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Careers: Writing/What else shall I do besides copywriting

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Expert: - 11/27/2008


Question

I intend to move to a remote area of Scotland next year. Last year I undertook a copywriting training course, have built up a portfolio of (free) work and my website is nearly ready. I'm really concerned about being able to support myself financially and was wondering if there's another type of lucrative writing I could do in additional to the copywriting - during 'lean' periods. I don't fancy proofreading and don't know what would compliment copywriting. I enjoy writing articles and doing the research for it.  Maybe I'm worrying over nothing but I'd be supporting myself and I'd really appreciate your advice.
Thank you

Answer
Hi, Heather!

Hmmm... What I fear is that someone has convinced you that free work is a portfolio for future paid work. It's not. Places like Helium, Associated Content and the like aren't considered "clips" for other jobs in the magazine trade. Your best bet would be to start to put together articles and fillers now that will follow you to Scotland next year. There's always need for copywriting, but local jobs are going to depend on contacts. Without contacts, all the prospective employer will have to go on are your published clips. Have you considered taking your experience about MOVING to Scotland and turning it into a bunch of articles? For example, shipping furniture overseas, or online searching for housing, or even finding a replacement vet, could be winners for travel magazines or airline trade mags.

I congratulate you on giving freelance writing a try. It's a very rewarding career once you get going. Copywriting work is pretty stable once you get a few clients under your belt, but magazines can be very lucrative too.  Hope that helps a little. Good luck!

Cathy

Careers: Writing

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Cathy Clamp

Expertise

I'm happy to answer questions about any aspect of writing articles, short stories and novels, from the beginning kernel of an idea through completion. I can help with writing a query letter and synopsis to an agent or editor. I can explain publishing terminology and acronyms. I can also assist with questions about verifying the credentials of agents/publishers and how to proceed once you've been accepted for publication. I can teach the rules of formatting a manuscript, creating viable plots, characterization and flow in the following genres: romance, science fiction, fantasy, thrillers, suspense, horror, women's fiction, mainstream and mystery. I can also answer questions about writing for major print magazines in the outdoor genre (hunting/fishing/boating/travel.)

Experience

I'm a USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance for Tor/Forge Books . Along with a co-author, I've published fifteen mass market novels since 2004, and have contracts for four more books through 2011. I've also published more than two dozen feature articles in leading outdoor magazines.

Organizations
Romance Writers of America, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Western Outdoor Writers, Horror Writers of America, National Association of Legal Assistants.

Publications
Magazines--Guns & Ammo, Fur-Fish-Game, Rocky Mountain Game & Fish, Deer & Deer Hunting. Many others. Novels/Anthologies--Tor/Forge Books, Western Reflections Publishing, BenBella Books, Running Press, Wild Child Publishing. Many others.

Education/Credentials
Published Author. Published Freelance Writer. Certified Paralegal with specialities in intellectual property (copyright, trademark, patent) and real estate.

Awards and Honors
USA Today bestseller, Waldenbooks Mass Market Paperback Top 20 bestseller, Nielsen BookScan Top 20 bestseller, Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, 2009, Write Touch Readers Award, EVVY Award, The Lories Best Paranormal. Many others.

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