How to Become a Freelance Writer

How to Become a Freelance Writer. If you have a knack for telling stories, you may want to consider a freelance writing career. Here are some tips to get you started. You will need List of magazine publishers Publishing professional contacts Conferences and conventions Networking skills Online job boards Writing courses (optional) and entry-level writing or editing jobs (optional). Step 1. Write as much and as often as you can. Take writing-intensive courses in journalism and English in college. If your major is in a non-writing-intensive field, consider gaining additional writing experience by taking writing courses or a job as a copywriter or editor in a field related to your major after you graduate. Step 2. Contact print and online magazine publishers about freelance opportunities. Libraries usually have books that list publishers' addresses. You will have the most success pitching ideas about subjects that you have some familiarity with. Step 3. Get to know publishing professionals in your field of interest by attending conferences and conventions. Step 4. Network with other freelancers. Other writers may come across opportunities more suited to you and pass your information along to their editors. Step 5. Check online job boards for writing opportunities. Job boards frequently list opportunities for paid columnists, bloggers, and web-content creators. Did you know The first patent for a typewriter was filed in the early 1700s, but the first practical typewriter wasn't marketed until the 1870s.