If you’re a writer who often finds yourself scratching your head over writing clips, you’re not alone. Many editors, or anyone seeking freelance writers for that matter, ask for “clips” along with resumes. But what are these clips? Why are they so popular among prospective employers? And how can you get some?

Rather than fight their way through pages and pages of what you consider your most remarkable literary masterpieces, editors like to see shorter “clips,” if you will, of your writing that best showcase your tone, style, skills, etc. Many request published pieces; however, they aren’t necessarily looking for the latest feature article for which Rolling Stone paid you top dollar.

What? Don’t have one of those? For shame. But you can still build a nice collection of writing clips. As you start getting more aquainted with this business we call freelance writing (after the glow of a computer screen becomes romantic, but before carpal tunnel sets in), hang on to all those little pieces that you send out to smaller publications. Many a worthy writing clip has come from newspaper articles and columns with small circulation, Letters to the Editor, short pieces sent in response to a magazine’s call for submissions (think “Tell us how YOU make being a mother and a career woman work!” and “Are YOU a stay-at-home dad?”), greeting card writing, and even any articles you’ve had published in print or email newsletters. Keep in mind that the clips you choose to submit don’t have to be published. Just make sure they are examples of your best work.

Some freelance writers prefer to send photocopies of their clips, which is fine, too. It may even impress the editor that you actually have been published. You never know.

Ultimately, your clips just need to be good. Period. They are what the editor will use to determine whether or not to hire you. After you get the dreaded rejection letter is not the time to speak up with, “Hey, wait a minute! What about this?”

Need more writing examples?