Are you tired of writing the same old sports coverage, business reviews, and product descriptions? Do you yearn to try something different? You’re not alone. Many freelancers find themselves stuck in a rut, wondering what’s next. But the truth is, there’s a world of unique writing opportunities waiting to be explored.
- Music editing
- Travel writing
- Business writing
- Professional services writing
- Freelance editing
One of my own experiences that opened my eyes to the diversity of freelance writing was editing copy for an international pop music album cover. At first, I was hesitant, but the client’s request was a challenge I couldn’t resist. I listened to the music, read the lyrics, and responded as a fan would. The result was a successful project that not only taught me about the music industry but also helped the client refine his marketing strategy.
Another exciting project was revising and editing a travel blog for a minor European celebrity. The blog’s premise was to travel throughout the U.S. on the platform of “kindness” to see how people responded to a low-income tourist without knowing of his popularity in Europe. I was invited to L.A. to participate in writing sessions, and I even made a side trip to San Francisco to see a family member.
Business writing was another area where I had limited experience, but I was approached by a family business to write a history of the company through three generations. The project was a surprise, as I expected it to be mundane, but it turned out to be anything but. The story was engaging, and I felt it would make a great movie. The project boosted my confidence, and I began to ghostwrite or edit business books for international travel, the mortgage industry, and gas and oil.
Professional services writing was another interesting project. A psychologist asked for my help in reviewing and revising case summaries for his clients, who were prisoners. I learned a lot about the backgrounds of prisoners and why they were imprisoned. The psychologist also explained their goals and outlook. Later, he asked me to design a brochure for his services.
Another way to discover new writing opportunities is to collaborate with other freelancers. You may think it presumptuous to edit another freelancer’s work, but some are eager to share their projects with you. My cousin, a freelancer, asked me to edit her fantasy novels and movie scripts, and I was happy to oblige. I learned a lot from exploring other genres and exercising my editing skills to reinforce her writing abilities.
Consider inventing a niche for yourself. One of my earlier vocations was teaching, and I offered a local newspaper a weekly column about classroom expectations and student experiences. It was a great way to share my expertise and help families and students understand classroom learning from a teacher’s perspective.
Another way to discover new writing opportunities is to offer your services to individuals or organizations in need. A friend of a friend asked me to write his memoir about a terrible accident that left him a paraplegic. It was a sad story, but it was heartwarming to see him triumph over adversity. I was also asked to help friends write their life story or novel, and I’m waiting for their plans to develop.
Lastly, consider sharing your admiration for others through publication. A basketball coach at my son’s Christian middle school did an excellent job of teaching the students how to play the game well and to show respect for the other teams along with additional life skills. I was so impressed with his work that I authored an article, with his permission, which was published in a youth group leadership magazine.
So, are you ready to leave your comfort zone and discover new writing opportunities? A world of freelance writing awaits your inventive and creative capabilities! Don’t be afraid to take the leap and explore new formats, high-profile clients, and exciting projects.
| Writing Opportunity | Description |
|---|---|
| Music editing | Edit copy for an international pop music album cover, travel blog, or social media posts. |
| Travel writing | Write travel guides, blogs, or articles about destinations, cultures, and experiences. |
| Business writing | Write articles, blog posts, or books about business topics, industry trends, and company histories. |
| Professional services writing | Write case summaries, reports, or brochures for professionals, businesses, or organizations. |
| Freelance editing | Edit articles, blog posts, or books for clients, freelancers, or businesses. |
Remember, the key to discovering new writing opportunities is to be open-minded, curious, and willing to take risks. Don’t be afraid to try something new and explore different formats, clients, and projects.
