Read on Twitter
FREELANCE WRITING THREAD
I've been freelancing for just over a year now, with my focus on film. It's been really rewarding but also incredibly tough. So I want to share some useful tips that I've learnt so far that might help others as well as a reminder for myself
#1 Write Down Your Ideas
Always keep a note of any article ideas you get, no matter how big or small. I keep a notebook and also use my phone when on the go. Remember a pitch that gets rejected from one publication might be right for another one, even months down the line.
Always keep a note of any article ideas you get, no matter how big or small. I keep a notebook and also use my phone when on the go. Remember a pitch that gets rejected from one publication might be right for another one, even months down the line.
#2 Don't Limit Yourself
A lot of writers only write about one thing, and that's fine. My focus is film, however don't put yourself in a box. If opportunities arise concerning other topics be open to these and explore the potential they offer.
A lot of writers only write about one thing, and that's fine. My focus is film, however don't put yourself in a box. If opportunities arise concerning other topics be open to these and explore the potential they offer.
#3 Keep Watching
More specifically for Film and TV writers here but if you're struggling for inspiration just keep watching movies and shows. There's always going to be times when ideas feel sparse, but something as simple as watching a film can give you that idea you need.
More specifically for Film and TV writers here but if you're struggling for inspiration just keep watching movies and shows. There's always going to be times when ideas feel sparse, but something as simple as watching a film can give you that idea you need.
#4 Make Connections
There is so much creativity happening around us everyday and it helps to engage with this. Talking to people in the industry, taking an interest in their work and supporting them can help open up more opportunities for them and you.
There is so much creativity happening around us everyday and it helps to engage with this. Talking to people in the industry, taking an interest in their work and supporting them can help open up more opportunities for them and you.
#5 Learn To Be Patient
One of the most frustrating things about freelancing is waiting. It can be a slow process hearing back about pitches, working on different drafts and waiting for eventual publishing dates. Unfortunately this is part of the industry so you should expect it.
One of the most frustrating things about freelancing is waiting. It can be a slow process hearing back about pitches, working on different drafts and waiting for eventual publishing dates. Unfortunately this is part of the industry so you should expect it.
#6 Make It Work
Some publications will put calls out for pitches on certain themes. It's always worth attempting to pitch something for these, you're halfway there in knowing what they want so now it's up to you to fine tune any potential ideas around these themes.
Some publications will put calls out for pitches on certain themes. It's always worth attempting to pitch something for these, you're halfway there in knowing what they want so now it's up to you to fine tune any potential ideas around these themes.
#7 Write About What You Know
Writing is hard and researching can be even worse. Use what you know and write about what you love. Passion in work is usually a good thing and it's always helpful to be knowledgeable about your topic.
Writing is hard and researching can be even worse. Use what you know and write about what you love. Passion in work is usually a good thing and it's always helpful to be knowledgeable about your topic.
#8 Read Articles By Others
I can't stress this enough but it's so helpful to read the work of those who have succeeded in getting published. This can help you see what kind of writing publications are looking for and will help to develop and improve your own writing style.
I can't stress this enough but it's so helpful to read the work of those who have succeeded in getting published. This can help you see what kind of writing publications are looking for and will help to develop and improve your own writing style.
#9 Support Others
Freelancing can be a tough gig, there's highs and lows and it can feel lonely at times. Check in with those you know and see how they are and celebrate with them when they succeed.
Freelancing can be a tough gig, there's highs and lows and it can feel lonely at times. Check in with those you know and see how they are and celebrate with them when they succeed.
#10 Reflect On Your Work
Remember it's okay to celebrate yourself too. When times are tough and you feel like you are getting nowhere look back on your previous work. Your past achievements can help push you forwards to securing your next piece of published work.
Remember it's okay to celebrate yourself too. When times are tough and you feel like you are getting nowhere look back on your previous work. Your past achievements can help push you forwards to securing your next piece of published work.
END OF THREAD
Hopefully this might help somewhat, I'm far from the most qualified person to take advice from but I've found that these things help me so they might work for you too. Feel free to add more freelancing tips here as well and good luck with your next piece!
