How does one become a freelance writer?

Question

I am a stay at home mom. I have had some praise for my writing in the past. I would like to write articles online, but I don't really know where to begin. What exactly is "freelancing"? How do I begin? I am a bit of a recluse so I don't want to have to actually meet people to promote myself, I would rather do it with the anonymity of the internet. Is this possible? I have been published on www.associatedcontent, but they only pay Americans, which I am not. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Answer 1

Freelancing simply means that you write articles for publications on a one-off basis. You're not a salaried employee of any publication, but are simply paid for each article you write. You have the freedom to write what you want, when you want, for whomever you want -- but you pay the price of instability: no insurance, no holidays, no guarantee of a sale.

Most article types will require that you do some research and that requires meeting people in many cases. So you have to think about what you want to write and whether you can do it as a recluse. Very often telephone interviews are sufficient. Focusing in on some type of writing will be essential for you as you start out.

You will also need to find a way to get some feedback on the quality of your work before publishing. If you have a thick skin you can do this simply by making submission after submission -- and asking editors how you can improve. This will work (it's how my wife became a freelance writer), but it might be easier to start by taking a class on the internet or at a local college.

It probably won't be necessary for you to meet a lot of people to promote yourself to publishers, however. Most things can be done through the internet or by mail as well as by phone.

Don't limit yourself to publishing on the internet -- do some research and find periodicals that publish the kind of material you're interested in writing. You don't say where you live, but I know the UK has an annual book that lists publishers and periodicals -- it's similar to the US publication Writer's Market, but I don't remember what it's called. Both these books (i.e., the US and the UK versions) could be useful to you. They also have a lot of information on the technical aspects of article preparation and submission.

I assume you already have a solid foundation in basic grammar and spelling -- if not, you must acquire these skills. After that, it's a matter of learning how to do research; acquiring interviewing skills and note-taking skills; learning how to structure articles; learning how to write query letters; and above all, acquiring the virtue of PERSISTENCE!

Look for a book called How to Write and Sell the 8 Easiest Article Types by Helene Barnhart. My wife says its one of the best, most practical books she's seen on article writing. (It's out of print but available used from amazon.com.)

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Just keep writing! Write about what interests you, whatever you have a lot of passion & knowledge about. Make sure to do a lot of research, unless it's a personal essay or opinion piece. Read a lot. Get ideas & develop your own voice. If you write a piece that you think would fit well into one of your favourite magazines then look for the name of the editor or associate editor in the masthead at the front of the magazine, send them a letter describing the piece to see if they're interested, or just send the piece itself, depending how long it is and then hope for the best! If you send a self-addressed stamped envelope you're more likely to get a response & get your work back if they're not interested. Also, check to see if they have submission guidelines (they may only accept submissions in certain months, or certain lengths etc, or they may not accept unsolicited work at all.) There are a number of publications for writers, explore the market that's out there. Be prepared for a lot of rejection. It goes with the territory! Don't get discouraged. I had poems rejected many times before my first one was published but it was worth the wait. It's the best feeling on earth! It helps to have another job to fall back on. Depending on freelance writing can be pretty risky! Though there are certainly writers who do it (I envy them!) Good luck! Keep writing & never give up on your dreams!

Answer 4

You might want to take a course in article writing, which will teach you all you need to know about content and structure. A good Online school is www.writersonlineworkshops.com. Also here's a link to a blog that you can submit your articles to and earn money http://blogevolve.com/. You should get a copy of Writer's Market or join it Online at http://www.writersmarket.com/;
it will tell you where and how to market what you write.

Good luck.

Answer 5

I just come up with stories from my head. Things that are interesting and with imagination. Maybe post them on a website or something. Get friends to read it and pass it on. Hope this helps. Good Luck.

Answer 6

I have no idea.