If you're interested in becoming a freelance game reviewer, then this is the (quick) guide for you. In it, we'll discuss the basics of what you need to do to get started, including finding work, building your portfolio, and covering a few things you should know before starting your journey as a remote freelance game journalist.
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First, know that being a freelance writer is challenging
Freelance writing is a challenging but rewarding career. Freelance writers often have to wear many hats, handling everything from researching and writing articles to pitching potential clients and negotiating contracts. And because they are self-employed, they also have to handle tasks like bookkeeping and marketing themselves. But the freedom and flexibility of freelance work can be a great incentive, and for the right person, it can be a very rewarding career.
It can be especially difficult to get started as a freelance game journalist, as there's a lot to learn at the start and no way to get good at it except by going out there and giving it a shot. But with a little perseverance and networking, you can find success.
How to build a game writing portfolio
A writing portfolio is an important tool for any freelance writer. It showcases your writing skills and experience to potential clients, and can be a great way to land new work. But how do you go about putting one together? Here are a few tips.
First, think about the types of writing you want to include in your portfolio. Maybe you have some articles published in online journals or newspapers, or maybe you have some reviews or essays that you've written. You can also include samples of your work from social media platforms like Twitter or Instagram, and even content from your own game writing blog.
Once you have a selection of pieces ready to go, it's time to put them together into a portfolio. Most people prefer to create a PDF document that can be emailed or sent electronically to potential clients. Include your name, contact information, and any relevant experience or qualifications at the top of the document, then start with your strongest piece and work down from there. Make sure each piece is accompanied by a brief synopsis so potential clients can get an idea of what they're reading.
It's also important to keep your portfolio up-to-date; add new pieces as you write them, and remove anything that's no longer relevant. That way, you can be sure that potential clients are seeing your best work.
There's no way around it: to build a game journalism portfolio, you just have to start writing. No excuses; just do it!
How to find work as a freelance game journalist
There are many ways to find new writing jobs. You can check job boards, send your resume to potential clients, or network with other writers. But the most effective way to find new jobs is by constantly being on the lookout for them. A great way to do this is to subscribe to new job alerts right here on Video Game Journalism Jobs to get notified of new openings as soon as they're posted (scroll down to see the box).
In general, keep your eyes open for job postings, read industry blogs and newsletters, and follow potential clients on social media. The more effort you put into finding new writing opportunities, the more success you'll have in securing them.
Once you have some experience writing reviews, a great way to find work is by pitching potential clients. Come up with a list of publications or companies that you would like to write for, draft a proposal outlining what type of content you would like to create, and send it off. Be prepared for rejection (it's part of the freelancing process), but don't give up!
Keep in mind that it may take some time before you land your first assignment this way; be patient and persistent. The more effort you put in, the more success you will eventually have.
Always try to be a better writer
It doesn't matter if you've written one review or 100, there's always a way you can improve your writing skills.
In order to be a better writer, you must first understand the basics of writing. This includes grammar, sentence structure, and how to put together a well-written paragraph or essay.
Once you have a strong foundation in the basics, it's time to start practicing. Write every day, whether it's a review, blog post, or just some thoughts on your day. The more you write, the better you'll become at it.
Finally, read as much as you can. Not only will this help improve your own writing skills; you'll also learn about different styles and genres that may inspire your own work. Don't just read online game reviews, either. Read print magazines (what little is left of them), non-fiction, long-form essays, novels, and writing both new and old. You should be obsessed with writing, otherwise...what are you doing working as a freelance writer?
Reliability always wins
Editors want reliable writers because they can count on them to produce quality work on time. This is important for two reasons: first, it helps the publication stay on schedule; and second, it ensures that the readers always have fresh content to enjoy.
Most editors are extremely busy people, and they don't have time to deal with last-minute changes or missed deadlines. That's why they appreciate writers who are reliable and can be counted on to deliver high-quality work on time.
If you want to be a successful freelance game journalist, it's essential that you develop a reputation for being reliable. This means meeting deadlines, turning in quality work, and being easy to work with. Editors will come to respect and trust you if you can consistently deliver what you promise. And building trust means more work and better pay!
So, if you're looking to start a career in game journalism, follow these tips and you'll be on your way. Remember to always put in the effort to improve your writing skills, stay reliable, and be patient; it won't happen overnight. With a little hard work and perseverance, you can achieve great things as a freelance game journalist!
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