Tom, again, I made the right choice to read your post first thing in the morning. After 25 years I resigned from a job before they wanted to fire me. How can I be mad at the world for clearing my schedule to write? Your lessons are my blue print. I know what I want to be when I grow up.
I've been looking for professional writing opportunities, but it's hard to get any because I didn't major in communications/english/etc. I'm a business major with a hobby-ish blog that has 75 subscribers. Not very attractive, you know? Any tips on how to get myself out there like you did? I know I have the ability to write well. I've been told so by accomplished writers, professors, businesspeople. I just don't know how to legitimize myself in the eyes of writing-centric businesses other than to keep working on my blog. Frankly, I don't even know where to start when it comes to freelancing for magazines/websites/businesses.
Hey Elaine! I'm not sure if this advice would be helpful because I haven't freelanced in years, but my gut tells me to start small and get clips/references. So take jobs that might pay you less than what you're worth just to get some initial clippings and examples you can show potential clients that are bigger fish in the future. Once you have built up a good body of clippings, that's all the resume you need. I would love anybody else's input here if they are a freelancer who disagrees with me or has better advice.
I recently opened an account on Medium as I finally decided to do something about my writing cravings. And this post is literally littered with awesome lessons on how I can grow on that platform.
I'm definitely stealing the idea of responding to all comments, following commenters, reading their posts, and (this is the part I love the most) writing down people's names so I can remember to check in regularly with them.
Thank you for sharing. I'm rather at the start of the journey, having written for two years now. I still struggle with growing my audience and consistency. I suspect both are related.
That's a great journey. I especially like the point of "giving a darn about your readers". After all, I think it's the connection between a reader and a writer that makes the craft of writing so special.
Tom, again, I made the right choice to read your post first thing in the morning. After 25 years I resigned from a job before they wanted to fire me. How can I be mad at the world for clearing my schedule to write? Your lessons are my blue print. I know what I want to be when I grow up.
Norm thank you so much for the kind words. Thanks for reading. Any questions you have, DM them to me. :)
You're inspiring me as I start my journey into writing a first novel! Subscribed to this stack and loving it, thank you.
Wow, thank you so much for reading. Good luck on your novel!!
I've been looking for professional writing opportunities, but it's hard to get any because I didn't major in communications/english/etc. I'm a business major with a hobby-ish blog that has 75 subscribers. Not very attractive, you know? Any tips on how to get myself out there like you did? I know I have the ability to write well. I've been told so by accomplished writers, professors, businesspeople. I just don't know how to legitimize myself in the eyes of writing-centric businesses other than to keep working on my blog. Frankly, I don't even know where to start when it comes to freelancing for magazines/websites/businesses.
Hey Elaine! I'm not sure if this advice would be helpful because I haven't freelanced in years, but my gut tells me to start small and get clips/references. So take jobs that might pay you less than what you're worth just to get some initial clippings and examples you can show potential clients that are bigger fish in the future. Once you have built up a good body of clippings, that's all the resume you need. I would love anybody else's input here if they are a freelancer who disagrees with me or has better advice.
Thank you, I appreciate this advice!!
Great advice!
Nice! New inspiration.
Thank you, Tom, for sharing this. Very helpful and inspiring.
Thanks for summarizing five years so quickly.
I want to highlight one thing: quantity.
You didn't get to 10k on Medium by going viral with one article. You worked with loads of clients. THEN you published 5 times per week.
Today it's the same "fast" success requires volume.
Yeah I think volume is always going to have a part to play in going full-time as a writer. You need to publish a lot.
And thank you very much for your article Tom. I'm new to the writing journey, and I already like the process of it
And I think it's quite a relief , to know that experience and consistency still pays off better, even to this day of contemporary frantic speed
This is encouraging, thanks. Currently building the consistency to write when I don’t want to.
Super great in every way, thank you, Tom! 🎊
I recently opened an account on Medium as I finally decided to do something about my writing cravings. And this post is literally littered with awesome lessons on how I can grow on that platform.
I'm definitely stealing the idea of responding to all comments, following commenters, reading their posts, and (this is the part I love the most) writing down people's names so I can remember to check in regularly with them.
Happy it helps Dolamu! :)
Lots of wisdom and inspiration here. Thanks for sharing.
It's almost as any small business, and you describe it very well. A successful small business owner who likes writing is an ideal fit as a writer.
Thank you for sharing. I'm rather at the start of the journey, having written for two years now. I still struggle with growing my audience and consistency. I suspect both are related.
They are Alexandre. For sure.
That's a great journey. I especially like the point of "giving a darn about your readers". After all, I think it's the connection between a reader and a writer that makes the craft of writing so special.
I told a friend the other day that much of the secret to all this is actually giving a damn. Full stop! That's it. Just care.
Thank you for such great advice.
Bless you!
Well done, Tom - you kept me hooked till the end…& I am waiting for your free course to start right now 😄 Thanks for all your content & care!!