In order to be a successful writer and micro-entrepreneur, selecting the type of writing you will do is important. Writing is a diverse field, so in order to have a prosperous micro-entrepreneurial business, you don’t need to be a jack-of-all-trades writer. For instance, trying to write a mystery novel, a business how-to book, and a technical manual for manufacturers wouldn’t be a smart business decision.
To be successful as a writer, it helps to specialize. To determine your writing specialty, do the following:
Choose your content category.
Your initial decision is to write fiction or nonfiction.
Determine the subcategories.
If you’re writing fiction, you can go into mystery, romance, sci-fi, and so on. For nonfiction, your choices are endless, and they include everything from human interest to how-to.
Choose the structure.
If you decide to write fiction, determine whether you want to write short stories, novels, and so on. If you decide to write nonfiction, figure out whether you want to write short articles, manuals, and so on.
Select your style.
Figure out whether you want your style to be humorous, corporate, and so on.
The following sections discuss some fruitful areas that you may consider pursuing as a freelance writer.
Become a blogger in the blogosphere as a micro-entrepreneur
Blogging is a very active area with plenty of room for new writers. Many blogs involve commentary on a variety of topics. In fact, blogs need a steady stream of new content to remain relevant and popular. Many blogs pay writers, although most may compensate you in nonfinancial ways, such as free advertising.
If you want to find actual paying assignments for blogging, here are active sites that post paying assignments and jobs in blogging:
You can make money both by writing for other blogs and by writing for your own blog, which becomes a platform for your content and also a launch pad for sales of your products and services.
Provide website content as a micro-entrepreneur
Lots of websites need content ranging from product descriptions and reviews to articles and information/instructions for site visitors, guests, and/or members. Some sites, for example, are catalog sites, which need content, such as sales copy for products that customers can order from the website or sales copy for an email blast for an upcoming sale.
Other sites are news sites that need writing on current events (whether those events are national, local, or maybe industry news). The need for content is endless, which means that the nimble writer stays employed.
Creative writing as a micro-entrepreneur
Creative writing can come in many different forms, from articles, short stories, or novels. If you have a great imagination and a flair for writing, creative writing may be the venue for you.
Humor writing If you have a funny bone, you may be laughing all the way to the bank by writing humorous material. The opportunities for humorous writing range from jokes for humor websites and greeting card companies to longer articles and books.
Probably one of the better known buyers of funny comments is Readers Digest, but virtually any source where you can read some funny stuff is a potential market for you.
Ghostwriting A ghost writer is someone who can write articles, reports, books, and so on, but doesn’t claim credit for the writing in the form of a byline. Typically the person paying for the ghostwriting takes the credit and gets the byline. You can search online for “ghost writing opportunities” to get started.
Technical writing Sources, such as corporations, government agencies, and educational institutions (like universities and technical schools) need your technical writing services. Qualities include an attention to detail and an ability to translate technical material into plain English.
Business writing Many businesses need help with everything from writing fliers to catalogs and news releases.
Focus on a specific sector and ensure that you’re extremely knowledgeable and proficient about it. Some successful writers specialize in technology or maybe the bed-and-breakfast industry.
Consumer markets Consumers read everything they need to make an informed decision. Tons of publications and websites cover everything from how-to and product reviews to investigative writing and so on.
Radio and TV Thousands of opportunities exist as the explosion of entertainment venues spring on both TV and radio as well as their numerous (and growing) digital equivalents on the Internet. These opportunities range from program reviews and commercial advertising writing to infomercials and screenplays. For more information, check out sites such as the following:
Sales copy writing Sales copy writing is about writing copy with the intent to persuade or motivate the reader to do something (“Supplies are limited . . . get your widget today!”). Experienced copy writers are among the biggest earners in the writing world. Their work ends up in direct marketing venues, such as mass marketing emails, direct mail pieces, and online and offline advertising.
If you’re serious about building your writing business, you should look into sales copy writing because the ability to persuade is important for:
Getting clients to hire you
Inquiring with editors and content buyers
Sending your emails to new prospects and potential publishers
If you’re interested in sales copy writing, check these resources: