There are millions of wanna-be writers out there who dream of the work-at-home lifestyle, raking in the dollar bills, enjoying mid-day yoga classes, and sipping coffee with their cat sleeping peacefully on their laps. Most writers have wild imaginations, but they don’t have the skills or the knowledge to back up these dreams.
It takes more than a journalism degree and cold calling to make it in the freelance world. These five strategies will help you get started on your way to a thriving freelance career. By the way, I can tell you that sleeping cats on the lap are overrated – they never sit still and are known to send illegible emails without your knowledge.
You may be very confident in your writing abilities, but that confidence doesn’t translate to making money. Many writers believe that because they have been writing stories since they were 3, they shouldn’t have to do anything for free. While there is definitely a debate in the writing world around writing to gain experience or exposure, and my opinion may not be appreciated by many experienced writers, doing anything you can for exposure and experience is an important first step in actually making it.
1. Don’t say no to anything (well, almost anything)
2. Always do what you say you are going to
3. Find a specialty
4. Build relationships
5. Create a portfolio
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