What are the reasons you want to be a writer? You can certainly make money from it, but don’t expect great wealth. Most freelance writers do NOT earn the bulk of their living expenses from writing alone. Still, it’s worth it if you are willing to do the work.
First of all, don’t let anyone talk you out of writing – even yourself. Writing IS a real job whether it is full time or part time. It requires dedication and a thick skin. Trust me, the first time you see your name in a byline or receive a check for your work, all the figurative sweat and tears is worth it.
Check out your local newspaper, dailies and weeklies. Weeklies are usually easier to get into, but both are worth looking into. Be familiar with the columns, the style of writing and most importantly WHO the articles are written for. It’s a fairly safe bet that a weekly paper that speaks to a professional community might not be interested in your articles on rug hooking. Either market your articles elsewhere or target the specific audience with a new subject.
Unless you have established a writer’s name expect to submit writing samples of your work. While it is very convenient to include a URL of your blog, do not rely on that alone for your writing samples. Don’t make the editor reviewing your query work to get you on board. Read the paper’s “flag”, the listing of editors, phone numbers and emails/mail addresses. See if they list specific submission directions, if they do, I can’t say it strongly enough – FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS. Few, and only really big time writers, get away with doing it their way; most editors will just consider you a pain in the derriere otherwise.
Submit a list of story suggestions and if the editor expresses an interest, be prompt in your reply or with the entire submission. Waste time and they will lose interest in you. Most publications take submissions electronically and while an editor will usually read it through, make sure you have self-edited your own work to minimize errors and save everyone from embarrassment.
Fiction isn’t much different. Find a magazine or book publisher that produces books for the audience you are writing for. Don’t try to convince a children’s book publisher to accept your erotic romance novel. Again, follow the submission directions no matter how mundane they may seem to you. You want to make a good first and lasting impression on your editor, don’t turn them off by being uncooperative. And NEVER tell your publisher that you demand a hefty advance because your book is the best thing to come out!
Make sure you read and thoroughly understand any contracts or agreements the publisher sends to you. Ask questions if necessary. Most editors (newspaper, magazine or book) do not demand your exclusive writing or pen name, but be sure to verify this. Be honest but not pushy if you are writing for another publication as well. Keep a calendar of your deadlines and make sure that you meet them. Make revisions that the editor asks you to.
Some publications will pay upon acceptance and others upon publication, make sure that you know which you are agreeing to. Make it easy to get paid. Open a Pay Pal account, many smaller companies are using that for instant payments. Make sure the publication has your proper address if they have to mail you a check. Keep a record of all monies due and received, follow up when necessary and be NICE.
Writing exercise: Write a love letter to an inanimate object that you feel “connected” to either for sentimental reasons or for your daily use. Pour out your feelings.
Writing prompt: Make a list of the first five people you can think of. Next to each name write a color that person seems to be. What animal can they be? – Now write a sentence (each) using that person’s name, color and animal in it.
