by Dorothy Sander

Created on: May 20, 2009

Becoming a freelance writer means different things to different people. If you are like most people who want to be writers, your goal is to write and make money in the process. In many ways, the Internet has made this easier than ever to do. Here are a few steps to jump start your career as a freelance writer and start making money.

CREATE A FACT SHEET

You don't really need a resume when you're a writer. What you need is is something known as a One Sheet that includes just the basics, with a photo and a list of publications. You want to include only what is relevant to your writing career and your photo. You will use this information frequently in different forms, so keep it handy. Include your education, publishing credits (if you're just getting started be creative with this) and topics you like to write about and have written about.

START WRITING!

The key to being a paid freelance writer is to write, every minute, every day that you can. If you're not sure what you like to write about, just keep writing whatever you can think to write. You will figure it out as you go. Start by creating and writing your own blog. But don't spend too much time there unless you know how to monetize it and are able to gather a large number of followers.

WRITE FOR SITES THAT PAY

Start your career as a freelance writer by writing for a paying website as soon as possible. There are many websites that are free to join and pay a little bit. It's a great place to start your freelance writing career. It will help you build your portfolio and fine tuning your skills. Most of venues are article based sites. Fiction sites are harder to find. Here are a few: eHow.com, Helium.com, Wisteme.com, Bukisa.com, ezine.com, associated-content.com, just to name a few.

PAY FOR SITES WHERE YOU CAN WRITE

Once you have had some success in building a backlog of writing samples and a profile, consider signing up for a paying site such as Guru.com. Here, you will create a profile that includes writing samples, bid on writing projects of your choice and when you are hired, write for pay. Keep your freelance writing prices low until you receive feedback. As your positive feedback and experience grow, you can demand a higher price. Taking this step will build your experience as a freelance writer and your credibility.

NOW THAT YOU'RE A FREELANCE WRITER, WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO?

These steps will help you build a backlog of articles, publishing credits and positive feedback from customers. All of this is yours to carry on to the next step. Now is the time to decide what you like to write the most and raise your game. Some of your options: write a book and seek a publisher, set up your own website focusing on a particular aspect of writing, e.g. marketing copy, editing, ghostwriting. Query markets in your particular area. While you are looking for higher paying writing jobs, your backlog on the writing websites can keep you afloat.

This is how you start your career as a freelance writer. Once you publish your first piece you can start calling yourself a published freelance writer! The first time you get paid for an article you will feel like one!

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