How to Become a Freelance Writer

If you are reading this blog, you surely already dig writing, but wouldn't you love to get paid for it? Wouldn't it be swell if you could turn your craft into a full time job?

While some writers can make a good income off of their creative works, most published and even somewhat successful creative writers aren't paying their bills with the income from their poetry or prose.

Freelance writing may be the ticket to becoming a full time paid writer. You may not always be writing about what you feel passionate about, but you will be writing, and that alone will help you to hone your craft.

Starting in April, I started to take on freelance assignments. Last October I took the plunge, shifting my occasionally freelance assignments into a full time gig. You can be a freelancer too.


Don't think that you can't.

Yes, the power of positive thinking plays a big role in this. If you are convinced you won't make a go of it, don't be surprised when no gigs are coming in.

You don't even need to be the best writer to do this. There is A LOT of writing work available, and while someone struggling with their writing skills cannot command top dollar, but they can get a couple of extra bucks to supplement their income. 


Start a blog.

There are so many reasons why this is a good idea!

First of all, if you haven't been writing articles, reports, web content, blog posts or some of the other things you may be called on to do as a freelancer, you need experience. Start a blog about something you like and are interested in, and publish posts in all different styles. This will create writing samples you can link to when trying to get jobs.

Second, you are creating exposure for you. If a prospective employer Googles you, he or she will find the blog and see that you are actively writing. Additionally, there is a chance that someone who stumbles across your blog could offer you a gig.

Whatever you do, start your blog in WordPress. I blog with Blogger, but many of your clients will publish their blogs and sites with WordPress. Knowing how to use WordPress will be a feather in your cap.


Get necessary gear.

In nearly a year, I have not mailed anything to any of my clients. It is all done online. If you don't have your own computer, or one that you have nearly unlimited access to, get one. An inexpensive Netbook could do the trick, especially if you invest in a comfy ergonomic keyboard.

You will also need word processing software. Microsoft Word is the standard and many clients I have come across will ask for articles and other content that is save in these files. You may be able to get away with something like Open Office, but switch over the the big guys after you start making money.

Of course, you will need internet access and an email address. A Skype account is pretty vital, as many of your clients could come from other countries, and you may want to download other chat clients as well.


Join freelancing or outsourcing sites.

I recommend starting by joining oDesk. You will want to completely fill out your profile, put samples in your portfolio and take a few basic tests. Yes, you should put a photo of you on your profile. Then you need to start applying for roles you are interested in and qualified for. Work the heck out of this network before you move on. 

I joined other sites, but I get almost all of my work via oDesk -- a big, overwhelming percentage of my income comes from clients I find there. I've been busy enough with those, I haven't been working other networks. It seems to be the easiest to use and the simplest to get started on.

There are others, and one of them may work better for you. These include Guru and eLance. 

Whichever site you choose, there are some things to keep in mind:

• As you get started, you may have to take some low paying work for your first or second gig. Make sure these are short term or singular projects so you aren't locked in at a low rate for a long time. This will help you get comfortable with how things work on these sites, and this give you an opportunity to establish yourself and get some good feedback.

• Don't do ANYTHING for free. Doing a free test or trial is actually against the terms of service for many sites. You are a professional, damn it, so paid trials or nothing. Offer ideas, topics, potential titles, but nothing more substantial should be given away without a contract.

• Set realistic rates. Make sure your hourly and per word rates make sense for your level of experience and education. While lower rates may get you more work, remember, you gotta eat! Set a fair price, be somewhat flexible and don't sell yourself short.