Earlier this week I asked the question: Offline versus Online Writing – Which is More Profitable? I was pleased with the discussion that post started, but from the comments I was really surprised to find out that some writers apparently think that the only way to get an offline writing job is to send out query letters.
While it’s true that you need to send out query letters if you want to publish an article in a magazine or have a book published, there are many less glamorous opportunities for writers that don’t require a query letter. I’ve taken the time to list a few of those opportunities here.
Gig Number 1: Public Relations Writer
What it is: Create press releases, media kits, and advertising copy for businesses and organizations.
Who needs this? Small to medium companies, particularly those without a web presence. Non-profit organizations.
Gig Number 2: Newsletter Editor
What it is: Write, edit, and coordinate the production of a weekly, monthly, or quarterly newsletter.
Who needs this? Any organization that still mails a newsletter. Clients can include: small to medium companies, non-profit organizations, community groups, schools and churches, groups of hobbyists, and anyone else who publishes a newsletter.
Gig Number 3: Proposal Writer
What it is: Write and edit sales or grant proposals.
Who needs this? Sales people. Those who submit grant proposals to the government or to charitable foundations.
Gig Number 4: Technical Writer
What it is: Write instructions for products to be included with the product when it ships.
Who needs this? Companies who include paper instructions with their products.
Gig Number 5: Editor/Proofreader
What it is: Edit documents for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Advanced editing may require content suggestions and/or fact checking.
Who needs this? Other writers. Students. Publishing houses. Companies.
These are just a small sampling of offline jobs available to writers. You won’t get a byline or author credit for most of this work, but you should be able to earn a nice paycheck.
Next week, I’ll list some offline methods for finding writing jobs. In the meantime, feel free to add your own offline writing suggestions in the comments.
Edited to Add: Here is my post about marketing your writing offline.
Contents (c) Copyright 2007, Laura Spencer. All rights reserved.
15 responses so far ↓
1 WritingThoughts » Blog Archive » Offline versus Online Writing - Which is More Profitable? // Nov 1, 2007 at
[…] Edited to add: Here is a link to my post with offline writing job suggestions. […]
2 Rosa // Nov 1, 2007 at
There is a high demand for technical writers right now. I don’t know if I could do it. I picked up a technical writing book from the library and was amazed at all that they have to know. I guess that it is just like any other writing job though, you have to train yourself to be better at it.
3 Tammi // Nov 1, 2007 at
What a yummy list of ideas. Thanks:)
4 Courtney - Web Writing Info // Nov 1, 2007 at
Those are terrific ideas for someone who is interested in business writing or lives in a metropolitan area. It’s good to see that there are other options for people who are more technically inclined, have experience with grant writing or have a local community that would support that type of business! Great list!
5 James Chartrand - JCM Enterprises // Nov 1, 2007 at
Ahhh, that kind of offline writing! Actually, you can land gigs for almost all of those online, so maybe it’s all a moot point!
6 Laura // Nov 1, 2007 at
Hi Rosa, Tammi, Courtney, and James!
Thanks for coming by to share you thoughts.
7 Theda K. // Nov 1, 2007 at
Hi Laura,
Shameless plug here, but I talk a little bit about offline writing gigs in my post “Marketing-your-copywriting-business,” focusing on how to find the gigs moreso than the types of gigs. Maybe your readers would find it interesting.
As far as pay, I’m finding that people seem to want blog posts and articles written for WAY cheap, but when I write for a company’s website, like the whole site, they pay well. I consider writing for a website to be offline writing, but I guess it isn’t.
Anyway, I’ll be referring to this post on my blog shortly. Thanks for reminding me about what’s out there!
8 Laura // Nov 1, 2007 at
Hi Theda!
It’s great to share additional information. That’s really what I want this to be: a community of writers and a resource that writers can turn to. I look forward to reading your information.
9 Mihaela "Mig" Lica // Nov 2, 2007 at
It’s funny how you started exactly with the offline gig that brings me the most profits. 🙂
Why didn’t I think of making such a list? He he…I actually do everything but editing and proofreading. Because… well, I need a proofreader and an editor. (Obviously, since I don’t write in my native language.)
10 Web Writing Info » Blog Archive » Looking for some Offline writing opportunities? // Nov 2, 2007 at
[…]  Laura at Writing Thoughts had a great post this week about writing opportunities offline that don’t require a query letter. They are more business and technical oriented than content writing, but if you are into that type of writing, or have experience with public relations or grants, then they’d be perfect for you. […]
11 James Chartrand - JCM Enterprises // Nov 2, 2007 at
Theda: Website copywriting tends to pay considerably more than articles. There’s a reason for that – it isn’t the easiest job and not everyone can do it well. Give yourself a pat on the back!
Laura: Alright, chiquita… time for you to get a “subscribe to comments” plugin for your blog. I’m missing having that option here!
12 Laura // Nov 2, 2007 at
Hi Mig!
It’s actually just a coincidence that I started with your specialty. I didn’t rank them in any particular fashion.
Hi James!
Hmmm! I’ll look for that plugin. (Do you know where one is?) Actually, I hope to revamp this template soon. Maybe I should wait until then to install it.
13 Offline Ways to Market Your Writing // Nov 6, 2007 at
[…] my post about offline writing opportunities I promised to explore some offline methods for finding work. Without actually suggesting that you […]
14 Jessica Fancy // Feb 9, 2010 at
I’m a writer, and even I liked this post!
15 Laura Spencer // Feb 12, 2010 at
Thanks Jessica!