How To: Write a Writer's Resume

The resume is an essential tool for getting freelance work assignments.

A well written article is not enough when trying to secure a freelance or staff position as a writer. Publishers want to see a resume. It gives the writer an outstanding opportunity to introduce themselves and it gives the editor a general idea of who you are, where you've been, and the work you've completed.

Step 1 Heading

At the very top of your resume you are to center the following information:

• Your name
• Your address
• Your phone number
• Your email address
• Your website(s) or blog(s)

Step 2 Objective

The objective may make or break your chances of obtaining a position. If your objective is too specific, the editor may believe that you would not be interested in anything but the one specific field you've stated. Don't close doors before you know they exist. Form your objective carefully.

That said, there are three ways to go when creating your objective.

1. Specific
2. General
3. None

A specific objective gives the editor a message of exactly what type of writing you are looking for. An example of a specific objective is as follows:

Objective: Contribute special-interest work to periodicals, including articles on the martial arts, self-defense, lethal weapons training, and on local and state authorities with regards to weapons training. 

A general objective gives the editors a clear picture that you are looking to write about anything that is needed. An example of a general objective is as follows:

Objective: Contribute current and past event materials and other articles as needed.

By submitting no objective, you are telling the editor that you are interesting in writing what is needed for publication.

Step 3 Writing, Editing & Publication Experience

In a few sentences (bullets), highlight your prize accomplishments. Have the accomplishments coincide with the publication and work experience that will be documented later within the resume. An example of highlighted accomplishments is as follows:

• Successful published contributor.
• Proven dedication in numerous special-interest areas.
• Dedicated, persevered, and dependable writer with a good eye for writing a well written story.

Step 4 Publications

This section is the bulk of the resume. Specific periodical, year, and date is listed along with all contact information for each publication should be listed with the most recent first. Feel free to use as many pages needed to list all publications. An example for the publications section of the resume is as follows:

Lion World, a popular internationally known zoology magazine

    "Lions of the World" (feature article w/photos), 3/1/11

    "Lions of the Night" (article), 3/15/11

    "Lion's Heart" (monthly article winner), 4/3/11

Step 5 Work Experience

The world in general focuses on "job listings" or "work experience" and is indeed what the business world immediately reads when is handed a resume. This section however, is many times omitted due to most professional writers not having worked as a full or part-time employee with a company as a writer. Most writers are freelancers. If in fact you have direct related experience in the field, list that experience in this section and list this section prior to the "publication" section of the resume. An example of the work experience section of the resume is as follows:

1998 - 2011  Copy Writer for Smith and Jones, Inc., an established literary agency in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Step 6 Education & Training

This section is self explanatory. Some writers have post secondary education when others don't. Use this section to list any education or training you may have acquired throughout the years.  An example of the education and training section of the resume is as follows:

Temple University, B.A. Creative Writing

Philadelphia High School, Philadelphia, PA graduated 1989

Tips

• Viewing other professional resumes will greatly increase your creativity and give you a sense of what is an acceptable resume in today's writing world.
• Prior to sitting down and writing your resume, take sometime and gather all of the information regarding your past accomplishments.
• Don't be afraid of just writing down what comes to mind and moving on to the next section. You will have plenty of opportunities to go back and omit or alter any information if needed.
• Be sure to use the bold function on your name in the "heading", in the heading of each section and the names of the publications in the "publications" section of the resume.