There are many very capable people out there who have thought about becoming a freelance writer at some point in their life. Most of these people have no idea just how to get started. The purpose of this article is to to help those aspiring writers find the proper avenue to take in getting started.
Step 1: Consider why you want to be a writer.
This is a crucial and often overlooked step in the path to becoming a writer. Doing this as a hobby and writing as a source of income are two very different things. As a hobby, or perhaps to create that novel you have always wanted to, allows you to take a lot more time in developing your works.
Creating content for profit however, will mean that you will have to take certain steps to not only be recognized, but get positive feedback from your employers. This article will be geared more towards those who are looking for a supplemental or primary source of income.
Step 2: Write something.
In order to get hired you are going to need some examples of your talent. With document creation services offered free from both Google and Microsoft, this has become easier than ever. Be sure that you write about a topic you are highly informed about, and perhaps have a little bit of passion for. This will help to ensure that you create something that is pleasing to the eyes, as well as showcases your talents at their best.
You could perhaps create a blog about a particular subject that interests you. Just follow current trends and news on the subject, and write about it with your own views and opinions.
Step 3: Advertise your services.
When first starting out, you are going to have to accept very low wages for your created content. The typically low end starting point is about 1 cent per word or half that at times. While this might seem like slave wages at first, it is about the only way you are going to get hired without any professional experience. After you build a reputation for yourself, you will then be able to get the price your work is worth.
Forums such as Digital Point or Daniweb are frequently visited by SEO companies needing content in order to help build backlinks. You can check for requests for writers or simply create a post yourself. Keep in mind that these employers typically pay via Paypal, and are looking to hire for long term work. Hiring a new writer can be a nerve wracking experience, as you never know what the quality of articles will be until they are turned in. In my experience, I have always been paid in a timely manner, and never been refused payment. You might however, have to correct or edit your work at times in order to conform to requirements.
Step 4: Don't give up.
You may be discouraged at times, and find that creativity isn't as easy as sitting behind a keyboard. Getting started will bring you work that takes a lot of time and concentration with sometimes less than stellar wages. Just remember that you are working towards the larger goal of becoming recognized and sought after by high paying companies. Always work hard to meet and exceed your deadlines, and NEVER plagiarize the work of someone else. This will earn you a bad reputation faster than you can copy and paste from wikipedia.
Keep in mind there are many sites out there who are hiring writers, but those often want people with the proper education, and a lot more experience. Writing as a freelancer for awhile will help build a solid background which will circumvent any lack of schooling.
Step 1: Consider why you want to be a writer.
This is a crucial and often overlooked step in the path to becoming a writer. Doing this as a hobby and writing as a source of income are two very different things. As a hobby, or perhaps to create that novel you have always wanted to, allows you to take a lot more time in developing your works.
Creating content for profit however, will mean that you will have to take certain steps to not only be recognized, but get positive feedback from your employers. This article will be geared more towards those who are looking for a supplemental or primary source of income.
Step 2: Write something.
In order to get hired you are going to need some examples of your talent. With document creation services offered free from both Google and Microsoft, this has become easier than ever. Be sure that you write about a topic you are highly informed about, and perhaps have a little bit of passion for. This will help to ensure that you create something that is pleasing to the eyes, as well as showcases your talents at their best.
You could perhaps create a blog about a particular subject that interests you. Just follow current trends and news on the subject, and write about it with your own views and opinions.
Step 3: Advertise your services.
When first starting out, you are going to have to accept very low wages for your created content. The typically low end starting point is about 1 cent per word or half that at times. While this might seem like slave wages at first, it is about the only way you are going to get hired without any professional experience. After you build a reputation for yourself, you will then be able to get the price your work is worth.
Forums such as Digital Point or Daniweb are frequently visited by SEO companies needing content in order to help build backlinks. You can check for requests for writers or simply create a post yourself. Keep in mind that these employers typically pay via Paypal, and are looking to hire for long term work. Hiring a new writer can be a nerve wracking experience, as you never know what the quality of articles will be until they are turned in. In my experience, I have always been paid in a timely manner, and never been refused payment. You might however, have to correct or edit your work at times in order to conform to requirements.
Step 4: Don't give up.
You may be discouraged at times, and find that creativity isn't as easy as sitting behind a keyboard. Getting started will bring you work that takes a lot of time and concentration with sometimes less than stellar wages. Just remember that you are working towards the larger goal of becoming recognized and sought after by high paying companies. Always work hard to meet and exceed your deadlines, and NEVER plagiarize the work of someone else. This will earn you a bad reputation faster than you can copy and paste from wikipedia.
Keep in mind there are many sites out there who are hiring writers, but those often want people with the proper education, and a lot more experience. Writing as a freelancer for awhile will help build a solid background which will circumvent any lack of schooling.
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