Home Business: Freelance Writing Tips

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

18 Apr 2006 05:37 AM

Starting a home business as a freelance writer can be very rewarding. You don't really have much overhead, and you can work as an independent contractor in most cases. There are however, challenges that you should be aware of, including rejections. Rejections are nothing to get upset over; even best selling authors have endured their share. It can be very frustrating, but you have to avoid taking rejection personally.

It may not have anything to do with the quality of your writing; it may simply be the fact that the publication to which you submitted cannot currently use your work. The topic may have already been covered, it may be an issue that appears controversial for that publication, or it may be that your writing style doesn't fit the tone of the publication. The problem is that editors are generally too busy to give an explanation and seemingly reject your work out of hand. Again, don't take it personally.

Keep these things in mind before submitting your writing:

• Read a few back issues (look online) before querying or submitting and pay attention to the tone and style of the publication, as well as the target audience.
• Look for an editorial calendar -the list of topics to be covered over a given period of time- and submit accordingly.
• Most publications look for fact-based material rather than opinion pieces.
• Spell Check, Grammar Check, and read your work aloud. Take a break and go back later to re-read your work with fresh eyes before submitting.

If the guidelines say query first, write a query letter detailing your topic, your qualifications to write the article, and include your contact information (*check back for articles on query letters).

If you do receive a rejection, reread your work with an open mind. If you still feel it's excellent, simply send it to another publication. Also, beginning writers should consider starting with online publications or at least outlets that accept email submissions since acceptance -or rejection- takes less time in many cases. The ability to submit via email will also help you avoid the expense of printing and postage.

It's somewhat easier to get an editor's attention if you have "clips" (published works that you can use as samples), so keep submitting.

*Next article: Leads for Developing Clips

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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Heather Long (16954) 18 Apr 2006 12:44 PM

Another thought for writers looking to get into the freelance business, whether you are writing for a business or not -- you're still doing a job. It doesn't matter that you can work from home and sit around in your pajamas, you should always present a positive, professional persona to prospective employers and editors. They want you for your skill with research, your talent with the written word and your ability to deliver on time and as promised. They don't care much about the rest.

Sherry Holetzky (11404) 18 Apr 2006 01:40 PM

It definitely requires professionalism. Good points, Heather.

coopersgirl (91) 27 Sep 2008 12:49 PM

any advice on how i can become a blogger?

Valorie Delp (49340) 27 Sep 2008 01:36 PM

A great place to look for blogging jobs is. . .

problogger.com They have tons of info, but also I highly recommend wham.com. Another great resource for wahms! ;-)