Advice for beginners

[webdesignuk]

I think better this way...............right?

[Anthony88]

Since we get a lot of posts here asking for this sort of information, it might save us and them some time. We could recommend books and Web sites for beginners or talk about how we started out.

[mwazwi]

Writerwoman, thank you so much for this invaluable information for a person like me who is just starting out in walking out part of my desire and passion and purpose to write.

Be blessed as you continue to be a blessing (as you have already been for me)!

Mwazwi

Originally Posted by writerwoman

I've pm-ed Cheryle and asked to have this stuck to the top, so please list your best advice here. Also, feel free to disagree with anything I say here. Some frequently wondered about questions:


How do you find time to write?


Time to write must be stolen from your other activities. Watch less tv, give up some of your weekends, stay up late or get up early. I admit that when I deadline is looming I'll use the tv as a babysitter, but I try to not do that too often.


What should I write about?


We can't tell you what to write about here. You need to figure that out on your own. Especially if you want to write a blog or an ebook, find out what topics are in high demand and try to find a unique way to discuss them. You can do this by reading reviews of current ebooks.


Where can I find jobs?


Check out the "Looking for Work?" thread at the top of this forum. Save Deb's blogin your favorites folder or subscribe to her leads updates and apply for jobs you find there. You can also find good leads through the weekly newsletter sent out by Writers Weekly. If you're interested in writing magazine articles, you'll need to send query letters to magazine editors detailing your article ideas. You can find a lot of books with advice for writing query letters in your library or bookstore. If you want to write for businesses, get the word out to the people you know that you are ready and willing. Read one of Peter Bowerman's books for more information about this type of writing.


What about the bidding sites?


Bidding sites such as guru.com and elance.com let you compete with other freelancers to win projects. You can break into different fields of writing such as ebook writing, ghost writing, and content writing this way. Bidding sites have mixed reviews around here. Some people have gotten good work and steady clients from these sites. Others are put off that many of the projects go for rates far below a U.S. living wage.


I have so many stories in my soul bursting to be set free. What should I do?


By all means, set them free from your bursting soul. Dedicate some time to writing and write them down. If you really want to write, you will. If you really want to get published...well, that's a lot more work. With fiction, you need to complete your short story or book before you even think about submitting it to publishers so worry about that first. Also, check out Miss Snark's excellent blog that gives advice for wannabes.


Hey, I just found out about this great place called Associated Content that buys articles. Do you want to come join it through my link?


No. We already know about AC here.


Do I need a Web site?


A Web site can become useful later on as a place to direct potential clients to view your past work. Don't create a Web site with the expectation that it will create customers for you. Use it as a marketing tool and plan to generate your own traffic.

[mwazwi]

Snoopxpert,

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! for sharing your step-by-step guide for free and pointing us, who are starting on this writing journey, in the right direction. It was excellently written and so informative in so many areas. I have added you to my favorites so that I can review the material over and over again as I embark on my writing career. This guide was an answer to prayer for me.

I had wanted and tried to write a "Review" on WriterPro. However, I will not be able to do so until I create my own website. As soon as I do I will submit a review. In the meantime, I will be sharing all about you to friends.

Thanks again and much, much continued success to you.

Continue to be blessed as you continue to be a blessing!!!

Mwazwi

Originally Posted by snoopxpert

I wrote a step-by-step guide to starting an online writing career if anyone wants to read it, It is at my site, so I don't get any "page views" for your visitng there. It is free, and there are no sign ups or downloads at my site. Just go read it if you like.

I am sure there is a lot more advice than this, but this may help to get you started.

Step by Step Guide

There is also a free jobs board at the link on my site, called "Writers work from home" where you can search for online writing jobs.

[llb1216]

Thank you for this sticky and this forum! I am a recent graduate with a Bachelors degree in Child and Family Studies and minor in Psychology. However, I am NOT working in the field that I graduated in but I am in a decent job that pays well for entry-level work.

However, I still want to use my degree and I thought that finding my love for writing again could be the key! I loved writing in high school, mostly poetry and journal writing. I am not into writing poetry anymore but think that I can use my background in Child and Family Studies and Psychology to become an online freelance writer.

I will be looking at the websites offered to get the ball rolling. How long did it take you all to start landing assignments? I guess it depends on the individual. I am looking for extra income for now.

Thanks for any advice. Do you guys know any websites that hire specifically for my background?

[nhanvan]

Description about what the rules are( of course)!, and how can help out others

[mexmama2]

I was looking for a place to introduce myself, this looks like the best place to do it in

I am a definite beginner, in fact I just joined today.

I have always been interested in writing, was a good student and did well on college papers that I had to write, and even dreamed about writing a book one day. Key word, dreamed. I never actually thought I could do it.

Thankfully I have a very supportive best friend who referred me to this site and I am looking to get my feet wet and get into freelance writing.

I have read through many of the posts and am very appreciative of some of the suggestion sites in getting started and am definitely looking forward to taking a look at all of them so I can get as much research in before I begin trying to actually get paid for my writing

I am all ears for any help and support in taking baby steps in making dreams come true.

[mtan11]

as a begginer, you need to learn and search some techniques in writing. Especially blogging and article writing. There are lots of freelancer website there and you can find job to your skills in writing.

[morellhenrik]

I have just starting writing a few weeks ago, just wanted to improve my skills so that i can get freelance work at home. Will appreciate if someone can give me advice on writing articles. What to be includes in it and in what format we should write.

[JuStev5Pe]

freelance writing.