If you’re an aspiring writer, and you’re working on building up your portfolio, you might be wondering how to make a name for yourself and succeed in your literary pursuits. You can find helpful guidance from The Inkblotters! Plus, here’s how to create a brand-new resume for your job hunt, design a portfolio website to host your work, and network with other writers.

Polish Your Resume

If you’re looking for jobs that involve writing, you’ll want to take some time to update your resume first. Whether you’re looking for an editorial role at a magazine or you’d like to land a job in content marketing, you’ll need to illustrate all of your relevant skills and experience on your resume.

Going with a PDF filler can help you conveniently write up a brand new resume with a clean format. Plus, if you use a PDF filler, you can edit the document afterwards if you happen to make any mistakes. You’ll just have to upload the file online, make any necessary changes, and then download it to share it on applications.

Create a Portfolio Website

Maybe you’ve had a few short stories, poems, or articles published, and you want to establish a central platform where you can share links to all of your work. Or perhaps you’d like to publish your own blog to flex your writing muscles. Every writer needs a website so that their audience can easily read their work! You can purchase a domain name, use a free design template, and add features like an author bio, a portfolio page, and a contact form.

Maintain a Submission Schedule

It can be tough to write consistently, submit your work regularly, and keep your chin up when facing rejection. But when you’re early in your career, it’s especially important to handle rejections with grace – don’t let it stop you from submitting your work to publications! Try to keep up with a daily writing schedule, and maintain a spreadsheet tracking your submissions.

Leverage Social Media

Social media can be a very powerful tool for writers. To get the word out about your work on social media, BookBub recommends focusing on building connections with other authors, agents, and readers first – focus on sharing pieces by others, responding to your followers, and dishing out compliments to writers you like!

Network With Other Writers

It’s also a good idea to check out local writing events and organizations so that you can meet other authors! You can learn a lot from befriending writers, especially if they’ve successfully published in your favorite genre. To make friends in your niche, Writing Blossoms recommends enrolling as a member in a professional writer’s association that hosts events and workshops in your area.

Read at Local Events

Reading your own work out loud for an audience can be nerve-wracking – but with practice, you’ll feel more confident standing in front of a crowd! Look for local open mics near you, and sign up to read at one each week. Make sure to brush up on the guidelines for performers in advance, and practice your reading in advance. For example, if you’re allowed to read for five minutes, go over your material at home to ensure that you’re not going over the time limit.

It’s easy to assume that writing is a solo activity – but as a writer, you’ll benefit greatly from a strong community who can support you in your endeavors. You don’t have to try to make it on your own! By fixing up your resume, sticking to a consistent writing and submission schedule, and making an effort to connect with other writers, you’ll go far in your career.

Photo via Pexels

The Inkblotters shares everything that blogger Azzurra Nox has learned about skincare, cosmetics, and healthy living. Connect with Azzurra today!

Guest blog post by Stephanie Haywood, read her previous guest blog post HERE.

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