How I am Building My Writing Business
This year for my 39th birthday, I made a decision to pursue my life long dream of becoming a writer. A paid writer to be exact. I love my day job and have often viewed writing as a creative outlet/hobby. While I’ve created blogs in the past, I never aggressively pursued the idea of actually making money as a writer. Once I decided, I needed to figure out how to actually build a writing business. Here are a few things I’m trying out:
I’m building a platform. Guys-no one knows me. Once I decided to side hustle as a freelance writer, I launched my blog View 112. Since I do not have much experience as a paid, published writer, I figured I should create a space to showcase my work. Hosting View 112 has helped me develop skills like such as editing and content creation. In the past I’ve only blogged on Wordpress. Hosting View 112 using SquareSpace has given me a different set of skills as it relates to design and SEO engagement. Now when I apply for writing jobs, I can direct people to a place where they can see what I’ve built and view my work. Another big step in building my platform was launching the View 112 Podcast. I know I have years of experience in business and can offer sound advice. But again guys-no one knows me. So telling my story and sharing my ideas via the View 112 Podcast helps me connect with people who would not otherwise know about me, my experience, or what I can do. I have objectives for creating the View 112 Podcast include: 1. Sharpen and showcase my written and verbal communication skills. 2. Establish my voice as an experienced professional capable of offering sound business and career advice by sharing my perspective. 3. Share lessons, failures, and experiences I uncover while trying to figure out how to be a paid, published freelance writer. So often we hear from people or notice people when they are successful. We hear about the grind when they tell the story of their come up but we don’t always actually see the come up. No one shares the mistakes made. Again we know there are mistakes but like what? When you got a rejection letter, what did it say? When you under priced yourself on a project, how and why? etc. I need details. I want to provide details. Making mistakes is embarrassing but I don’t want to put on a show like I am this expert that has it all together. I’ll give an example. Getting on Apple Podcasts is a big deal and I’m very excited. The process was so easy though. I think people listen to these amazing podcasts and think they will not be able to do it. I want to show people how accessible it is to do what ever you desire to do. It might take some work but it can be done. In fact that’s my biggest purpose with all of this. I desperately want to inspire people to see and know how simple it is use the God given talents you have, the passion you are born with and then…just do…and keep doing…until you get there.
Applying for writing jobs. I’ve experimented many ways to get the word out that I am looking for writing work. I have applied for jobs on Indeed.com. I’ve also created a profile on UpWork and applied for jobs there. I purchased Writer’s Market and targeted different publications in which I would like to submit query letters. I’ve been reading about how to write a good query letter (and also preparing myself for the rejection that everyone says comes with submitting said letters). I’ve had some luck with being invited out to cover events as a blogger which has given me more great experience. I am learning what brands are looking for when working with a blogger. I also am in negotiations with my first paid writing job: to ghostwrite a book. Super stoked about that and I’ve learned a lot in this process. Once I land the deal (positive vibes here ) I will share some of my lessons learned.
Looking for other ways to monetize my words. So one cool way I am thinking of doing this is starting an apparel line. For those who don’t know, my first business venture about 8 years ago was Endorse Apparel Company. Endorse Apparel Company was a sports clothing line created out a void in the market for fashionable sports apparel for women. I had bags and t shirts with sports related slogans cheering on the team. I would write little sports related sayings and we would stitch them on bags and shirts. I loved that company. So I am exploring this is a new space with a new vendor based around business, writing, reading, and entrepreneurship.
Thanks for listening. I'd love to connect with you and get your feedback. If you are listening on Apple Podcasts, please rate the podcast and leave me a review. Feel free to email me questions or feedback at jeanitamorris@view112.com. I am also on Twitter @jeanitasmorris and Instagram @jeanitamorris
