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Blog your way to a better (and more bountiful) writing career
By: Jennifer Brown Banks
If you've been viewing blogging as a vehicle for merely
venting or connecting with friends, it's time for a paradigm
shift. That was so 90's!
Today blogging has gone from a recreational activity to an
art form with major players and endless opportunities for
writers to earn pay, percs, and serious platforms. Seriously.
And I should know. About a year and a half ago, I reluctantly
got on the band wagon when a New York agent reviewing my
relationship book proposal sent a rejection that read, “You
have obvious talent as a writer, but not a big enough platform.”
Ouch.
I've been on a mission ever since. Though I still don't have
an agent, I do have several good paying, monthly blogging gigs,
much greater name recognition, a greater awareness of
“professional” blogging, and online blogging buddies that offer
great support, exchange of ideas and networking avenues. And you
can too.
Here are a few insider's tips on how to use blogging to build
your writing business, your platform, and your bottom line:
How to get started...
Establish an impressive online presence. Ideally through your
own website or blog. Make sure your spot boasts your best
writing samples, a killer bio, and quality, consistent content.
Distinguish yourself. Blogging has become as competitive as
professional sports. Bring your “A” game and a unique voice
that stands out amidst the chatter.
Guest post at prominent award winning blogs in your niche. For
example, in writing it would be Daily Blog Tips, Men With Pens,
Technorati, Copy Blogger, and Freelance Folder. In fact, any
blog with a Google ranking of five or better or "Top 10" list
should be targeted. To quote a famous expression, “we are judged
by the company we keep.”
Study what other successful bloggers are doing. What separates
them from the pack? What's their appeal? Their approach? Take
note, then take action.
Do your homework. Just like magazines, every blog has a
particular tone, target audience, and culture. The greater
your awareness, the greater your odds of success.
To pitch an editor as a guest blogger or paid writer, follow
the instructions, (to the “T”), provided at their site. Basically,
you want to be brief but substantive. Think Twitter. In as few
words as possible, identify to the editor who you are, what you
have to offer, why you'd like to write for him, and any related
experience you might have. If you're pitching outside of your
primary niche, a resume and a few writing samples would be
required.
Now that you know the what, how, and why's of blogging, here's
where you'll find good paying gigs and important resources:
www.workawesome.com/
Pays $50 per post for pieces related to productivity and career
advice.
www.freelanceswitch.com/
As the name implies, this site is dedicated to freelancers from
creative and professional fields---from musicians, to writers,
to designers. Pay is $50 and up.
www.bloggingpro.com/
Provides a weekly job board that features positions for bloggers,
editors, graphic designers, and techies. Pay varies.
www.samswebguide.com/
Here you'll discover a wide variety of opportunities for bloggers,
writers, and technical people covering regional and national job
posts.
Take a page from my experience. Follow these guidelines, and who
knows, in 2011 you might beat me to a blogging book deal!
Jennifer Brown Banks
Veteran freelance writer, Columnist, Pro Blogger
http://penandprosper.blogspot.com/
Managing Editor, Coffeehouse for Writers
http://Coffeehouseforwriters.com/
Columnist, Technorati.com
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A Carolina Slade Mystery
www.chopeclark.com
Writer's Digest 101 Best
Websites for Writers - 2001-2011
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