Anyone can become a freelance writer. But successful "working" freelance writers all share ten characteristics. If your freelance writing career isn't what you'd like for it to be, maybe you need to develop a few more of these characteristics.
1. A "working" freelance writer writes on a regular basis. That should be no surprise. But it's probably the number one difference between people who dabble at freelance writing and those who make a living at it. "Working" freelance writers write every day. Even if they aren't working on a particular writing assignment they're usually writing something, even if it's just updating their blog, posting to their website, or writing promotional materials for their writing and writing services.
2. A "working" freelance writer knows how to study the freelance markets. He takes the time to get to know the publications he wants to write for BEFORE he queries them. He studies each publication's guidelines, reads several months' worth of back issues, and digs around online to find the editorial calendars for publications so he knows the best times to "pitch" his article ideas.
3. A "working" freelance writer knows how to write winning query letters and book proposals. He knows editors want to read a query that "hooks" them in the first paragraph and is written in the same style and tone as the proposed article. He knows all the components of a winning book proposal and he also knows how to find an agent and/or a publisher to submit it to.
4. A "working" freelance writer knows how to write for specific markets. He knows that an article he writes for AARP Magazine should not have the same tone as an article for TEEN magazine. Obviously, the subject matter for these publications should be different, also.
5. A "working" freelance writer knows how to find many lucrative writing assignments. He doesn't sit around waiting for jobs to fall in his lap. He knows how to find jobs at online job boards. He subscribes to a variety of ezines that list freelance writing jobs. He also knows how to develop relationships with editors so they call him back for assignments over and over again.
6. A "working" freelance writer always has a weekly marketing plan for his writing and writing services. He knows that marketing his work, and developing a "platform" for himself, is just as important as his actual writing assignments.
7. A "working" freelance writer has a network of contacts that help him promote his writing and writing services. He knows writers all across the country (and even across the globe) and networks effectively with these people.
8. A "working" freelance writer has developed a focus for his writing career. That is, he knows where he wants to go with his writing. He doesn't waste his time writing a slew of short articles each week that pay peanuts and eat up his time. He goes for larger, more lucrative projects, and also develops presentations, courses and workshops that pay him well for his time and expertise.
9. A "working" freelance writer knows how to stay focused so he lives the writer's life of his dreams. He has a plan that keeps him focused. When he can't stay focused alone he hires a coach to help him stay on course.
10. A "working" freelance writer has developed his own informational products to market and has other people marketing them for him as well. Most top-notch freelance writers know a LOT about the subject of freelance writing. They use that knowledge to create articles about writing, tips booklets about writing, and books and courses about writing. They market many of these items themselves but also have affiliates who sell the items for them as well.
Develop all ten of these characteristics and it won't be long before you're a "working" freelance writer, too.
For more helpful tips for writers, visit http://www.workingwriterscoach.com and sign up for the mailing list. When you do, you'll receive a free ebook for writers, plus every weekday morning you'll get The Morning Nudge, a few words to motivate and inspire you to get a little writing done.
Visit the National Writing for Children Center at http://www.writingforchildrencenter.com and find out how you can learn to write for kids. Suzanne Lieurance is a full time freelance writer, children's author, and founder and director of the National Writing for Children Center.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Breaking in to the Freelance Writing Market (by Darren Krause)
You have dreamed of the freedom of being a freelance writer for some time. Being able to set your own schedule, choose your own jobs and write the material that you want to write - yes, it certainly has its perks. I love being a freelancer writer, and I wouldn't change it for anything in the world. Well, I would
change some things, but, I digress.
As I search the freelance writing job boards for someone to help me pick up some extra writing assignments, I notice that there are a lot of novice freelance writers trying to break into the market. I was there once, and I didn't like it much. I started doing this back when the whole search engine article craze and the e-books weren't around - to be a freelance writer you had to do it the old fashioned way - query. This wasn't so bad, and I learned a tremendous amount along the way. And still, if you want to freelance write for most major (and minor) publications,
they still require a query letter. But, we aren't going to get
into that yet.
