Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Learn How to Earn a Living as a Freelance Writer, Part 6—How to Write a CV


A CV, or curriculum vitae is a necessary part of any freelancer’s arsenal. What exactly is a CV? It’s essentially a modern writer’s resume. It differs slightly in that it has a short introduction and includes relevant training that enhances your experience. It also doesn’t necessarily include references.

Here are the steps to make your CV top notch.

Contact information. Include your name, physical address (it can be a PO box) phone number, email and your website

Objective. This will change according to what assignment you are specifically applying for. For example, I would have a different objective for a health writing assignment as opposed to a financial writing assignment.

Writing/Editing Experience. Here I would highlight some of my assignments and include URL’s when possible. As you gain experience this will be a partial list.

Employment History. Include this section only if relevant to the assignment you’re seeking – or if someone has employed you as a writer.

Education. Include this section if it’s a positive to your application. What I mean is if you don’t have a college degree, but have tons of experience, don’t highlight the information that you don’t have a degree, just skip this altogether. I don’t have a college degree so I just don’t mention education.

Professional Training. I have attended years worth of conferences, workshops and classes so I include that here.

Professional Organizations. Include any relevant organizations you’re a current member of.

The biggest thing to remember about writing a CV is to make it relevant. If you’re applying to write blog articles for a dog grooming site, then include your job history as a dog groomer — otherwise leave it out.

Here is my CV so you can see how it plays out in real life.

Edie Melson 604 S Almond Dr • Simpsonville, SC 29681 • 864-360-5003 • ediegmelson@gmail.com
Objective
As an experienced freelance writer and blogger, I’ve written content for numerous blogs and websites, including CBN.com, TheWriteConversation.blogspot.com and Woman’sDay.com. I’m familiar with SEO and keyword formatting and available for quick turn around and tight deadlines.

Writing Credits
As an experienced freelance writer, blogger and editor, I’ve written content for numerous blogs and websites, including CBN.com, TheWriteConversation.blogspot.com and Crosswalk.com. I’m familiar with SEO and keyword formatting and available for quick turn around and tight deadlines. (Comprehensive list available upon request)

Editing Experience
January 2011-present                         Assistant Acquisitions Editor for www.ChristianDevotions.us
May 2010-present                              Assistant proofer for My Book Therapy Voice E-zine
March 2009-2010                               Editor ACFW SE Zone Newsletter
                                                            www.acfw.com
April 2009-March 2010                     Managing Editor Centered Magazine
March 2010-present                           Assistant Proofer/editor Voices E-zine an affiliated                                                                           publication of My Book Therapy
May 2010-present                              Book Doctor on thebookdoctorbd.blogspot.com
2007-present                                       Independent Freelance Editor

Experience
January 2011-present                                Assistant Acquisitions Editor for www.ChristianDevotions.us
May 2010-present                                    Assistant Copy Editor for My Book Therapy Voice E-zine
                                                            www.mybooktherapy.com
May 2010-present                                    Book Doctor on www.thebookdoctorbd.blogspot.com
March 2009-2010                                                Editor ACFW SE Zone Newsletter
                                                            www.acfw.com
April 2009-March 2010                            Managing Editor Centered Magazine
                                                            www.centeredmag.com
2007-present                                           Independent Freelance Editor
2005-present                                           Independent Freelance Writer

Professional Conferences Attended
Glorieta Christian Writer’s Conference –                                           1999, 2004-2005
Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference –                    2000-present  
Christian Writer’s Den Writer’s Retreat – co-director – Teacher      2002-present  
CLASServices Conference                                                                  2003
American Christian Fiction Writers Conference                                 2009-2012

Professional Memberships and Organizations
American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW)
The Christina Pen Professional Editors Network
The Christian Writers View I (TWV I)
My Book Therapy
Advanced Writers and Speakers Association

Be sure to post any questions you have about writing your own CV.

Don't forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie

5 comments:

  1. How does a CV compare to a one-sheet?

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  2. Oh, Edie, I couldn't help but laugh when I looked at your CV. Remember when John Riddle showed us how to create a Writer's Promo Sheet? We whined that sure HE could make a promo sheet, look at all the stuff he had accomplished and all the times he'd been published. What in the world would WE put on ours????

    My goodness, it's amazing what years of hard work and determination can do for a writer, isn't it? :-)

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  3. Cyn,great question! All these terms get confusing. A CV is a like a resume. It's something you use when applying for writing jobs on the Internet. A One Sheet is used when you're pitching a project to an editor or agent.. Here's a link to a post on a One Sheet. http://thewriteconversation.blogspot.com/2011/03/what-is-one-sheet-anyway.html
    Just copy and paste the URL in your address bar and it will take you to the post. Blessings, E

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  4. Thanks for great information you write it very clean. I am very lucky to get this tips

    from you.

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  5. I found it curious that you did not mention your role in BRMCWC. Yes you mentioned attending, but you do way more than attend. You are one of the reasons it even happens. Of course you have a lot of other credits that deal more with your writing. I guess management and organizational skills do not necessarily translate as writing experience.

    ReplyDelete