How To Write Freelance

You don't need a college degree to become a freelance writer. It's not a job for the weak of heart. If you don't like to write, this is not the career for you. But if you are passionate about writing and you're knowledgeable on a particular subject, then freelancing might just be for you! 

1. Decide now if you love to write. Do you enjoy thumbing through your thesaurus for just the right words? Do you enjoy editing? Can you write under pressure, under a deadline? If you answer yes to these questions, you're well on your way. Make sure that you not only love to write, but that you are well versed in grammar and punctuation! A good writer understands that these basic elements are fundamental to getting published.
2. Who is your target audience? It's pointless to want to freelance unless you understand who your target audience is. Do you want to write for children, teens, adults? Do you want to write for men or for women? Businessmen, mothers-to-be, sports enthusiasts?  Often, freelance writers will write for the audience they feel most comfortable with and with whom they've had experience. If you're an avid sports fan, perhaps writing articles on sports is the way to go. If you've had children and want to share your "mommy" experiences with others, writing for a parenting magazine might be for you.
3. What will you write about? Always write what you know. If you have a hobby or a particular interest in something, this is what you should write about. Love politics? Write on politics. If you love animals, write about pets or exotics. Love children?  Write children's stories. The list of what you can write about is huge. Start with things you know, things you have an interest in. Make a list of these things, too, and keep track of ideas.
4. Seek out publications. A freelance writer sells his/her work. You have a target audience, you have a subject matter, but where will you sell your work? Magazines. Many freelance writers write for magazines and there are thousands of them. You can find them by looking on Amazon.com or other bookstores.  Or you can use market guides. The most popular is the Writer's Market guide published by Writer's Digest. There are many others, too, for example for the Christian markets and children's markets. These market guides list most of the current magazines accepting work from freelancers like you. It includes their guidelines, terms and payment. Freelance writing for magazines can also lead to book sales later on. The key as a new writer is to get the experience in writing.
5. Study the markets. It's important to write an excellent story or article, but it will be hard to sell. If you don't know the markets, it can be a nightmare. Sending your material out to publishers without fully understanding the publisher's needs, wants, formatting, etc. is a waste of time and money, yet many new writers do this. Don't just order your market guide book; visit the magazine online. Order a back issue and actually read the magazine before submitting to it. If you don't take the time to study the markets, you'll get a lot of rejection letters to paper your walls.
6. Freelance for fun. Whether you are just starting out or an experienced writer, volunteering your writing can be fun and beneficial. It not only gets your work in front of many people, but it can open doors. I volunteered to write a weekly article at a newspaper. I learned a ton about the newspaper business. This job landed me a paying freelance writing job on a children's magazine. I wrote 2-4 articles for each issue. Get the experience you need in writing by volunteering your writing.
7. Keep a log book. You'll want to track your submissions as they leave the house and are returned. Make sure you write down the date you submit your work, the publication name, and the date your piece is returned along with the decision--was it accepted or rejected? If you are paid for your work, keep a log of this, too. You'll need to report your income at tax time. But also remember, as a freelance writer, you can deduct expenses, too--supplies, stamps, and even a new computer!

Freelance writing can be fun and profitable, but handle it like a business and not a hobby!