Proposals that Win You Writing Jobs

You've done your research. You've vetted the job listings. What remains are those few sweet jobs you want to win.

It's time.

You have 2000 characters to blow the buyers socks off and land the job, so use every keystroke wisely. Your proposal needs to stand out and scream, "HIRE ME!"

Here's how:

Tell the buyer who you are and why YOU are the best candidate for the contract. Briefly provide your relevant background and leave all unnecessary information out of your proposal. If you're going for a legal writing position, the buyer really doesn't need to hear that you won first place in your town bake-off, but if you're trying to bag a recipe-writing gig, it's good detail to mention.

Next, using clear, concise language, tell the buyer exactly how YOU are going to meet his needs as laid out in the job description, including time frames and payment terms.

Provide outstanding samples of relevant work so they see and experience the high level of quality they can expect.

And finally, close with something that encourages communication and demonstrates that working with you will be a pleasure.

That's it.

I know, easier said than done. It's hard to craft a stellar proposal, and it takes a while to find your own style, but don't worry. I forgot to mention the secret ingredient --

You.

As a unique, talented individual, you bring something to the project that no one else can bring. Everything you are. Let your voice shine through in your proposals; let your writing skills blow them away. You're not just selling your writing skills, you're selling YOU.

Not quite sure you can do all that? Then take a look at the open bid projects. There aren't many, but if you look hard enough, you can find a few. See how other providers craft their bids and see which ones stand out, and which ones fail miserably. Use the good ones as a guide and the bad ones as a handbook of what not to do. I'll try to rustle up a few to post in the near future as examples.

And contrary to what you might think, if you have very little experience, there is no harm in telling the buyer that you are new to freelancing. If your rates reflect that, and your samples are strong, it may even give you the advantage.

Take your time, nail all of these points, and you will have a job-winning proposal.

It's time to bid.


image by ZachAncell