How To Get Started in Freelance Writing
By Allena Tapia, About.com Guide to Freelance Writing
How do I begin? There are a few basic steps you need to cover in order to begin your freelance writing career. This is the place to start your preparations, and will cover topics such as resumes, clips and freelance writing job resources.
- Can You Really Become a Freelance Writer?
- Where To Begin
- Will Freelance Writing Pay the Bills?
- Quitting Your Day Job
- Setting Up Shop- Resources and Needs
Can You Really Become a Freelance Writer?
Odds are that YES! YOU CAN DO THIS! You need three simple things: writing talent, willingness to learn the ropes and lots of ambition? Got it? Ready? Let's get started!
- What Exactly IS a Freelance Writer?
- Characteristics and Skills Freelance Writers Need
- Do You Need a Degree?
- 5 Things You MUST Do To Succeed As a Freelance Writer
Where To Begin
Query letters, editors, taxes, bookeeping, jobs, blogs...there's so much to think about and get straightened out in this freelancing career. The solution? Take a deep breath and start here. First, follow the examples of some up and coming freelancers. Then, take a look at the work of some masters. At the very least, check out some reference materials on the subject!
- Make the Leap to Full Time Freelancing- Step by Step
- Before You Apply, Cover These Bases
- Get Yourself a Website!
Will Freelance Writing Pay the Bills?
In the choice to pursue a freelance writing career, the money-making potential is often one of your first questions. Can I earn extra money writing part time? How do I know what to charge? Is this a viable full time career? Let's explore the answers.
- Is There Really Money in Freelance Writing?
- How Much Should I Charge?
- Make Sure You're Paid For Your Writing
- Is There Health Insurance Available for Freelancers?
Quitting Your Day Job
Many writers come here while researching the transition from cube worker to freelance writer. It can be done! Here is advice on how to quit your day job in favor of writing.
- A Great Resource for Leaving the Cube: The Anti 9-5 by Michelle Goodman
- For the Professional Mamas Out There: Writer Mama by Christina Katz
- An E-Book on Making the Transition: Working Writer, Happy Writer
Setting Up Shop- Resources and Needs
Luckily, becoming a freelance writer doesn't necessarily mean that you'll need to make a huge investment in time, equipment or the like, but you will need a few key resources and items in order to get going.