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You can get paid to write. I do. My friend Suzanne James does. Here is how I did it.

1. I wrote for free. I wrote on consumer reviews sites and I wrote free articles for article directories. I did that so I could polish my writing and so I could have recent clips to show people.

2. I started a blog on WritingUp, so that I could show my knowledge and connect with other writers. On my blogging site, I met other writers and publishers and made friends and connections who have helped me to get work.

3. I joined freelance agencies such as Guru, Elance and Ifreelance and created a profile with links to my work. IFreelance has the nicest profile and I have had a lot of offers since signing up there. I applied for lots and lots of jobs.

4. I wrote for 1 cent a word when it was necessary. This helped to give me experience and I learned to write fast so I could make a good hourly rate. Eventually I got better paying jobs.

5. I created a website, using keywords related to freelance writing and my name. This made it easy for people to find me. I promoted that website by listing it on search engines and talking about it on my blog. I used the link in my signature in forum posts.

6. I networked through blogs, forums and online chats and continued to connect with writers. This gave me new leads for better paying jobs.

These strategies can help you get started in freelance writing too. Several writers have followed these steps and are making a full time living as freelancers in less than a year.

Useful resources for freelance writers:
http://www.inspiredaut hor.com/Business_Career/Freela nce/index.htm
http://www.writin gup.com/blog/gracepub
http://ww w.writingup.com/sharon_hurley_ hall/freelance_writing_my_year _on_writingup

Learn more about this author, Sharon Hurley Hall.
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