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In the corner of our living room, a glass-topped end table topples with papers and magazines, waiting for me to find time or a rainy day to clip my clips and place them in a physical file (and no, I'm not talking file 13). And since the end of the year is approaching rapidly, I need to get said articles filed ASAP; otherwise, I'll be pulling double duty once 2013 begins.
But I'm also wondering if I need a physical file. I have links to my work on my website. Is an electronic version of my portfolio enough? Or do I need both types?
I don't mind keeping both a physical and online portfolio of my articles. Granted, I don't always have time to get the items cut out of the paper, placed in a sheet protector and stored in a jumbo-sized notebook. Plus, I don't always find time to update my online clip list. I'm six months behind as I write this blog post. Eventually I'll get caught up.
Experience tells me I need both.
This week, an editor from a publication I've written for previously (read: once) requested clips. I was able to send links to some of my best work, and since the publication features agriculture, I was able to create PDF files of a 3-part series I wrote for the industry and submit these newly-created files.
It's a win-win for everyone involved.
Experience tells me I need to promote my online listing as much as possible.
I can direct editors and other interested parties to my website to find my most recent newspaper columns, updated weekly, and additional vital information.
Experience tells me to post my best work online.
I am able to choose whether or not I will post a business profile, feature article, or sports story. I am able to streamline my clips to fit the profile of a potential publication.
For me, I use and feel the need for both styles. It's a compilation of hard work and dedication, a showcase of the strongest stories I've written.
Do you keep an electronic and print version of your writing portfolio?
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4 Comments on The Writer's Portfolio, last added: 12/15/2012
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LuAnn--I do both. I figure, if something happens to my files electronically, it's fairly unlikely that something will happen to my print versions. On my print versions, I also have the comments from my critique group, along with the "revised" version, so I can see the "evolution" of a piece.
Thanks for the post, LuAnn.
Both serve their purpose. An electronic version allows for greater efficiency and exposure in terms of connecting with potential clients and editors; a print version enables me to carry my portfolio with me for interviews and meetings with new business prospects.
I'm not good at doing this. UGH! I need to add it to my list of things to do. :) Thanks for the reminder and the things to think about.
I actually have several folders containing my print work and a shelf full of catalogues I designed, but all my electronic clips are on my computer just sitting there as files. I let it go for so long that it's an enormous project now to make them look nice and post them online. And that's the one I really need! It's cool to have the print ones but I doubt I'll ever need to show them to anyone except for friends that come over. LOL