How to Become a Freelance Writer

It's your dream to wake up and work in your pajamas all day and earn money from home. Maybe you love the written word and want to turn your passion into a career. Or perhaps you are simply sick of working for "the man." Whatever your reason for considering a career in freelance writing, with a little dedication, a whole lot of go get'um attitude and the ability to write, the sky is the limit for the freelance writer!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Get a degree. This is not necessary, but it will certainly help you land jobs and learn the correct mechanics of writing. You can even get a degree online with an accredited school these days. One great online school is University of Maryland, University College (UMUC). They offer a Bachelor of Arts program in communication studies that is very complementary to a career in writing.

2. Get clips. Even if this means you have to offer your writing services for free a few times, it is well worth it. Offer your writing services to local newspapers, blogs, newsletters, non-profits, or churches. You might be surprised at how quickly you can build up a respectable pile of clips.

3. Pick up the book, Writer's Market, from Amazon. This is the #1 go-to source for freelance writers. No freelance writer would be caught dead without this invaluable reference. In it, you will find tips on how and where to find work, submission guidelines, a listing of agents and much more.

4. Create a Web presence. Whether you build a website or simply upload your clips to a blog, it is critical to your career that you maintain an updated Web presence. It is so much easier to refer people to your clips if they simply have to click on a website link rather than having to download multiple large attachments.

5. Apply, apply, apply. Utilizing sources such as Craigslist and JournalismJobs, apply for jobs as often as you can. Because the freelance writing world is so competitive, it pays to get up early and begin perusing the sites on a regular basis throughout the day. This will allow you to see jobs as they are posted and to be more competitive by being one of the first to apply.

[JennyHenny]

on 9/1/2008 This was great - I've been trying to figure how to start - thanks for the ideas!