How to become a freelance writer

Becoming a freelance writer is a path paved with the opportunity to write for a range of publications on just about any topic or subject. You could write for online publications or try to get something published in your local paper. Magazine, journal and newsletter numbers are growing all the time so the work is out there - you just need to know how to get it and where to start.

The freelance writer

As a freelance writer you typically won't have a boss or permanent employer so you will need to get out there and find the work yourself. A lot of people go into freelancing with the idea that it's going to be mainly writing. In my experience, it's the other way round.

Writing only accounts for about 30% to 40% of your time - the other part is marketing yourself and your services so that the projects keep coming in and you can put food on the table.

Freelance writing is a continual struggle to finish projects and at the same time, keep chasing up new leads for work. When you become a celebrity writer the jobs will come to you - till then it's up to you to find them for yourself.

Its important to stay up-to-date with current events and the latest developments because the next project could ask you to write extensively on one of these. Read the newspaper, check the internet and do your research.

One of my first tips when you do receive a project is to make sure both parties understand the terms and conditions. This will save a lot of problems later on. You both need to understand the terms of payment and what is required. The more specific you are, the less chance of a disagreement later on.

Getting Started

Starting out as a freelancer is very competitive. The writing industry has a had a surge of 'wanna-be' writers and people jumping onto the idea that freelance writing is an easy way to make some money. Until you've established yourself - it's not that easy.

Take a writing course or workshop if you do not have an English, journalism or related degree. You need to hear writing instructors and other writers comment on the quality of your work, and you need the experience of having to write well on deadline.

You will need to develop a portfolio of work and a 'writers' CV or resume. The resume should be geared towards your marketable assets as a writer - what is it that makes you a brilliant writer? Can you prove it?

In your resume or CV - use short sentences with each paragraph to make it easy to read and clearly outline your qualifications or related experience for the job.

Normally you will only have a few seconds to make an impact on your prospective client - this can make the difference between hiring you or someone else.

I don't know of anyone who will hire you without some proof that you can write so putting a writing portfolio together is a must.

Write a blog, submit an article to a local newspaper, write for voluntary organizations, or contribute to a work publication. Try to get your work out there to begin with so that you can start building up a respectable portfolio. A lot of freelance writers will contribute to local community newspapers/letters as a way of establishing credibility as a published writer.

In the early days, many writers stick to a 'niche' subject they can write confidently about and keep a handle on although a good freelance writer can research and write about any topic when required.

If you decided concentrating on a subject niche, seek out magazine publications - online and offline - on your chosen topic.

If you do not wish to bid for online work contracts at some of the sites listed below until you have gained confidence in your work then you can start your freelance career by seeking out publications in your chosen field that accept articles e.g. if your interest is in fishing go to your local outlet selling magazines and see if they accept article contributions (this can usually be found near the inside of the front cover in most magazines)

Send a query letter or email your chosen publication/s with your subject ideas and an outline of your proposed article and how they may contact you if interested.

However, expect to wait some time - sometimes up to three weeks or more if approaching offline publications for a reply as most editors are very busy people.

Using the internet to get work

The internet has made it a lot easier to build up a career as a freelance writing professional.

Here are some places to start. Some are free whilst others will make you register with your resume.

• http://www.writerfind.com/ (international)
• http://www.freelancewriters.com/
• http://freelancing4money.com/
• http://www.worldwidefreelance.com/ (international)
• http://www.elance.com/
• http://www.travelwriters.com/ (for travel writers)
• http://www.freelancewriting.com/
• http://www.writerswrite.com/

You could also joining online writing groups, local writing clubs and writing collectives. These groups will not only help you find work but also help you with the quality of your writing as your colleagues give you feedback.

Paid blog writers is another growing area and could be well worth looking into. The style of work is typically more casual than magazine articles but you will be paid a lot less and be expected to write more frequently.

• http://www.problogger.net has a job board with some paid blogging positions.

Some other tips

• Be honest with yourself about the quality of your writing skills. Chances are excellent that a busy editor will not continue to read your submission if they see a lot of grammatical errors.
• Buy the current year's "Writer's Market". In addition to listing numerous publishing houses and consumer magazines, it gives integral information that all writers must know - such as how to write a query letter - and an overview of the business end of a writing career.
• Very few freelance writers become wealthy. Many have other jobs to make ends meet.
• You must expect rejection and develop a thick skin when you experience it.
• Try to stay positive, focused and if you really want to be a freelance writer then you'll get there
• When you get a project off a new customer, try to give it your best effort because repeat customers are extremely valuable

If you've always wondered about becoming a freelance writer then now is to time to give it a try. The market is competitive but if you are committed to giving it a real go then it's definitely worth a shot. It can be a lot of fun, you will learn a lot and hopefully make some cash in the process.

Good luck!