How to Get Started Freelancing: Educate Yourself

Yesterday we talked about how to get started freelancing, and I promised that this week we would go more in-depth into the subject. I know that there are a whole lot of people who are looking around for ways to make ends meet these days, and freelance writing might look like a good option. I can tell you that both Tamara and I are so glad that we made the decision to become freelancers. It is exciting and fun and interesting and rewarding and satisfying and…a whole lot of work.

If that last item didn’t scare you off, then keep reading to find out how you can make the freelance leap yourself.

The first thing that we recommend an aspiring freelancer do is learn about the field. There are tons of blogs out there that can help you learn how to get started freelancing, as well as how to be a better writer, how to balance home life and work life, and every other aspect of the business. I already mentioned Michael Stelzner’s Top Ten Blogs for Writers (which we would think was awesome, even if we weren’t on it). Personally, I find that in addition to Freelance Parent, these three resources are exceptional for newbies:

• Allena Tapia’s About.com page on freelance writing should probably be your first stop. I’m linking you directly to her page on “How to Get Started in Freelance Writing.” It is must-read material if you’re considering this career.
• Freelance Writing Jobs is a favorite place to “hang out” and soak up the freelancing life. Reading the comments alone is like taking a crash-course on freelance writing. You will see the good, the bad, and the ugly there. In addition, you will get some direction on where to look for jobs. I will warn you, though, that the jobs listed there are extremely competitive, so consider it as an education resource first, and a job resource second.
• We also love James and Harry over at Men with Pens. They have a ton of great information on how to be successful as a freelancer. The writing can be a little in-your-face, but that’s kind of a blessing to new freelancers who might be thinking this job is easier than it really is. The Pen Men are not afraid of a little hard work, and you shouldn’t be either.

There are tons of other great blogs that can help you get a feel for the business. Try to look at both the good and the bad of what they’re sharing. There are a lot of challenges that go along with freelancing, and most of the blogs don’t sugar coat it. In addition, many of the bloggers will take the time to answer questions you leave in the comments section.

Finally, there are some great ebooks and print books out there that deal with the subject of how to get started freelancing. For the absolute beginner, I would recommend checking out Write for the Web: A Beginner’s Guide to Writing on the Internet. (I’m linking you to a review we did of it some time ago.) It was actually written by the Men with Pens team, and it really is a valuable resource for those who want to learn how to make money by writing for various online publications.

So, what have I missed? If you “established” freelancers have more suggestions, please leave them in the comments so our new readers can benefit from your experience. And, newbies, we want to know what questions you have!