What is the best way for a new, inexperienced freelancer writer to get work.?

Question

I am a writer who is new to freelance writing and I am finding it very difficult to find work. People don't want to take a chance on a beginning writer. How do I get started? Does anyone have any tips or techniques or just helpful info for a new writer on getting work and keeping a steady flow of work coming in?

~Mona

Maybe you are confused (or maybe its me that is confused), but you DO NOT have to have a degree to be a writer. Many of our great authors and writers did not study writing or obtain a degree in writing and have become famous writers, so I don't think having a degree in writing or journalism is mandatory.

Answer 1

You're going to have to start pounding the proverbial pavement. Send out resumes and cover letters, maybe add a digital portfolio sample -- to any and all businesses that could use your services. Make sure that what you have to present is attention-getting... you only get one chance to make that first impression.

I would start with publishing companies... scour the internet for the smaller ones (meaning not Simon & Schuster or Random House). And being freelance, you don't have to stay within your geographic area.

If you have a specific area of interest, move on to that next. Even places that you wouldn't think of needing a writer, send out your info. Sometimes places will know someone that DOES need a writer and pass your name along. Think of it as free advertising.

Freelancing is a tough gig. Hopefully you have a backup source of income for a while, as a lot of places don't pay until the job's done, and then there's a 15- to 30-day billing cycle. But above all, you'll have to develop a thick skin (if you don't have one already), because it IS a tough industy, and if things get to you too easily, they'll chew you up before you know it.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Be prolific, but offer quality. WWW general search works for sites/links. So too will your local library,,,Writers magazines, back sections classifieds///GIGS,,,Craigslist.com, Etc. Etc. Etc.

I've been a writer for approximately 50 years, and have published, but also have been rejected. Don't take a rejection as a personal attack, but as a lesson,,, A trophy even,,,if critiques are offered.

If writing truly is a passion, then it won't leave you, unless you deny it's existance.

Other avenues,,, Greeting card publishers, E books/magazines, newspapers looking for freelance. contract writers for filler material, self publishing.

Steady is relative, and anyone involved in the arts should be prepared to enjoy peanut butter,,,often.

Unless you happen to fall into a JK Rowling situation, don't quit your day job.

Good luck.

Steven Wolf

Answer 4

You have to do some research and find magazines that will publish freelance writers. You also need to find magazines that will publish your type of stories/articles....

Make sure your articles are tight and grammar is good as well as spelling.

Schooling always helps when you are a writer...you might want to check out the Longridge Writers Group.

good luck

Answer 5

How did you become a writer with no experience? Do you have a degree in writing or communications of some kind?

Answer 6

Try off-beat avenues to get your foot in the door, such as posting articles on www.constant-content.com -- I know a new freelancer doing this and she's making money at it as well as earning clips to post in her portfolio.

Also, if you haven't been to www.duotrope.com, try that. There are tons of market listings free.

You're absolutely correct; you don't need a degree to be a writer. You only need good grammar and spelling skills, a way with words, and the gumption to work at it!

Good luck!

Answer 7

try writing poems for greeting card companies try writing jokes for comedians . also you may try self publishing to kick start your career
hope you do well