There has been a lot of talk around freelance writing websites lately about specializing. Whilst I do agree with some of what has been said, I still find that being open to trying out new freelancing styles and projects is the way to go especially if you are just starting out.
I have been freelancing online since 2004 and whilst I do have my own client list and probably complete at least 75% of the same type of projects, I always try to get something new each month too.
When I started freelancing I focused on the health industry as this is where I was qualified having just received my diploma in Nutrition. I have to be honest though, I soon got tired of writing about food, weight loss, and the benefits of vitamins and minerals. This is often what happens when you specialize in a niche topic, you grow tired of the same thing day in day out.
I remember the first time I took a project on a different topic. It was exciting and I really enjoyed it. I’m sure you can relate to this.
My way of thinking is how can you know what you really enjoy writing about if you don’t try everything first. I stayed clear of writing e-books until 2006 because I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to write them. Lack of confidence in your own writing can be detrimental to your freelancing career too by the way. Guess what though….writing an e-book is really easy. It’s just like writing a long article and in many ways it is easier than having to write 100 SEO articles on a particular subject. With an e-book you are explaining something, each chapter leads on from the last one and if the subject interests you, you’ll be surprised at how quickly you can complete the project. I completed a number of e-books for clients over the years but I grew tired of this also. My main reason for this was because clients want to pay very little for e-books and you can be lucky to get $10 to $15 per page, not a lot when you think of the large sums of money that these people earn through the sales of the e-book.
I seem to have gotten a little off track….
Specializing….is what I am talking about in this post. There are a large number of writers who specialize and one of the benefits is of course the high pay. If you are seen as an expert in a certain area then you can of course charge higher rates and receive them with no questions asked. How do you become a specialist? You need to study and build up your reputation.
I know many people will be thinking, that this is all fine but how do you know what to specialize in? How many different specialities are there?
For me I think the easiest way to find out what to specialize in is to find out what you enjoy doing. If you love writing press releases then this could be your area of expertise. You should then study up on this area, take courses, build your reputation, and record the results you achieve. Nothing speaks better to potential clients than your ability to produce results.
You can do this with any writing area but first you have to try them all. That is why generalizing when you start freelancing can be the best thing ever. You get to see for yourself what you like and what you don’t like.
It was in November 2008 that I discovered a new area that I thoroughly enjoy. Editing. It was something I had never done before and I received an e-mail asking me if I would be interested in editing a script. I have to say it was the most enjoyable two months work ever and the script is now being sold to Hollywood.
So you see, there may be a perfect writing niche out there for you, but if you don’t try different areas you’ll never find it.
That’s just my take on specializing. What do you think? I would love to hear your opinions.
Until next time,
Keep writing.
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