Earning Money Through Freelance Writing, Part I
Since I am a freelance writer and people know that I work from home I am often approached with the question, “how can I earn money as a writer by working from my house?” The answer to that question depends on who is asking it.
A Good Honest Look at Yourself
The first step in deciding whether or not to pursue freelance writing is to take a good, hard look at yourself. Some good, honest, self-examination is critical.
Are you kind of person who loves words and everything about them? Do you already write regularly in a journal? Is writing easy for you? Are your spelling and grammar skills above average? Do you have the self-discipline to stick with something once you’ve started it?
If you answered, “yes” to the questions above, chances are that you have the skill set needed to succeed as a freelance writer.
On the other hand, if you dread writing even something as simple as a letter to your Mom, or if you are always starting projects and never finishing them, or if you know that your grammar and spelling leave a lot to be desired – then, freelance writing may not be a good money-making choice for you.
What You Need to Get Started
There is very little that you need to get started in freelance writing. The things that you really need are probably things that you already own:
- A computer
- An internet connection
- An e-mail account
While it is helpful to have a home office to work from, it is not necessary. Many freelance writers work from their kitchen table.
One thing that you probably will need is at least one or two hours each day that you can focus solely on your writing. While a few freelance writers can work in a noisy environment, most cannot. You may want to make your writing time before your children get up or after they go to bed.
(Earn money through freelance writing, Part II)
Laura Spencer is a WAHM and has been a freelance writer for the past five years. Laura blogs at WritingThoughts, Work From Home Momma, and OpinionMom.
Contents (c) Copyright 2007, Laura Spencer. All rights reserved.
Welcome to Roscommon Acres, my little home in the country. I write here about life more abundantly, from the joy of a baby’s smile to the almost unbearable grief of losing a son. I am seeking beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, a garment of praise instead of the spirit of despair (Isaiah 61:3).
Just place "Tiggy" in the subject line.
great points. Some think they can just sit down and turn their computer into a cash machine. Writing, especially good writing, takes dedication and a lot of work.
What if I just love editing? I have kept a journal for ages but don’t think I love everything about words. Writing is hard. Does it get easier? One blog post takes me forever but that might be because I love editing.
anna-marie,
You are so right! I wanted to make sure that people understood that it took work without totally discouraging those who might have the talent and aptitude.
renae,
There are editing jobs available. Like anna-marie pointed about writing, it IS work. You ask if writing gets any easier. I’m not sure how to answer that question, but I think the answer has a lot to do with motivation. If you really want to write, then you will make it happen (and you will probably get more comfortable with it as you get more experience). If someone is just looking for a quick way to make money or just sorta kinda wants to be a writer, then, no–it probably won’t get any easier.
Excellent points, Laura–and very true! Great post!
Jeanne Dininni
http://www.WritersNotes.Net
Renae, that is me to some extent. Except I am horrible at editing. I don’t see my own mistakes. Every time I read it, it says exactly what I meant it to say!
Laura, I have a question. At what point did you set up your writing as a business and how did you start that? I do not make very much at writing, but I have also read that your attitude and seriousness tend to change once you begin looking at writing like a business rather than just as a hobby. But I am not sure where to start.
Dana,
I think that’s a great question!
Some differences between a business and a hobby incude:
* A business is typically profit-driven, a hobby is for enjoyment
* A business has goals and a plan, for a hobby the main goal is to enjoy what you’re doing
* A business keeps accurate records of its activities
Income from a business is also treated differently than income from a hobby by the IRS.
I hope this helps!