It’s SpecialtyBuzz day again, which means that I am sharing an interview with a freelance writer who specializes in a certain subject or area.

Today’s specialist is Holly Patrick, and works in a field near and dear to my own heart – nonprofit writing. Do you want to do good and make money? Then maybe this is the interview for you.

Also, are you a freelance writer with a specialty? If so, please contact me about the possibility of being featured in a future SpecialtyBuzz segment.

What is your specialty and how did you get started in that particular area?

I specialize in writing for nonprofit, community and philanthropic organizations.  I chose this field because I have spent my entire professional life working in nonprofit organizations related to education, immigration, youth, the environment and poverty.  I have served these organizations in various capacities, including as a writer and editor.

What are three things a writer needs to know before choosing to specialize in your area of specialty?

It is important to be familiar with the types of writing for which nonprofit organizations typically hire writers – grant proposals, direct marketing appeals, annual reports, etc.  It is also a good idea to find out what kind of budget the organization has, so you have an idea of what kind of fee you can expect to charge for your work.  Obviously, nonprofits generally have tighter budgets than for-profit organizations, but some have more resources than others.  Finally, it helpful to know as much as you can about the organization, because your writing will be used in a variety of forms that represent the organization and its mission to donors, beneficiaries and the general public.

Does writing in your specialty require any particular training or could a layman pick it up?

The only case in which special training might be particularly useful is in grant writing.  There are courses in this type of writing, and they are useful, given that nonprofits are always looking for funding and are often seeking experienced grant writers.

Are there any potential pitfalls associated with specializing in your area?

Because nonprofits rely on grants and donations to pay the bills, when there is a decrease in donations, there may be a decrease in job opportunities as well.

What is the current market for writing in your specialty? Who is buying and who is selling?

Nonprofits are suffering in the current economy as the need for their services goes up and their ability to raise money goes down.  However, the benefit of being a freelancer in this market is that you can provide these agencies with your services and they don’t feel committed to hiring you on staff, with all the costs associated with that.

What do you enjoy most about your specialty?

I am able to work for organizations that I respect and help them fulfill their important missions.  By working for different nonprofits that focus on a variety of issues, I am able to use my writing skills to help create positive change in various ways in local and global communities.

What do you enjoy least about your specialty?

Because nonprofit organizations often utilize volunteers in their work, there is a sometimes an expectation that my services will be provided on a volunteer basis.  (I sometimes have to explain, as I imagine many freelancers do, that “freelance” is not the same as ”free!”)

How would you suggest networking within your specialty?

There are organizations, such as the Georgia Center for Nonprofits in Atlanta and the National Association of Fundraisers that offer an opportunity to network with other professionals in the nonprofit sector.  It is also a good idea to read publications such as the Nonprofit Times and the Chronicle of Philanthropy, to keep abreast of issues you might be asked to write related to the nonprofit industry.

What advice would you give to freelance writers interested in specializing in your area?

The most important thing is to learn all about the mission and the work of each nonprofit organization for which you write. You can do this by reading as much of their current content as possible (their website, annual report, brochures, etc.), which will also help you to acquire the “language” of that particular organization.  You will need to learn this language in order to be the voice of that agency.

Holly Patrick is a freelance writer specializing in nonprofit, community and philanthropic organizations.  Her current clients include CARE USA and HandsOn Network.  She has spent 20 years in the nonprofit sector and has a Bachelor’s Degree in English from the University of the South in Sewanee, TN and a Master’s Degree in Applied Linguistics/Teaching English as a Second Language from Georgia State University in Atlanta.  She also enjoys writing humorous pieces, a sample of which can be found at her blog:  Stupid Reasons You’re Still Single.