by Jennifer Moll

Created on: November 30, 2009

Do you love to write? Do you ever wonder how amazing it would be to see your writing published and you got paid from it? I can honestly tell you that this was me not too long ago.

Being a successful freelance writer requires a lot of hard work and dedication. By following these tips, you will be well on your way to becoming a successful freelance writer.

1. Write about several different topics that interest you.

Take time to review your passions. By not limiting yourself to one type of niche, you are greatly multiplying your chances of publication. I have seen numerous articles ranging from health to film to writing to history, all written by the same author in different publications!

2. Research!

Another great way to increase your chances of publication is to thoroughly research your topic before sending a query to an editor. You do not have to be an expert to write an excellent article on a subject, but by using interesting information in your query letters the editor will see that you are well prepared.

3. Read the submission guidelines.

To avoid your pitch being immediately trashed, be sure to read the writer's guidelines to learn exactly what the editor is looking for. The guidelines should include descriptions of story ideas and lengths as well as the preferred submission guidelines. Some editors will want a query first, some will accept e-mail queries. Be sure to follow the guidelines!

4. Be persistent.

Be sure to set a reachable goal of sending out a certain amount of queries per week. I aim for five. Each and every week I send out five pitches to editors. It is very important to be consistent; whichever number you decide to send out each week is fine, as long as you are sure to do it each and every week!

5. Be flexible.

Being flexible may mean the difference between rejection and publication. I use the motto Whatever the editor wants they get! I am sure to change my pitches to meet any suggestions from editors.

6. Pitch multiple story angles.

Do not limit your idea to one angle. The angle that you are pitching may be not be right for the publication that you submitted. This also opens up options to re-write the story using different angles for different publications and will save you time.

7. Look everywhere to pitch your articles.

Most aspiring writers dream of their article being featured in their favorite magazine, but the reality of this happening for most writers is slim. This does not mean that you should not pitch your articles to these magazines, however, keep your options open. Think about local magazines or newspapers as well as the large magazines.

8. Resell your work over again and again.

I believe this is one of the backbones of success of any freelance writer. This opens an entire new world to you; you can resell these articles to different countries or regions.

9. Send your best work to editors.

It is important that as a writer you send in well edited work that fills a need in the marketplace. Editors are looking to be blown away.

10. Network!

Just by being active in writers groups, you will be able distinguish yourself from other writers. You may even get assignments this way.

These are a few strategies that I have learned from seasoned writers and adapted them into my own success as a freelance writer.

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