How Do I Start Freelance Writing? Ask Anne The Pro Writer

Hi Anne,

I am interested in freelance writing, but have no idea on how to start or where to start. I have a Bachelors of Liberal Arts in English.

Any sure fire tips would help. Especially if I could make a living out of it.

Thanks,

Hi EG,

When someone asks for ‘sure fire tips’ I’m always afraid they are looking for magic. There is none. Nor is there some secret those of us who make our living writing know that is in any way hidden from those who want to earn a living writing.

Yes, if you subscribe to my free newsletter you’ll also get the ebook, The 3 Keys To Making Your Writing Pay. It’s short, but if there are any secrets, you’ll find them there.

Do These Three Things

Essentially what you have to do to be a successful freelance writer is three things:

Write – nothing will happen if you don’t write.

Rewrite – none of us can get away without a whole lot of rewriting.

Market – you’ve got to market yourself and your writing. That may mean submitting to magazines, websites, making cold calls to businesses, contacting your local small weekly newsletter, or any number of other things.

You’ll find a great deal of information on this site, which is a great place to start.

Good luck,

[askanne]

Write well and often,

Two newsletters:
Abundant Freelance Writing - a resource for freelance writers including 3x a week job postings.
Writing With Vision - for those who want to get a book written.

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Tagged as: freelance writing

{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }

Lisa Mulka December 17, 2010 at 9:43 am

Great advice, especially the third item–Marketing. As someone transitioning from an office writing job to freelancing full-time, I am realizing just how important marketing is. While my day job had me writing with no need to market, freelancing is the opposite. I have spent far more time active marketing than writing and this proves an essential strategy in getting and maintaining clients. Thanks for the tips!

annew December 17, 2010 at 11:53 am: You’re welcome Lisa

Reply

Ronda Levine January 15, 2010 at 7:24 am

Networking – it goes with marketing. I’ve gotten a lot of business through social networking sites and local networking events.

I’d also suggest with marketing knowing the difference between active and passive marketing. Active marketing is when you find them – i.e. directories, cold calling, etc. Passive marketing is when they find you. In the beginning expect to do a lot more business from active marketing – but don’t overlook passive marketing! The idea is that eventually they will find you!

Carol Tice January 14, 2010 at 12:31 am

Well, I’m writing a 50-page ebook on breaking into freelance writing right now…but ultimately, I’m just providing a lot more detail on the 3 things above! Great concise post –

Carol Tice
http://www.caroltice.com
The Make a Living Writing blog:
.-= Carol Tice´s last blog ..The 7 Habits of Highly Paid Freelance Writers =-.