Deb Ng is a tireless champion of new freelance writers. She helps new writers get started via her list of freelance writing and blogging jobs, Freelance Writing Jobs. Fairly well-known in freelance writing circles, Deb was kind enough to answer a few questions about getting started in the freelance writing world. Read on, then get to work putting her knowledge to use!
"I knew a lot about freelance writing because I worked in publishing for over a dozen years. So I didn't quite enter into it blind. I started freelancing a little in 2000, though I was still working full time. I had a regular online humor column, but it wasn't until I left work to start a family in 2002 that I got really serious about freelancing. It took me about a year to bring in enough business to convince me to keep at it."
"Clips don't always have to be 'published'. Write up a piece relating to the topic and send it in as your clip. Some writers recommend submitting to a site or market that doesn't pay, just to get clips. I personally don't recommend it because I don't believe anyone should have to work for free, even to get experience."
"I didn't graduate from college. My publishing experience helped immensely as did having a mom who writes and could offer tips and suggestions. I do think you have to know how to write, to know the basic principals of grammar and how to make words flow but I don't believe you have to have a Masters in Journalism to make it as a freelance writer."
"The first year I freelanced full time I earned about $3,000, the year after that I made $13,000. You're not going to get rich quick but the potential is there. For the past couple of years I made it my goal to earn $10,000 more than the year before. I'm happy to report I'm now earning more than I did at my office job."
"There are a couple of different types of blogging: Blogging for yourself and blogging for others. When you blog for yourself you're going to have to build traffic yourself and that takes a lot of time. It took almost two years for my blog to become a success and it's doing great. When you blog for others, you break into it the same way as with freelance writing jobs: apply through various job boards. You should know a bit about blogging before you begin, blogging and writing for print markets are two different kinds of writing."
"Breaking into freelancing takes time and you'll get frustrated. Every single writer has faced rejection at one time or another, it's all part of the process. Don't give up!"
Thanks, Deb!