Writing portfolios are crucial to landing jobs in writing. Making a strong portfolio can be the difference between making a large paycheck and making no paycheck. The portfolio gives potential clients or editors the first glance at previous writing work. These samples or clips are way of applying for additional work. Make sure the portfolio is a good sampling of writing work.
Be clear on the kind of portfolio you are building
Just as there are different kinds of writing there are different kinds of writing portfolios. Before creating a portfolio be sure to turn what kind of portfolio is being built. Writers may want to have separate portfolios for separate kinds of work. For example, a writer may have a copywriting portfolio and a magazine article writing portfolio. Create the right kind of portfolio for the kind of writing being pursued.
Put the best samples out first
When building a portfolio put the best samples of work first. Many times there is only one chance to make a good impression. Be sure to make that impression with high quality work and put that work where it will be viewed first.
Make the work speak for itself
Writing portfolios should be able to speak for themselves. Many times a portfolio arrives before the writer and it is the first impression the publisher or the copywriting client will receive of the writer. Be professional and follow the needed guidelines. Writing is in part a business and writer need to be business savvy with their work. Not only create a portfolio that gives the best impression but also communicates who you are as a writer.
Know who you are targeting for work
Be sure to know the market before the portfolio is assembled. It pays to have different portfolios for different styles of writing. The writer should know what the client is searching for and what the audience is looking to find. This is essential for writing high quality advertising or marketing copy. Marketing is also essential in book proposals because publishers want to know the audience target. Do some research and know what the marketing trends are and who is out there to connect with the writing. Without a knowledge of the consumer or the market writing may not make a connection with the audience or with the potential publisher.
Crafting an effective portfolio is hard work but is well worth the effort in potential sales. Failure to create a strong portfolio can result in multiple rejections. Take some time to review previous writing and select the best possible samples to include. Make the best possible first impression through high quality writing. Be clear on the target client and provide what is needed to make the sale. Building a high quality and effective portfolio is the first step to freelance writing success.
