A Lesson Plan on Writing Freelance Articles: From 1st Draft to Sale

This article will highlight my experience in the world of freelancing. It should be a guiding light in getting experience in the field, as well as provide ideas on how to work on, and sell an article

The Associated Content backup - Writing for Associated Content is a career for some, but doesn't always pay the bills. I've learned a new trick; submit as many queries as possible every day, even write one or two of the articles out before hearing back. Usually you'll get a few "I would like to see the complete article" from editors, whether it be in few weeks or less. Time is key to a freelancer, so there is nothing wrong in putting work into the project even before hearing back. So you write the article and, as happens often, it isn't accepted. What do you do now? Sell it to Associated Content, where the chances of publishing your article increase many times over. It is something I have done a few times with articles I wrote, and it worked out each time, so I plan to continue.

Network - Always ask as many questions as you possible can to every writer you can find, whether it be in person or via email. I have networked my way to many jobs, including a part time editorial position at a newspaper. I also found Associated Content by networking with other writers. Querying editors is big, as you need to get your name out there. They might not take some of your submissions, but being in good standing with the editor can help with the chances of a sale.

Tell Popular Stories - I tend to write a wide variety of articles for Associated Content. It appears some of the stories I thought would be popular aren't, and the ones I wrote on a whim are. Still, writing about a war in 1712 will be less popular than a modern take on the war in Iraq.

Get Feedback - This ties into networking. A good article should see as many fresh eyes as possible. This can be done via email with friends, or perhaps getting an editor or writer you know to give an opinion. Things like punctuation and clunky sentence structure can be resolved just by asking for help. A quality, general article will sell faster than one that has a popular topic but many mistakes.

Save Money - Do you really need that brand new laptop? There are many things a beginning freelancer does need, but I have a laptop that' is almost eight years old, and I have only lost articles a few times. This laptop would probably sell for $100, as its old; but it works for me. If I ever sell that big feature article to Writer's Digest I might invest in a new one, but I don't need it, and that's a few car payments.