. There is a catch-22 of sorts that to get the jobs you want you need to have a fantastic portfolio and to have a fantastic portfolio you need to have jobs you want. I was facing this same problem, and initially came at it with all the motivation and pizzazz in the world. Unfortunately, I was taking entirely the wrong approach. If you need a portfolio, and you need it now, fret no further. You can have the portfolio of your dreams as soon after a few simple steps. Put hard work into this portfolio, and it will return a million fold with dedication and desire met with more hard work. This also provides market research and further familiarity with your chosen markets. Consider this a trial run or an on the job training experience for a career that isn't your typical nine to five. I want you to make up clients, write for them, and go through the motions of performing the work. Read below my strategy for doing so, and you can have the portfolio you need to move your career forward.

Establish some goals and imagine your career as you want it.

I am hoping that you have a business plan and marketing plan. I am hoping you have long thought and meditating on what you want to do and earn and learn as a writer.

However, to complete this step and move on to the next, all you really need to do is decide where your experience and abilities and desire meet. Then choose three markets that match this. Consider heavily your motivations for writing. I myself aim to teach and inform most often when I write. My first business was a professional realtor assistant business, and I love the real estate services industry. So for this step, I chose real estate, education, and hobbies such as journaling as my three markets for which to perform.

Write these down in a list, and move on. Try not to obsess, but try to find the right three to establish what you need in your portfolio.Determine the projects you want to work on.

Now I just want you to imagine the kind of writing you would like to get paid for.

Now I want you to write another list of three.

For me, I said feature articles, web content, and sales copy.

Write your list down with your other list from step one and move on. Determine the

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