One of the biggest roadblocks facing a freelance writer who is trying to break into the market are credits - or as many in the business would call them - bylines. Many of you out there just wanted to be a freelance writer but you have never been published anywhere except your community newsletter. Well, funny as it sounds, that's not a bad place to start. And that is where I come to my first tip: To get a start, write for anyone. Of course, exercise good judgement in deciding what you write, but if you are serious about being a freelance writer, then it
almost doesn't really matter.
You can write for your church newsletter, the high school paper, even a well written letter to the editor of your local newspaper is a good clip to keep. When clips are hard to come by as a novice freelance writer, then each one of these counts. Not only that, but each time you write, you learn and you get better at
your craft.
As an example, I have been writing since I was 16-years-old. I have written short stories, plays, essays, and even couple of notebooks full of poetry. I never really tried to submit any of it anywhere - always the fear of rejection to stop me (every
freelance writer has to deal with it, so get used to it early). But, I learned how to write, and I kept on writing more. When I got my first job as a reporter for a local newspaper, I did it using my short stories and a couple of editorial pieces as my portfolio, along with one magazine credit. I had no degree and I had no post-secondary education whatsoever to fall back on. I was as green as they get. But, I got the job. I had clips that proved to publisher and editor that I could produce quality writing.
I eventually made it to editor of that paper, and penned over 1,000 articles in two years. Now I have all of the clips that I want. Not only that, but it was the springboard for me to make the successful jump into freelance writing. As far as freelance writing goes, I would have to say that I took the long way. But, I wouldn't change anything. Earlier I eluded to the freelance writing market for search engine articles, e-books, and there are also web articles. In my freelance experience, these types of assignments are two things: 1.) A dime a dozen, and 2.) Not from major publications. You can find hundreds of people looking for freelance writers, just because they can't write these articles or e-books themselves. So, how can these assignments help you break into the freelance writing market? Again it boils down to credits. Sure, once you write one e-book you aren't
going to turn many heads. But, once you have written over 50 e-books like I have, people start to notice that you are a capable freelance writer. The point here is, you can build your portfolio and you skills by doing work that isn't necessarily glamorous. The only downside is that these jobs typically don't
pay great wages.
For a freelance writer to make it today is a tad easier than it was a decade ago. Anyone who does keyword assignments, web copy, and short e-books calls themselves a freelance writer. And that is perfectly OK - it gets you the freelance writing credits you need to land the bigger assignments. Hopefully, they endeavor to
be more than a keyword lackey for the rest of their lives, though. And most good freelance writers will rise above that in their career. Keep writing!
Darren Krause has been writing for 16 years, with thousands of published credits - in print and online. His website - http://www.imaginethiswriting.net helps new authors with tips and insight into the world of freelance writing. His blog is also updated several times a week.
change some things, but, I digress.
As I search the freelance writing job boards for someone to help me pick up some extra writing assignments, I notice that there are a lot of novice freelance writers trying to break into the market. I was there once, and I didn't like it much. I started doing this back when the whole search engine article craze and the e-books weren't around - to be a freelance writer you had to do it the old fashioned way - query. This wasn't so bad, and I learned a tremendous amount along the way. And still, if you want to freelance write for most major (and minor) publications,
they still require a query letter. But, we aren't going to get
into that yet.
One of the biggest roadblocks facing a freelance writer who is trying to break into the market are credits - or as many in the business would call them - bylines. Many of you out there just wanted to be a freelance writer but you have never been published anywhere except your community newsletter. Well, funny as it sounds, that's not a bad place to start. And that is where I come to my first tip: To get a start, write for anyone. Of course, exercise good judgement in deciding what you write, but if you are serious about being a freelance writer, then it
almost doesn't really matter.
