How to Start a Writing Business

If you have ever wanted to be a professional writer, there is no time like the present to learn. A professional writer isn't limited to print publications. There are many Internet and Web publications available to writers so the opportunity of places to launch your writing career is endless. Read on to learn how to start a writing business.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer
• Internet Access
• Research skills
• Paper
• Pens
• Printer
• Telephone
• Voicemail
• Email address
• Quiet workspace
• Computer disks
• Notepads
• Postage
• Envelopes
• Data Stick

1. Research all you can about professional writing and the different types of writing opportunities available. Writing books and magazines are valuable resources for any writer--beginner or expert. From there you can gain advice and even discover what kinds of writing you would like to do if you haven’t already thought about it.
2. Set a fair fee for your services. Only you will know what you can charge for the writing you are doing. Some writers factor in the word count and the time it takes to research while others place an hourly fee for their writing services. It is all up to you on how to properly price yourself.
3. Create a plan that will detail what you want to accomplish as a writer and how you want to get there. Perhaps you are only interested in writing for trade publications or fiction. It isn’t necessary to make a complex plan. Something simple that states what you want to do and how you anticipate doing it will suffice.
4. Build clips to send to editors and publishers. Your clips are samples of your work that can be previously published works or writing samples. The clips will give an editor or publisher a view of your talents and ability for the project.
5. Apply to the writing projects that interest you the most. The fastest way to burn out is to take on projects that have little to no interest to you. Enjoy the work you are doing and it will come through in your writing. An editor will be able to notice if you simply threw a piece together in order to get paid.
6. Construct a portfolio that accompanies your queries to the projects you apply to. A portfolio will be a working resume of sorts as it lists your published work. Depending on the type of writing you are doing, editors like diversity in their writers. Even so, finding a niche works well for writers also and doesn’t hurt their ability to gain writing projects.

Tips & Warnings

• Write everyday. Even if only to apply for a project and create samples.
• Schedule your time.
• Make yourself available to your clients only during your scheduled work time.
• Don't be afraid to specialize in one field of writing or another.
• Beware of scams.
• Never take on a new client without a contract.