They say that everybody has a life story to tell, that could well be the makings of a book.
The trouble is, so few people have the motivation, ability or know how to put this potential into action.
I would desperately love to write a book about my complex medical history, as there is enough information to fill one or more books, but I myself, even as a writer don’t know how to take this to the next stage.
I have researched and read so many advice articles, and my motivation is at an all time high, so I like many people really should put words into print.
Blog Article Writing
As I have no formal training as a writer, I have had to start my venture to be a paid freelance writer, at the very beginning.
I enjoy very much posting articles on blog sites, and ‘Triond’ is the site that gives my writing the best exposure, and of course getting paid to write is a good incentive too.
I get such a buzz from seeing my work in print on a web page that others can read. To know that even one person has found my article interesting and useful gives me the gratification I crave. For a writer at any level this is a great feeling.
The beauty of ‘blogging’ is that you can write about just about any subject on the planet. There will always be someone who will need to read the article, or have a similar interest, so your writing will never be wasted.
As a nurse, still practicing, I enjoy writing on health and medical topics, but also enjoy writing about parenting, pregnancy and other ‘lifestyle’ topics. This most certainly reaches a wide audience.
There is naturally a lot of articles written on similar subjects, but I try to exercise a unique writing style, using at times, an anecdotal approach, which always interests the reader as they then realise you are generally passionate about the subject.
If you see that a certain topic of article appears to be popular, then strive to write an article on a similar topic that is different, and edgy. People always like to read quality, honest, and at times controversial material.
Writing to Make Money
If you wish to make a living from freelance writing, then you either need to have a formal qualification in copywriting, journalism or similar, have built up a credible portfolio of published articles, or have gained writing experience over a number of years.
Making money posting ‘blog’ articles is only likely to be profitable for you if you commit yourself full time to writing and posting articles. This for most people is not an option as many of us need to have an income via alternative paid employment.
Those who become successful writing blogs, tend to be posting on average 10 new articles per day onto sites. As you can imagine to do this is very time consuming, and takes a committed writer.
Magazine and Newspaper Writing
I have been told by so many publication Editors, that writing for magazines and newspapers is a difficult field to break into. From personal experience I can confirm this is the case.
In order to be successful in getting articles published, you need to be known by the Editor, but as I found, how do you get the chance if no one will let you?
I wrote and emailed so many magazine and newspaper Editors, and as I was warned, I received so very few replies, and those replies I did receive were usually very standard “thanks, but no thanks”. This was very demoralising because of all the efforts I made to get recognised and make that next step.
I wrote to publications I had never even heard of, which isn’t ideal as if you wish to write for a magazine or newspaper it is vital you know about the target audience.
When you make contact with an Editor, ensure you make it clear, and concise what you are writing to them about, they will give your letter or email at best, five seconds of their time, so make it stand out from the page.
Recently I got lucky. Without too much begging, I was accepted to write for a quarterly women’s magazine, submitting a health article for each issue.
I just happened to be in the right place at the right time it seemed, and the Editor desperately needed an article at short notice.
I submitted my work, without any knowledge of my target audience, and fortunately for me I pitched it right!
I am so proud that my effort have finally paid off, and I feel like I have officially broken into the freelance writing arena.
I am not being paid for my contribution to the magazine, but do receive a free copy of the magazine to add to my portfolio. For me, at the stage I am at is vital, as a good portfolio creates a sales pitch.
At times I do feel like giving up, but I know that writing is my passion, and something I am good at, so a refuse to be defeated. It may take me years to get to a point where I can make a living out of it, but that’s what I strive to do.
Looking for Freelance Work
There are several online sites that advertise freelance writing jobs and opportunities. Some sites require you to subscribe to, but for a nominal one off or monthly fee, this can provide you with vital access to writing projects you otherwise wouldn’t be privy to.
Other sites are clearly aimed at seasoned, established writers, but like myself don’t dismiss any potential opportunity. You may just approach a broad-minded Editor, who is willing to give you the long awaited opportunity you have worked so hard for.
If you are not willing to take knock back’s and in many cases being entirely ignored, then freelance writing is not for you. This was for me as essential "acid test". I have an encouraging partner, who believe my writing has great potential, and most of all, I believe in myself.
Whilst you continue on your journey, to make it big as a freelancer, carry on oiling your creative mind, and write articles whenever you get the time. That way, if an opportunity arises where a publication needs an article on a particular subject, you may have just what they are looking for.
Remember though, keep your work original, don’t submit an article to more than one Editor at a time, as on the one occasion you do, you may be in the difficult situation where two people want to use your story, then you are in trouble!
Stay focused, stay determined, and most of all carry on believing in yourself. You'll get there in the end.
