Freelance Writing - The Basics

Posted by Janice Hally Apr 1, 2009

I've been Feature Writer for Suite101's Freelance Writing section for a few months now, and I've written a number of articles which give basic advice and information to anyone contemplating becoming a freelance writer.

I've decided that the time has come to draw the articles together in one place, so that they can be more easily referenced by people.

By the way, I'll be adding to this list, so remember to check back occasionally!

Getting Paid as a Freelance Writer

• How Do Freelance Writers Get Paid?
• How Much Do Freelance Writers Get Paid?
• Freelance Writing - Knowing the Market
• How to Make Money Writing Articles
• How to Make Money Blogging
• Making a Living as a Freelance Writer

Types of Freelance Writing

• What Type of Freelance Writing Jobs Are There?
• How to Become a Writer for Hire
• What is Copywriting?
• What is a Freelance Technical Writer? *Editor's Choice Award*
• What is Creative Non-Fiction Writing?
• What is Academic Writing?
• What is Business Writing?
• Techniques for Writing Web Content
• How to Become a Successful Ghost Writer
• What every Ghost Writer Should Know
• What is the Difference between Editing, Copy Editing & Proofreading
• What is Sales Writing?
• Layout and Glossary of Terms for Writing a Press Release
• Creative Writing - Is There Money In It?
• Layout and Glossary of Terms for Writing a Newsletter
• What is a Newsletter? Who commissions them, and what are they looking for?

Glossary of Terms Used in Freelance Writing - Words & Phrases Every Freelance Should Know

• Types of Article: Filler, Feature, Service, Seasonal or Evergreen
• Writing an Article - Byline, Lede, Hook, Nut Graph, Slant, and Credit
• Submitting an Article for Publication - Masthead, Guidelines, Query, and Submission
• Agreeing a Contract for Publication Rights - Kill Fee, Acceptance, and Publication
• Working with an Editor - Crib Sheet, Tear Sheet, Galley, and Clip
• Layout and Glossary of Terms for Writing a Press Release

Practical Advice on Freelance Writing

• Starting Out as a Freelance Writer
• How to Win Bids on Freelance Writing Sites *Editor's Choice Award*
• How to Conduct and Write an Interview *Editor's Choice Award*
• How to Get and Prepare for a Celebrity Interview
• How to Structure and Format an E-Book
• How to Write an E-book and Make a Profit
• Layout for E-zine and Online Article
• Keywords for E-zine and Online Articles
• Make Research Pay as a Freelance Writer
• Research - for Inspiration and Confidence
• Pitching a Non-Fiction Book Idea
• How to Write the Perfect Newsletter
• Top Five Mistakes Freelance Writers Make
• Self Promotion - Marketing Tips for Authors
• Questions Freelance Writers Should always Ask
• POD - What Is It and Can Anyone Do It?

Life as a Freelance Writer

• Why Every Writer Needs to Create a Website
• Adapting to Life as a Freelance Writer
• How to Make the Home a Workplace
• How to Deal with Rejection as a Freelance Writer *Editor's Choice Award*
• Time Management, the Priority for Every Writer
• Are You an Expert but Don't Know It?
• Working with an Editor - What is a "Rewrite"?

Scams Aimed at Writers - Be Warned!

• Writing Scams - Publishers to Avoid
• Writing Scams - Agents and Editors to Avoid
• How to Spot Writing Scams - Writing Competitions *Editor's Choice Award*
• Choosing a Creative Writing Course Can Be a Risky Businesse

Grammar Tips for Writers

• How to Avoid Grammatical Errors - Misused Words
• How to Avoid Grammatical Errors - Using Cases *Editor's Choice Award*
• How to Avoid Grammatical Errors - Agreement
• How to Punctuate Sentences Simple and Clearly
• How Technology Influences Spelling
• Active Voice and Passive Voice in Web Content