How to Get Started as a Freelance Writer

If you've ever dreamed of seeing your name in print, then working as a freelance writer may be for you. Let there be no mistake about it--it's not easy work. However, there is a real demand for good writers that can consistently write great articles for reasonable rates and meet deadlines. Although it may seem like a daunting task to establish yourself as a freelance writer, it's easy if you break it down into the following steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• A webpage
• A copy of the Associated Press style book

1. In order to build a freelance writing business where you can count on regular business, the first thing that you'll need to do is begin writing--about anything. So, get a pen and paper out or fire up your computer and jot down a list of things that you can write about. Everybody's an expert about something!

2. Begin publishing your articles on the Internet. There are a number of sites that will accept submissions from beginners and amateurs. Granted, they won't pay much but what you're trying to do is build a portfolio of written work--editors will always ask you for samples of your work.

3. If you don't have a website, look into registering a domain. The name should represent who you are and what you do and shouldn't exist anywhere else in a similar format.

4. Search the Internet for companies that will host your website for affordable rates. There are many companies that will host your website, provide you with regular visitor statistics and your own email addresses for as little as $3.95 a month.

5. Build your website. Your hosting company may be able to provide you with some beginning templates. Or, you can build your own using Microsoft's Frontpage, Macromedia Contribute 3 or Dreamweaver. If you're not interested in taking on the responsibility of writing your own webpage, investigate webpage designers that offer services at affordable rates.

6. Write. A LOT. After you've published your articles, be sure to post them on your website. Ultimately, you want people looking for you or your work to be able to find you using all of the major search engines.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be afraid of what to write. Just get busy.
• Avoid postponing your work while you "look for your voice."
• Try to write every day. Many professional writers have a goal of writing at least 1,000 words a day.
• Look for different slants on topics. There is always something to write about.
• Avoid sites that make you bid for jobs. Most of them are scams and you'll never get paid.
• Never go into a project without a clear understanding of your rates. Get a signed contract if you can that includes a kill fee.

[Yuwanda]

on 2/22/2008 Great advice on using website templates Allen. Getting a website is so easy now, but many are still intimidated by the process. My advice to all -- DON'T be. The web is easy for newbies to navigate. Basically click and point and you're done.