Freelance Writer

Advice for Building a Freelance Writing or Editing Business

Donna Arthur Downs — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 19:17:43 GMT

Current Revision posted to Freelance Writer by Donna Arthur Downs on 8/18/2023 7:17:43 PM

If you are considering starting a freelance writing or editing business, professor, author, and freelancer Donna Arthur Downs recommends setting up an LLC. This allows you to track all of your business expenses which is important for tax reasons. She also advises freelancers to come up with a social media strategy to create awareness for your services. A solid plan will help save you time down the road so you have more time for your own writing and for helping others. Downs recommends using student interns if needed to help with your social media and online presence. You must have an online platform if want to be successful.
In addition, Downs says freelance writers can build their credibility by getting short works published.

The types of freelance services Downs offers include all types of writing and editing including everything from grant proposals to resumes. She likes to work on a variety of projects to help others get their writing out there.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../AdviceforBuildingaFreelanceWritingorEditingBusiness.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, video

Advice for Building a Freelance Writing or Editing Business

Donna Arthur Downs — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 15:57:17 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Freelance Writer by Donna Arthur Downs on 8/18/2023 3:57:17 PM

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, video

How to Write Stories that Appeal to Newspapers, Magazines, or Other Media Outlets

Mandy Jackson-Beverly — Fri, 15 May 2020 18:20:02 GMT

Current Revision posted to Freelance Writer by Mandy Jackson-Beverly on 5/15/2020 6:20:02 PM

If you’re hoping to contribute writing to newspapers, magazines, and other media outlets, don’t try to be a journalist, advises author, teacher, writing coach, and speaker Mandy Jackson-Beverly. When she wrote blogs for The Huffington Post, she didn’t write articles and stories that aimed for a journalistic tone or point of view. Instead, she wrote about what she liked – her daily life, things that made her laugh, and other interesting observations about the world around her. Once you’ve got your content figured out, network as far and wide as possible. Approach any outlet or person you think may be interested or able to get you in touch with the right people.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../HowtoWriteStoriesthatAppealtoNewspapersMagazinesorOtherMediaOutlets.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, video

How to Find Success as a Freelance Writer

Author Learning Center — Fri, 15 May 2020 14:10:50 GMT

Current Revision posted to Freelance Writer by Author Learning Center on 5/15/2020 2:10:50 PM

Looking for flexibility in the hours you work and the writing you pursue? Freelance writing may be the solution. However, nothing comes easy in the world of freelancing. In order to be successful, you have to find a market for your work and clients that need your writing skills. If you’re really lucky, you’ll just happen to be an expert authority on the next big thing, and the world will beat a path to your door. But, the overwhelming majority of freelance writers work extremely hard to maintain a business and they often start out with little stability. To find long-term success as a freelance writer, you need to understand your writing strengths and how to reach prospective clients.

What does it mean to be a freelancer?

Because a freelancer is working independently, there are no medical benefits, no 401K, and no paid vacations. These are all things you’ll have to consider – along with being responsible for paying taxes on the money you earn, which in most cases means filing quarterly taxes. Then there’s insurance policies. A freelance writer may need general or business liability insurance, which is often required for contracts and other agreements, as well as media liability insurance, which protects writers against claims such as defamation, invasion of privacy, copyright and trademark infringement, and plagiarism.

Once you have all of this sorted out, you’ll have to set your own rates. While you may write for free at first to build a portfolio, you’ll eventually charge a consistent rate per hour, word, page, or project. Some media outlets and clients will have rates in mind, but it’s smart to determine your own so that you are prepared to negotiate if needed. Consider how much income you hope to bring in from freelancing. Is your goal is to become full-time, or is this just a side gig? This will affect your rates and the type of projects you take on.

Sometimes, freelancers work with companies on longer-term projects or are kept on retainer. This would mean adjusting your rate to reflect the larger scope of your work – you wouldn’t want to charge hourly for something you’re working on for months!

Getting started

So how do you break in, establish a name for yourself, and get paying clients to seek you out? The first thing you have to do is get some of your work published, and to make that happen, you might just have to do some work for free. The idea is to compile a body of work. Once that’s done, you can attack the market and start making money.

