About WordCount - WordCount. By Michelle V.
Rafter on October 9, 2008 WordCount is a blog for independent writers. I started it in January 2008 to chart how digital media is changing what news is and how entrepreneurial journalists and freelance writers cover it. WordCount regularly checks in on what’s happening at newspapers, magazines and Web-based news organizations. I also write about the art and science of writing and how to run a freelance writing business. As a long-time technology reporter, I keep track of the latest software tools, social networks and Web apps writers can use to do research, stay organized and be more productive.
WordCount has racked up a number of accolades, including being named one of the 2009 top 10 blogs for writers by Writing White Papers, a top 40 freelance writing blogs by oDesk, and a top 10 freelance blogs by blogRank. To learn more about WordCount or me, email michellerafter (at) comcast.net. Michelle V. No Experience Needed To Be A Freelance Writer - About Freelance Writing. Over in the 5 Buck Forum someone asked how they could begin writing for magazines when they didn’t have any experience.
I realized how different freelance writing is from most jobs. If you want a job as say a computer programmer or an elementary school counselor, you need to demonstrate you have specific training and, unless you’re starting in an ‘entry level’ (read low pay) job, experience. Freelance writers, on the other hand, don’t need any particular training, nor do they have to demonstrate experience. If you can write even reasonably well you can probably get published and paid for it.
Here are some of the ways you can get started with little or no experience. Getting Started In Magazine Writing If magazine writing is your target it’s perfectly okay to submit a completed article ‘over the transom’ or on ‘spec.‘ You don’t need permission. You’ll have a bit better luck if you check the magazine’s market listing – Writer’s Market is the best way to do this.
[sig] [INFO] How to protect yourself in a contract work situation (as a contractor or a client) : forhire. Redditors for hire. How to Find High Paying Freelance Writing Jobs for Beginners. If you can write at all there are plenty of freelance writing jobs for beginners that pay really well.
Unfortunately beginners often take the first gig they can get without understanding what they’re really worth. Writers are in high demand right now, don’t sell yourself short. Follow my advice here and go earn the money you’re worth. Since I’m saving the best for last, I thought it would be best to start here. Odesk and Elance These two are probably the most popular sites for new freelancers. However, if you cannot find work anywhere else then you might want to try one of them. Number of applicants for one job at odesk. Freelance Writing Jobs for Beginners: Getting Started Online. This post may contain affiliate links.
All opinions are 100% my own. Those looking to work from home have far more opportunities available than they may initially think. Freelance writing in itself, for example, offers dozens of shots for freedom to the right individual. Every blogger and website owner needs online content, after all. In today’s Internet Age, there are plenty of freelance writing jobs for beginners to choose from. From product descriptions to blog posts to expert articles and eBooks, there is a little something for every aspiring freelance writer. Skills Required for Freelance Writing You must have above par English and grammar skills.
Recommended Tools I highly recommend signing up with Grammarly. It is also a good idea to start a website or blog to share links to published articles with those interested in your services. Google Drive is a popular choice for word processing and sharing files with clients. Freelance Writing Jobs for Beginners: Get Paid to Write. 27-3043.05 - Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers. Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.
Sample of reported job titles: Author, Book Reviewer, Creative Writer, Documentary Script Writer, Freelance Journalist, Freelance Writer, Librettist, Lyricist, Novelist, Songwriter Tasks | Tools & Technology | Knowledge | Skills | Abilities | Work Activities | Detailed Work Activities | Work Context | Job Zone | Education | Credentials | Interests | Work Styles | Work Values | Related Occupations | Wages & Employment | Job Openings | Additional Information Tasks 5 of 13 displayed All 13 displayed.
How to Become a Famous Writer – No Media Kings. I’ve always prided myself on the fact that the DIY publishing articles on this site have a certain lack of, shall we say, bullshit.
And normally, a book called How to Become a Famous Writer Before You’re Dead would smell a little funky to me. However, Ariel Gore, Hip Mama mag creator and indie culture maven wrote this book, and like all her books (I’m particularly fond of her memoir Atlas of the Human Heart) it is excellent. As well as sharing her own considerable experience, she interviews folks like Ursula K. Le Guin, Dave Eggers, and even me, and manages to pack more wisdom and practical advice than I’ve ever seen in a book of its ilk. (It had an extremely high nods-per-minute ratio.) Make a Fool of YourselfI like publishing because it is possible to survive one’s mistakes. Poets.org. Writers Guild of America, West.