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Work
at Home Ideas - Freelance Writer
by Angella Kay,
The Light Keeper.com
Many people dream of writing the Great American Novel and having
it make the New York Times Bestseller List or Oprah's Book Club.
But big dreams have to begin somewhere, and that is usually the
start of a freelance writing career.
Tools you'll need:
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Computer, typewriter or word processor
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Grasp of the English language
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Good grammar
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Ability to meet deadlines
Your career as a successful freelance writer doesn't begin with
your first sale. It begins when you sit down at your desk. From
planning and researching to writing and marketing, a career in freelance
writing is rewarding and enriching, as well as hard work.
Start by evaluating your skills. Do you have what it takes - dedication
and desire - to be a freelance writer? Are you willing to work into
the night to meet deadlines (you will have to)? Are you ready to
market yourself and your work? Most importantly: can you handle
having your work rejected?
If you answered yes to all of those questions, consider taking
a course in creative writing or journalism at a local college. These
courses will help prepare you for a career in freelance writing
and hone your writing skills. Advisors and instructors for these
courses are often freelance writers themselves, with many years
of experience.
You can also check out your local library for last year's "Writer's
Digest" (this year's copy is usually in Reference, where it
can't be checked out). Locate the field that interests you most
and find out what types of material that field needs, the rates
they're willing to pay, etc. Familiarize yourself with writing terms
like "first-rights" and "on spec."
Good luck in your writing career!
Writing Links
Jobs
for Writers, Editors & Copywriters - An avalanche of jobs!
Sorted regionally or by classification, the jobs are legit and the
site offers a lot of resources and links.
TJobs
- Check out the TJobs Writers category!
Free
"EditPros" downloads - Great little downloads for
interpreting proofreading and copyreading marks.
Freelance
Writing.com - Website for working writers (sign up for their
newsletter; it has interviews, snippets and some job listings)
The
Writing Parent - This combination website/newsletter/support
group, run by Angela Giles Klocke, is a wonderful resource for writing
parents. I look forward to receiving the weekly newsletters and
visit the site when I can.
Writer's
Write Jobs - This site has freelance, technical and telecommuting
listings, as well as different resources for writers.
Misc.
Writing FAQ - Wondering about manuscript format? How to submit
a manuscript? Whether or not you need an agent? This site, full
of answers culled from the misc.writing newsgroup, offers a wealth
of information.
Inkspot's
Beginning Writer's FAQ - If you're just getting started, or
need a refresher course in writing, this is the place to go.
Creative
Moonlighter - A moonlighting spot for creative types, including
writing and publishing.
The Light Keepere recommends these great
titles!
How
to Break into the Freelance Writing Business by Dana K.
Cassell
This instantly downloadable eBook from established writer
Dana K. Cassell will paint a realistic picture
of what you can expect, share the experiences of currently successful
freelancers, tell you what you need to know, offer insider tips
on how to be successful, and provide a step-by-step plan to get
you started today.
How
to Market Your Writing or Editing Skills by Dana K. Cassell
- instant download!
Developed from nearly three decades of being a successful, independent
writer, Dana's e-book is filled with real world tips and Web resources
you can use to get your serious writing or editing career moving.
The
Well-Fed Writer: Financial Self-Sufficiency As a Freelance Writer
in Six Months or Less by Peter Bowerman
The book is targeted to all aspiring writers, career-changers,
at-home moms, journalists/news reporters, staff writers and recent
college grad. In short, anyone who would love to live a freer, more
flexible and well-paying lifestyle as a freelance writer.
Making
Money in Technical Writing by Peter Kent
A comprehensive primer for the aspiring technical writer.
Secrets
of a Freelance Writer by Robert W. Bly
Dozens of high-paying, commercial writing projects are available.
These include ads, annual reports, brochures, catalogs, newsletters,
direct-mail packages, audiovisual presentations, and other promotional
pieces. This new, fully revised edition of Bob Bly's invaluable
resource tells how to tap these lucrative but lesser known markets.
Angella Kay is the webmaster
at The Light Keeper.com, a website for at home parents. Sign up
today for The Light Keeper's Journal,
a free weekly newsletter highlighting at home parenting!
Copyright 2002 by Angella Kay.
Reproduction without permission prohibited.
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