Getting Started as a Freelance Writer

I've blogged about this before, but it totally deserves another mention. My friend, fellow FaithWriters member and all-around great guy, Glenn Hascall, is a major freelance success story. Currently, Glenn writes the Weekly Writing Articles available to FaithWriters 500 members. Here are just a few of Glenn's many credentials:

*He has successfully been published every month since 1995.
*His writing can be found in more than 50 books and many magazines.
*As a ghostwriter Glenn has had work published by the Wall Street Journal.
*He's received payment for more than 3,000 articles, stories or books.
*His creative writing has been dramatized and is heard on radio stations across the U.S.
*There has not been a day in over 5 years when Glenn did not have a writing assignment to complete for a client.

Glenn has written an ebook on how to get started as a freelance writer. I have had the privilege of reading (and editing) this book and can tell you, first-hand, that it provides excellent advice and for climbing the ladder as a freelancer. Glenn shares from his own experience and offers suggestions on how to avoid making the same mistakes he did. The style is easy-to-read, insightful, practical, and laced with humor and fun illustrations.

Here are the topics covered in this guide:

How to get started in freelancing.
Where to look for jobs.
What rights are available to writers?
How to plan for taxes.
How much to charge a client.
Ways to avoid making common mistakes.
How to determine if you are ready to move into the world of freelance writing.
How to write a comprehensive contract.
How to determine if a copyright is important.
How to craft a cover letter.
Why submission guidelines really are important.
What jobs are best avoided.
When to jump ship on a project.
What are some terms of the trade.
Why freelancing must be considered work.
Where to go for encouragement.
Why family members and friends aren't always encouraging.
Knowing when to say no to new work.
How to develop a good approach to writing freelance articles.
Why a nondisclosure agreement may be important.

There are also links provided to places you can find actual work.

This guide comes with bonus ebooks when you order and I highly recommend it, particularly those just starting out. If you would like more information on this fabulous guide that will help you jumpstart your freelance writing career, click here:

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO A SUCCESSFUL FREELANCE WRITING CAREER.

So you want to be a Freelancer

As I work (slowly) towards becoming a published novelist, I spend my time doing freelance work. I was fortunate and blessed enough to have opportunities come along in the past two or three years that finally allowed me to stay home full-time. I absolutely love being available to my kids and the freedom to manage my own time and work load (however poorly I happen to do that - discipline is not necessarily one of my strengths!). But, in my opinion, working from home offers the best of both worlds.

In case you're curious, my current freelance work includes writing 3 monthly newsletters, conducting 2 interviews per month, writing weekly content articles, sending out daily welcome and informational letters for two different websites, and moderating a couple of forums communities. Additionally, I pick up occasional editing and proofreading jobs and, a few months ago, I regularly started submitting to magazines and greeting card companies again after a lengthy slacking-off period. While I'm not doing my freelance work, I maintain my blog, network to build my platform and, of course, try to make progress on the three novels I have going. Not to mention try to keep my household running smoothly and the laundry pile from rivaling the Himalayas.

In short, I keep pretty busy.

So anyway, I know there are many of you who want to break into the freelancing business but don't quite know where to begin. I thought I'd provide some links for you to check out that will start you on your way. First, though, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Patience is mandatory. Building your freelancing business won't happen overnight. Jobs and clients may be few and far between, especially at first, until you create a name for yourself and a good reputation to go along with it.
• If it seems too good to be true... You know the saying and I can't stress it enough here. So many people still fall into the scam trap because dollar signs are blurring their vision. Listen to your gut. Research the company and ask around before jumping in.
• Be reliable. Deliver by the deadline (before, when possible) and give 100%. Reliability is the #1 thing that keeps clients coming back (and passing along your name)
• Be flexible. By this, I mean to be open to what they client asks for. Even if it's not something you're used to or know much about, be willing to learn. Drag racing may not be your cup of tea but that doesn't mean you can't write about it. And if the client asks you to revise your article, don't immediately resist. Remember, they're paying you to do a job for them the way they want it done.
• Persistence is key. To persist does not mean to annoy. But if at first your article is not accepted, try, try again. Articles can be rejected for many different reasons so don't take it personally. Make a list of potential publications and as soon as you receive a rejection, send it to the next place on your list. Unfortunately, discouragement is common among freelancers and is the #1 reason for quitting. But pressing through is the main thing that will determine whether or not your business becomes a success.
• Say no. Wouldn't it be nice to get to the point where you have so many jobs coming in that you need to turn some down? I'm totally not there yet but one can dream... But there have been a few times when the project I was offered just wasn't something I felt I could do. And there have been times when I knew my schedule wouldn't allow me to complete the job within the time frame the client expected and I had to say no. See the BE RELIABLE tip. It's better to say no from the start than to agree and not deliver.

