Today is SpecialtyBuzz day, and our specialty freelance writer guest this week is grant writer Zipporah Daniels-Browne. As you will see below, Zipporah has been writing grants for a number of years, and has a few tips for you potential freelance grant writers out there.

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

I begin my career in fundraising at Covenant House New York (a nonprofit organization that caters to 18-21 year old at-risk youth).  It was fate that led to the industry. I have experience in direct mail fundraising and special events, but what I specialize in and have become an expert in is corporate, foundation and government grant writing.

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

1. Have a passion for wanting to help others

2. Be able to tell a compelling story on paper

3. Understand that the pay is not the same as in the for-profit industry.

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

It’s a little bit of both.  Anybody can write, but to tell a compelling story about an organization’s mission and service take training and technique.

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

Currently the economy.  A lot of corporations have shifted their funding priorities and are only giving to organizations they’ve supported in the past.  So the pool of potential corporations has shrunk from an ocean to a very small lake.

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

The current market for this industry is nonprofit organizations and start ups saving money without having to hire a full time staff person with benefits.

What do you enjoy most about your specialty?

Being able to tell a compelling story that results in a corporation or foundation writing a check to support the organization’s mission and services.

What do you enjoy least about your specialty?

What I enjoy the least is proof reading.

How would you suggest networking within your specialty? Social Networking via  www.mashable.com, Association of Grant Writers www.agwa.us, Association of Fundraising Professionals www.afpnet.org.

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

If you have a passion for helping others then this is the field for you.

Zipporah H. Daniels-Browne is a Resource Development Director and Grant Writer.  She accumulated her knowledge from Dowling College (B.A./Sociology/Anthropology, Minor/Business Management) Metropolitan University of New York (Master Degree in Public Administration), Covenant House New York (homeless at-risk youth ages 18-21), Food Bank of South Jersey (under the leadership of Valerie Traore) and Presby’s Inspired Life an adult senior living community helping elderly adult with assisted and independent living. She resides in the Southern region of New Jersey with her Husband Adrian Browne and their two children Ciera and Aiden.

Are you a specialst freelance writer interested in sharing your expertise with new freelance writers in this very spot? I would love to interview you for SpecialtyBuzz. Please leave a message in the comments or contact me at here for more details.