How do you become a freelance writer?
Many of the people who search for my blog are looking for the answer to this question. They are hoping that there is some magic formula that will move them from being wannabe writers to published professionals without passing ‘go’.
Sorry, but there is no simple answer.
Don’t be discouraged. I really believe that almost anyone can learn writing skills. Learning the skills is not the problem. The issue is wanting a writing career enough to put in the ground work that’s needed to make it successful. That ground work includes doing some actual writing regularly and consistently and publishing it somewhere where others can see it. That’s why I always recommend a blog – and I’ve had enough clients find me through my blog to know that my advice is spot-on.
There’s also the need to sustain your skill level and write cracking good copy even when it’s a topic you wouldn’t normally be interested in. (Believe me, I’ve done my fair share of those, too, and still do.) The point is that your client should never pick up on your lack of enthusiasm. If you can sound like a fan even when feeling jaded, then you’re well on the way to becoming a professional writer.
This post originally appeared in Writing Lab News.
Article by Sharon Hurley Hall
Sharon Hurley Hall has been mentoring writers here at Get Paid To Write Online since 2005 to help them improve and build sustainable and successful writing careers. Check me out on sharonhh.com. Feel free to connect with me online on Google+.
Sharon has written 653 awesome articles for us at Get Paid to Write Online
Twitter: @SHurleyHall | Facebook | Google+ | Blog → Writing Portfolio
{ 4 comments }
I think a lot of people are also interested in actual sites, or places where they can find freelance jobs. I do understand what you mean though, that you must be able to have some sort of writing samples to show to potential clients, and you’re right, a good place to start is definitely a blog!
However, I’d definitely advise to have a backup saved somewhere on your personal computer as well, just for those times that you need to actually upload a writing sample in order to apply to a job, or in the rare case that your blog gets shut down.
Good info here, I’m gonna look around and see if I can learn something more about freelance writing.
TriNi wants you to read Make Money Online With Freelance Writing Jobs!
Twitter: shurleyhall
August 27, 2010 at 09:23
Hi TriNi, I agree – backups are a great idea. I keep offline backups of all my posts.
Sharon Hurley Hall wants you to read Resume Writing Testimonial
Dear Ms. Hall:
I found a way to get a job as a freelance writer by a lucky coincidence. I had written a very good letter to the editor giving my viewpoint. The next thing I know, we, my editor and I end up having coffee and I was asked if I would mind covering community events in our town. Of course, she knew in advance that I was interested and would do it for free. This lasted for about 3 months and my articles have recieved such high praise that they offered me a paid position within the newspaper now. I had found that doing an ‘internship’ of sorts, helped me to grow and become better at what I do now. There are other newspapers that would love to have an unpaid writer on thier staff if you can afford to do that, and some will extend an offer to become permanent. I hope this has been helpful for anyone who has thought about exploring that option, it worked for me.
Twitter: shurleyhall
September 10, 2010 at 06:58
Well done, Kris. Many print journalists used this method to break into the profession, as back in the old days on-the-job training was all there was. It’s good to know it still works.