How to Start as a Freelance Writer

If you are thinking of rapid riches and fame as a noted freelance writer, think again. It can be a rewarding and profitable career for many people if they can take a realistic approach to getting started. The trick is to make it a long-term goal to be worked toward. You have to think from the beginning that it is a lot like learning to walk. You go one baby-step at a time. Each step that you take opens more knowledge about your profession to you.

You must start by being sure that you know how to write. Not to sound remedial, but if you struggle with punctuation and basic grammar or have chronic spelling problems, writing may not be for you. Maybe writing might become a hobby or a diary project instead of a profession. Returning to school to take some writing classes would even be difficult unless you are willing to take some of those pre-composition classes offered by community colleges.

Let's assume you can actually string words into sentences and sentences into coherent paragraphs. With this, you can put things into writing that others can read and understand. Now, like any other talent-based effort, there comes a time when you have to put it out there and see what happens. This can be a little scary for some people. You need to get people who care about you to read some of your work and give you somewhat honest opinions. The more honest they are; the better it will be for you. A little gentle honesty now can save you many rejections later.

Once you have gotten used to constructive criticism, get on the web and post some of your better efforts. Do a little polishing before you post. If you post on some of the blog sites, you will at least get used to seeing your writing somewhere other than in the safety of your home. Invite the bloggers to take a shot at evaluating your work. They will.

Ignore the overly harsh or overly nice ones. The people who give you a good review with criticism and advice will be the ones to note. Try to learn from what they say and don't take anything as a personal shot. Keep in mind that they don't know you.