WHY SHOULD YOU HAVE ONE?
Why should you have a writer portfolio? Good question! In today’s ever-changing and constantly growing digital world, it is more important than ever to have an online presence. But not just any online presence; a professional one. And what could be more professional for a writer than having their own writing portfolio?
ADVANTAGES
There are many advantages to having an online writing portfolio. For example, it allows you to showcase your skills and experience to potential employers or clients from anywhere in the world at any time of day. It also allows you to receive feedback from others in order to help improve your craft. Perhaps most importantly, though, it allows you to take control of your own career by marketing yourself directly to those who need your services.
If you are a freelance writer, an online writing portfolio is an absolute must. It is the best way to show off your skills and attract new clients. If you are looking for a full-time writing position with a company, most employers will also expect to see an online writing portfolio as part of your application. In fact, many employers will not even consider applicants who do not have an online presence.
HOW TO BUILD YOUR WRITING PORTFOLIO?
So how do you go about building a writing portfolio? The first step is to decide what type of portfolio you want: an online blog or a physical portfolio. There are advantages and disadvantages to both options.
Why should you have a writer portfolio? Good question! In today’s ever-changing and constantly growing digital world, it is more important than ever to have an online presence. But not just any online presence; a professional one. And what could be more professional for a writer than having their own writing portfolio?
VIRTUAL
An online blog is the easiest type of portfolio to create and maintain. All you need is a computer and an internet connection. You can update your blog regularly with new writing samples, and it is easy to share with potential employers or clients. The downside to an online blog is that anyone can access it, which means your writing could be plagiarized or used without your permission.
PHYSICAL
A physical portfolio is more difficult to create but provides more control over who sees your work. You will need to print out copies of your writing samples and keep them in a folder or binder. This option is best for writers who are already established in their careers and only need to provide potential employers with a limited number of writing samples.
Whichever type of portfolio you choose, there are some basic elements that should be included. The first is a cover letter or statement of purpose. This is your opportunity to introduce yourself to potential employers or clients and explain why you are the best candidate for the job.
SHOULD YOU INCLUDE YOUR CV IN YOUR PORTFOLIO?
Yes you should. This should be a brief overview of your education, skills, and experience. If you have a lot of experience, you may want to focus on your most recent jobs or writing samples.
CONTENT
The bulk of your portfolio should be made up of writing samples. These can be articles, essays, stories, or anything else you have written that you are proud of. If you are just starting out, you may not have many writing samples to choose from. In this case, it is better to include a few well-written pieces than a large number of poorly written ones.
Finally, you should include a list of references. These are people who can vouch for your skills and experience as a writer. If you do not have any professional references, you can include personal references or teachers who have read your work.