Avoid These Four Common Mistakes to Break into the Freelance Writing Business

Many people have both talent and skill for writing articles, and they aspire to someday publish their work - for pay - in magazines, newspapers or professional websites. However, breaking into the business as a professional freelance writer can be a difficult and arduous task. It requires a lot more than talent and skill. It also requires patience, persistence and a little bit of know-how. Here are four common mistakes made by new freelance writers who are looking to get their foot in the door:

1. Misunderstanding the publication's target audience. Would you send a pet care article to a personal business magazine? Probably not. But there's more to knowing the market than just being cognizant of the main topic of the publication. All women's magazines, for example, are not created equal. Some focus on a certain demographic, such as single moms or young urban professionals. Some speak freely about serial dating, whereas others assume their readers are happily married. Carefully read a few issues to determine the demographics of the publication's readers. Look for hints about the audience's age, marital status, professions and interests.

2. Ignoring the publication's 'tone.' Business and finance magazines tend to have a serious undertone that relies very little on levity or humor. On the other hand, some men's and women's magazines are filled with pages of off-color jokes. As you read the publication, try to develop a 'feel' for the tone used by the writers. See if the articles are written in first or third person. Are most of them 'feel good' pieces that include a happy ending? Is the advice meant to seriously educate or simply guide the reader?

3. Missing the word count. Your word count doesn't have to exactly match the articles in the publication. But if the column you're writing for typically runs about 400 words, it would be foolish to write a piece that runs 800 or more words. Before you begin writing, you should have a pretty good idea where your article would fit in the publication. Does it work for the final op-ed at the end of the magazine? Is it best suited as a 'how-to' article in the health section? Whatever your topic, know where it's most likely to be published, and choose your word count accordingly.

4. Addressing it to the wrong editor. In most cases, sending your work to the first name on the masthead - generally the Editor-in-Chief - is the surest way to get your article thrown on the slush pile. Instead, read the masthead carefully to find out which editor is most likely to need your work. If you're writing about an exercise technique, for example, look for the 'health' or 'fitness' editor. If your article is about dating, check for a 'relationship' editor. And make sure you spell the name of the editor correctly! (Another tip: Unsure of the editor's gender? Make a quick call to the publication so you can properly address your letter as either Ms. or Mr.)

Don't despair if your mailbox fills with rejections. Persistence is one of the keys to freelance writing success. Continue to send out your submissions - and follow these four guidelines! - and you'll eventually see your byline in a major publication