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
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
How does a CV compare to a one-sheet?
ReplyDeleteOh, 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????
ReplyDeleteMy goodness, it's amazing what years of hard work and determination can do for a writer, isn't it? :-)
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
ReplyDeleteJust copy and paste the URL in your address bar and it will take you to the post. Blessings, E
Thanks for great information you write it very clean. I am very lucky to get this tips
ReplyDeletefrom you.
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