You can write for your church newsletter, the high school paper, even a well written letter to the editor of your local newspaper is a good clip to keep. When clips are hard to come by as a novice freelance writer, then each one of these counts. Not only that, but each time you write, you learn and you get better at
your craft.
As an example, I have been writing since I was 16-years-old. I have written short stories, plays, essays, and even couple of notebooks full of poetry. I never really tried to submit any of it anywhere - always the fear of rejection to stop me (every
freelance writer has to deal with it, so get used to it early). But, I learned how to write, and I kept on writing more. When I got my first job as a reporter for a local newspaper, I did it using my short stories and a couple of editorial pieces as my portfolio, along with one magazine credit. I had no degree and I had no post-secondary education whatsoever to fall back on. I was as green as they get. But, I got the job. I had clips that proved to publisher and editor that I could produce quality writing.
I eventually made it to editor of that paper, and penned over 1,000 articles in two years. Now I have all of the clips that I want. Not only that, but it was the springboard for me to make the successful jump into freelance writing. As far as freelance writing goes, I would have to say that I took the long way. But, I wouldn't change anything. Earlier I eluded to the freelance writing market for search engine articles, e-books, and there are also web articles. In my freelance experience, these types of assignments are two things: 1.) A dime a dozen, and 2.) Not from major publications. You can find hundreds of people looking for freelance writers, just because they can't write these articles or e-books themselves. So, how can these assignments help you break into the freelance writing market? Again it boils down to credits. Sure, once you write one e-book you aren't
going to turn many heads. But, once you have written over 50 e-books like I have, people start to notice that you are a capable freelance writer. The point here is, you can build your portfolio and you skills by doing work that isn't necessarily glamorous. The only downside is that these jobs typically don't
pay great wages.
For a freelance writer to make it today is a tad easier than it was a decade ago. Anyone who does keyword assignments, web copy, and short e-books calls themselves a freelance writer. And that is perfectly OK - it gets you the freelance writing credits you need to land the bigger assignments. Hopefully, they endeavor to
be more than a keyword lackey for the rest of their lives, though. And most good freelance writers will rise above that in their career. Keep writing!
Darren Krause has been writing for 16 years, with thousands of published credits - in print and online. His website - http://www.imaginethiswriting.net helps new authors with tips and insight into the world of freelance writing. His blog is also updated several times a week.
Writer's Web Resources (by Janet K. Ilacqua)
The Internet has truly revolutionized the careers of writers worldwide. Now you can work for publishers, corporations and a whole range of other clients on a truly global scale. Whether you are in the heart of a big city, or in a remote mountain village, all you need is an Internet connection to run your writing business.
The opportunity is fantastic, and so is the writer's life that you could enjoy. But where can you find the jobs you need to establish a full-time writing career?
One way to start is through working the Internet job boards. Here aAlso included and listed separately are resources for business and technical writers, editors, journalists, and translators.
Writers’ Resources--General
Absolute Write - freelance writing, screenwriting, playwriting, writing novels, nonfiction, comic book writing, greeting cards, poetry, songwriting. One stop shop
Emily's Writing for the Web Emily A. Vander Veer gives professional writers the tools needed to promote, publish, and sell work to the largest and fastest-growing market in the world: the Web.
e-Writer's Place For writing inspirations, motivations and prescriptions.
Freelance Writers is a searchable database of writers from all around the world.
Freelance Writing This is the ultimate job board for freelance writers.
Freelance Writing Organization - Int'l This site hosts one of the largest free writing resource links databases in the world! It offers education, daily news, a writer's store, creativity advice and forums, to name a few of the resources. Over 2,000 free writing resources in 40+ categories of writing
FundsForWriters - A plethora of sources where freelance writers can find paying jobs
Momwriters A community of professional and new writers ... who face the unique challenges of writing with children underfoot.
