Freelance Writer Wannabes – Read This!

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So, you want to be a freelance writer. You think you’ve got talent or that folks that will pay you will love you too much to care.

Whether you are just looking at what it takes to becoming a paid writer, or are a dabbler that writes for fun, there are a few tips I can give that can greatly increase your chances of success.

1. Get Real about your CURRENT skill level.

While some are seemingly born with a way with words – writing is a skill that can be learned, improved upon and mastered. But in order to improve, you have to go a few rounds in the ring with your Ego, and knock the chip off your shoulder. No matter where you are in your writing career or skill level, you can improve yourself.

If you’ve been out of school a while, or didn’t do so well in your language or writing classes – cough up the bucks to take a writing class. Or work with a professional coach (ahem) who cares about your writing success and will give you assignments that compel you to rise to the challenge! You’ll whine while doing homework, but you’ll come away from the class a better and more sale-able writer.

Need some motivation to improve your writing? Some freelancers make over $100,000 per year!

2. Use Spell Check!!!!!!!!!!

Read this again. And again. Nad Gaain. (SEE?) Whether you’re going after a book deal, a publication gig, or intend on being self-published – use spell check. This one, single, all-too-often overlooked function of many browsers, word processing softwares, and writing tools, can help you avoid sending in something that you and the publisher would be embarrassed to try to sell.

3. Hustle.

In Sales, they have a motto: “ABC= Always Be Closing.” That applies to freelance writing as a profession, as well. Want a steady income? Always be hunting your next gig. Even if you’re swamped with work, take the time to send out queries or do research on desired publications. If you get lazy on this, you’ll be a “feast and famine” writer. You’ll be overworked some months, but when that dries up, you’ve got nothing coming in. You can make a good, solid, bill-paying living, if you consistently put yourself in for more assignments.

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Need a professional freelancer & coach to help you take writing from a hobby to a profitable business? Get started with me for $30 – $200 per month. Check out the Events Page and pick the program that’s right for you!