As a freelance writer, Bev Walton-Porter does much more than just write
assigned articles. "I write a column for [an] electronic magazine, software
reviews,...and [I] am teaching a short story course for the International
Writers' Club.
"Freelancing has opened a myriad of opportunities for me as a writer. It's
given me confidence to try new things and learn what my strengths are....I
began self-publishing a newsletter for writers....Now I get to wear the hat
of editor as well as writer," she explains.
Freelancing is a solitary profession, so many writers join support groups
in order to interact with other writers. "My online writing group...is a group
of women writers who've shared joys and disappointments for many years.
These women have been inspirational and supportive and have literally been
the foundation of all the writing successes I've obtained so far," says
Walton-Porter.
How do you learn to be a writer? "Join a local writers' group and
attend writers' conferences," says Walton-Porter. "If you write, you're
a writer, simple as that. Don't be intimidated by the publishing credits
of others. There's room for anyone who is willing to be persistent."
The pros of being a writer are many. Freelancers have the flexibility and
freedom to follow their intuition in creativity-based enterprise. "You have
more time to spend with the kids and are less stressed out. You can take a
sick day or middle-of-the-week vacation anytime you desire. You have the freedom
to choose your own brand of work or to say no."
Of course, all careers have a downside. Writers pay their own health insurance,
must be knowledgeable about taxes and expenses, and don't get steady
pay or paid sick or vacation days.
"Before jumping in with both feet, read a lot and ask a lot of questions,"
says Walton-Porter.
"Make sure you have savings set aside or an alternate source of income
as a cushion when you're starting out. Find out the requirements on permits
and licensing of home-based businesses from your city and county governments.
Know the tax advantages and disadvantages of being self-employed. Ultimately,
ask yourself if you are the correct type for self-employment."
Scott Ruddick is another successful freelance writer. He teaches writing
at a community college, works in corporate training and works as a freelance
writer part time.
"The reality of today's marketplace is that few self-employed people
can work strictly at one thing. That includes writers," says Ruddick. "Today's
freelance writer has to offer a wide range of services -- from ghost writing
to corporate communications to teaching to just about whatever you can think
of as it relates to writing.
"I loved writing, found it was something I was good at and actually started
making some money at it. The turning point for me was winning a literary award
from my city's arts council. It is a prestigious award and really boosted
my profile and marketability."
Many writers write both fiction and non-fiction, but Ruddick doesn't.
"I have a lot of lively debates with other writers about whether you can do
both. I don't think you can, or at least I know I can't write both
well. They are such different genres that it takes a totally different mindset
to approach either fiction or non-fiction. So I stick with non-fiction," he
explains.
Ruddick recommends joining a writers' organization. Associations offer
a voice for writers and allow them to network. "Membership also lends an air
of credibility to the writer. If a writer is professional enough to join an
organization, hopefully editors and other clients will realize he or she is
a serious writer and not an amateur hack."
Ruddick doesn't believe a college or university education is essential.
He feels finance courses, specifically courses on how to run a business, are
more useful to the freelancer.
"Learn the tools of the trade. Study copy editing, research, interviewing
and magazine design. Learn marketing tips and techniques. Learn the new technology
of interactive computer programs, study the Internet and write for online
magazines. Be ruthless in your quest for writing-related knowledge," he adds.
"Make sure you understand the business side of freelancing. Being a successful
freelancer means being a good writer and a good businessperson
in equal parts. Exploit every market open to you. Write for corporations,
videos, commercials, magazines and newspapers. Never say no. Be realistic.
You will not make a lot of money. Like every other job, freelance writing
can be boring, monotonous, hard work. But it's also the best job you
can have."