National Writer's Union 'The only U.S. trade union for freelance and contract writers.' We offer contract advice, grievance resolution, health & dental plans, member education, Job Hotline, and networking. See also: Writers Union Job Hotline
Published! Articles and resources...from Marcia Yudkin, author of eleven books and hundreds of magazine articles, syndicated columnist, public radio commentator, writing coach
Published - The Directory of Independent Writers & Artists. searchable directory of independent Writers & Artists
SharpWriter Grammar. Complete writing resources. Lot of good stuff here but not geared expressly for freelancers
Suite101 This is an online community for writers. Not only is this a great site for work-at-home resources. You can apply to become an editor for them and get paid for your work.
Sunoasis Jobs for Writers, Editors, and Copywriters Employment opportunities for writers, journalists, new-media types on-line off-line in reporting feature writing reviewing editing free-lancing editorial content providing etc. ... Recently submitted job offers: Copywriter, Freelance. Monarch Design, a design and advertising agency,
The Burry Man Writers Center freelance job links, resources for fiction and nonfiction writers, working professionals and beginners
with particular support for writing about Scotland
The New Writer - the monthly magazine with the best in fact, fiction and poetry. aimed at all writers: the short story writer, the novelist, the poet, feature writer, anyone with a serious intent to develop their writing to meet the expectations of today's editors.
The Writers Home A Web Site For Writers, Editors And Lovers Of The Written Word.
TrAce Online Writing Community trAce connects writers and readers around the world ... with the focus on creativity, collaboration and training. New media writing, web development
Worldwide Freelance Writer How to sell your writing overseas. Find out where to sell your freelance work. Detailed guidelines for paying writing markets all over the world.
WriteCraft Writers Resource Center Companion to the WriteCraft Critique Group - where writers learn the trade.
writejobs Job Title. Company. Location. Proofreader/editor. Bioedit Ltd. Freelance. Digital Photography Writers ...
Writers Unbound Writing resources, Internet resources related to writing, writers, publishing, epublishing, authors and more. Articles and resources related to creative writing.
Writer’s Software SuperCenter Writer's Software SuperCenter has software for writing books, articles, novels, and screenplays, including Writer's Blocks software, StyleWriter editing software, StoryCraft, and more!
Writing World - Moira Allen provides writing tips, markets, news, contests and more.
The Writer’s Gazette Writing resource site for writers on freelance and publishing, including articles, job board, contests . Nice, comprehensive list of writers’ job boards.
Business and Technical
Copywriter world Freelance writers bid for writing projects such as resume writing, documents in APA style or MLA style writing, poems, sonnets, research papers, business plans, your biography, free e-books, your business proposal, essays, marketing plans, web content, ghost writing, ad copy, catalogs... virtually any form of writing.
Freelance Online - a professional online service for freelancers in the publishing and advertising fields. Free for employers; freelancers pay $15.00/year for membership.
Freelance Success Freelance Success is a community of professional, nonfiction writers who subscribe to a newsletter that guides them toward well-paying markets and editors. There is not a job board located on this site.
Techwriters Employs technical writers on and off site. The pay is excellent, but you must have a lot of experience with the topics
writingassist.com Provides local freelance technical writers for projects such as manuals, policies, software documentation, and work flow integration.
Children’s Literature
Institute of Children's Literature offered the premiere writing course, books, and a newsletter to adults interested in learning how to write and be published for children and teens.
Editing
Manuscript Editing Fiction and Non-fiction; Serving writers, literary agents, and publishers since 1976.
Fiction
Fiction Factor - The Online Magazine for Fiction Writers. NEW!
International markets
Australian Writer's Marketplace The essential resource for getting published in Australia and New Zealand.
Author Network - resources for writers including links, articles, monthly columns and ePublishing services.
Canadian Writer's Journal Canada's Independent Writer's Magazine.
Freelance Spain - the online Spanish resource for editors and journalists.
FreelanceJournalist.co.uk Helping journalists build a presence on the web. The web directory for UK freelance journalists.
