Building a Pyramid: The Art of Being a Freelancer

Freelancer writing is all about building something out of nothing. You mold the words on the page, send or submit manuscripts, and pray to the publishing gods that something fortuitous will happen for you.

Freelance writing is one of those careers where many dream of occupying. Work from home, see the family, write articles early in the morning and late at night ... freelancing is about finding a needle in a haystack and turning that needle into a vein of gold.

There are plenty of ways to start out as a freelancer. Many might say to buy a Writer's Market, the most popular writing resource out there with millions of copies in print. With the loss of The Writer's Handbook (a quality resource published by The Writer magazine) there are few other options in getting to know the markets. Purchasing a Writer's Market isn't key, instead working the internet might just lead to more sales. New markets spring out of the dust on a consistent basis, and weekly zines often publish them. A brand new market is often needed for the aspiring freelance writer, but few times will it pay enough bills. The bigger markets out there will put out calls for writers on more major sites like freelancewriting.com. It's best to both invest in a Writer's Market (even though it could be better) as well as frequent sites intended for freelancers.

You never know what you'll discover if you keep searching the internet, which is a handy resource for the aspiring freelancer.

In order to be successful as a freelancer, the writer needs to identify needs in the market where they have expertise. Some pay more than others, but a clip and a decent check can lead to future sales not only in that magazine but to editors who read it.

The key is building a name that is recognizable, that won't collect dust on editor's desks.

So many people want to be freelancers that many magazines that pay top rates-like The New Yorker and Newsweek-are flooded with submission. It's sad to say, but volume will play a factor. Building a pyramid is about luck, grace, and volume. Work no longer than a week on any article you see fit to publish, unless it's to one of the bigger markets-but even then if its rejected much of the time invested would be wasted. A solid article a week won't pay the rent, but it will establish you as a freelancer.

There is no secret to freelance writing, but it could be said that, though many aspire to be it, many fall by the way-side before they get their chance to shine.

Save up the money to pursue a freelancing career, allowing you a minimum six months to get published. Build a web site to feature your writing. Never forget that formidable pyramids are hard to tear down.