Freelance Writing

Freelance Writing

Simply defined, freelance writing is when you write as a self employed writer. That is, you advertise and find your own clients. Freelance writing covers many areas. These include Articles, Press Releases, Blogs, Brochures, Web content, Newsletters and E-mail Copy. Though freelance writing is much broader than this list, these are the most common. Every online business will need at least one of these types of writing 

from time to time. 

Article Writing is the most common type of freelance writing. This type of writing simply informs your customer of your product or service. This sort of writing may also be descriptive in nature. (Articles may also be written for SEO purposes; in such instance “keywords” are emphasized). Irrespective of what the article is being used for, it will be written by a freelance writer and is consequently freelance writing. On the other hand, Press Releases allow you to tell a story that is newsworthy, look at this type of writing as a vehicle for your product. 

Articles typically address a product or service; Blogs on the other hand are more flexible. It may address whatever subject that is of interest to your customers and readers. Of all these types of writing, Brochures are distinct. It allows your consumers to get first hand information about your service or product. Freelance writers may also make use of the word ‘Web content’, when used, it means all of the “text” on your website, including your about us, terms of service e.t.c. Freelance writing may also include Newsletters, these are mini booklets designed to keep people up to date on what a company is up to. Lastly, an Email Copy is usually sent to customers on a client’s mailing list. This type of freelance writing is centered on the interests of customers (coupons, discounts, gift certificates e.t.c).  

Query Properly

Freelance writing

How to query properly?

To become a freelance writer and write for magazines it is best to do your research. Have a look in the writers and artists yearbook or writers market and look at which magazines interest you. Always take into consideration the submission guidelines for each magazine as each magazine is different and take a look at that website to get a feel for the magazine.

There is no need to write the article prior to pitching this to the magazine as the magazine will commission you to write the article. To write a query letter or email it is best to include the address of the magazine, your contact details and the editor’s name. Start with the title of the article and a synopsis of the article and really go into detail about the article as this will really sell the article to the magazine.

It is ok to send the same query to various magazines but it is always important to make sure that each magazine is published by a separate publishing house as this maybe the reason why your query is rejected. As each magazine has separate guidelines for submission I always approach the magazines that pay on acceptance not publication as the publication can be in six months or even within a year and also offer a kill fee so that my time is not wasted on writing this article but even if it is I can always pitch this article to another magazine.

I think about ten to twenty queries per week is enough article queries within the week that can secure some writing work.

Freelance Writing

Where to begin?

To become a freelance writer people need to view and read your writing. To begin with it would be good to start up a blog and a website then start working on your writing samples. If you are finding it difficult to come up with some ideas then it maybe best to look online for inspiration or if you think that your writing needs improving then perhaps take an online course in writing.

Such as http://www.alison.com/ have a number of courses on writing and english for free. Once you have your writing samples it's time to start looking for writing work. Start slow by searching for voluntary writing work as this will give you great experience on different projects which can build up your writing portfolio and by building your writing portfolio you'll be able to compete with other writers.