Freelance copywriter, advice wanted - Freelance UK Forums

Emma84 · 04-12-2008, 12:22 PM

Hi all,

I want to start out as a freelance copywriter but I'm a little unsure as to how to get things off the ground. I graduated a few years ago with a BA Hons Journalism degree.

Since then I have worked as a freelance writer for a children’s magazine - gained through work experience. I’ve also written the odd music review, in a previous role at a newspaper I worked as a reporter and have completed the occasional PR freelance role. I have also conducted interviews with various music artists. I would really like to add more to my portfolio and I am in the process of putting together a website so I can market myself like crazy.

My interests are mainly music and lifestyle, however I pride myself on adaptable writing skills so I am very open to a range of assignments.

I would really appreciate some advice, or some work!

Please PM me for portfolio examples.

Kind regards,
Emma

straygoat · 04-13-2008, 07:46 AM

Hi Emma

I'm not sure I should be advising you as you're in the West Midlands too - don't need any more competition!

I got into copywriting from another writing profession and it is tough...I do it part-time because even after 4 years, I don't have enough contacts to get enough work to live off. But don't let that put you off.

You've already got some contacts, so I would recommend speaking to them about your aspirations...they might not have work for you, but they might know people who do. Networking is the only way forward!

thetopcopy · 04-14-2008, 08:49 PM

I agree with Craig - call every single contact you have!

Emma84 · 04-16-2008, 09:37 PM

Thanks for the advice!

I'm working part time at the moment - luckly in an office job where they said I could work on my freelance writing whilst I was there if I have nothing to do. Fingers crossed for some regular work soon.

paartnersinprint · 04-28-2008, 07:21 PM

Hi Emma

We are a Print and Design agency based close to the City Centre of Birmingham.

We need to subcontract some government work which has been passed our way. It involves copywriting for a 24page newsletter and various other articles which we will then design and print.

Contact me to discuss the project further.

Zain 0121 3590202 or mail@partnersinprint.co.uk

partnersinprint · 04-29-2008, 08:56 AM

Ignore the post above this i.e. reply to this one.

I spelt the company name wrong (paartnersinprint). so i created anew account wit the correct spelling.

Zain

Jog On · 04-29-2008, 09:08 AM

Why not sign up on sites like elance, rentacoder and guru, bid for some work and build up a portfolio.

I'm building up a music related Internet marketing company and might have some work if you're interested?

irishyoung · 04-30-2008, 03:20 AM

There are a lot of forum members that are actually in need of a freelance copywriter. But as you might know different clients have different rules and need.

In copy writing we have different tones to use depending on what the client need so better be ready to know thing such as those tones for the basic.

Join different kinds of forum, start with the niche that you really know. And there you will find people in need of copywriters.

04-12-2008, 12:22 PM	#1 (permalink)
Emma84 New Poster Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: West Midlands Posts: 2	Freelance copywriter, advice wanted Hi all, I want to start out as a freelance copywriter but I'm a little unsure as to how to get things off the ground. I graduated a few years ago with a BA Hons Journalism degree. Since then I have worked as a freelance writer for a children’s magazine - gained through work experience. I’ve also written the odd music review, in a previous role at a newspaper I worked as a reporter and have completed the occasional PR freelance role. I have also conducted interviews with various music artists. I would really like to add more to my portfolio and I am in the process of putting together a website so I can market myself like crazy. My interests are mainly music and lifestyle, however I pride myself on adaptable writing skills so I am very open to a range of assignments. I would really appreciate some advice, or some work! Please PM me for portfolio examples. Kind regards, Emma

04-13-2008, 07:46 AM	#2 (permalink)
straygoat New Poster Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Coventry Posts: 2	use your contacts Hi Emma I'm not sure I should be advising you as you're in the West Midlands too - don't need any more competition! I got into copywriting from another writing profession and it is tough...I do it part-time because even after 4 years, I don't have enough contacts to get enough work to live off. But don't let that put you off. You've already got some contacts, so I would recommend speaking to them about your aspirations...they might not have work for you, but they might know people who do. Networking is the only way forward! __________________ Craig Wright Copywriter and Technical Author http://www.straygoat.com http://www.technicalauthorforhire.co.uk

04-28-2008, 07:21 PM	#5 (permalink)
paartnersinprint New Poster Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1	May be some work for you... Hi Emma We are a Print and Design agency based close to the City Centre of Birmingham. We need to subcontract some government work which has been passed our way. It involves copywriting for a 24page newsletter and various other articles which we will then design and print. Contact me to discuss the project further. Zain 0121 3590202 or mail@partnersinprint.co.uk

04-29-2008, 08:56 AM	#6 (permalink)
partnersinprint New Poster Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1	My new account - partnersinprint Ignore the post above this i.e. reply to this one. I spelt the company name wrong (paartnersinprint). so i created anew account wit the correct spelling. Zain

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04-14-2008, 08:49 PM	#3 (permalink)
thetopcopy Regular Poster Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Bristol Posts: 20	I agree with Craig - call every single contact you have!

04-16-2008, 09:37 PM	#4 (permalink)
Emma84 New Poster Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: West Midlands Posts: 2	Thanks for the advice! I'm working part time at the moment - luckly in an office job where they said I could work on my freelance writing whilst I was there if I have nothing to do. Fingers crossed for some regular work soon.

04-29-2008, 09:08 AM	#7 (permalink)
Jog On Regular Poster Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 26	Why not sign up on sites like elance, rentacoder and guru, bid for some work and build up a portfolio. I'm building up a music related Internet marketing company and might have some work if you're interested?

04-30-2008, 03:20 AM	#8 (permalink)
irishyoung New Poster Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 2	There are a lot of forum members that are actually in need of a freelance copywriter. But as you might know different clients have different rules and need. In copy writing we have different tones to use depending on what the client need so better be ready to know thing such as those tones for the basic. Join different kinds of forum, start with the niche that you really know. And there you will find people in need of copywriters.