By
eHow Careers & Work Editor
Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Step1
Have reasonable goals. Research the realities of the writing profession. Look up publisher statistics for annual submissions versus those accepted for publication. Explore numerous opportunities as a writer.
Step2
Work to build and establish a writing career before relinquishing another career. Calculate necessary income, investigate markets and cultivate clients before committing to writing full-time.
Step3
Set goals as a writer. Make a plan to contact at least three prospective clients each week or to write at least 20 pages each week. Set aside time to dedicate to reaching the goals.
Step4
Create a niche and cultivate a market. Decide on a particular kind of writing, like direct-mail letters, brochures, annual reports or Web content as a primary focus. Collect writing samples in a portfolio to show prospective clients.
Step5
Be sure to meet deadlines and keep promises. Respect editorial advice and take advantage of it. Expect clients to keep up their end of the deal, too.
Step6
Ignore the naysayers. Explain to people that a mere handful of writers actually write books and that only a few of them are hugely successful. Point out that writers create copy of all sorts, including brochures, Web copy and cereal boxes.
Step7
Stick with it. Find time to write every day. Believe that success will come.
