How to Become a Freelance Writer

Freelance writing isn't for everyone. I've known people who became writers because they wanted to work from home, or they needed extra money to pay off debts. There's nothing wrong with this. In fact, getting out of debt was my motivation.

But if truth be told, everyone isn't cut out to be a writer. And before you can grow as a writer and build a successful business, you've got to be honest with yourself.

Do you need to brush up on your grammar skills? Can you write a coherent sentence? Do you really want to be a writer, or are you looking for an easy way to earn extra cash?

I firmly believe that every writer improves with time. The more you write, the better you become. Still, it doesn't hurt to hone your skills before applying for a job.

I have to say, this is one of the most competitive fields. You're going to go up against professional writers with degrees and years of journalism experience. Moreover, you're in competition with freelance writers who know the ins and outs of writing for the web. They've perfected their craft, and they know how to sell themselves.

As a new writer with no experience, all you have is your writing skills. And if your skills aren't up to par, the chances of finding a job are low.

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Check Out A Few Resources for the New Writer
Confident Grammar
Six Figure Writer

Now that you've made the decision to be a freelance writer, and you've taken the steps to hone your writing skills, it's time to find work.

I've been a freelance writer for almost six years. I spent the first couple of years submitting department columns and first-person pieces to small publications. In 2003, I discovered the world of web copywriting.

Since then, I've written more than a 1,000 articles for web-based publications, which have included travel guides, blogs, how-to articles, personal finance articles, health-related articles, and so forth.

Still, I haven't forgotten my print roots, and the tools that helped me land my first jobs. Regardless of whether you plan to focus your attention on print or online media, you've got to invest in a Writer's Writer. This publication is the freelance writer's professional Bible.

Aside from including contact information and guidelines for every imaginable magazine and book publisher, Writer's Market offers tips on how to price freelance projects, how to write a query, how to format a manuscript, and much more.

Every serious writer needs a copy of this book in their library!

You're browsing the freelance writing job boards, and you come across the perfect opportunity. It's a subject you love and the pay is excellent. It's time to apply. You read the application guidelines, and the job poster wants to see writing clips - your heart drops.

You're probably thinking, "I'm a new writer, I don't have any clips." Sadly, you move on and attempt to get your mind off the job.

Every writer has a starting point, and you'll occasionally come across jobs that want to see published clips. However, if the job doesn't specifically ask for "published" clips, then you can submit any type of writing sample.

Prior to applying for a writing job, I recommend that every new writer take a couple of days and write about three or four pieces of fresh content. These will become your samples.

Choose different topics. For example, create an article on personal finance, health, real estate, or relationships. Or better yet, take it a step further and create a blog. It takes ten minutes to set up a blog, and you can start publishing content immediately. Plus, it's free.

Sign up for a free Blogger or Wordpress account and get started today.

Check out how to get started as a freelance writer without clips.

Ultimately, I want to become a regular magazine writer. I've been a freelance writer for six years, and I've written content for print and online publications.

Most of my work is published on the Internet, and my regular writing opportunities are for online publications. Still, I love to see my name in print. But I can't knock the Internet.

There are pros and cons to writing for the web. Well, actually one con and many pros. Getting a job on the Internet is much easier (in my opinion) than getting a magazine job. I can usually apply for a job or submit a query letter via e-mail, and receive a response within a couple of days.

When applying for a magazine opportunity, it can take months to receive a response, and even longer to receive payment.

On the contrary, the majority of my web-based clients pay weekly or monthly. Payments are sent through PayPal, so I rarely have to worry about bounced checks or going to the bank.

Anyone who wants to get paid to write on the Internet needs to setup a PayPal account. Ninety percent of your clients will likely use this payment method. It's fast, simple, and free.

Nobody likes them. In fact, everyone hates them. But if you're serious about becoming a freelance writer, you've got to see rejections as a part of life... or at least a freelance writer's life.

There are many reasons behind a rejected manuscript, query, or resume. I know you don't want to hear this, but sometimes, you're to blame. I think every writer makes this mistake. Picture this: you stumble upon the perfect writing opportunity. The pay's great, you love the topic, it has your name written all over it.

Like a speed demon, you throw together a query letter or resume, and send it to the editor without giving it a thorough look through. What you fail to realize is that the query or resume contains several typos and grammatical errors. You can kiss that opportunity good-bye.

But most of the time, it doesn't matter how well you write a query letter, nor does experience matter. Editors receive hundreds of submissions each week. And honestly, they don't have the time or energy to filter through the pile.

I once read that editors rarely get pass the first paragraph in a manuscript or query. Therefore, freelance writers are under great pressure. Not only do we have to brainstorm un-touched ideas, but we also have to find a way to make our manuscript or query stand out. We've got to grab the editor's attention - or hook them. This takes patience and persistence. Sometimes we win, and sometimes we lose. But that doesn't mean we should give up.

