This is it, this is the year you make good on your resolution to start a freelance writing business. Congratulations!
Thanks to technological innovation and a workplace culture that relies on more contingent workers and virtual teams, there’s never been a better time to work as a self-employed writer.
When it comes to freelancing, you have lots of choices, including what type of freelancing you want to pursue – straight journalism, copywriting, blogging, content marketing, social media management, corporate writing, PR or a combination of one or more of those.
You can also choose whether to work with only local publications, agencies or other clients, or on a more regional or national basis. Finally – and some freelancers would agree this is the best part – you get to choose when, where and how you do your work.
Starting a Freelance Writing Business
I’ve compiled the following list of helpful advice gleaned from years of freelancing for trade magazines, wire services, newspapers, national and local business and consumer publications and digital media agencies. You’ll find information on writing basics, finding story ideas, working with editors, blogging and other resources.
The Business of the Freelance Business
- How to write queries that sell – Know who you’re pitching to, and other helpful hints.
- Just say no to assignments that aren’t a good fit – If they make you miserable, even well-paid jobs aren’t worth the money.
- Why freelance queries get rejected – It happens, even to the best of us.
- 10 ways to promote your freelance writing business – Writing’s just the beginning, you have to sell yourself.
- You may be desperate for work, just don’t act like it – Editors smell fear.
- Writing for free is not a business model – Giving it away ain’t gonna get you anything but poor.
- 13 warning signs a magazine may be in trouble – Checks slowing to a trickle? Uh oh.
Freelancers in Their Own Words
- How to build the freelance writing career that you want – Words of wisdom for newcomers from long-time freelancer Gwen Moran.
- Sometimes all it takes is saying ‘I can do that.’ – Being in the right place at the right time is just the start – to get the good jobs, you have to ask for them.
- Going freelance in a down economy – Bad times didn’t stop former copywriter Susan Johnston from pursuing her dream to freelance full-time.
Writing Basics
- 10 great places writers can find story ideas – Tune in to your surroundings and story ideas are everywhere.
- Prepping for the big one – A dozen ways to ace a VIP interview.
- Keeping sources on the subject – Get in, get the quote, get out.
- A few words about writing short – 500 words is the new 1,000.
- How to write fast. – Setting the timer is just the start.
- Why good writing is all about context – Putting in the why.
- When the words won’t come – Dealing with writer’s block.
- 7 steps to cutting a story that’s too long – Why let someone else hack away when you can easily trim those extra graphs yourself.
[Flickr photo by opensourceway]