Like every other professional, a freelance writer needs to have a good business card to present at networking events and conferences. It’s also handy to mail out with queries, proposals and pitches.
As an editor, I often kept a writer’s business card even though I rejected his query—I know it’s useful for a writer to have a good card.
So I’ve asked on my various social networks to get up-to-date recommendations on what to include—and not include—on your business card. Here’s my take:
DO:
• Include your logo prominently. If you don’t have a logo, display your name prominently. As a writer, your name is your brand.
• Provide contact information including your website URL, e-mail address and phone number. For security reasons, I recommend against including your home address. If you feel it’s necessary to include a mailing address, go to your local post office and get a P.O. box.
• Leave plenty of white space: It’s easier on the eyes and gives you and your contacts room to scribble notes or a signature.
• Use heavy card stock: It better withstands the heavy wear-and-tear of being shoved in a pocket or bag at a conference or other networking event.
DON’T:
• Include a headshot of yourself. I know as a writer you have to be out there in public and your face seems like a natural part of your identity, but tread cautiously here. I posted a question (on LinkedIn) about including headshots on your business card. More than 30 people from a wide array of business sectors responded, the majority saying that this isn’t a good idea (words like “cheesy,” “narcissistic” and “realtor” were being thrown around). So I’ve decided not to include a headshot on my business cards, but like all personal branding issues, this is highly subjective.
• Use glossy paper, because it makes jotting little notes difficult.
• Clutter up your card with stock art or other visuals unless it’s something that is integral to your brand as a writer.
I’ve priced out FedEx/Kinko’s and have found their rates competitive. They deliver raised print business cards in three days. Alternatively, you’ll find many local printers print cards, too, if you like to stay with local vendors.
So what’s on your business card? I’d like to hear from you in the comments section here or join the discussion on the forum.
-Maria Schneider
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Maria,
Also check prices at places like Staples, Office Depot, etc. I used to default to ‘that copy place’ for manuscript copies until my sister informed me that I was nuts not to go to the office supply stores instead. I checked, next time I needed to do some copies, and sure enough, they were cheaper. Same thing may be true of business cards. You might save a few bucks.
~jon
Maria, I had business cards made a couple of months ago and included my headshot because I had heard it recommended by other writers and in writers groups, etc. The rationale is that it helps editors/agents, etc. remember who you are after meeting you, rather than just seeing the card and not being able to put a face with it. I included plenty of white space on it, too, along with my contact info so was glad to hear that was one of your recommendations.
{Personally, I would like to have my face on business cards. Two reasons-Number one, I think it seems like to much “clutter” on the card, and secondly I certainly would not want to be judged by my looks for my business.}
I personally designed my card for first impressions. Once I’m recognized and if the person is interested in my book I’ll become bookmarked on the person’s browser. The card served its intended purpose and becomes somewhat superfluous.
Tick my name to bring up a pdf file of the printing. Constructive criticism welcomed.
Honestly? I get mine at VistaPrint. I pay for premium, I can upload my logo, and I save a fortune. My cards have been complimented by nearly everyone I hand them to. They’re heavy and they are professional. In fact, the ones I paid $200 for don’t look nearly as nice.
Hey, Lori. I really like the VistaPrint site. Very nice. Thanks for the tip.
~jon
I have my name, e-mail, phone # and blog address on my cards. They are blue with ripples of water for the design. Blank on the back. Office Max. No head shots or glossy paper.
The favorite card I ever received was from a stay at home mom. It had her name, number and the slogan, “Important enough to have my own cards.”
I’m having business cards designed right now! I hired my good friend Dara, at http://www.blessedink.com, to design them for me. She typically charges $10/25. I know I can get them cheaper but I love Dara’s work and I don’t need too many. Thanks for the tips, Maria. I told Dara I wanted my address on them but now I think I’m going to ask her to take it off.
Very helpful.
Three weeks ago I ordered new business cards for my freelance technical and script writing work. I did get them on the glossy paper. It is only the front, but I understand why the glossy look may not be so helpful.
On the front:my name & title, company name, logo, slogan, fax and mobile #s, PO Box address, email and url…On the back: my slogan and url.
Geez that seems like a lot? Good thing I only ordered 250.
Thanks a bunches Maria. I have followed you over from WD. Really grateful you are still in the writer’s blogosphere.
A business card should be more than just a standalone marketing piece. It should play a major role in building relationships–or a marketing funnel–with prospective readers and clients.
As such, the most important function of your business card should be to encourage the recipient to visit your website and sign-up for your e-mail newsletter so you can keep in touch with them.
The easiest way to build your list–which translates to your author platform–is to offer an added incentive for signing up for your e-mail newsletter.
Tip sheets make excellent incentives. They are easily created and universally liked.
It amazes me that so many business cards are printed on only one side, wasting the “selling” area on the back of the card!
Check out PSprint.com and 48hourprint.com for great prices on business cards. I had mine done that way, and they turned out beautifully: 4-color, two-sided glossy card stock with rounded edges.
The P.O. box is a good idea – I think you need some kind of address because it adds a sense of credibility, esp. in a time with so many scam artists out there! I think another important point to add is that your business card is an extension of your brand, and it should carry on design elements from your letterhead, business envelopes, general business brochures and any other paper items that you give to customers.
Very helpful article. When a person uses the social networking sites for business promotion purposes, how do you feel about including those particular logos (especially LinkedIn) on business cards? I would like to include that on my own cards I am designing, but I have yet to find a way to incorporate the logo in a design-friendly way. I cannot get it to look intentional instead of the logo looking “stuck” in there someplace. Your thoughts on this are greatly appreciated.
There’s a lot of common sense in those words. Interestingly, much of it is applicable for other kinds of business as well and not just freelance writing.
I made my own personal writer card using a photo of my Underwood Noiseless typewriter at Zazzle.com and have sold quite a few of them to other writers as well. Many people have complimented me on the card and I have recieved quite a few writng assignments from it. It’s important to have a good card that stands out from the rest
In addition to the usual contact information, I’d recommend leaving a signature line or tagline that captures your writing style. That will make you more memorable. For example, my books tend to have a lot of dark, quirky comedy, so my tagline is “Brian McKenzie: Putting the laughter in manslaughter since 1987.” What do you think?
I suspect that an effective line will make an editor think “I want THAT guy.”
At the very least, I would recommend providing a line describing what kind of writing you specialize in.
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Thanks for your informative blog.
I include in my calling card the general things/roles that I do: Teacher/ Writer/ Translator/ Blogger…
I still need to make a new set of calling cards.
I, too, adore VistaPrint. Even with full customization, it’s affordable and very professional-looking.
I’ve decided to go with the “resume” card strategy that has bulleted lists of skills and beat areas on the front, along with e-mail, phone numbers and blog site. I’m having them printed locally for a couple of reasons: (a) the online sites sugguest cheesy graphics like antique typewriters on your card if you’re a writer and (b) the paper on those sites is never of the quality you get with a local printer.