Low pay. Most content writing positions do not pay well, especially entry level writing positions. Small newspapers or publications are often good places to start in terms of gaining experience and contacts. But often, the compensation will be $10-$12 an hour. [2] X Research source The average salary for content writers in the United States is $40,000 a year. Higher paying positions in the content writing field include project managers, online researchers, and proposal writers. However, you will need higher levels of experience to qualify for these positions. [3] X Research source Lack of creative license. Though you may think content writing will give you a chance to showcase your creativity and rousing ability with words, in fact, most content writing is seen as a way to sell a product or simply inform a reader of the facts. In a content writer role, you will likely be writing about dry or dull topics, though you may get a chance to also write copy for more engaging projects on occasion. Your employer will dictate the topics you write about, and you will need to learn to be flexible and engaged on even the most obscure or boring subjects, regardless of your personal preference. [4] X Research source Quick turnarounds. When you write for an employer, on their timeline, you will need to be able to write fast and write well. This is especially true for writers just breaking into content writing. Often, your project will come with an expected words per hour, or article per hour, as well as strict deadlines. You will not have time to labor over every word or turn of phrase. Instead, you will need to produce content fast and at a constant rate. [5] X Research source
Most technical writing programs are accelerated and take one to two years to complete. These programs will focus on improving your organizational skills, your project management skills, your ability to create user guides and documents, and your ability to write content for online formats. Check your local college or university for a technical writing certificate program. Look at the faculty of the program to confirm you are being taught by professionals in the field or working content writers who are familiar with the demands of the writing industry. Certificate programs can be beneficial for writers who are new to content writing or technical writing. [6] X Research source
To get technical writing tools, get a subscription to a site like Lynda. com for $25 and go through the courses on Illustrator, Captivate, Photoshop, and other Adobe products. To gain knowledge on tech-comm based programs like Flare, Robohelp, or Framemaker, you may need to look at other institutions online for classes on these programs.
You may want to supplement your existing degree with a content writing course, or a technical writing tutorial online.
You may also want to consider doing an internship at a publication you hope to work for full time in the future to make connections with editors and other writers at the publication. Many of these internships will likely not be paid, at least not at first. Be prepared to receive compensation in the form of connections and contacts. But be wary of being taken advantage of as free labor. If you feel uncomfortable working for free, try to find internships that pay. [9] X Research source A database of writing internships can be found here: http://www. writersweekly. com/markets_and_jobs. php.
There is a fee to join the PWA, but it is significantly lower than other writing associations and many successful copywriters and content writers are members of the PWA.
There are also professional content writers who offer mentorship, for a fee. Often the best mentors are ones you can get the know personally and work with closely on a one on one basis. Before you sign up for a mentorship online, look for possible mentors in your workplace or your academic program.
Choose an existing wikiHow article that seems well written and well researched. Create your own version of the article, for example, How to Write a Screenplay, and then compare your version to the existing, professional version online. Note the organization of the article, the tone and voice of the article, and the examples used in the article. Use a newspaper article from a local publication or an online publication and break it down based on the upside triangle structure of a typical newspaper article. Does the article conform to the traditional structure or does it use a different structure or form? Does the writer seem credible and believable? Does the article use reputable sources and quotes to support any arguments in the article?
You may start out in a position that pays $17-$20 an hour, and if you write fast, this may translate to $0. 03 per a word. This is fine as a starting wage, and often, the expected rate in the content writing industry. As you gain more experience and become a faster writer, your writing opportunities may average $0. 03 - $0. 10 per a word. This can translate into a healthy hourly rate. However, you will make more money by pitching to clients directly, rather than relying on job boards or databases for clients.
Read articles on how to create a resume and how to create a cover letter. Focus on including the requirements of the position in your cover letter and how you can fulfill these requirements.
As you complete each content writing gig, or as you gain more experience in a permanent position, add each article or piece of writing to an online portfolio. This will then help you network for other writing projects and positions in the future. With enough clips and contacts, you may then be able to freelance and work for yourself as a content writer.
