There are plenty of us who want to be writers. Having your name on a published piece is an amazing feeling. Some of us want the fame, others want the bragging rights, and some just think it’s great to see your name on something.
The good news is that you don’t have to go through a traditional publisher and create a full-length novel that gets sold in bookstores to be published. Aside from self-publishing a print book, there are various ways of getting yourself published online that will give you similar personal satisfaction as traditional authorship (minus holding the pages in your hands.)
1. Write guest posts
Guest posting is writing for another website, often for free, and it’s a great way to get your name out there.
Many websites are open to guest posters and they often attribute the article under your name. Very rarely will a website not mention your name, but just to be sure, look at places you want to write for and read their previous guest posts. Do they mention the author? If yes, that’s a good sign.
If you want to increase your chances, you should read through all of their most popular articles and figure out if you can improve on an idea that their audience really loved. Try your best to fit into their preferred writing style.
Aside from the benefit of getting your name published, it’s a great way to establish credibility, make people aware of your skills, and build a following (if you direct the traffic in your author bio.)
So how do you find guest posts opportunities?
Offer to write for websites you admire and follow.
A lot of websites have guidelines that list exactly what they’re looking for. Read them and follow the instructions as closely as possible to maximize your chances of being accepted.
For example, take a look at Lifehack’s guidelines.
Google.
Using Google’s advanced search modifiers, you can find websites that openly advertise the fact that they’re looking for guest contributors. It’s not as complicated as it sounds, so don’t be afraid of the guide below.
How to Find Blogs to Guest Post by Using Advanced Search Queries in Google
Utilize automated services to find posting opportunities.
Instead of conventional methods to get guest posts, such as emailing and blindly shooting out requests, you can use networks that cater to guest posters and blogs.
PostJoint has the benefit of taking out the hassle of logistics and allows you to write the article then have several blogs offer to publish the content on their blog. You don’t have to do anything but write the post, and PostJoint takes care of everything else.
The blog owners only see an excerpt of the article until they give you an offer and you both agree.
Get Started Guest Posting With PostJoint
2. Start a blog
One of the most rewarding things that I accomplished in the past year was starting my own blog. It’s something that keeps you motivated if you aim to create the next greatest thing.
If you want more control and consistency than what guest posting has to offer, you can start your own website. You own the content and you decide what to publish.
Plus, it’s pretty amazing to be able to say, “Hi, I’m _______ _______ and I’m the author of ______.”
How do you get started? Check out this in-depth guide that walks you through every single step, from registering your domain to getting started with the WordPress software.
The Complete, Step-By-Step Guide to Creating a Successful Blog
3. Write as a freelancer
Aside from guest posting (which is usually free,) you can also look to make money as a professional writer. Does this sound scary? It can be, but if you utilize the two tactics I talked about above to build credibility for yourself, it will be a lot easier.
Here are a few guides to dive into freelance writing.
How to Start Freelancing With No Experience
30 Best Resources for Beginning Freelance Writers
How Carol Tice Made 6 Figures as a Freelance Writer in 2011
4. Start a podcast series
This is a little different because instead of writing, you’re creating an online presence for yourself with your voice. It’s a little more complicated than writing, but you’re still published.
Podcasting has various formats you can use, but regardless, you’ll probably want to start up a website so that you can link to your content in one place.
Here are a few guides that will teach you how to get started:
If you’re a video person: Learn How to Podcast and How to Start a Podcast – Pat’s Complete Step-By-Step Podcasting Tutorial
Podcast on how to podcast: John Lee Dumas on How to Launch a Podcast
5. Read the above again, don’t make excuses, and dive right in
I’m willing to bet that while you were reading this you went through a series of emotions. First you were inspired and excited to get started. Then you were just about ready to take action as you read through all the links I gave you above.
Then, you started making excuses, got scared, and started telling yourself why you couldn’t get published online.
Trust me, it’s definitely worth diving into. It’s frightening and you will face rejection on occasion, but the reward is worth the pain.
Don’t buy into your own excuses and get stuck wondering what could have happened. Read the above again and decide which path you want to go. Get published online.