But what can you write about? Should you generalize or concentrate on a specific field or topic? This is a two-edged sword. If you can master a popular subject or industry and become a real authority, it’s easier to find work on that topic. Also, it’s easier to do work on that topic because you don’t have to research as much before writing about it. On the other hand, if you’re adept at research and can conquer a variety of topics, you can cut a wider swathe through the market. If you’re a specialist, your expertise can compensate for a lack of literary flair. But if you’re a generalist, being able to write in an interesting and compelling style will greatly increase your chances of success. If you specialize, you can build a network of experts, and even become an expert yourself. If you generalize, you’re hoping to write as broadly as possible. Either way has its pros and cons. It’s all about what fits your skill set and ambitions.

Here’s a list of places you might approach for freelance work:

• Non-profit organizations

• Professional associations

• Realtors

• Churches

• Local or regional newspapers and magazines

• Blogs: you can either write a post for someone else’s blog or start your own

• Small, local businesses (larger corporations are interested in freelancers too; some freelancers start out in the corporate world, where they make contacts, and then segue into freelancing once they’ve built a book of potential clients. Others contract with their former companies)

• Websites that revolve around a certain hobby, interest, or professional skill of yours

As you start writing more and more content, make sure you save everything. Prospective clients are going to want to see samples of your work, and having a varied portfolio can greatly increase your credibility.

Freelancing can encompass more than writing too. You can find freelance copy editing, fact checking, and research gigs, just to name a few.

Finding gigs

Aspiring freelancers no longer have to walk door to door handing out samples of their work. There are several online tools to help you get started and to help you match your skills to the market. Here are a few:

• BloggingPro Job Board: a free job board updated daily with freelance writing and blogging jobs.

• iWriter: if you’re accepted as a writer for iWriter, you’ll have access to short-term paid projects from a variety of companies.

• Upwork: create a free profile to get connected to businesses seeking specialized talent, which may include: academic writing and research, article and blog writing, copywriting, creative writing, editing and proofreading, grant writing, resumes and cover letters, technical writing, and web content.

• Mediabistro: this is a paid service to find freelance work. Clients can find you based on your specialty or expertise, industry, and years of experience.

• Freelancewriting.com: a free source for educational resources and finding freelance work.

• Fiverr: a free gig posting site with categories such as graphics and design, digital marketing, and writing and translation.

Remember, the most important component of becoming a freelance writer is to write. No tool or advice can help you establish yourself if you don’t take the initiative and get started.

Tags: article, fiction, Nonfiction

How I Began My Writing Career - podcast

Stan Lee — Wed, 20 Nov 2019 16:05:34 GMT

Current Revision posted to Freelance Writer by Stan Lee on 11/20/2019 4:05:34 PM

The late Stan Lee was the Hollywood legend who created Spider-Man, Hulk, Fantastic Four, and X-Men. So, how did Stan Lee start his career? In this interview, Lee shares his personal story of how he grew up to become a writer. During the Great Depression, he worked various jobs to help earn an income for his family. One of his jobs was writing publicity for a hospital in Denver. In those days, he wasn't sure if writing was his passion. But then he accidentally fell into writing again through a job at a comic book company. Back then, there was no respect for comics. Nevertheless, after awhile he began to enjoy the job. Overtime people began to have more respect for comics as older, educated readers became fans.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../StanLeeHowIBeganMyWritingCareer.mp3

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, podcast

How I Began My Writing Career - video

Stan Lee — Wed, 20 Nov 2019 16:04:37 GMT

Current Revision posted to Freelance Writer by Stan Lee on 11/20/2019 4:04:37 PM

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../StanLeeHowIBeganMyWritingCareer1strev.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, video

Tips for Beginning Travel Writers

Bobbie Christmas — Mon, 18 Feb 2019 17:32:45 GMT

Current Revision posted to Freelance Writer by Bobbie Christmas on 2/18/2019 5:32:45 PM

