A First-timer's Guide to Building a Professional Writing Portfolio

You’d like to earn income as a technical or professional writer, but you don’t possess a portfolio that will help you earn the respect of editors or publishers. There are some things you can do to build a respectable, professional collection of articles, letters and press releases that will become the foundation of a worthy portfolio.

Work with Nonprofit Groups
Nonprofit groups rely on the goodwill of volunteers for their success. Local chapters of groups like The March of Dimes, The American Lung Association and The American Cancer Society often seek volunteers to write feature stories for their newsletters, and they’re often ready to empower writers with story ideas and contact information for interviewees. If you offer to write for a nonprofit group, there is a good chance that your work will be published in a professional-looking document with the logo of a respected organization.

Work with New Businesses
Contact your state business development office to learn about businesses that are in the process of launching. Find one (or more) that appeals to you, contact the owner and express your desire to help. Be willing to sign a release that defines your role as a volunteer, and your stories as “free.” Do a good job, and your efforts may lead to regular paid work.

Blog
Most businesses know about blogs, but many don’t have the knowledge or resources to make blogging work in their favor. Publish your own blog on a topic that allows you to establish credibility. Solicit feedback, especially from professionals you might value your efforts. Keep records of the positive comments you receive and print the comments and your strongest posts for your portfolio. Offering editors proof that you are contemporary and savvy with regard to the Internet will help your cause. You can find free blogging space on the Web.