Dear Anne,
How can a person without professional writing experience or degree but with a serious love of writing break into freelancing?
Thank you,
jk
Dear JK,
As you already recognize a freelance writing career isn’t like some. If you want to be a banker, you usually start by working as a teller in a bank.
The secret to a freelance writing career is first of all to write, write, write and write some more.
You’ve also got to submit your writing. With persistence and some luck, you’ll gradually get better and start selling what you write.
Another approach would be to get a writing job. …read more

(www.thegoldenpencil.com)
Hello Anne,
How do I go about doing that all-important resume when I am brand-new to free-lance writing?
thanks,
V.
Dear V.
Having a writing resume or credit list isn’t the only way to break into freelance writing (and there’s no dash in the word, and brand new shouldn’t be hyphenated… I’m assuming you’re in the US – if not, I apologize.)
You need to do what we used to do and many still do and that’s do some work on spec. Usually this is writing for magazines. You query a magazine editor with an idea and if it’s accepted it will probably be on …read more

Hi Anne,
I am just launching myself into freelance writing and someone advised to write a couple of articles for associated content and ezine articles to get me going. as i am an overseas writer, i am not eligible for payment on associated content. i have churned out about 10 articles so far and i am wondering if putting up my articles for free. is this really a good way to get started in freelance writing.
Lafani (in comments)
Hi Lafani,
Ten articles on Associated Content, etc. is plenty, particularly if they are good ones – take down any you think don’t show off …read more

Anne,
Hello, I’ve been attempting to get myself into the world of freelance writing and have sent out numerous emails responding to ads on various websites. To this date I have still not heard anything back from any of the companies. I generally respond to new ads (within a couple days of posting) and post my resume within the email.
I have little to no experience working with freelance writing, but have had experience writing in general. I’m not sure if these companies/individuals are looking for something specific in the response or what is expected when responding to an ad. …read more

Yesterday I got an email from a fellow who asked “Should I submit a completed article to a trade magazine in hopes they accept it, or should I submit a query first?”
(Somehow I deleted the email without responding – I hope he reads this.)
The answer, like so many things in the freelance writing business, is “it depends.” Trade magazines tend to be more open to new writers than consumer magazines, but that doesn’t answer the question. I think I’d decide based on how much time it would take me to put the article together.
If it was something I could …read more