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Become a Freelance Article Writer
Copyright©1999-2003 Jill Black
As a freelancer there are many opportunities available for working from home or to
provide an extra stream of income for your business by filling the needs of a
widely diverse market as a paid freelance article writer both on the internet and
in offline publications.
What is a Freelancer?
A freelancer is an independent writer who earns his/her living by contracting for
work projects, working for no fixed employer, and may work for a number of employers
at any given time. You will be required to negotiate the terms and conditions of work
and all work must be completed to the satisfaction of the clients requirements.
Tip: The objectives and requirements of both parties should be understood fully by
both parties from the start to save any problems later on - this includes terms of payment.
As a freelancer you need to keep up with the latest developments to compete in the
marketplace. This requires studying and researching the needs of the marketplace
along with selling yourself to your potential clients.
Getting Started as a Freelancer
The freelance market can be fiercely competitive at times requiring emphasis on
marketing your work effectively and assessing your expertise and skills.
"How to" articles tend to sell well and most successful freelancers maintain constant
contact with marketplace trends and requirements seeking those areas where they
can fill the needs of potential clients.
You will need a resume and/or a writer's brochure. When writing your resume it should
be written with the view of selling your strengths. Use short sentences with each paragraph
easy to read and clearly outline your qualifications or related experience for the job.
Normally you will only have a few seconds to make an impact on your prospective
client - this can make the difference between hiring you or someone else.
To find a niche (your niche) Web monkey has a very good article on finding and
defining your niche as a web freelancer.
hotwired.lycos.com
Many writers prefer to stick within the topic subjects they can write confidently on
although a good freelancer can research and write on any topic if and when required.
When you are decided on the subject niche you would like to fill, seek out magazine
publications - online and offline - on your chosen topic.
If you do not wish to bid for online work contracts at some of the sites listed below
until you have gained confidence in your work then you can start your freelance
career by seeking out publications in your chosen field that accept articles e.g.
if your interest is in fishing go to your local outlet selling magazines and see if
they accept article contributions (this can usually be found near the inside of the
front cover in most magazines)
Many freelancers start by submitting to local community newspapers/letters as a way
of establishing credibility as a published writer. Send a query letter or email your
chosen publication/s with your subject ideas and an outline of your proposed article
and how they may contact you if interested.
However, expect to wait some time - sometimes up to three weeks or more if approaching
offline publications for a reply as most editors are very busy people.
Finding work on the Internet
The internet has made it easier to build a successful freelance career as a
independent professional. Many sites can be found searching for "freelance writers"
on any major search engine. Specify if possible by adding words that fit your needs
e.g. paying markets, travel magazines etc. Also visit Yahoo groups, Topica etc and
join the many writing job newsletters and job boards.
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