Freelance writing from home can be a great experience. It can be quite lucrative and rewarding. If you have ever felt the urge to write, you should give it a try. There is plenty of information available online to help you brush up on your skills if necessary, and there are many legitimate writing opportunities.
One area that can be a bit challenging is the whole networking aspect. The solution is to start networking online with other writers so you can utilize their knowledge and experiences. Look around to find a writers’ group that you think you will enjoy. Register for forums or join an email list and introduce yourself.
Experienced freelance writers are usually very generous about sharing information with new writers, which can be a great help. They share everything from writers’ markets and writing tips to business advice and encouragement.
Another thing I’d advise anyone interested in writing to do is sign up for the free Writers’ Weekly Newsletter. Writers’ Weekly comes out each Wednesday and offers great tips, advice, a venue for asking questions of experts, classes, books, and a list of paying markets and jobs. The markets are well researched, and WW does not post any “non-paying jobs” (an oxymoron if I ever heard one).
The Writers’ Weekly website also includes tons of information, forums for writers, and a more extensive list of paying markets, including a list of those that work with new writers. Be sure to check out the New Writer Resources and the “Whispers and Warnings” section, featuring publications that may not live up to their promises.
There are other good, free resources for freelance writers as well, such as the Writers’ Digest website, which features great information including the market of the day, the tip of the week, and their annual list of The 101 Best Websites for Writers. Each site is given points for how much they pay, how often they purchase freelance work, and other criteria.
You’ll soon learn that writing for online publications and writing web content are the quickest ways to make some money and to get your name out there. Print publications usually take quite some time to respond, and to pay. However, they usually pay well, so it is wise to continue submitting while making your “bread and butter” through online publications.