Learn how to become a freelance writer in your spare time. Get tips on how to secure paid writing assignments in newspapers, magazines and as a business copy writer.
If you’ve been dreaming of making a living as a writer, you are in luck. Today there are oodles of writing opportunities; from event reporting for your local weekly or daily newspapers to paid blogging positions. While there are many freelancers out there, the number of print and online venues seeking great content on a regular basis is rising. And if you are a pro with prose (with a winning sales record) it’s possible to make money on business writing projects.
Oodles of Options
Even if you did not major in Creative Writing or take one Journalism class, you may be able to turn “a way with words” into a steady income stream. Some of the many paid freelance writing options include:
· Creating Press Releases for business and non-profits
· Marketing Communications Copy Writing ( print ads, direct mail, sales letters and brochures)
· Ghost writing editorial content for internal business use or Press Kits
· Writing as an Expert ( showcasing your knowledge in a certain field)
· In-house publication writing (for newsletters, etc.)
· Print and online articles for Magazines
· Radio spots
· Blogging
· Website copywriting
· Catalogue writing
According to Bob Bly – one the best known and highly paid copywriters in the United States, you can earn $85,000 or more a year as freelance commercial copywriter. In his book, Secrets of a Freelance Writer (published by Henry Holt) Bly says it doesn’t take genius to earn a lucrative living as a freelancer, but rather reliability and the capacity to produce solid work. Per Bly, even if you have had absolutely no experience, it is possible to become a well paid business copy writer.
If you feel you have a lot to share about your experiences and successes, you could also aim to emulate Mr. Bly the author - who has created multiple significant revenue streams by writing over 70 “how-to” books.
Getting Started
With so many possible paths, how do you start your writing career? The best course of action is to get educated first. Go to your local library, Google writing tools and learning resources online or go to an adult education program to see what you are getting yourself into. For fiction or non-fiction enthusiasts, consider taking a college course or attending a multi-day writing conference.
After you’ve decided what kind of writing assignments you might like to pursue, start writing 'em. Join a writing group, ask for feedback from established writers, The only way you'll get better is to accept criticism.
When you think you're ready, pick up the phone and make inquiries. For commercial or business copy writing projects try calling the Marketing or Corporate Communications departments directly, and ask for the person who hires freelance writers. Another avenue is to get in touch with smaller companies who already have contracts with the larger firms. Many of these firms regularly outsource some if not all of their writing projects. Your local phone book is a great place to find them; look under Graphic Designers, Advertising Agencies, Public Relations and Printers.
Expect to be asked to provide several writing samples of different kinds of projects. Be candid about your level of expertise, and expect a bit of a learning curve. It is important to note that each company will have different expectations, styles, deadline requirements, pay scale, etc. so it pays for you to get all the details ironed out up front, in a written contract or agreement.
Get Moving
The best thing about pursuing a career as a freelance writer, is that you can still keep your day job as you establish yourself and build your writing portfolio. A wealth of consultants, books, courses and articles are available to help you create the writing career of your dreams! The following sources are a great place to start…
· Getting Published by Leonard S. Bernstein (Quill/William Morrow)
· Writing for Money by Loriann Hoff Oberlin (Writer’s Digest Books)
· Writer’s Market, Robert Lee Brewer, Editor (published by Writer’s Digest Books)
· Successful Script Writing by Jurgen Wolff and Kerry Cox (Writer’s Digest Books)
