As a freelance writer, writing greeting cards is another string you can add to your not so tight bow. Obviously the best thing about writing greeting cards is that they are short and to the point. They are fairly easy to do, but it depends on how  willing you are to expand your creativity. This field of writing, stands out on its own, in that you write in another voice, as opposed to a style. It’s not enough to merely write down five or six lines of verse, it’s about being able to see feeling and emotions seep through the card.

When you purchase a card, you are basically extending your words to the other person. With some people, they need a card to express how they feel. Words have meaning, but the meaning is more enhanced when it is in print. Even though most cards are mass produced, when someone receives a card, it’s like receiving a specially made card.  So a successful writer would need to be able to convey this skill. Naturally, practice makes perfect and in time, writing greeting cards can get easier. It’s always an idea to keep a portfolio or your work in advance for quick submission. (as with any writing).

Before you start, check out the current market for styles, verses and not forgetting the Publishers name at the back of the cards. Keep abreast of  changes both economic and social, because this can sometimes reflect in the call for unusual type cards. Also if you are a UK writer wanting to write for the US market and vice versa, be aware of the differing language. Yes even though the verses are short, there are differences in style, language and length. For example the  lush, cutesy, sweet cards from the UK are generally just that, but I find  similar cards in the US are more flowery and sugary with more length. It’s almost like putting three more spoonfuls of honey on a slice of toast, instead of the usual one. Hey, but that’s just my opinion!

Oatmeal Studios (US based) specializes in greeting cards that are humorous. You don’t have to be a dab hand at drawing, but just so long as you can describe a picture through words. They are always on the look-out for the special birthdays, e.g  21, 30, 40, belated birthdays, get well soon, new baby etc. You submit your idea on a 3×5 card and on the reverse, you add your contact details. I believe they pay $75.

The Greeting Card Association (UK based) is one of the biggest Trade association for the greeting card industry in the UK. They have, at the time of writing 51 online members who are greeting card companies. You can contact them direct to enquire about submission criteria. I will at some stage be compiling a list of UK companies and submission requirements.

Blue Mountain (US based) accept submissions on friendship, family, love and any other creative ideas. They do not however, accept rhyming verse. They pay around $300 if your submission is accepted.

Black Reefer lists a range of greeting card companies for people of colour and also include specialist cards such as Kwanzaa and Christian

1800miti.com list over 100 greeting card companies, worldwide, including the UK, the US, Australia, India, Thailand and South Africa.