Freelancers.co.uk offers you the complete guide to freelancing for publishers as a copyeditor or proofreader.
New Zealand Writers Website Writing Resources for New Zealand writers
writelinkpro.co.uk WritelinkPRO is the content provider for top UK monthly newsletter and website. We pay on acceptance for writing articles, fiction, poetry, reviews. We offer free e-book workshops, free e-book on travel writing, exclusive Members Area.
Journalism
International Federation of Journalists - The world's largest organization of journalists, representing around 450,000 members in more than 100 countries.
News Jobs Network Journalisms resources and News jobs in US, Canada and Utah.
UK Links 4 Journalists the most useful sites on the web. This is the journalist's section.
Translation
ProZ: Freelance translators, translation services, agencies, jobs and directory ...
Writers' Federation of Nova Scotia Fostering creative writing and the profession of writing in Nova Scotia.
Writerfind New Zealand Linking New Zealand writers with local and global markets.
Playwriters
writernetwork. We provide dramatic writers with the tools they need to build better careers and redefine the
About The Author
Janet K. Ilacqua is a freelance writer based in Tracy, California. She specializes in academic writing and ghostwriting of books and manuals for individuals and small businesses. For more information about her services, check her website at http://www.writeupondemand.com.
jilacqua@aol.com
The opportunity is fantastic, and so is the writer's life that you could enjoy. But where can you find the jobs you need to establish a full-time writing career?
One way to start is through working the Internet job boards. Here aAlso included and listed separately are resources for business and technical writers, editors, journalists, and translators.
Writers’ Resources--General
Absolute Write - freelance writing, screenwriting, playwriting, writing novels, nonfiction, comic book writing, greeting cards, poetry, songwriting. One stop shop
Emily's Writing for the Web Emily A. Vander Veer gives professional writers the tools needed to promote, publish, and sell work to the largest and fastest-growing market in the world: the Web.
e-Writer's Place For writing inspirations, motivations and prescriptions.
Freelance Writers is a searchable database of writers from all around the world.
Freelance Writing This is the ultimate job board for freelance writers.
Freelance Writing Organization - Int'l This site hosts one of the largest free writing resource links databases in the world! It offers education, daily news, a writer's store, creativity advice and forums, to name a few of the resources. Over 2,000 free writing resources in 40+ categories of writing
FundsForWriters - A plethora of sources where freelance writers can find paying jobs
Momwriters A community of professional and new writers ... who face the unique challenges of writing with children underfoot.
National Writer's Union 'The only U.S. trade union for freelance and contract writers.' We offer contract advice, grievance resolution, health & dental plans, member education, Job Hotline, and networking. See also: Writers Union Job Hotline
Published! Articles and resources...from Marcia Yudkin, author of eleven books and hundreds of magazine articles, syndicated columnist, public radio commentator, writing coach
Published - The Directory of Independent Writers & Artists. searchable directory of independent Writers & Artists
SharpWriter Grammar. Complete writing resources. Lot of good stuff here but not geared expressly for freelancers
Suite101 This is an online community for writers. Not only is this a great site for work-at-home resources. You can apply to become an editor for them and get paid for your work.
Sunoasis Jobs for Writers, Editors, and Copywriters Employment opportunities for writers, journalists, new-media types on-line off-line in reporting feature writing reviewing editing free-lancing editorial content providing etc. ... Recently submitted job offers: Copywriter, Freelance. Monarch Design, a design and advertising agency,
The Burry Man Writers Center freelance job links, resources for fiction and nonfiction writers, working professionals and beginners
with particular support for writing about Scotland
The New Writer - the monthly magazine with the best in fact, fiction and poetry. aimed at all writers: the short story writer, the novelist, the poet, feature writer, anyone with a serious intent to develop their writing to meet the expectations of today's editors.
The Writers Home A Web Site For Writers, Editors And Lovers Of The Written Word.
