Summary

The article provides a step-by-step guide for aspiring freelance writers with no experience to create a professional portfolio and secure their first writing gigs.

Abstract

The guide emphasizes the importance of industry knowledge, starting with creating speculative (spec) clips to demonstrate writing skills. It suggests writing three diverse spec pieces for hypothetical clients, such as copy for a tech landing page or a marketing letter for an education attorney. The article advises using platforms like Carrd.co to create mock-up webpages for these pieces. It also encourages writers to leverage their expertise by pitching articles to blogs, publications, and local media related to their fields of knowledge. The author shares their personal experience of successfully pitching to a niche magazine, which led to paid opportunities. The article acknowledges the controversy around writing for free but argues that it can be a strategic step for building a portfolio. It concludes by encouraging new writers to take action despite the fear of rejection and to seek support from a community of experienced writers.

Opinions

The author believes that using industry-specific terminology, such as "clips" for writing samples, helps new writers appear knowledgeable and professional.
Writing spec pieces is presented as a practical method to build a portfolio without prior experience or published work.
The author suggests that by writing from the heart on topics they are passionate about, writers can produce authentic content that resonates with publications and their audiences.
Pitching to a variety of outlets, including niche magazines, local publications, and websites accepting guest posts, is seen as a viable way to gain exposure and build a portfolio.
The article conveys that writing for free initially can be a stepping stone to paid writing opportunities, despite the industry debate on the matter.
Rejection is framed as a normal part of the writing business, and the author advises not to let fear of rejection impede progress.
The author offers assistance and encourages new writers to reach out with questions, emphasizing the importance of community support in the writing journey.

How to Create a Freelance Writing Portfolio with Zero Experience

Here’s the skinny: you want to become a freelance writer, but you have absolutely no experience. Because you have no experience, you have no clips for your portfolio. Because you have no portfolio, you have no clue where to start.

I know how that feels because I have been in your shoes. That’s why I created this quick, actionable guide explaining exactly how I created a freelance writing portfolio that made me seem pretty legit. I got my first few gigs, and from there it took off.

1. Learn the lingo. Freelancers call their writing samples “clips.” Using the right industry word will make you sound like you know what you’re talking about from the get go. I will bold other industry terms in this guide.

2. Write 3 different “spec” clips. When writers produce a piece without first securing a paying publication, it is called writing “on spec.” But you can create spec pieces with the express purpose of starting your portfolio. Just be sure to label them as Spec pieces. I just put “Spec Clip” in the margin upper corner.

When you write a spec piece, create a hypothetical client, and write what you would really write if they were a real client. I wrote 3 pieces:

— -Copy for a tech landing page — I made up an app for an airport valet service.

— -Website copy for a hypothetical new, downtown co-working space

— -A sample client marketing letter from an education attorney to her mailing list.

I made real landing pages on Carrd.co for the first two items. Carrd.co is an awesome place to make easy, mock-up webpages with no tech skills. Once I made the sites, I had links (carrd.co gives a free domain with carrd.co in the URL), and I also made the screenshots into PDF files. This way I would be covered no matter how the potential employer wanted to see the goods.

3. Pitch blogs and publications. Think about your expertise. Everyone is an expert about something. It could be anything from caring for a baby with eczema to how to draw the perfect Adele cat eye with liquid eyeliner to tax law. We all know how to talk about something. Take 10 minutes and make a list of everything you know a lot about.

Got your list? Good. Now you can find an outlet who prints content about your area of expertise.

I started with publications I read. I reached out to a niche magazine called Sojourners, and I pitched an article about something that had been on my mind. Nothing “freelance” related, just my real opinion, written from the heart.

The editor I reached out to accepted the pitch, and after they ran it (for free) on their website, she asked if I would like to contribute regularly. Um, yes! I went on to write a lot for their website, and I’ve been in their print magazine several times (paid!).

Writing for Sojourners gave me a lot of professional looking clips. I was able to take screenshots to use for my clips, and I created links for them on Google docs.

You don’t have to start with a magazine. Here is a list of places you can send your first pitch:

— Websites and blogs who are looking for contributors. Google “blogs who accept guests posts” or “write for us.” One example of a website I can think of that looks for free contributors is MindBodyGreen, spiritual, green living lifestyle site. Think about the sites you frequent and your expertise, and make a list of websites to pitch.

— Local magazines — many cities have a current events website or magazine.

— Local small town or suburban newspaper (covering community events works well).

— The hipster papers you see in coffee shops

— Your child’s preschool or school website may need content about fundraising or current events.

— Your college alumni magazine or newspaper

There are a lot of writers in this industry with strong feelings about writers working for free. They feel that by giving away content work, that you contribute to the epidemic of websites who want quality content without paying a reasonable rate.

However, before you have a portfolio, it’s a different story. While you’re involved in this portfolio building process, find a group of seasoned writers to encourage you along the way. They will be sure to give you a nudge if you’ve been working for free too long.

Whatever you do, don’t wait until you have the perfect idea or the perfect pitch. Just take action.

The most experienced, successful writers I know hear “no” more than they hear “yes.” Rejection is literally normal in the business, so don’t let the fear of rejection stop you from taking action.

If you have any questions, drop me a note. I’m happy to help if I can.

Thanks for reading Writers Guild — A Smedian publication

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