June 11, 2024
The gaming industry is booming, and with it comes a growing demand for talented writers. But how do you find freelance work in gaming as a writer?
Whether you’re interested in crafting compelling narratives for video games, writing reviews and articles, or creating content for gaming websites, there are numerous opportunities available for freelance writers in the gaming world. Here’s how to find freelance work in gaming as a writer and turn your passion for gaming into a thriving career.
Build a strong portfolio
A strong portfolio is essential for showcasing your writing skills and attracting potential clients. Write articles, reviews, or fictional game narratives to demonstrate your versatility and expertise. If you need more professional experience, creating high-quality sample work is a fantastic way to showcase your talent.
Choose a variety of writing styles and formats to highlight your range. For example, include a game review, a strategy guide, a news article, and a short game script. Generally, it’s best to have published work, but don’t worry if you’re not there yet. You can always launch your own free website to showcase articles.
You may use Medium, LinkedIn, or WordPress to launch your blog, which would double your portfolio. Regularly update it with your insights, reviews, and articles to build an online presence and demonstrate your commitment to the industry.
Alternatievly, you may reach out to established gaming blogs and websites to contribute guest posts. This will not only help build your portfolio but also expose your work to a broader audience. Look for guest posting opportunities on popular gaming websites and blogs. Many sites are open to submissions from freelance writers and offer guidelines on how to pitch your ideas.
Network in the gaming community
Networking is crucial for finding freelance opportunities in the gaming industry. Here are some ways to connect with potential clients and other writers:
Join gaming forums
Participate in gaming forums and communities like Reddit, NeoGAF, and ResetEra. Engage in discussions, share your work, and offer insights to establish yourself as a knowledgeable and active community member. Look for threads and subreddits dedicated to gaming writing, freelance opportunities, and industry news. Engage with other writers and professionals to build connections.
Attend gaming conventions
Attend gaming conventions and events such as E3, PAX, and GDC. These events provide excellent opportunities to network with industry professionals, developers, and fellow writers.
Prepare business cards and a short pitch about your services to share with potential clients. Attend panels and workshops related to gaming writing to gain insights and make connections.
Use freelance platforms
Freelance platforms can help you find work and connect with clients. Create a detailed and professional profile on Upwork, Freelancer, HitMarker, and Fiverr platforms. Highlight your experience, skills, and portfolio to attract potential clients.
Use keywords related to gaming writing to improve your visibility in search results. Include a professional photo and a compelling bio that displays your passion for gaming and writing. if you’re on UpWork or Fiverr, make sure you regularly browse and bid on relevant projects. Tailor your proposals to each job, emphasizing your experience and how you can meet the client’s needs.
Follow up on your bids and be prepared to negotiate terms and rates. Demonstrate your understanding of the project and offer insights to show your expertise. Aim to build long-term relationships with clients. Repeat work can provide a steady income, leading to referrals and more opportunities.
Leverage social media
Social media platforms are powerful tools for promoting work and finding freelance opportunities. Here’s how to leverage them effectively:
Twitter: Follow gaming industry professionals, writers, and publications. Engage with their posts, share your work, and participate in relevant conversations. Use hashtags like #gamingwriter, #freelancergamingwriter, and similar to increase your visibility and connect with potential clients.
LinkedIn: Create a professional LinkedIn profile highlighting your writing experience and skills. Connect with industry professionals, join gaming-related groups, and share your work. Write LinkedIn articles about gaming topics to highlight your expertise and attract potential clients.
Instagram: Share visual content about your writing process, gaming experiences, and published work. Use gaming-related hashtags to reach a broader audience. Engage with other gaming writers and industry professionals on Instagram to build your network.
Pitch to gaming publications
Pitching to gaming publications can lead to paid writing opportunities and increased exposure. Here’s how to do it effectively:
Identify gaming websites, magazines, and blogs that align with your interests and expertise. Make sure you familiarize yourself with their content, style, and submission guidelines before pitching. Now, make a list of publications that accept freelance submissions and prioritize those that match your writing style and topics.
Once you’ve done that, write a concise and compelling pitch outlining your article idea, relevance to the publication’s audience, and qualifications. You may highlight any previous work or experience that makes you a suitable candidate for writing the article. Include links to your portfolio or relevant samples.
If you don’t hear back within a week or two, send a polite follow-up email. Persistence can pay off, but be respectful of the editor’s time.
Learn soft skills related to writing
Expanding your skill set can open up more freelance opportunities in the gaming industry. Here are some valuable skills to develop:
SEO Knowledge
Understanding SEO can make your articles more valuable to clients who want to improve their website’s search engine rankings. Learn about keyword research, on-page optimization, and link-building techniques.
Use tools like Google Keyword Planner and SEMrush to identify relevant keywords for your articles and optimize your content for search engines.
Scriptwriting
Scriptwriting for games requires a different skill set than traditional article writing. Familiarize yourself with writing dialogue, branching narratives, and interactive stories.
Study successful game scripts and consider taking courses or workshops on game writing to enhance your skills.
Basic graphic designing
This is also a nice side skill to have when applying for jobs in writing. Most times, publications will ask you to bring your own images and media that is copyright-free. To reuse older free images, a little designing skills can come in handy and help your work stand out.
Finding freelance work in gaming as a writer requires building a solid portfolio, networking, leveraging freelance platforms, using social media, pitching to publications, and developing diverse skills. By following these steps and consistently honing your craft, you can carve out a successful career in the gaming industry.