How To Break into Freelance Writing WITHOUT a Portfolio

Are you passionate about writing?  And you want to start getting paid for your work?

But you’re feeling stuck because you don't have a portfolio to show editors? 

You’re not alone. Many aspiring freelance writers face this challenge. 

Recently, Trudy Rankin, host of the Online Business Launchpad podcast, interviewed Lindy Alexander, an award-winning freelance travel writer. Trudy asked Lindy about this common problem and what to do about it. 

And there definitely is something you can do about it. In the interview Lindy shared her tried-and-true strategies to help you break into the freelance writing industry. 

And based on Lindy’s experience, the good news is … don’t worry.  There are definitely ways you can get started and land your first paid writing gig, even without a portfolio.

The Challenge of Starting Without a Portfolio

Starting as a freelance writer can be daunting. Editors often ask for samples of your previous work, but if you’re just starting, you might not have any. And that can be really frustrating.  

How do you convince an editor to give you a chance if you can't yet prove you can write by providing examples?!  But you CAN’T provide examples BECAUSE no one’s given you a chance to prove yourself.

The Impact on Your Writing Career

Without a portfolio, it can feel like you're in a catch-22 situation—you need published work to get published. This can hinder your ability to secure paid writing jobs and make a sustainable income from your passion. However, there are creative ways to demonstrate your writing skills and get that crucial first byline.

So here’s the advice that Lindy shared in her interview with Trudy on how to get started WITHOUT a portfolio (yet).

1. Write Personal Essays and Opinion Pieces

One of the fastest ways to get published is by writing personal essays or opinion pieces. Lindy explains, “A personal essay is something where something has happened in your life... it can be funny, unusual, inspiring, poignant, whatever that might be.” These pieces are often around 600-800 words and allow you to share your unique perspective on a topic.

When you pitch a personal essay, you typically send the entire piece to the editor. This takes the risk out of it for them because they can see the finished product. As Lindy notes, “If you can write well and succinctly, you can get your piece published.”

2. Use Free Platforms to Build a Portfolio

If you don't have a personal website, yet, don’t worry. Lindy suggests using platforms like LinkedIn or Medium to publish your work. “You can write a post or a newsletter on LinkedIn, or go to Medium and start building up a portfolio,” she advises. This not only helps you practice your writing but also provides a portfolio of work that you can share with potential editors.

3. Offer to Write on Spec

Another strategy is to offer to write an article on spec, meaning you write the full piece without a guarantee that it will be published. This reduces the risk for the editor. Lindy shares an example of a writer in her program who did this and successfully landed a paid writing gig: “She wrote it on spec... the editor loved it... and she's now being set up in their system as a freelancer.”

4. Start Small

You don't need to land a major publication right away. Lindy recommends starting with smaller publications or local newspapers. “Even a letter to the editor can build your confidence,” she says. Once you have a few pieces published, you can use them to pitch to bigger outlets.

Summarizing Lindy’s Advice

Lindy Alexander’s journey from a social worker to a six-figure freelance writer shows that it’s possible to break into the industry without a portfolio. By writing personal essays and opinion pieces, using free platforms to build your portfolio, offering to write on spec, and starting small, you can get your first byline and start building your writing career.

Call to Action

Ready to take the leap into freelance writing? Check out Lindy Alexander’s “Foundations of Freelance Writing” course for more in-depth strategies and support. And get your paid writing career started today.

Breaking into Freelance Writing Without a Portfolio: A Guide for Beginners

Are you passionate about writing?  And you want to start getting paid for your work?

But you’re feeling stuck because you don't have a portfolio to show editors? 

You’re not alone. Many aspiring freelance writers face this challenge. 

Recently, Trudy Rankin, host of the Online Business Launchpad podcast, interviewed Lindy Alexander, an award-winning freelance travel writer, who shared her tried-and-true strategies to help you break into the freelance writing industry. 

And the good news is … don’t worry.  There are definitely ways you can get started and land your first paid writing gig, even without a portfolio.

The Challenge of Starting Without a Portfolio

Starting as a freelance writer can be daunting. Editors often ask for samples of your previous work, but if you’re just starting, you might not have any. And that can be really frustrating.  

How do you convince an editor to give you a chance if you can't yet prove you can write by providing examples?!  But you CAN’T provide examples BECAUSE no one’s given you a chance to prove yourself.

The Impact on Your Writing Career

Without a portfolio, it can feel like you're in a catch-22 situation—you need published work to get published. This can hinder your ability to secure paid writing jobs and make a sustainable income from your passion. However, there are creative ways to demonstrate your writing skills and get that crucial first byline.

So here’s the advice that Lindy shared in her interview with Trudy on how to get started WITHOUT a portfolio (yet).

1. Write Personal Essays and Opinion Pieces

One of the fastest ways to get published is by writing personal essays or opinion pieces. Lindy explains, “A personal essay is something where something has happened in your life... it can be funny, unusual, inspiring, poignant, whatever that might be.” These pieces are often around 600-800 words and allow you to share your unique perspective on a topic.

When you pitch a personal essay, you typically send the entire piece to the editor. This takes the risk out of it for them because they can see the finished product. As Lindy notes, “If you can write well and succinctly, you can get your piece published.”

2. Use Free Platforms to Build a Portfolio

If you don't have a personal website, yet, don’t worry. Lindy suggests using platforms like LinkedIn or Medium to publish your work. “You can write a post or a newsletter on LinkedIn, or go to Medium and start building up a portfolio,” she advises. This not only helps you practice your writing but also provides a portfolio of work that you can share with potential editors.

3. Offer to Write on Spec

Another strategy is to offer to write an article on spec, meaning you write the full piece without a guarantee that it will be published. This reduces the risk for the editor. Lindy shares an example of a writer in her program who did this and successfully landed a paid writing gig: “She wrote it on spec... the editor loved it... and she's now being set up in their system as a freelancer.”

4. Start Small

You don't need to land a major publication right away. Lindy recommends starting with smaller publications or local newspapers. “Even a letter to the editor can build your confidence,” she says. Once you have a few pieces published, you can use them to pitch to bigger outlets.

Summarizing Lindy’s Advice

Lindy Alexander’s journey from a social worker to a six-figure freelance writer shows that it’s possible to break into the industry without a portfolio. By writing personal essays and opinion pieces, using free platforms to build your portfolio, offering to write on spec, and starting small, you can get your first byline and start building your writing career.

Call to Action

Ready to take the leap into freelance writing? Check out Lindy Alexander’s “Foundations of Freelance Writing” course for more in-depth strategies and support. And get your paid writing career started today.

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