How to build a standout writing portfolio

Young writers, as well as pros, are often hesitant to brag about their work online, even when they should. They try to avoid boasting about their creations for fear of coming across as pompous or blusterous. However, if you view showing your writing development as a demonstration of your abilities and ability, the term ‘brag’ here isn’t truly boasting.

A writing portfolio, with your works well organized and ready to present to any examiner, is the most sophisticated approach to showcase your accomplishments and skills. That, too, without coming out as arrogant or arrogant. A well-organized and lucrative writing portfolio may help you generate a positive first impression while also seeming clever.

What is a writing portfolio?

A writing portfolio is a collection of written examples that demonstrate a writer’s abilities, specialties, and accomplishments. The notion of a portfolio is simple, but putting one together may be difficult, and there’s always the risk of making a mistake. But, once set up and put to good use, it may work miracles.

Why do you need it?

Aspiring authors are confronted with new challenges in the digital era, such as the publishing industry’s move to digital methods, which requires writers to be equally present in the scene and establish their worth in both print and online media. As a potential writer, breaking into the scene is difficult, making self-promotion a vital tool for personal branding.

The most obvious benefit of a well-organized writing portfolio is that it demonstrates your expertise and the quality of your work. In short, it may demonstrate an evaluator or recruiter that you are prepared and have a “can-do” mentality, as well as create an effective web profile for you.

Creating a writer’s portfolio

Portfolios used to be made up of clipped-up hard copies of articles with your résumé, but those days are long gone. An online writer’s portfolio is usually preferable whether applying for a job, pitching as a freelancer, or exhibiting your work.

There are two alternatives for building one: one is to host your own personal website, and the other is to use portfolio-based internet platforms.

If you choose with the first choice, you’ll need to register a domain name that reflects your own brand and find a hosting solution that suits your budget. You may utilize sites like as Wix, Bluehost, Weebly, and others.

It is less labor if you select the latter. Most of those portfolio sites are free up to a point and design-ready; others even allow you to purchase a domain name. Clippings.me, Contently, Quietly, Journo Portfolio, Pressfolios, and others are some of the most popular portfolio sites. These sites provide free service up to a certain point, but you may always subscribe to premium for more.

Here are some useful hints for developing writing portfolios from designers, developers, and experts:

Do’s

1. The portfolio should clearly represent the goal of its creation. The work that one picks to acquire a professional career will be different than the work that one chooses to get a travel or fashion job. As a result, plan out what your portfolio should say to individuals.

2. Take some time to think about your projects and the formats you’ll employ. Your works can be in any format, including plain text, links, and PDF files. It may include photos, or you could utilize social media postings or crafted tales, for example.

3. Keep it straightforward and professional; your work should speak for itself. Use simple, straightforward typefaces that aren’t overly big or dramatic. Maintain a modest color palette with enough contrast.

4. While too many photos might detract from your work, they can spice up a portfolio. By connecting the photos you use to the context, you may make them more appealing and colorful.

5. For an online portfolio, 10-20 pieces of work are advised, with the goal of providing an overview of what you can achieve.

6. If it’s possible, categorize your material and create separate portfolios for each perspective you cover.

7. Make sure your portfolio is relevant to the vertical you’re looking for; presenting a travel-related portfolio for a science-based publication is pointless.

8. Include a short biography that includes your name, occupation, job title, workplace, or ambitions, as well as your narrative. Include links to your professional social media accounts, such as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Tumblr, as well as any other places where you maintain a professional presence.

Don’ts

1. Don’t provide your age; instead, include the age of your writing career.

2. Try to avoid making grammatical or spelling mistakes, as this does not impress people.

3. Avoid clichés in your profile and works, such as “I was born to be a successful writer.”

4. To attract readers, avoid spamming headlines or excessive sensualization.

5. Plagiarism is a sin that must be avoided at all costs. Your assessors are there to evaluate your job, and if you believe you’ll get away with lying, you’re incorrect.

Finally, don’t be afraid to share your portfolio and social media profiles with your friends and family to establish your presence. Keep it updated every now and again, and watch it work wonders for you.

From The Daily Star’s Article