There are plenty of niche types for freelance writers. The following are just a few of the many avenues in which you can pursue writing opportunities:
• Advertising – To learn to write advertising copy, study advertisements in magazines, newspapers, and billboards. Contact nonprofit organizations and volunteer to write their public service announcements. Study the formats and ask for samples, viewing them from an academic perspective. Practice rewriting ad copy you see in magazines and newspapers. There is a large market for solid ad copywriting. Once you have developed a style, contact advertising agencies to offer your services.
• Business Letters – Structuring a letter properly is crucial in business writing. A business letter must get a reader’s attention quickly and entice him to read more. It does not matter how important the subject matter is if the letter is written with a mixed message or weak delivery. The recipient of that type of letter will normally not respond. If you are comfortable writing to sell, writing to communicate information in a business fashion, or writing from a marketing mindset, this may be your niche.
• Brochures – Brochures are used by many businesses and organizations making them a great source of income for freelance writers. There is a strong market for repeat work because companies are continually upgrading their literature. Brochures can range anywhere from simple tri-folds to brochures consisting of several pages. Contact your area health care facilities, beauty salons, quick-print shops, dry cleaners, restaurants, and any other business that you think could use your services. Collect brochures wherever you go for examples to be used in any brochure project you are able to secure.
• Creative Writing – If writing fiction is an area in which you feel confident, magazine and book publishers are always in the market for new publications. Be sure to get the publishers guidelines before submitting a manuscript for publication. Most publishers have strict rules regarding the types of stories they are looking for and the number of words they will accept.
• Greeting Cards – There are a wide variety of greeting card opportunities for freelance writers. Greeting card companies are especially interested in humorous cards but you can submit a card for most any occasion. Be aware that greeting cards do not normally pay very well, but you can usually write several in a short period of time.
• Technical Writing – Many companies hire freelance writers to write their training manuals, company policies and procedures, and instruction manuals. To write technical publications you need to be able to organize, structure, and develop the details of a product.