First Things First: How to Get Started as a Freelance Writer

While starting a freelance writing business might require very little in the way of start-up capital, there are a few things you will need to get started as a freelance writer before you can begin offering your services. This article contains two different categories of things you'll need as a freelance writer: Absolute necessities and optional extras.

The first category -- Absolute Necessities -- contains things that you absolutely need if you're going to start a freelance writing business. They are, for the most part, non-negotiable if you hope to attain any kind of success. The second category -- optional extras -- is comprised of things that are nice to have, but won't make you or break you during your first few months as a professional writer.

Absolute Necessities

1. Private Workspace
In order to get started as a freelance writer, you must have a private workspace. Obviously, we are not all fortunate enough to have a fully decorated office, but you do need a place where you can work with at least a modicum of peace. Many freelance writing businesses start at one end of the kitchen table and eventually migrate into a spare bedroom or a corner of the garage; regardless, it should be a place where you feel comfortable and secure.

2. Computer
Most freelance writing businesses operate almost exclusively over the Internet, so you'll need to have a computer from which to work. For tax purposes, it should be a computer used only for business and not for pleasure, though that is another article entirely. Any old computer will do, but I recommend a newer model that is less likely to break down on you halfway through an article.

3. Internet Connection
Even if you have to settle for the slow dial-up connection we all hate, an Internet connection is absolutely essential to getting started as a freelance writer. You'll use the Internet on a daily basis to check your e-mail, follow up on manuscript submissions, converse with clients and research new projects. If you have access to a high-speed Internet connection, you'll be much better off, but I'll leave that up to you.