Travel writing is a dynamic, coveted job in the writing world. There are worse jobs than being paid to have new experiences and share them with others. Bobbie Christmas, editor and owner of Zebra Communications, shares her experience with travel writing. “Remember that you’re not writing a brochure,” says Christmas. While brochures are vaguely descriptive, travel articles draw people into personal experiences. Brochures speak in sweeping generalities that rarely tell stories. People read travel articles so that they can feel as if they are in new, exciting places. She also recommends that an author be aware of slant. She encourages authors to write with their audience in mind. Do market research: find out what people want to read, what is trendy in magazines, and where your experience fits in with those considerations. Finally, Christmas reminds people to keep track of their expenses for business purposes. Listen to the clip below to learn about the process of writing travel articles, editorial calendars, and planning ahead.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../TipsforBeginningTravelWriters.mp4

Tags: Nonfiction, Subscriber, video

Tips for Beginning Travel Writers

Author Learning Center — Mon, 18 Feb 2019 15:23:13 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Freelance Writer by Author Learning Center on 2/18/2019 3:23:13 PM

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../TipsforBeginningTravelWriters.mp4

Tags: Nonfiction, Subscriber, video

Tips for Success as a Professional Freelance Writer

Jason Schmetzer — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 19:49:45 GMT

Current Revision posted to Freelance Writer by Jason Schmetzer on 11/19/2018 7:49:45 PM

Like many writers, author, freelancer, and marketing expert Jason Schmetzer aspired to make a career out of writing. He discovered early on that making a living from writing full-time was challenging. Schmetzer continued to practice his craft and became a professional freelance writer, writing for businesses and clients in various industries. Schmetzer has even had success writing fiction for well-known, licensed properties. Wherever there is a demand for content, there is opportunity, he says, you just have to look. In addition to his full-time job in marketing, Schmetzer juggles at least two or three freelance writing projects at a time. For him, the key to balancing multiple projects is working in different formats. He can more easily switch gears when moving from a fiction project, for example, to a completely different nonfiction project. Schmetzer advises those considering a freelance writing career to remember that professionalism and communication go a long way in ensuring success.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../TipsforSuccessasaProfessionalFreelanceWriter.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, video

Tips for Success as a Professional Freelance Writer

Jason Schmetzer — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 19:47:43 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Freelance Writer by Jason Schmetzer on 11/19/2018 7:47:43 PM

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../TipsforSuccessasaProfessionalFreelanceWriter.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, video

Tips for Finding Freelance Writing Opportunities

Lindsey Gobel — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 13:11:34 GMT

Current Revision posted to Freelance Writer by Lindsey Gobel on 10/31/2018 1:11:34 PM

Working as a freelance writer can offer a lot of flexibility while providing exposure to a variety of industries and topics. Freelance writer, editor, and publicist Lindsey Gobel has been freelancing for a number of years, so most of her clients come from referrals or word of mouth. There are some websites where freelancers can find work, such as Freelancer.com and Upwork.com. One note of caution, Gobel says - many of these sites are subscription based and come with a monthly fee, or, they will take a percent of the fee you are charging clients. She recommends freelance writers consider joining the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ.org) as a great source for networking. Gobel also recommends being flexible with payment terms. Depending on the project, she charges some clients hourly and others on a by-project basis. In the end, you want to make sure your rates are fair and work well for both you and the client.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Tips-for-Finding-Freelance-Writing-Opportunities.mp4

Tags: Nonfiction, Subscriber, video

Tips for Finding Freelance Writing Opportunities

Lindsey Gobel — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 12:53:52 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Freelance Writer by Lindsey Gobel on 10/31/2018 12:53:52 PM

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Tips-for-Finding-Freelance-Writing-Opportunities.mp4

Tags: Nonfiction, video

Challenges Facing Comedy Writers Today

James Breakwell — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 14:38:45 GMT

Current Revision posted to Freelance Writer by James Breakwell on 3/22/2018 2:38:45 PM

