How to Get Started in Freelance Writing
How to Get Started in Freelance Writing
Freelance writing is an attractive career to get into, as it allows you to have the possibility of being able to work from home. Brew coffee when you would like. Take breaks when you want, etc. If you are passionate about writing, you will be building a career with love and enthusiasm. On the flipside, you must understand that taking up freelance writing is a big step and can be a bit more complicated than just sitting down and writing constantly. You will become the sole owner of your writing business, as well as the only employee.
This is the essence of being self-employed. You will become responsible for accounting, marketing, advertising, selling, communications, promotions, planning, organization, cleaning, and (of course) writing. It takes hard work, perseverance, dedication, and good business skills to survive in this business. A little luck on your side won’t hurt either. Many beginners get overwhelmed by the unexpected and required tasks involved. However, if you truly love to write, it is all worth it - especially getting paid for your something that you formerly viewed as just a hobby!
Get Started with the Essentials:
Here’s some wonderful news for you - you don’t need to make much of an investment to begin this journey, considering you probably already own a computer. First you need to start thinking about where in your home you would like to conduct your work. Is the current location of your computer the best spot to be working in? Maybe the other corner of the living room will offer more space. Scope out the best office space in your home, as private as you can manage. It’s also important to have a discussion with your family about your freelancing plans. Include children in this conversation, even if they are small. Let them know that you will be working from home, and how often you plan to be working. Inform them that this is not a hobby, but that you will be building a career. Also tell them that you will need some private and quiet time when you are working. Small children may not always (or ever) understand that part. I find it easier to work at nap time, bed time, or during school.
Supplies for Your New Office:
* Printer and ink
* Scanner
* Fax machine
* Notebooks
* Assortment of envelopes
* Stamps
* Assortment of Paper (printer paper, scratch paper)
* Reference books (dictionary, thesaurus, style manuals)
* Storage space (file box, desk organizers, etc.)
* Pens
* Writable CDs to back up your information
Read and Learn:
Search the web for information for beginning freelance writers. There are countless resources out there for you, and you will not have a difficult time finding information and help.
This will allow you to learn from other’s writing experiences. Don’t be afraid to apply their advice right away. Learning through trial and error is how every beginning writer gets their start in the field. You will make some mistakes, but you will survive. The only mistake I wouldn’t want anyone to make is writing for free. You do not have to write for free to build a writing portfolio. If you really want to go this route though, you certainly have the alternative to volunteer for a nonprofit organization, or write for a very low fee.
Get to Work:
Begin to collect markets, which are publication’s writer’s guidelines. They will tell you what you need to know about writing for that particular publication. Many websites for writers have links to writer’s guidelines. Seek out the ones you would like to write for. Keep an updated and growing database of markets you would like to get published in. Send queries or submissions on a regular basis. Start setting goals for yourself, and working on improving your writing. Before you know it you will be turning down assignments!
Resources:
Here are some great resources to help educate you about this industry:
Writer’s Digest
http://www.writersdigest.com/GeneralMenu/
Absolute Write
http://www.absolutewrite.com
Writersweekly.com
http://www.writersweekly.com/markets_and_jobs.php
