Any freelance writers out there?

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pa_jorg
pa_jorg Posts: 4,401 Member
edited October 2024 in Chit-Chat
Been debating a career change lately and was wondering if any of you write freelance and might have some helpful tips for how to really get started? Thanks!

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  • Broken_
    Broken_ Posts: 172 Member
    Depending on your training and grammar, take some college classes.

    Freelance is hard to get started in. With that being said: Submit your articles/stories multiple places. If it's picked up by multiple sources you may have to choose WHICH publication gets to use your work, but at least the option is there.

    Best of luck,

    RR
  • fitnesspirateninja
    fitnesspirateninja Posts: 667 Member
    I got started kind of on accident. My sister's friend hired me to do marketing writing and I just kind of went from there. Most of my jobs are word of mouth. I have business cards, flyers, etc...networking is key. If someone likes your work, they'll recommend you to others.

    I also do movie reviews and articles for a local lifestyle magazine. Again, a friend recommended me to the editors. It can be really tough to make it - I'm not great with invoicing and bugging people who haven't paid me on time. I'm not naturally organized or analytical either. You aren't just a writer - you have to be accounts payable and receivable, management, marketing, etc...

    Also, you have to account for slow times. I am always either swamped or slow. Fall is a busy time for me. Summer is usually pretty dead.

    Build a strong portfolio. If you don't have any published work, start a blog or find some small, local publications and write for them.

    I have heard it's best to get on a company's payroll, but haven't ever done this myself.
  • pa_jorg
    pa_jorg Posts: 4,401 Member
    Thank you to fitnesspirateninja & Redfie1d for your helpful input! Definitely confirmed what I've been thinking about how to go about starting this change.
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