There are many challenges that face comedy writers today. James Breakwell, author of Only Dead on the Inside: A Parent's Guide to Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse, spent years honing his craft and brand of humor before going viral on social media and landing a book deal. First, he says, comedy writing takes experimentation to figure out what works and what doesn't. It's easy to push the humor too far and go viral for the wrong reasons, so comedy writers need to tread carefully. Breakwell recommends social media as a way to test the waters and get audience feedback, because you can always delete a post if it doesn't get a positive response. Stand up comedy is another vehicle for getting audience feedback, but it requires travel and a high level of commitment. The key, Breakwell says, is to find your niche by making content available for free, and online is often the best method to do this.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Challenges-Facing-Comedy-Writers-Today.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, video

James Breakwell on Writing a Humor Column for The Indianapolis Star

James Breakwell — Wed, 21 Mar 2018 14:50:10 GMT

Current Revision posted to Freelance Writer by James Breakwell on 3/21/2018 2:50:10 PM

Author, comedy writer, and columnist James Breakwell has come full circle in his writing career. He started out in journalism long before he became an internet sensation through his @XplodingUnicorn Twitter handle. It was as a journalist where Breakwell initially honed his style, writing about many topics and eventually narrowing in on his upbeat but pessimistic (and hilarious) views on parenting. His Twitter fame, now over one million followers, eventually led to the release of his critically acclaimed debut book, Only Dead on the Inside: A Parent's Guide to Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse, with a second book due to release in November of 2018. All of this success has opened new doors for Breakwell who is now writing a parenting column for the Indianapolis Star. The biggest surprise for Breakwell with this opportunity has been the number of new fans and followers that he has gained, a result of newspapers going digital.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../James-Breakwell-on-Writing-a-Humor-Column-for-The-Indianapolis-Star.mp4

Tags: Humor and Entertainment, Nonfiction, video

Know Your Strengths - podcast

Dan Gerstein — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 08:31:06 GMT

Current Revision posted to Freelance Writer by Dan Gerstein on 6/7/2017 8:31:06 AM

Dan Gerstein, president of Gotham Ghostwriters, discusses how to promote your writing skills and services by leveraging and growing your network and highlighting your areas of expertise. If you are trying to start a freelance writing career, you will want to listen to this interview.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../DanGersteinKnowYourStrengths.mp3

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, podcast

Know Your Strengths - video

Dan Gerstein — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 08:30:05 GMT

Current Revision posted to Freelance Writer by Dan Gerstein on 6/7/2017 8:30:05 AM

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../DanGersteinKnowYourStrengths.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, video

What Makes a Story Stand Out? - podcast

Brian Summerfield — Fri, 19 May 2017 10:16:57 GMT

Current Revision posted to Freelance Writer by Brian Summerfield on 5/19/2017 10:16:57 AM

Magazine editor Brian Summerfield explains how you can stand out from the crowd when trying for your next freelance writing job. He also explains why editors are so busy that they can't sift through all the pitches fully, and that's why they need your help to make sure your pitch captures their attention.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../BrianSummerfieldWhatMakesaStoryStandOut.mp3

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, podcast

What Makes a Story Stand Out? - video

Brian Summerfield — Fri, 19 May 2017 10:16:07 GMT

Current Revision posted to Freelance Writer by Brian Summerfield on 5/19/2017 10:16:07 AM

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../BrianSummerfieldWhatMakesaStoryStandOut.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, video

Matching Focus - podcast

Brian Summerfield — Fri, 19 May 2017 10:12:47 GMT

Current Revision posted to Freelance Writer by Brian Summerfield on 5/19/2017 10:12:47 AM

Magazine editor Brian Summerfield provides some tips for how to submit ideas for online publications, which he believes usually have different standards than print publications.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../BrianSummerfieldMatchingtheFocus.mp3

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, podcast

Matching Focus - video

Brian Summerfield — Fri, 19 May 2017 10:11:53 GMT

Current Revision posted to Freelance Writer by Brian Summerfield on 5/19/2017 10:11:53 AM

Magazine editor Brian Summerfield provides some tips for how to submit ideas for online publications, which he believes usually have different standards than print publications.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../BrianSummerfieldMatchingtheFocus.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, video