Tools Needed to Become a Freelance Writer & Earn Money

By Zach3000, 26th Aug 2011 | Follow this author | RSS Feed | Short URL http://nut.bz/38rhcf2_/
Posted in Wikinut>Money>Making Money

Most authors today start out small, and work their way up the ladder of success. This guide will teach you what you need to know to get started as a freelance writer, so you too can get a foot in the door to online writing. Once these tools are under your belt, you will have a leg up on other freelance writers.

I. Create a Writing Portfolio
II. Create a Writing Resume
III. Create a Cover Letter
IV. Find a Reliable Source of Writing Jobs
V. Never Give Up

I. Create a Writing Portfolio

Briefcase open

To become a writer and get paid for it, first you must first develop a writing portfolio, which you can then refer to from your writing resume. The internet and computers have revolutionized this step because your writing portfolio can be developed very easily on the internet. Many job postings you find online will request that you provide links to work you have published online. If your work is published in print, then you may need to keep hard copies of your work, that you can easily scan and email from your personal computer.

A writing porfolio is essential to have because when you apply for a writing job, you will be asked to provide samples of your work. These samples can then be provided by attaching work saved onto your computer, or providing links to work published online. You want the work displayed to be your strongest pieces, that will show off your writing abilities.

II. Create a Writing Resume

A writing resume is also essential to landing a writing job. This resume is tailored to display your writing skills, and will refer to published work when applying for a job. If you are just starting out, you will most likely put anything you've ever done writing-wise so you can show you have enough experience, but once you have published several places, then you will have the luxury of editing out the less important jobs, and only list the more important ones. A writing resume works in tandem with your writing portfolio, and as you expand your portfolio, then you will update your resume with more experience.

Remember to include any awards and special recognition for your writing!

III. Create a Cover Letter

Typing Cover Letter

Back in the "old timey" days, writers would have to send cover letters (also called "query letters") through the mail. Nowadays, email has taken the place of snail mail. With this in consideration, you need to come up with a generic cover letter that describes how excellent you are as a writer. One you have this created, then you will edit this letter to specifically address the writing job you are seeking.

IV. Find a Reliable Source of Writing Jobs

Money on Keyboard

Good writing jobs (also called "gigs") can easily be found with an online source. One example is Online Writing Jobs.com. Once you have a good website bookmarked, then you can easily check it daily for new jobs posted. Be sure to refer specifically to the job posting in your cover letter, and attach your writing resume to this email, when applying to an online job. They will contact you if they like what they see.

V. Never Give Up

Scrabble letters

Getting started in the writing world is probably the most difficult hurdle you will have to face, because no experience simply means that your resume will be glossed over for writing jobs. You have to start somewhere, and you will learn as time goes by, what works, and what doesn't. So remember - once you publish something, it is there forever -- so make sure you stand by all of your work, and be sure not to publish anything that could come back to bite you down the road.