Working Writer: Jennifer Brown-Banks on Freelance Writing

Truth be told, I encountered many “false starts” and detours
on my path to becoming a professional, “paid” writer.

My first literary love was actually poetry. “Once upon a time” I foolishly aspired to be like Maya Angelou or Elizabeth Barrett Browning. In those lean years, I wrote and published a few poetry chapbooks; sold a few gift items and won a contest or two.

A reality check later led me to pursue more lucrative genres.

How Commenting on a Daytime Talk Show Led to a Profitable Writing Gig

Fast forward to 1994. I was watching a daytime talk show that was very emotional (the topic was obstacles in dating and finding a quality mate) and I decided to pen a commentary piece with my “take” on things.

To make a long story short here, I submitted it to a national publication for singles. Not long after, the editor called me on the phone: she loved it. She extended an open invitation for me to send her “anything I put on paper” in the near future.

Four articles later, I was hired by her as a monthly (paid) feature writer and later as a columnist on relationships. The rest as they say “is history.” That gig lasted more than a decade.

I primarily write non-fiction, (specializing in relationships, education, marketing, writing). I also do corporate blogging and pen poetry. I have discovered that whatever I have a genuine passion for typically leads to successful, profitable writing that resonates with my readers.

My Secrets to Finding New Clients

Surprisingly, I have found that the “social proof” provided by having won numerous blogging awards and commendations has been very effective.

Many times that “status” has resulted in clients contacting me, as opposed to me pitching them. Testimonials from satisfied clients (posted on my sites) have also enabled me to appeal to new clients.

I don’t have one specific way of garnering clients or readers. It’s usually a combination of referrals, social media shares, and direct pitches to people and publications with whom I‘d like to partner.

Why Affordable Rates are Important

I maintain clients by providing quality services at affordable rates.

I also stay in touch in between projects. It also helps that I have a “reputation” in the industry for being fast and focused. If you need it done YESTERDAY… I‘M. YOUR. GIRL.

An automatic default for me when anything slows down (whether it’s my computer or my business) is prayer! Other than that, I increase my marketing, offer discounts on special services, and scour online job boards to score additional work.

Types of Writing that Earn Me Money

By far, the most lucrative form of writing for me has been ghost writing. With my first assignment, I made enough money to pay my mortgage for three months! I was sold.

Over the years I have branched out into different creative services. (Hunger can be a great motivator). I currently offer blog design and set-up, professional blog audits, ebook production, editing, and strategic consulting to my clients.

Many of these “add-ons” came about simply via personal request and necessity. Being able to provide an array of services increases my marketability, and therefore, my bottom line.

Keys to Surviving as a Professional Writer

My keys to surviving as a professional writer are, in no particular order:

• • Knowing your strengths and weaknesses
  • Knowing your competitors
  • Being a life-long learner
  • Having a strategic approach
  • The ability to persevere through rejection
  • Knowing when to ask for help
  • Diligence
  • Self-motivation

Advice for a Young Writer: Work Hard

Work hard. Stay focused. Never put all your eggs in one basket. Have a back-up plan. Keep plenty of Kleenex, tea and chocolate on hand.

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Jennifer Brown-Banks is a veteran freelance writer, award-winning blogger, columnist, creative coach, author, branding expert, poet and tea enthusiast. Her work has been frequently featured at top-tier sites such as: Pro Blogger, Men With Pens, Writer to Done, Life Hack, Tiny Buddha and Date my Pet.

Banks is the creator of Pen & Prosper, a popular blog for writers that has been recognized as a “Top Writing Blog” (from various compilations and competitions) from 2013-2017. She is a contributing author to “The Ultimate Freelancer’s Guide,” Adams Media, 2016. Find her books here.

When she’s not being creative at the keyboard, she enjoys being creative in the kitchen.