Insider Writing Success Tips - Liz Lewis - My Year of Getting Published

Do you want to succeed as a freelance writer? Follow this Writer’s Journey. There are lots of great tips and insights here for new and aspiring freelance writers.

The Rise of a Freelance Writing Blogstar

You may remember me mentioning Liz Lewis in a previous post about getting a paid blogging gig. Liz is a New Zealand writer, who a mere four months after she put out her shingle as a professional writer, was signed as a paid blogger for Alzheimer’s Notes at b5 media. This is quite a remarkable achievement in a short time, especially as Liz still works fulltime in the nursing professon. I asked her about her writing journey, and to share some insights with us.

My Year of Getting Published

Liz first came to my attention in one of my regular hangouts, the Travel Writers’ Forum. She posted about her decision to get published within one year, and her plan to go public with this goal. This is a brave move in anyone’s book, but Liz took it one step further.

On Halloween 2006, Liz started a blog, geared to getting noticed. She aptly titled it, My Year of Getting Published. And guess what? It worked. In fact, it worked a treat.

The First Lesson of Marketing

Liz had nailed the first lesson of marketing - find and leverage your point of difference. She also found an innovative approach, which made her stand out from the huge crowd of other writing and travel sites. Other writers respected and admired her ingenuity (and for putting herself on the line so publicly), and she garnered a lot of support, including inside tips from professional writers. This is the basis of networking and marketing.

She also went out and marketed herself in other ways. I asked her about marketing and her recent writing achievements. Liz says that

“Marketing plays a large part in any business, including freelance writing. I’ve read and re-read Michael Sedge’s book Marketing Strategies for Writers. It’s full of good advice on creating an image and branding yourself as a product.”

How Far a Freelance Writer Can Come in Four Months

Liz says “I’ve had some articles published online (GiftedTravel.com and Inkthinker’s Notes from the Margins), 3 print articles, been interviewed 3 times (including this one), and am currently doing a ‘work for contract’ online travel writing project. Plus, I have just started at b5Media and have another paid blogging (revenue sharing) [job], writing a travel blog, in the pipeline.”

That’s pretty impressive, in anyone’s book, and should be an inspiration to all of us, new writers and professional writers, alike. Remember, this is all part time freelance writing.

Liz adds ” I’m on a journey that seems to be building momentum of its own…and I can’t wait to see where it leads me.”

Take Home Tips for Launching a Successful Freelance Career

1. Find and leverage your point of difference

2. Look for an innovative approach or angle

3. Learn from others through reading blogs, websites and recommended books

4. Networking is key to learning and developing collaborative relationships

5. Marketing is an important part of any business, including writing

6. If you don’t see opportunities, create them yourself. Be proactive.

Continue the Writer’s Journey With Liz Lewis - Tomorrow

Inspired? Interested? Intrigued to know more? Liz shares more of her insights tomorrow. Be sure to call back, and find out how Liz leverages blogging and networking, to help her reach her goals. She also shares seven tips for getting a paid blogging position. Don’t miss this tomorrow. Liz Lewis is definitely someone who knows how to grow her writing business.

Business & Marketing, Interviews