SiteBeating the Competition
I recently read an article on how to beat the competition — in any kind of business. In short, the author says that you should do the work that others can’t or won’t do.
That concept has really worked for me. Several months ago, on the advice of my life coach, I started billing myself as a rush writer. I’m a fast writer, and as long as I can nail down the sources for interviews, I can crank out an article in short order. Well, the rush work has been flowing in…you wouldn’t believe how many editors need fast articles when a writer flakes out or for other reasons. I’ve written articles in as little as two days to a week for magazines ranging from Target Marketing to Health. I find it fun and challenging, but not too crazy-making. Most writers have trouble writing fast, so this is the perfect niche for me.
What can you do that others can’t (or won’t)? Can you snag interviews with hard-to-reach celebs? Can you offer professional photos to go with your articles? Can you speak a language that will let you interview sources in other countries? This is the perfect benefit to market to your clients. [lf]
6 Responses to “Beating the Competition”
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Victoria Everman
Said this on March 11th, 2008 at 12:29pm:I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately - thanks for giving me an extra push to figure out what it is I can do best.
Star
Said this on March 11th, 2008 at 4:00pm:I used to write one-day stories for UPI Science Desk. When you say you
“bill” yourself–where do you bill yourself?
LindaFormichelli
Said this on March 11th, 2008 at 4:14pm:Star, by “bill myself” I mean I include it in all letters of introduction to editors. I also sent an e-mail to my current editors letting them know that my new specialty is rush assignments.
Catherine Goddard
Said this on March 12th, 2008 at 6:46am:This is really good advice. Until now, I saw my background in PR as a handicap, but recently I have relaunched myself following a break to have my baby and am starting to realise the potential to capitalise on the PR experience in a writing context… I am now selling myself for advertorial writing, brochure and website copywriting and newsletter writing — all of which I did as a PR. It is giving me another avenue to explore in addition to the feature writing, which is my real passion. It all helps pay the rent!
diane
Said this on March 14th, 2008 at 10:38am:Oh I’d hate to be a rush writer so you’re welcome to it, Linda!
I do seem to have carved out a niche as someone able to explain technology in term’s women’s magazines seem to like, and it’s a good way in to these pubs as not many young women are interested in writing about tech.
But I’m trying to think what else I can use to stand out… coming up blank so far, but will keep trying! x
Joy
Said this on March 21st, 2008 at 3:58pm:This is really, really great advice. It has gotten me thinking about my own forte–I’m not positive I know where I’m going to go with that, but when I read about fast turnaround, it started my wheels turning. I do write fast and seem to write better under pressure. . . hmmmm. Much to think about!Thanks for sharing this~I love the blog!