After I decided to stop practicing law and try something new, I discovered the world of freelance writing but did not know how to start this new career path. I didn’t have a portfolio, a journalism degree, contacts, or experience with non-legal writing.

My lack of a portfolio was my biggest obstacle. Publications often required writing samples to accompany pitches. How was I supposed to get writing samples if I couldn’t get anyone to publish my writing in the first place? Below are four strategies I used to create a portfolio from scratch.

Catchafire

I joined Catchafire, a website where people can volunteer to help nonprofit organizations with a variety of projects including writing and editing. I had wonderful experiences on Catchafire and completed several copywriting projects. After a project, I always asked the organization for permission to use the piece in my portfolio, and everyone allowed me to include it.

Professional associations

I also joined professional writing associations for their networking and training opportunities. When I realized the associations were seeking submissions for their newsletters, I was unsure what I could contribute. As a newbie, how was I to advise others?

So I looked to my other interests to find a useful topic. I enjoy research and had been exploring the online materials of the Library of Congress for a side project. Recognizing it overwhelming for a new user, I submitted a piece introducing readers to the Library’s offerings. Encouraged by the publication of that piece, I pitched ideas to the editor of another association’s newsletter. While she passed on those pitches, she was interested in my career transition and asked for a piece on that move. By pursuing these opportunities, I published two pieces to an audience of my colleagues.

Other interests

At the same time that I began my freelance writing career, I became interested in recycling and composting. I attended several webinars on these topics hosted by my city and signed up for my city’s recycling newsletter. In researching these topics for personal interest, I developed ideas for articles and asked if I could submit articles to the newsletter. Just by asking, I gained two more samples for my portfolio.

My blog

Part of starting a freelance writing career is determining niches, or topics in which I’m most interested. I enjoy wildlife and the outdoors. Because I also enjoy hiking in the Tennessee State Parks, I launched my own blog about these parks as a way to showcase my writing on outdoor topics and create samples.

In addition to building my portfolio, these strategies also helped me address my lack of experience and contacts. I even got testimonials from the people I worked with through Catchafire because the site asks for each party to review their experience when they complete a project. I featured these testimonials and my new samples on my website. When I pitch ideas to editors, I include links to these samples, my blog, and my site.

I am excited to have sold my first few articles. I am still new and have a lot to learn, but making progress is easier now that I have examples of my work.

Bio: Maggie Gigandet is a Nashville freelance writer interested in wildlife, gardening, history, and anything unusual. An avid hiker, Maggie hosts a blog on the Tennessee State Parks on her website: maggiegigandet.com. Contact her at maggie.gigandet@gmail.com.