In a recent interview with Sophie Lizard of Be A Freelance Blogger, Sophie raised a valid point concerning new writers trying to land a high-paying gig. Those who are most familiar to content mills are the most prone to making this fatal mistake.

I have witnessed many writers from the various writing groups I am involved in repeatedly request advice on which content mill is better in regards to making money. This is like comparing which fast food restaurant has the most nutritious menu. The reality is that all of them are bad for your health. The same is true for content mills. None of them are good for your financial health.

But when you are first starting out and have no idea where to look, where do you turn? Many writers turn to the Internet hoping to find those first gigs that will jumpstart their writing dreams. However, googling freelance writing jobs will do nothing for you either. There are several things wrong with this approach. First, many other new writers are doing the exact same thing. Second, what you will end up finding is companies who act like middle men who take part of your profits to help you land that great gig. The problem with that is: If you’re writing is good enough for them, why are you letting them take away from your bottom line when you could work directly for the client and keep all the cash?

There is a better way. The solution lies in your ability to rise up from the crowd and get noticed for the talent that you have. So, what sets you apart from the rest of the writers who are trying to land that great gig? The answer lies in what you are passionate about.  What do you know that others don’t? What do you love to talk about and what activities do you find yourself engaging in on a frequent basis?

I would encourage you to sit down after reading this and spend some time writing down your answers to the questions above. Post your answers below as well. I would love to hear what interests you have! What shows up the most and gets you excited? Perhaps you really love your pets for example. There are nonprofit organizations virtually everywhere that take care of animals. Research a local animal shelter and write up a sample piece for them. See if they have a website and look for any contact information.  Either email them or pay a visit and explain to them that you are a writer and you really love animals and that you would really love to work for them. Show then what you have written. You may get rejected at first but if you give them your contact information there is no telling where that will lead in the future.

This week pick 3 local businesses that match up with the items on your list. Write up query letters and gather your list of contacts. Then go after those prospects and see what happens. If you do land that great paying gig through this technique, I want to hear from you. Send me your success story and I will feature it right here on my blog. Now go take action and earn what you deserve!