How can someone get started being a freelance writer?

Question

I have always loved writing and I heard that you can write articles on your own then submit them to different publications? Please explain how this works and how I can do it.

Answer 1

First you need to decide your niche market. For instance, as a retired nurse with a specialty in prevention, that's where I focus my writing.

Then you identify the magazines that would most likely want articles you could write. Become familiar with the style and topics they publish. For instance, a magazine targeting working Moms probably wouldn't be interested in an article on home schooling. Almost all magazines post online what is called "writers' guidelines" which tells you how to submit, what they pay, etc.

Some...not all...may want to see examples of your writing. Therefore, you need to build a portfolio. Therefore, at first you may need to get some articles printed for free...or REAL cheap. That is unless you have other written pieces you can submit instead. In the early days, I also submitted some brochures and promotional pieces I had written for doctors.

Finally, there are a number of online services that match up writers with individuals, as well as magazines, looking for writers. Many of them, like "Worldwide Freelance Writer" and "WritersWeekly.com", also include newsletters that provide helpful tips in developing your skills.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Hi! You might start by reading a book or a digital book about being a freelance writer. There is a lot of publications on the market. A new digital book has just been published by eBookWholeseller. Link below, have a look. Hope you find the information useful.

Answer 3

I have been trying too, mine has got past the 1st strange....so excited. I looked for publishing houses on the Internet, they mostly have a contact page that tells you if they will receive unsolicited manuscripts or not and if so how to submit them. DO NOT pay anyone the publish your work.....if they think it is going to make money they will put the money in themselves.
PS check it's the right kind of publishing house.

Good luck x

Answer 4

Start with your local weekly newspaper. Get some clips and then you can move on to larger magazines and other newspapers and even the internet.
Good luck