So you want to be a writer. Well, join the club. Every other web-savvy, pop culture-obsessed post-collegiate slacker had the same idea before you. You would appear to have your work cut out for you.
But that is no reason for discouragement. Start writing, and write now. Right now. Knock out those first 10 high quality articles and try to sell them to the big sites. But before you do, here are five tips to keep in mind:
1. Find your voice.
I know, I know; this is easier said than done. But it really is the most crucial step you can take in your pursuit of a solid writing career. You have to differentiate yourself from the gigantic pile of other web writers out there, so how are you going to do it? Write, and keep writing until it just feels natural. Write your best 10 high quality articles, then it is time to…
2. Create your own site.
Given how simple and accessible it is to create your own blog today, you really have no excuse for not having an online portfolio. Make your site all about you. Why do you write? What do you like to write about? Make sure you include plenty of links to your published work, as well, especially your top 10 high quality articles. Then, in order to build up your fan base, you will have to…
3. Share your work.
Do not be afraid to push out your content to your social media accounts. These are free articles, after all, so share them with the world. Chances are, you have a friend of a friend who has a cool job or connection you can use. Once you knock out those top 10 high quality articles that really display who you are as a writer, plaster them all over the Internet. In fact…
4. Be a self-promoter and a self-editor.
Eventually, you want to be able to have sites buy articles from you. So how are they going to find you? Promote the heck out of your work beyond even social media. Tell your friends. Make business cards and never stop handing them out. But, and this is the most important thing you can hear, edit yourself! Make anything with your name on it, especially those first 10 high quality articles, flawless.
5. Enjoy the ride.
Writing is fun. Writing is cathartic. Writing makes us feel alive. That is why we are magnetically drawn to its mysterious and exciting allure. After you have those top 10 high quality articles written, edited, polished and shared with the world, you might be waiting a while, so enjoy the ride! Enjoy your craft and hopefully someday you can enjoy the fruits of your labor.