by Nick Patterson

Created on: August 14, 2006   Last Updated: May 08, 2007

Freelance writing is no profession for wimps these days. Literally thousands of people want to sell the fruits of their talents, meaning that the marketplace is crowded. Some would be freelancers are experienced writers, others are just starting out. Either way they may have talent. So what makes the difference between being hired or just hoping for work?

Demonstrated ability. That means clips. Editors who pay freelancers are unlikely these days to spend their money on inexperienced writers. Why? Because the less experience a writer has, the more work the editor will have to do to prepare the submission for publication - and that's true whether the work is intended for the web or print.

Clearly, clips that show a writer's mettle give editors good reasons to consider one freelancer over the hordes of others baying at his or her gates. Of course, for someone relatively new to writing, it can appear a Catch 22 - how can I get experience writing, if no one will give me a chance?

The simple answer is that someone will give you a chance under the right circumstances. If you're a college student, join the staff of the campus newspaper. If they're reluctant submit ideas or even fully written stories to get their attention. Get in there by being persistent.

Cover stories - paid or not (at first) just for the experience. Write, submit(on time by the deadline), get edited, learn to take criticism, get published. That's one of the best ways to not only get usuable clips, but to toughen yourself for the bane of every freelancer's existence: rejection. Without a thick skin(and flexible attitude), you won't make it in this business.

Once you get published in the student paper(and this applies in high school, too), keep doing it. Earn respect by meeting your deadlines, and editors will keep throwing stories your way. The more you write, the better you get. The better your clips get. Those clips can lead you to the next job.

If there's an independent paper in your area, offer the editor your services. You might have a shot because a) they pay little or nothing, and b) they usually have only a few dependable staffers(whose bylines will appear on a plurality of the stories they publish). If you've already got clips at this stage, you've got a shot.

Suppose you're already out of college and just deciding to get into writing? Try the indies first. You might also consider writing guest editorials for even bigger newspapers which make that avenue available to readers. Why? A well-written editorial with your name on it will stand out, and will give you not only a big audience of potential employers, but also another clip, and a bit more experience.

While you search out places to submit your work, don't forget to read. Publications you enjoy may have offer opportunities for readers to send in their work. Is there a chance to do a guest essay? Is there a contest? Inspired (or even irritated) by something else they've published? Your favorite publication might just be looking for you. But you'll have to let them know.

Finally, consider a simple, tax deductible investment: The Writer's Market. This annual book offers thousands of opportunities for freelance writing. The book provides the names, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, submission guidelines, and other helpful information from editors all over the country (and elsewhere, in some cases) categorized by genre. It's an invaluable resource that I highly recommend to any would be freelancer.

Freelance writing is hard work, but determination and persistence pay off. With those qualities, you'll gain experience, and experience begets more work. And that's what you want, right?

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