The Write Career: An Interview with Writer Sabah Karimi

7 July 2010 2 Comments

If you’re familiar with Associated Content, you’re probably familiar with Sabah Karimi, who was featured on The Early Show in 2008 for her work with Associated Content.

But what’s more remarkable is how fast she gained success working as a freelance writer: she had only written professionally for two years prior to winning Associated Content’s Content Producer of the Year award. She also released The AC Source Book in 2008, a blueprint for maximizing earnings with Associated Content. 2009 proved to be an equally fruitful year: Demand Studios honored her with their Top Content Creator award, an award only given to a handful of writers.

Today Sabah’s work can be seen on numerous travel and beauty websites, including The Frisky, Travels.com and Luxist.com.

So why did Sabah choose to become a freelance writer–and how did she become so successful at it? We spoke with Sabah about her rise to success and why she chose this career.

Q&A with Sabah

WJR: What did you do prior to freelancing?

Sabah: I was working as a Marketing and Operations Manager for a spa prior to freelancing full time. I made the transition into freelancing full time when I discovered how many opportunities there were for online writers. It took me about a year to turn writing and publishing for the web into a full-time career.

WJR: Why did you choose to transition to freelance writing?

Sabah: I chose to transition to freelance writing full-time because of the monetary benefits, for the challenge of running my own business, and to enjoy the freedom of having my own schedule. The biggest challenge during this period of transition was organizing my time and sticking with a production schedule each day.

WJR: What was it about freelance writing that captivated you?

Sabah: The flexibility and opportunity to make significantly more money than a full-time job were the biggest draws for me. I’m fairly self-disciplined and organized when it comes to working on my own, so I knew that I could be successful managing my own business. I enjoy the challenge of setting goals, and working towards achieving them.

WJR: What skills did you have to learn when you transitioned to freelance writing?

Sabah: I had to learn how to write search-engine optimized content, and how to balance that with an ‘authentic voice.’ Every client has very different needs – some clients need a marketing angle, while others want something more informal and creative. I had to learn how to write in different styles when creating blogs, articles, press releases and static web content.

I also had to learn how to find high-paying writing jobs, screen clients and set rates that would attract long-term clients. I learned a lot of these skills by researching online marketing forums, reading writer’s blogs, and networking with marketing professionals in the industry. Mediabistro.com and CyberJournaliset.net were also some good resources for me when I was first starting out.

We wish Sabah continued success as a writer and thank her for taking the time to speak with us.

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2 Comments »

ruchelle smith said:

This is my first time to visit your site. And your interview with Sabah Karimi is really full of interesting idea. This make me realize that I can be come famous too just like her.
ruchelle smith´s last blog ..How to win the lottery