TrAce Online Writing Community trAce connects writers and readers around the world ... with the focus on creativity, collaboration and training. New media writing, web development
Worldwide Freelance Writer How to sell your writing overseas. Find out where to sell your freelance work. Detailed guidelines for paying writing markets all over the world.
WriteCraft Writers Resource Center Companion to the WriteCraft Critique Group - where writers learn the trade.
writejobs Job Title. Company. Location. Proofreader/editor. Bioedit Ltd. Freelance. Digital Photography Writers ...
Writers Unbound Writing resources, Internet resources related to writing, writers, publishing, epublishing, authors and more. Articles and resources related to creative writing.
Writer’s Software SuperCenter Writer's Software SuperCenter has software for writing books, articles, novels, and screenplays, including Writer's Blocks software, StyleWriter editing software, StoryCraft, and more!
Writing World - Moira Allen provides writing tips, markets, news, contests and more.
The Writer’s Gazette Writing resource site for writers on freelance and publishing, including articles, job board, contests . Nice, comprehensive list of writers’ job boards.
Business and Technical
Copywriter world Freelance writers bid for writing projects such as resume writing, documents in APA style or MLA style writing, poems, sonnets, research papers, business plans, your biography, free e-books, your business proposal, essays, marketing plans, web content, ghost writing, ad copy, catalogs... virtually any form of writing.
Freelance Online - a professional online service for freelancers in the publishing and advertising fields. Free for employers; freelancers pay $15.00/year for membership.
Freelance Success Freelance Success is a community of professional, nonfiction writers who subscribe to a newsletter that guides them toward well-paying markets and editors. There is not a job board located on this site.
Techwriters Employs technical writers on and off site. The pay is excellent, but you must have a lot of experience with the topics
writingassist.com Provides local freelance technical writers for projects such as manuals, policies, software documentation, and work flow integration.
Children’s Literature
Institute of Children's Literature offered the premiere writing course, books, and a newsletter to adults interested in learning how to write and be published for children and teens.
Editing
Manuscript Editing Fiction and Non-fiction; Serving writers, literary agents, and publishers since 1976.
Fiction
Fiction Factor - The Online Magazine for Fiction Writers. NEW!
International markets
Australian Writer's Marketplace The essential resource for getting published in Australia and New Zealand.
Author Network - resources for writers including links, articles, monthly columns and ePublishing services.
Canadian Writer's Journal Canada's Independent Writer's Magazine.
Freelance Spain - the online Spanish resource for editors and journalists.
FreelanceJournalist.co.uk Helping journalists build a presence on the web. The web directory for UK freelance journalists.
Freelancers.co.uk offers you the complete guide to freelancing for publishers as a copyeditor or proofreader.
New Zealand Writers Website Writing Resources for New Zealand writers
writelinkpro.co.uk WritelinkPRO is the content provider for top UK monthly newsletter and website. We pay on acceptance for writing articles, fiction, poetry, reviews. We offer free e-book workshops, free e-book on travel writing, exclusive Members Area.
Journalism
International Federation of Journalists - The world's largest organization of journalists, representing around 450,000 members in more than 100 countries.
News Jobs Network Journalisms resources and News jobs in US, Canada and Utah.
UK Links 4 Journalists the most useful sites on the web. This is the journalist's section.
Translation
ProZ: Freelance translators, translation services, agencies, jobs and directory ...
Writers' Federation of Nova Scotia Fostering creative writing and the profession of writing in Nova Scotia.
Writerfind New Zealand Linking New Zealand writers with local and global markets.
Playwriters
writernetwork. We provide dramatic writers with the tools they need to build better careers and redefine the
About The Author
Janet K. Ilacqua is a freelance writer based in Tracy, California. She specializes in academic writing and ghostwriting of books and manuals for individuals and small businesses. For more information about her services, check her website at http://www.writeupondemand.com.
jilacqua@aol.com
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