As a writer, do you always have to go after writing projects yourself, or do great opportunities sometimes just come right to you?
Chances are, if you've been around a while, and you've published either in some traditional markets or you've done a good job of marketing your own self-published books and other products and services, great opportunities often come right to you.
You don't have to go chasing after them all the time.
However, if great opportunities are not coming right to you—at least occasionally—then you probably need to look at what you're currently doing as a writer.
You need to start doing all—or at least some—of the following:
1. Create and develop a strong online presence.
To start, set up a website or blog, then post to it regularly.
Make sure your posts help establish you as an expert in your genre or type of writing.
2. Don't just expect people to show up at your website or blog to read your new posts.
Instead do things to drive traffic to your site.
Each time you write something new for your site, post the link to it on your Facebook and Twitter pages.
At least once a month, create a press release about something new you're doing or have to offer.
3. Visit other blogs with the same target market as yours and leave helpful comments.
With your comments, be sure to include a link to your site.
4. Get published in local, regional, and national publications as quickly and as often as you can.
When you do, blog about it.
Nothing (with the exception of writing a best-selling book) will give you more credibility as a professional writer than being published in a magazine that everyone recognizes.
5. Network with other writers in your genre or areas of expertise.
If you write for businesses, for example, join online forums for other business writers.
If you write middle grade novels, join forums about middle grade novels or for authors of middle grade novels.
You'll learn a lot from other writers in these forums.
But, better yet, they'll begin to recognize you as a fellow writer and fellow expert.
6. Join local professional groups and attend these groups' events.
Networking locally can be even better than networking online.
You just never know who will give you a referral or a tip about a great writing opportunity.
7. Guest blog at least once a month.
At first you'll need to submit queries or proposals for guest posts.
But, after awhile, once you've built a strong online presence, some great guest blogging opportunities should come right to you.
8. Start and keep building a mailing list.
This is perhaps THE most important thing you can do to build your business and eventually have great opportunities come right to you on a regular basis.
Of course, you also need to send out regular mailings to everyone on your mailing list.
Be sure you take action on a regular, consistent basis, too.
Make a decision as to the type of freelance writing career or business you want, then stick with the actions it takes to build that career or business.
If you do, it won't be long before some great opportunities come right to you.
Try it!
For more tips, resources, and other helpful information about writing and the business of writing from Suzanne, get your free subscription to The Morning Nudge at www.morningnudge.com.
