So, you want to be a writer. Your talent has given you the courage to try to make a go of a business as a freelance writer. This is a tough field and people needing your services are going to be sure that you can do the job. That requires credibility on your part.

It’s the same old story. It’s a catch-22 actually. We want to hire you to writer for us but you have no experience. But, the only way to get experience is to write for someone, anyone. We didn’t say it would be easy to establish credibility but if you love to write, it will be worth all the effort.

All writing work doesn’t have to be paid in order for you to get a byline. Smaller online magazines and content websites take submissions from new writers who need the experience. You can find out about these sites on writing forums and through advertisements on writing websites. Whether paid or not, you will rejoice the first time you see your name attached to a published work.

Don’t neglect local resources. Newspapers, small town magazines, and other publications do take articles. Come up with an idea for a story and compose a stirring query letter to get them interested.

Several websites on the Internet accept content on whatever subject that you choose. Choose sites like:

“     www.ezinearticles.com
“    www.associatedcontent.com
“    www.ehow.com

These are favorable choices to cut your teeth writing content for the Web. These sites also catalogue all of the pieces of content that you submit so you can access it for a writing portfolio to showcase your work.

When it comes to writing, you never stop learning. With some professions you go to school and learn all you can and then enter the world of work. With writing, there is always something new to find out.

Writing continues to evolve. When writing was restricted to the print media we had no idea that there would be another world in cyberspace in which to make our mark. There are different requirements for copywriting, SEO content, sales letters, fiction, and non-fiction. A writer, who wants to stay on top takes classes, reads books, attends conventions, and learns from others who are well known in the business.

Everything that you do to make your writing better and increase your skill set adds to your credibility. A freelance writer who can do one thing well is an asset to the writing profession. A freelance writer who has multiple skills that they have honed through experience and trial and error is worth even more.

For a writer, there are no small accomplishments. Take advantage of every opportunity to practice your writing. Whether you are paid for that opportunity or not is not as important as the credit. In the long run you will be able to command the price that you are worth based on your past writing experience.

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No one ever said marriage was easy even in the best circumstances.  Add children to the mix and things may be more stressful.  When you’re a work-at-home freelance writing mom, it can be difficult to balance your marriage, the children, and your business. When you get stressed you may think the easiest thing to let slide is your family relationships. Here are some ways to keep these relationships in balance with everything else in your life.

No matter how much writing you need to do or how many deadlines you have, make sure to schedule in time to spend with your family. Plan your day to include a certain number of hours of work. Then guard your family time carefully or writing or other work can easily encroach upon it.

Spend time with your children each day. If you can’t manage that, perhaps you could plan a Mom and child day as often as possible. It’s also important to set aside one night a week as a “date night” with your spouse. This is so important because the two of you need time to relax, talk, and reconnect each week. Your marriage and your relationship with your children will be better for it.

Maybe you feel you’re too busy for a date night. Ask your spouse and children to help with the household chores so you have more free time. There’s no reason that you should have to do all of the housework – cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc. – when you have other family members that can chip in. You’re working the same as your spouse, you just happen to do your writing from home rather than leaving it each day.

Sharing chores will free up much needed time for the family to spend together. At the very least set aside a family time where you don’t do any work. Set aside a couple of hours during the weekend that you can play games or watch movies together. Ask everyone to spend an hour before that time to help straighten the house. They may be more willing to help if they know the payoff is spending time with Mom!

Writing is an important part of your life and your family is sure to know this. It is important, however, to balance your freelance writing career with your family responsibilities and relationships. You know your family needs you and you need them. Asking for their help may open the doors up to keep your relationships growing strong.

Posted under Articles and Tips, Freelance lifestlye

If you’re a freelance writer, you may have people question your decision to write without the benefit of a 9-to-5 position. They wonder if you’ve lost your mind and if you’re going to seriously make money with this career choice. While these concerns may seem to be warranted, they can also be hurtful. Here are some ideas on how to remain confident in your freelance writing decision.

What you need to remember is that freelance workers have often been treated as less than writers. People often feel that someone who isn’t holding down a “real” job at a newspaper or magazine can’t be successful. What they don’t realize is that freelance writers can and DO make enough money to survive and to thrive!

How do you answer someone who asks you personal questions about how well your business is doing? You can ignore their questions, answer them in a vague manner, or tell them exactly what they want to know. Ultimately the choice is yours how you deal with them. If you choose the last method, do more than tell them how much you make. Let them know that there are many freelance writers and why you’ve chosen to work from home rather than working in a traditional position.

Once they understand your reasons for working at home, how you have more control over your day, and are able to spend more time with your children, they may want to know how they can work from home, too. In fact, don’t be surprised if they entirely change their tune when they hear of the benefits besides money.

Don’t let anyone make you feel like you’re not a “real” writer because you work from home. You have the ability to have the best of both worlds – you can be at home with your children during their formative years and still provide additional income for your family’s budget. What could be better than that? Remember all that you have and be proud of what you do. It truly is how to stay confident about your freelance writing decision.

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Even the most accomplished freelance writer couldn’t have become successful without some help. The help I am speaking of is reference books. The success of a freelance writer depends on being in the know about ever-changing writing guidelines.

Here are a few freelance writing books no shelf should be without:

• The Elements of Style by Strunk and White—This book is a classic. No matter how long a freelancer writes, there will be a situation where they aren’t quite sure about the grammar or comma placement. The book has gone through at least four editions over the years but, it is still the best for teaching a writer not only about grammar but how to find his or her voice.
• 2008 Writer’s Market by Robert Brewer—Every freelance writer needs the current edition of this book. The Writer’s Market does its best to include the most current entries for publishers across all genres of writing in the industry. The book is full of useful contact information, tips for querying publishers and editors, completing manuscripts, and following up on submissions. Anyone wanting to break into print will keep this book with them at all times. A new edition is published each year so be sure to get it. There are other Writer’s Market books for screenwriters, magazine article submissions, poets, and songwriters. Whatever your niche, you can get a jumpstart with a Writer’s Market book.
• Writer Mama: How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside your Kids by Christina Katz—The name of the book alone makes you want to pick it up and read it. Most women who become freelance writers do so to be able to spend time with their children. It is hard juggling work and home but Christina shows that it can be done with some effort. This freelance writing book is geared towards moms who want a career but don’t want to sacrifice time with their children. The author uses her experience to encourage women that a freelance writing career is possible with children in tow.
• Starting your Career as a Freelance Writer by Moira Anderson Allen—The hardest part about making it as a freelance writer is getting started. It is also the scariest part. In this book, the author discusses step by step what is needed to get started. From finding article topics to finding the markets to writing and submitting, Moira Allen leaves nothing out.
• Online Markets for Writers: How to Make Money by Selling your Writing on the Internet by Anthony and Paul Tedesco—Writing for print publications is not the only market as we well know. The Internet has opened a wealth of opportunities for freelance writers. The authors discuss what it takes to write for online magazines. To add to the information that the Tedescos bring us, any further updates to their book information will be done via an email newsletter.

Freelance writing is a career that has great potential. There are dozens of markets looking for skilled writers. But, a writer is only as good as the materials he or she uses. Check out these great books online or at any bookstore.

Posted under Articles and Tips