I want to move from blog writer to paid writer; How?

Question

I've been writing, almost all my life. As I had to leave college before getting a degree (relative was dying), I never applied for a periodicals writing job. My yahoo 360 blog is consistently good, and I want a PAID WRITING JOB. Where do I start, considering I DON'T HAVE A DEGREE?

Answer 1

I'd answer your question; but having looked at your pages, I notice that you never bother to choose a "best answer." You let each question go to a vote -- and I consider it impolite to ask for information and not have the courtesy to say, "thank you." Good luck.

Answer 2

I second that!!!!! Bunch of Pathetic *******. Asking for a percentage of the money is absurd. All they do is write the storyline and that's it. They don't pay for the actors salaries or the directors salaries let alone the cost of productions. Its absurd. I'm sure there deal wasn't what they would've like but its something or nothing at all. There are a lot of writers out there who don't belong the the Union & if given a chance they'd write better stuff the the actual whiners who went on strike.

Answer 3

If you want to be on the staff of a periodical, you'll probably need a degree. However, if you want to do freelance work, you don't necessarily need one (depending on what you're writing). Some freelance writers are practically on the staff of magazines, since they write for them so often. You might look up some books about freelance article writing, and "Writer's Market." Also, if you decide to get your degree, you can write freelance work in the meantime. That would help you get a job on a magazine staff. As you'll find out, though, it's hard to get anything published if you don't have a publishing history. You might try "breaking in" with filler pieces.

Answer 4

Don't use the excuse of not having a degree, that doesn't wash. If you have a burning inside you to write, just get on and do it. Send your work, when completed to a literary agent. there must be a million of them out there. You'll soon find out how good or bad your writing is.

Answer 5

Since you don't have a degree in Writing, becoming a freelancer is a good idea.

Also, since you are a blog writer, follow-ups and replys are EXTREEMELY neccesary in keeping your readers.

Don't expect more than $0.02/word without an extensive portfolio.

Answer 6

I'd recommend looking at the blogs of writers who have made the transition, and see what they have in common. Here's a link to one blog that got "discovered" and turned into a succesful book:
http://www.thingsmygirlfriendandihavearguedabout.com/

Answer 7

Being published is a question of whom you knows !! Better have a thick address book.... Courage and why dont you finish a degree in writing or something like that..

Answer 8

Test the interest of a number of literary agents.