Will you be happy as a freelance writer? Check your personality type against these five traits common to successful freelancers. Just remember: If you’re excited about writing but not quite the person described below (yet), do not despair! The act of jumping in is a sink-or-swim learning experience, and you just might find yourself permanently changed...
Wondering how to juggle writing and parenting? Meagan Francis — full-time mom, full-time freelance writer (Parenting, Yoga Journal, American Baby), and author of two books on postpartum care — offers hot tips on how to do it all, and do it well.
1. If You Can’t Find Time, Make It
So many new and aspiring writers say they don’t have...
Chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, and a host of other conditions make working the 9-to-5 severely distressing if not impossible for disabled writers. But as a freelancer, you can work at home. In your PJs. With really, really bad hair. And nobody will notice. So says Jenni Prokopy, founder and editor of ChronicBabe.com. Here Jenni shares...
To manage a successful career in freelance journalism, you need to set the proper foundation – a place to organize your ideas, pitches, articles, and editor contact information. Here is a step-by-step, beginner’s guide to using spreadsheets.
1. Learn the Fundamentals of Spreadsheets
The beauty of spreadhsheets is that when you need information, you...
Her blogging site (along with some good elbow-rubbing skills) has gotten her noticed by editors at periodicals including The Los Angeles Times, Time Out Chicago, and The Wall Street Journal Online, as well as by So New Media — through which she has published a blogging book. A few years ago, I interviewed Claire Zulkey on the intersections between...
True, there are lots of perks involved in the freelance life. But before you get all starry-eyed and launch yourself full-throttle into becoming the next great American author, get informed about the top 5 disadvantages of a freelance writing career. Here’s an unflinching look at what’s ahead:
1. You’re Always On
Even when you’re not working,...
Freelance writing has many advantages for parents. Most significantly, you can set your own hours and stay at home with your kids (or, you know, take them out for a spontaneous romp in the woods). A few years ago, I interviewed Meagan Francis — mother of four boys, author of two books, and writer of many mainstream articles. She not only knows how...
Here are ten steps to succeeding as a freelance writer:
1. Choose focus topics
What are you experienced in? What do you love? What are you really good at? Music, fitness, environment, politics? Make sure you pick topics that will maintain your interest. Exploit your talents.
2. Choose target magazines
The smaller the periodical, and the less it pays writers,...
You get paid to write! As if that’s not enough, there are even more advantages of a freelance writing career — setting your own hours, being your own boss, writing where you want, and working at what you love. As you consider whether the lifestyle is for you, check out these and more advantages to a freelance writing career.
1. Be Your Own Boss
As...
To ensure your success as a freelance writer, make sure you are well-prepared. Here’s a check-list of professional qualifications for the job, along with information on where to turn for help strengthening your skills.
1. Strong Communication Skills
A successful writer is able to express ideas clearly and succinctly, in a way that is compelling to...
Loolwa Khazzoom has worked with leading media outlets, including The New York Times, CNN, Rolling Stone, and ABC News. In addition, she has published two books and has lectured at prestigious venues including Barnard Center for Research on Women, the Simon Wiesenthal Center, and Harvard University. Loolwa is passionate about health, music, dance, multiculturalism, and Judaism.
