Finding writing gigs in fundraising

[Michelle]

Hi, I've been writing for a while but wanted to move into the fundraising sector. I took the AWAI course but haven't found much on job boards, etc.

I'd prefer to contact clients/agencies directly but need to know the best way to find them. Associations? Trade publications? Is one agency more receptive to working with new writers? (Though I'm not sure I'm "new" -- I've been writing for 25 years.)

Thanks for your help! Z

[John Newtson]

Hi Michelle,

Here's Clayton's Six Step Self-Marketing Campaign for Copywriters

Have you worked in the fundraising market before? If this is the one you're going to specialize in you'll want to get a strong grasp of the nuances of this market. AWAI's basic course gives you copywriting fundamentals but isn't market specific.

A couple of good resources you should probably have are:

Alan Sharpe's Breakthrough Fundraising Book and get on his free e-letter.

How to rite Successful Fundraising Letters By Mal Warwick

I know you're asking about getting writing gigs and I'm talking about studying more stuff but if you're going to specialize you really need to know your market to be effective.

If you don't have much experience you might want to consider making a list of every Fundraising Copywriter and Agency Google can find and then follow Clayton's Six-Step Marketing Campaign to try and get freelance work from them. That way you'll also learn from experienced folks.

The other thing to try is to volunteer. Get on a fundraising or marketing committee for a local non-profit and put your skills to work for them. Check out Volunteer Match for opportunities near you.

If you've taken the AWAI basic course you have the skills to start playing the game, but you need to develop them to make living at this.

Here's Advice for copywriters just starting out

You should also subscribe to every fundraising trade journal you can find. They're free and you'll learn about the market, the business and see a lot of classified ads from copywriters and marketers that make good prospects for you.

I hope that helps,
John

[Michelle]

Great information, John... You're right, I need to know the specifics of the market to make my search more effective. Thanks so much, appreciate it! Z