Comments on: On The Value Of Being A Specialist Writer

By: Sharon Hurley Hall

Sharon Hurley Hall — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 11:06:52 +0000

Having experience in one area is a great start, David. It sounds like there should be great opportunities for writing work from trade magazines so a subscription to Writer's Market is a good way to hunt those out. On the subject of blogging, it never hurts to start a blog (I favor the Wordpress platform) and see if it takes. Check out my Getting Started in Blogging ebook for tips.

By: david blumberger

david blumberger — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 18:06:47 +0000

Read your article and wish to start a blog concening foods, kitchen equip and sourcing the various product lines along this market research. The double dip from this effort is to leverage my 40 years of lifestyle experience. Background is wall street and advertising. I wish to find a software package
to build my skill set. Any ideas thoughts or peronal advice ?

Thanks. djb

By: Lovely Words Vol. 18 – Writing as a Sacred Art

Lovely Words Vol. 18 – Writing as a Sacred Art — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 09:55:22 +0000

[...] All companies are looking for a presence on the web.” Sharon Hurley Hall presents On The Value Of Being A Specialist Writer posted at Get Paid to Write Online, saying, “There are very real advantages to being a [...]

By: Meili

Meili — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 13:49:44 +0000

I don’t know. It’s a difficult thing to specialized in one topic when you are interested in so many subjects. I don’t specialize but I only do certain types of writing. For example, I don’t do project proposals or most business writing at all.
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By: Jessica Mason

Jessica Mason — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 22:56:42 +0000

“Specialist” vs. “generalist” is an issue I’m still struggling with. On the one hand, I think it’s much easier professionally to specialize; you rise up the ranks of experience much more quickly and can easily sort the wheat from the chaff in regard to all the information and opportunities coming at you. On the other hand, one of the reasons I decided to become a freelance writer is precisely because I have so many interests I’d like to explore and many of them are such tiny niches it would be next to impossible to make a career out of any one by itself. I’ve recently tried specializing exclusively in one of my chosen niches and it has helped me focus but so far the pickings have been really slim.

By: Sharon Hurley Hall

Sharon Hurley Hall — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 19:46:28 +0000

That was one of the reasons I reworked my resume, Miko, and I’d like to change my other site to reflect what I do better. I haven’t quite decided how to do that from a design perspective, though.

By: Miko Holt

Miko Holt — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 19:39:36 +0000

Thanks Sharon for responding! This is such a great topic, that I need to respond. I am in the process of revamping my company website. Ironically, I believe that the site although attractive, failed to convey to potential clients that I had a particular expertise. Writers specialize in different areas and for the most part so do I. I create content, business plans, proposals, ad materials and I’m also a grant writer. It’s a tough call, but now I’m thinking of ways I can demonstrate my abilities without looking like…I’m a “jack of all trades and a master of none.” Get me! thanks for this post…exciting conversation!
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By: Sharon Hurley Hall

Sharon Hurley Hall — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:36:12 +0000

I know a few people maintain different mini-sites for the different services they offer, Miko. I’ve thought about that, but am not sure it’s the route for me. The question of how writers are seen by clients is interesting – there might be a post in that.

By: Miko Holt

Miko Holt — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:14:13 +0000

Gabrielle, wanted to piggyback on what you wrote. You’re correct, when you’re an expert on a subject, you fly through the project. This is quite the advantage, especially for freelance writers who have multiple projects going on at one time!
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By: Miko Holt

Miko Holt — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:00:04 +0000

Thanks Sharon great post! Well I completely believe in branding… and your brand speaks volumes to the public. I am also fond of specializing in one or two areas, although there may be limitations to this. It’s almost as if each one of your talents (specialties) require its own brand. You know quite honestly, I support businesses that specialize in ONE area. I figure …well this business must be an expert. I wonder if this is how writers are viewed by prospective clients? Great question huh? thanks for the post!
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