People rarely strike gold on their first attempt, and if you want to be a successful freelance writer or journalist, you've got to pay your dues. But in the meantime, here are a few tips to help you deal with rejection and get through the day with a smile.

1. Don't take it personal: I know...it's hard. You devote infinite hours to creating a masterpiece. Wait six months for a response. And then it happens, the dreaded form rejection letter.

2. Keep writing: If you're new to the business, you can expect a lot of rejection letters. Be assured, rejection isn't necessarily a reflection of your writing skills. Again, editors and publishers receive thousands of submissions from talented writers. And unfortunately, there isn't enough room in their publications. Rather than view rejections as a sign that you're a bad writer, keep plugging away.

3. Re-evaluate your writing skills: Although rejections are inevitable, too many rejections can indicate a bigger problem. Some people have brilliant ideas. However, they can't transfer these ideas to paper...at least not coherently. If you can't seem to get your break as a writer, maybe it's time to brush up on your writing and grammar skills. Have someone read your work and get their honest opinion.

4. Target smaller publications: Like most freelance writers, I had big plans for myself in the beginning. I was going to become a successful magazine writer and command $1,000 or more per article. Then reality happened, and I realized opportunities like this are far in between.

Although I haven't had my name published in a national publication, I have been published in small newspapers and magazines. Smaller publications are perfect for new writers...they're a stepping stone to bigger paying opportunities.

If you have a talent for creative writing, and would like to earn $50 or more per idea, consider becoming a professional greeting card writer.

Greeting card companies are always searching for new greeting card ideas. If your idea gets published by a large greeting card publisher, you'll can walk away from the deal with $300.00 in your pocket.

Writing for greeting cards is a lot easier said than done. Each market has it's own unique style and voice, and adapting our writing to their style is often difficult. Plus, greeting card markets look for fresh ideas and wording. They receive hundreds of submissions. If you want your ideas to stand out, you've got to be creative and use new punch-lines and phrases.

If you would like more information on how to become a greeting card writer, Click Here for more details.

Many people have discovered how to make extra money online. Freelance writing is a potentially lucrative career that let's you work from any location worldwide.

If you're an expert in a particular topic or field, and willing to share your knowledge and expertise with others, discover the secrets of writing your own e-book and earn substantial profits.

Within 7 days you can create your own e-book, operate a low-risk business, and generate passive income 24 hours a day. All you need is knowledge and good writing skills.

If looking for a career that promises freedom and flexibility, Learn How to Write Your Own E-Book in 7 days!

If you enjoy writing and are looking for a way to earn an income from home, a freelance writing career may be the solution. Freelance writing has several benefits, and a few drawbacks. Even so, a few drawbacks are to be expected with any profession.

Consider the benefits of a writing career, and decide whether freelancing writing is right for you.

1. Freedom: With a freelance writing career, you can come and go as you please. No more punching a time clock or submitting time-off requests. Plus, you can work from any location. All you need is a laptop and wireless Internet access.

2. Increase Income: If you want to supplement your income or earn substantially more money, freelance writing might be the ticket. It takes time to build a profitable freelance business. The key is finding a few regular clients. Apply for jobs on a daily basis and don't give up!

If you're ready to start your freelance writing career, Click Here! and learn the 30-Minute Article Writing System.

If you have excellent writing skills and looking for a way to make money online, launch a freelance writing career and enjoy the freedom of working from home.

Anyone with good writing skills, a computer, and reliable Internet connection can start and earn a great income as a freelance writer.

Online writing is one of the easiest ways to break into the business. New writers typically begin their career as a web content developer or online copywriter. The opportunities are endless, and webmasters are prepared to pay top dollars for quality content.

Different ways to make money on the web include:

1. Online Travel Writer
2. Search Engine Optimized Content Writer
3. Resume Writer
4. Copywriter
5. Medical Writer
6. Ghostwriter
7. and more....

Learn how to Get Paid to Write on the Internet
and start your freelance writing career today!

There are many ways to make money as an online freelance writer, and the benefits are enormous.

The majority of freelance writers work from home and correspond with their clients via e-mail. Plus, writers with a laptop computer and wireless Internet can operate a mobile business and work from anywhere in the world.

In the beginning, it can be difficult for new writers to find regular or consistent clients. However, once you've established a strong client base and a good reputation, the opportunities will flow!

The online writing opportunities are huge, and there are many resources to help new writers discover a niche.

If looking for an online writing job, discover:
How to Start a Career as a Medical Writer
Learn How to Write a Children's Book
Write an Article in 30-Minutes!

Associated Content is a great place to publish your articles and promote yourself as a writer. Content producers can write on any topic, and receive payments that range on average from $5 - $20. Write quality content and get noticed as a professional writer. I've written many articles for Associated Content, which have resulted in higher paying assignments.


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