How To Become a Freelance Writer

There are a lot of aspiring writers out there - to be able to do it professionally takes time, dedication, and a little bit of luck. Although you can't always predict success, there are some steps you can take to improve your chances of making a living from your writing.

1. Write. We all know the old saying "Practice makes perfect." This is also true with writing. Write in a journal, write articles, write long emails, write in a blog, but keep writing.
2. Have others read your writing. This is really frightening at first, but a good idea. Other people can edit your writing, point out your strengths and what you need to work on, and provide a sounding board for ideas. Try to find people who will be brutally honest with you.
3. Find connections. As in many professions, connections are everything. Check job listings, and talk to friends who own businesses. Be willing to write informational articles or flyers for free or for a very low rate for a while, to build up your connections.
4. Use every possible connection. It doesn't matter if they want you to write about masking tape, keep that connection. You will have to write about topics that you find boring, at least for a while.
5. Write about anything you can find. Keep up with your local newspaper and see if they have an opinion section or if they want readers to write in about something. Write reviews online. Write anything you can find.
6. Keep trying. Don't give up! You might have to keep your day job for a while, but persevere!
7. Be professional and disciplined. As a freelance writer, it's easy to sleep a little longer each day and put off working until the next day. Instead, treat your freelance writing jobs as you would any other job. Make a schedule, figure out how many hours and days you need to work to meet your budget, and do it. Don't let yourself start making excuses.
8. Keep a portfolio of your writing. You will want to keep your best work to show off to anyone wanting a sample of your writing. Keep professional looking hard copies in a binder with page protecting plastic sheets and have it ready. If you are applying for jobs online, find a way to keep an electronic portfolio - either on a personal website or a free blog website.
9. Make a budget. Don't quit your day job until you can make all the money you need to make by writing. This is a time when it pays to be a little pessimistic - if you are overly optimistic about what you are going to make, you may end up without rent money.
10. Keep writing. Write when you are tired. Write when you are discouraged. Write when you are broke. It's not an easy job, but is very rewarding!

The hardest aspect of many freelance jobs is the discipline it takes to keep working! However, if you can find a way to keep yourself working, you are likely to find that the benefits outweigh the difficulties and that you can have the job you always wanted!