Freelance Writing: Before You Get Started – Research!
July 6, 2008 by Deb Ng
Filed under Freelance Writing
by Deborah Ng
A lot of the comments and mail received here are from brand new writers asking us how to get started. I could write volumes on the topic of getting started, but the truth is, it’s different for everyone. Everyone has different experiences and different reasons why they want to write. There’s one piece of advice I give to everyone starting out, no matter what the situation. Research.
Don’t jump in blind
You probably heard me talk about the importance of research before. If so, feel free to browse one of the many other posts here. I won’t get offended, I promise.
When I started thinking about freelancing, I knew a bit about it through my stint in publishing. Still, I had been away from the business for several years and things change. I took books out of the library and read web articles during my subway commutes and lunch hours. There was so much to learn about queries, cover letters, writing resumes, pay, format and more. Taking a couple of months to research gave me a good idea about what editors look for, the various markets and even what a beginner should expect to be paid.
What Kind of Freelance Writing?
Do you know what kind of writing you want to do? Do you want to write for magazines or newspapers? Corporations or blogs? Each of these different types of writing has a different format, different tone and different rules for submission. Moreover, there are different places to look for jobs for all these types of writing.
What About Freelance Writing Rates?
What do the different types of writing jobs pay? Web jobs pay less than magazine articles and corporate blogging pays less than network blogging. Knowing about rates will help you to negotiate or offer a quote.
What About All the Legal Stuff?
Do you need a contract? Should you sign a confidentiality agreement? What is plagiarism? What are you going to do when you land your first gig and have no clue what you’re signing?
Do Your Research
The most important writing advice I can give to anyone is to do your research. Learn as much as you can about freelance writing. Visit some of the more successful writers’ blogs and read their work. What do they do that sets them apart from the rest. Learn good habits and business practices, read up on editorial calendars, work/life balance and the best places to find work. Know what you’re getting into before you start. It may not be easy, but at least you won’t be clueless.
Image: AllPosters.com
When I first started out, I did a lot of reading, too. Both on how to get started and the craft of writing. I spent some time on my web site, too, so I’d have something to show people by the way of samples/ clips. I still had questions after that, but at least the questions were more focused and specific.
I must admit. When I first started out, I didn’t do a lot of research. I just did a quick search on Google about the available resources on the Internet for freelance writers.
But I guess I did a little research because I didn’t jump into it right away. I read some stuff on freelancing at first before I applied for the my first job.
I must admit though there are some aspects of freelancing that I am still not sure about and I am still trying to learn these things along the way. But I don’t mind. I love doing this. So I’ve already accepted the good and the bad and how to deal with all that.