OK...so now on to some links. Bookmark them and browse at your convenience.

THE ULTIMATE WRITING GUIDE - This link is actually to a previous blog post of mine where I tell about why you should purchase this guide. It is a MUST for all writers wanting to break in to the business of freelancing. There is a button on the right column of my blog. Click through from there to order this guide. You won't regret it!

ABOUT FREELANCE WRITING - Excellent information! I highly encourage you to sign up for Anne Wayman's newsletter. Receive dozens of writing opportunities weekly.

WORLDWIDE FREELANCE

WRITING CAREER COACH (Tiffany Colter's blog)

WRITER'S MARKET - I subscribe to Writer'sMarket.com (it's $40 per year and completely tax deductible). This is a great resource because it gives you thousands of markets to which you can submit your work. Besides the guidelines, it also provides a place for you to track your submissions. Some of the best money you'll ever spend.

SALLY STUART'S CHRISTIAN WRITERS' MARKET GUIDE - While I highly recommend purchasing the yearly updated book of guidelines because of the HUGE amount of information and guidelines offered, at least check out the website. There are some markets listed there, as well. Also, FaithWriters 500 members receive a generous discount on this book!

WRITER'S DIGEST - Great website with valuable information on all aspects of writing. If you can't afford to purchase the magazine (another wonderful tool), at least bookmark the website. (By the way, FaithWriters 500 members receive a generous discount on the magazine)

WRITING WORLD

There are plenty more where these come from, but at least this list will get you started. Hope it helps! Feel free to leave your comments with tips, information or links not included in this post.

Happy freelancing!

The Ultimate Writing Guide

This posting is for all of you who are considering a freelance writing career. Or for those who might not necessarily want to become an official freelance writer but are interested in taking their writing up a notch.

OR, if those two scenarios don't describe you, how about this:
YOU CAN MAKE SOME COLD, HARD CASH.

Now do I have your attention?

So a couple months ago, I had the privilege of being one of the first people to read a fabulous ebook on freelance writing. Now, before you "pffft" me and chalk up this post to shameless advertising, hear me out.

My friend and fellow FaithWriters member, Glenn Hascall, has been a successful freelance writer for years. In fact, Glenn has successfully been published every month since 1995. His writing can be found in more than 50 books and many magazines. He's had his work published (as a ghostwriter) by the Wall Street Journal. He has received payment for more than 3,000 articles, stories or books. His creative writing has been dramatized and is heard on radio stations across the U.S. And there has not been a day in over 5 years when Glenn did not have a writing assignment to complete for a client.

Go Glenn!

So I read this ebook and I have to say I was more than a little impressed. Glenn knows his stuff! (as the above credentials testify to). Not only does this guide contain easy-to-read (and easy to understand!) text, it contains the subtle humor we at FaithWriters have come to expect and love from Glenn. Basically, Glenn is allowing us to learn from the (many) mistakes he made when he was first starting out (including regularly giving away his writing for free - tsk-tsk...). The Ultimate Guide to a Successful Writing Career will keep you from making those same errors.

Especially if you are just starting out as a freelancer, are thinking about a freelancing career, or just want to make a few bucks with the talent God gave you, please consider buying this ebook. Here are a few things you'll learn:

• How to get started in freelancing.
• Where to look for jobs.
• What rights are available to writers?
• How to plan for taxes.
• How much to charge a client.
• Ways to avoid making common mistakes.
• How to determine if you are ready to move into the world of freelance writing.
• How to write a comprehensive contract.
• How to determine if a copyright is important.
• How to craft a cover letter.
• Why submission guidelines really are important.
• What jobs are best avoided.
• When to jump ship on a project.
• What are some terms of the trade.
• Why freelancing must be considered work.
• Where to go for encouragement.
• Why family members and friends aren't always encouraging.
• Knowing when to say no to new work.
• How to develop a good approach to writing freelance articles.
• Why a nondisclosure agreement may be important.

Also included in this guide are memorable take-aways, focal points, and even links to places you can find actual work. And, because Glenn is the generous guy he is, he even throws in 6 bonuses when you order today. Like, Writer's Boot Camp, Writing for Fast Cash, How to Write and get Paid for It, Breaking into Freelancing, and two more...

To find out more about this fabulous book that will help you and bless you, click on the flashing banner to the left (that way, I get the credit for the sale!)

OR...if you would like to sign up as an affiliate and offer Glenn's ebook on your website or blog, visit this link: WRITER'S GUIDE AFFILIATE INFO .

Seriously, I am not one to try and sell stuff unless I truly believe in the product. And I really do believe that Glenn's ebook, The Ultimate Guide to a Successful Writing Career, will benefit you as you take your writing to the next level. God created you with a passion and a purpose. If it's writing, then this book's for you.