How To Become A Freelance Writer

Let’s get right to it.

1. Have your head examined. Don’t worry, self examination is okay. You need to engage in some honest and serious introspection. You need to examine if you are ready and willing to get your head in the game. If you can’t commit fully to being a freelance writer, then you should question weather you are doing the right thing.
2. Do your homework. What kind of money can you make? Will it be enough to sustain your lifestyle? Do you have a back up or support system? If you are going part time will your family be happy with you working a day job then locking yourself in a room late into the evening and early in the morning?
3. Get your writing chops honed. How is your writing ability? Now is not the time for hopeful lies that you tell yourself. If you can’t write, you can’t be a freelance writer. Well, you can be, it’s just that you won’t make much money.
4. Thicken your skin. This is a competitive game, folks. There are a lot of folks out there who have been doing it a lot longer than you and are a lot better at it, too. Clients can be a joy but they can also inspire thoughts like, “Ya know, ten years in jail for aggravated assault isn’t really all that bad.”
5. Get a web site. A blogging style is probably best since a blog can function as a showcase for your work. This is also your store front on the World Wide Web. Chances are most of your clients will find you through the internet.
6. Become social. Sign up for Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin. The signing up is just the first step. You will need to “work” these sites every day. As well, research and find the blogs that are owned by other freelance writers. Subscribe to the blogs and comment frequently. Remember you are community organizing. It’s a lot of work but it may be worth it. Heck, look whatit did for a Senator from Illinois?
7. Start local. You don’t have to just use the net to find clients. Don’t forget the local businesses in your area. Pound the pavement and make some local calls. You would be amazed at how rare the personal touch is these days and you standing out from the crowd could put you well ahead of the pack.
8. Get organized. You need a writing space, files, a computer, printer and an accountant. Trying to get these things together after you start your business will create headaches beyond your wildest imagination.
9. Get on it. Stop delaying! Research potential clients immediately. They are out there. You need to find them. Schedule time every day to market and find clients.
10. Write! When you are not marketing, you need to be writing. Write blog posts, sample ad copy or anything else that will put your fingertips in touch with the keys.

I hope this little primer on becoming a freelance writer helps you along in some small way. If you are getting started, stop by and let us know if this list was helpful.