Learn How to Generate Real Income from Writing

If you're a beginning writer, you're probably wondering what secrets are known by the professional freelance writers who generate tens of thousands in income every year. Do they have a special formula? Are they particularly gifted? Are they luckier than most?

Writing is like any other industry. There are tricks and tips that can help a professional generate more business and, subsequently, more income. Here are some of the secrets of successful, professional writers:

It requires non-writing work. Although most writers started their craft because of a love of the work, successful freelancers know that a lot of the writing business has very little to do with creating great articles. If you want to build a relationship with editors and find new assignments, you must constantly be researching the industry, pitching ideas and selling yourself. Many professional freelancers spend more time mailing queries and researching leads than they do actually writing.

It requires hard work. Most of us like to believe that we're talented enough to simply sit down, turn on our computers and write an article that's worthy of a glossy magazine. However, that's true for only a small fraction of writers. In reality, writing a good article requires research, proofreading and editing. You'll need to rewrite, assess your work critically, and then rewrite again. Professional writers understand that everything they write is a reflection of their talent and ability. For them, that means producing top quality work each and every time.

It requires relationship work. Professional writers know that it's not unusual to make contact with an editor and then never hear from him/her again. Sometimes the editor left the job and went to another publication. In some cases the publication ceased printing. Whatever the reason, successful freelance writers know the importance of calling, emailing or writing to editors. Maintaining a relationship with editors is vital to ensuring future assignments.

It's feast or famine. Unfortunately, the payroll world is not always prompt. And, in many cases, it can be weeks or months before a freelance writer is paid for work. Some magazines, for example, solicit articles up to six months before the issue goes to print. If you don't get paid until publication, it could be seven months before you get a check. Professional freelance writers understand this and budget accordingly.

Breaks need to be short. Very short. If a bunch of assignments have rolled in, and you're up to your eyeballs in work, you may consider taking a break from following up on leads or sending queries. But the moment that pile of work is finished, you're likely to find yourself with nothing on your "To Do" list. To keep your work - and finances - reasonably steady, you need to be continually sending queries and looking for assignments. You can relax on this a bit, however, if you have regular writing gigs or a few editors that call on you often. However, it never hurts to have a few query letters out at any given time. The publishing world changes quickly, and it's good to be prepared.

It's possible for anyone to be a professional writer, as long as you have the discipline and the desire. Spend plenty of time looking for assignments - and then produce top quality articles - and you'll be in demand as a freelance writer.