Rob Parnell's Writing Academy Blog

It’s surprisingly easy to get writing work from local businesses. At least that’s been my experience. Basically, all you need to do is let businesses know you offer business writing services - and they’ll call. The main caveat I would offer you is that it’s best to contact business offline, in person - as opposed to just using the Net to attract business. Of course, you can use the Net if you like. All I’m saying is that you’ll likely be more successful - and more quickly - if you try to establish personal relationships with business people in your local area - rather than focus on large online corporations that will no doubt already have lots of their own in-house writers. Now, it’s probable you think that the most glamorous of corporate jobs is either writing their ad copy or their promotional material. Both are considered the most prestigious and influential of all corporate writing gigs - which is why these gigs are usually so well paid. However, I've foun...

Many new pensmiths are drawn to writing about their travels, their holidays, and their observations about the world. ​​​​​​​ Many websites and “schools” these days offer (often expensive) courses on effective travel writing that promise a glamorous and fun-filled life as a writer for magazines or coffee-table books. As with many fun-sounding opportunities, there’s a lot of competition out there for travel writing jobs. However, with a little forethought and planning, the Freelance Writer can indulge in some of the perks and rewards of this healthy niche market. First, we need to explode a couple of myths. Simply because you did a lot on holiday or went to see a lot of things, this does not immediately qualify you to write about them. Similarly, you might be an expert on the local history of a place. However, this too does not automatically place you at the top of the submission pile. The ideal travel writer combines a love of place, an eye for deta...