hey folks, i'll be honest (promise) -- i won't lie. i need some help! i have been around the internet for some time, and i know i can write a pretty decent message when i have been given a chance. it's just that, well... i'm new to the field. i have been doing my research for quite a while into the discipline, but i am still unsure of all the minute details. like, research. i would like to turn freelance writing into a full-time gig, because i love writing, geeking out and researching. so, i need some help from those of you who are doing this already. this may sound a bit naive, or 'slow', but please don't think that i am wasting your time (i'm not! i need some honest answers or opinions, please?). since i am new, i have not put together all of the necessary details that you pros have already conquered. i know that if i were to get a gig writing full-time, i would lose it. i do not have my research methods down yet--so it would take me twice as long to perform. what authority can a newbie go to for advice? where can i find a copywriter out there to lend me a hand? i would even be willing to do it on an internship basis, till i can get the details filled in. or, alternatively... if i could i hire a copywriter who would show me the ins and outs of quality research and writing? how would i decide what the training is worth? am i being dense? what tools do i need to know about? is there a particular model that pays more? where to start? *scratches head*
Hey man, take a deep breathe, haha. There are plenty of people who started out in your position and if you want to get started in freelance writing, then it's not as complex as you might think. There are a lot of variables, but let's start with the basics. From your post, I can tell that you rank in about average on the spectrum of quality writing. You need to focus on really getting the grammar and spelling basics down. Capitalize your i letters and the beginnings of sentences because that is grammar 101. Really build a foundation of quality. As far as research goes, you just have to have a process. Let me tell you a secret - I do not have a research process. However, developing one isn' that complex. I usually start with wikipedia.org for general information on a topic and then move to Google for more specifics. When in doubt, use twitter.com or ask on relevant forums. Learn where to find the best information and bookmark good sources. As far as rates, there are a lot of things that determine how you can be priced. Some questions you want to ask yourself right now are: 1) How good are your basic writing skills? 2) What topics are you interested/expert in? 3) What kind of time do you have? 4) What kind of writing do you want to do? (articles, sales pages, newsletters, editing, etc.) 5) Who do you know in the writing/outsourcing field? I actually have a ton of advice and resources so you can give me a shout-out on MSN or email or whavever if you'd like and I am available for hire if you want to see what it's like from the client side of the process.
Jump starting your writing career is easy. Far, FAR easier than before the Internet was around. There are so many opportunities for writers just starting out. And you don't even have to be that good either. Where do you start? Why, right here on DP of course - where else? There are literally hundreds of article writing jobs available for you to cut your teeth on. Sure, they may not pay an awful lot, but it's a good place for you to start and get your foot in the door - and gain invaluable experience. As far as research goes - what better place to research ANY topic under the sun than the Internet? Simply Google the info you're looking for and you'll get at least 5 decent sources of information. How do you become a writer? Easy. All you have to do is write. Along the way you'll have your ups and downs. You'll have your failures and your successes. Just keep writing. Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, started at the bottom - even the greatest writers that ever lived. Scott Fitzgerald had so many rejection slips he wallpapered his walls with them. Hard to believe that of a man who could write something as beautiful as the Great Gatsby. So dust off your keyboard, put on your thinking cap, and start applying for some article jobs right now. Don't think about it, don't worry about it - just do it!
thanks, i needed to take a breath. i get intense. 1. above average 2. what pays and what'll give me credit 3. i'm unemployed, which is why i have had the time to research this 4. long sales pages & newsletters, i would be willing to do articles for extra income though 5. the best, but he's too busy to give me anything will do, awesome! thanks for the insight! i have written my own product descriptions on ebay... i sell gnu/gpl software for extra income since i am unemployed right now.
if i only knew how to write well, i'd probably not go and be a full time writer. I'd be a blogger and learn a little SEO. but t hen i know you will eventually turn out to be one.
Why not do it now? Blogging at a regular pace (or any form of writing) can strengthen your skills, along with reading.
Writing freelance can pay just as well (or better) than blogging. These days, making money through blogging is a little tougher. I second this piece of advice. Opening a blog of some kind will allow you to practice writing regularly and open you up to reading more blogs which will (hopefully) improve your skills. However if you want to read, read printed materials (BOOKS!) to really get a good grasp of grammar, spelling, style, and so much more.
I third? Haha. Blogging practices your writing and makes you more familiar with the field. There are a lot of social networks where you can post free blogs. Besides you an keep your own blog, whether you're employed or not.
Furthermore, read what you like. While I recommend novels and nonfiction, go ahead and read a graphic novel or two if that's up your alley. The point is to enjoy yourself, so reading is easier and you can soak up proper writing more easily.