Take a look through the latest Writer's Market and you will find 4,000 potential markets in which to publish your writing. You may desire to see your byline in a slick glossy national magazine, or perhaps you've been plotting away at a novel. You might find your niche in trade journals, technical writing, scriptwriting or even greeting cards.
Whatever your writing interest, there are some essential facts you must grasp in order to optimize your freelance career.
This week, we have a guest columnist who makes her living as a freelance writer and editor. Mary Buckham is a published book author, writer for regional and national publications, and editor of Inland Northwest Family Magazine. She teaches classes on Getting Published, Novel Writing and Writing for Children. She is also the mother of five.
Mary offers the following words of wisdom to people considering the career of freelance writing:
- Remember that though writing is a creative act, being a writer, and getting paid for it on an ongoing basis, is a profession. It requires grit, determination and the ability to juggle multiple projects in a professional and timely manner. Note I did not say anything about talent. Writing is a craft that can be learned, enhanced and honed with practice and the willingness to learn.
- The more you write, and the more you submit, the more likely that you will be able to make a career out of what others can only afford as a hobby. It's a law of percentages. If you enjoy writing but are terrified to submit, you will not see your name in print nor will you earn an income. It's that simple. Likewise, if you write only one article a month, and submit, that only gives you 12 opportunities a year to earn a return. Not good.
- Rejection is part of the process of writing. It's not personal. Just keep repeating that phrase - it's not personal. And send out another query, another article, another letter asking for guidelines.
- Editors are not the "bad guys." It may come as a shock but they are actually looking for good, well-written pieces from individuals just like yourself. They are also looking for professionalism. So bring your work in on time, to the correct word count, with the focus needed for their publication and you'll put yourself on the fast track to being a regular contributor.
- Writing as a career is a process. Every day can be a learning experience and you never stop growing. With the right mind set and willingness, there is no end to the possibilities as a freelance writer. It can also be a whole lot
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