As a freelance writer, I want to be able to find folks to interview.
I wrote a story about blogging for hobby farmers. I was excited about this story because I could highlight some of my favorite blogs by interviewing those blog owners as experts. But I had some trouble.
Where is your contact information, Tammi? You don’t have a contact tab on your site. Nor do you have your email address in your sidebar. I thought I’d leave a comment on a post and ask you to get in touch with me, but your posts don’t accept comments. I Googled you, tried your Amazon page, and even tried to find you on Facebook.
I know you have a farm to run, but do you want to sell your books? Do you want people to be able to interview you and cite you as the expert? Do you want those coveted speaking engagements?
I guess not.
Does a freelance writer need a website?
As an editor, I want to see a potential writer’s work.
I get all kinds of queries and letters of introduction as an editor of a regional lifestyle magazine. Sometimes, a writer never mentions past experience. Another sends a resume and a list of clips. Either way, I want to see for myself what he’s done and where he’s been online.
But if I can’t? I’m very cautious with assigning to a new writer.
If you are a freelance writer, and expect to break in, the following items are must-haves:
- Website–with contact information, not a contact form.
- A LinkedIn profile
You don’t have to have a blog. You don’t have to be on every social media platform out there. But you do have to have some kind of online presence. A website and a LinkedIn profile will do that.