Freelance Writing Copywriting Self Publishing Technical Writing Expert Interviews Marketing for Writers Blogging Agent Information Educational Writing Resume Help Letters Writing Classes Writing Tools Submit YOUR Article Share YOUR Finds Need a Writer? Additional Information
Writing Careers
Many people who like to write wish that writing were their profession, but they think the type of writing careers available to them are writing a novel or a career in journalism. There are many types of writing careers out there, so, if you have ever thought about becoming a writer, but feel stuck about your choices, you will love the information here. We will talk about the reality of writing as a career, as well as the many options available to you.
Many writers like the idea of writing, because it is one profession that is especially suitable for those who want to work from home. That's because most types of writing today only require a computer, an Internet connection, and word processing software.
But just because you have the tools to be a writer, doesn't mean you will find it easy. Before you decide to become a writer, you need to know if you have what it takes. For example, some would be writers can't stand to be alone with their own thoughts and hate the solitary life. The reality is that writers need to love these things, because you can't focus on writing when there is a lot of noise and interruptions. Writers spend their days (or nights) with quiet solitude and a keyboard.
You will also need writing goals. Do you want to find success as a writer? If so, you will need to know what that means to you because success means different things to different people. For me, success means that I have choices. I hate to be bored so being able to choose my writing projects is important to me. I also like flexibility, and so I can choose when I want to work, as long as I can meet my deadlines.
Those are some of the reasons I love being a writer, what are yours?
When you are just beginning your writing career, your focus should be on getting practice and experience. That leads to gaining confidence and at the same time getting samples of your work. This list will help you to focus on finding what you enjoy writing and that is vital. If you don't enjoy it, you won't stick with it when things get tough. You need to find your niche.
Not sure what that is? No problem, try a few different types of assignments and see what you enjoy!
Writing Careers
Nonfiction Books & E-Books
I'm sure you have heard the saying "write what you know." There is a lot of truth in that saying. Many writers focus on how to books, as their first assignment. Not only are they very popular, but they are fairly easy to write. It's one of the best freelance writing opportunities for writers.
What should you write about? Well, what do you know? Do you have something you do for your job that might help others? I used to be a Judgment Recovery specialist and to help promote my business I wrote an e-book called
How to Collect Your Small Claims Judgment
which gives the judgment holder instructions about how to collect their own court judgments.
You want to know; Why would I tell them how to do it? Well, once they read the e-book they realize that is isn't easy to do and can take a lot of time. They also know I can do it, so they call me!
Have you battled an illness, or learned a new, easy way to accomplish your goals, or have some special skills that could help others? These ideas can be turned into your very own book!
I have been a writer for more than ten years and get asked all the time about how to write an e-book. So, instead of answering the same questions over and over again I wrote an e-book about how to write e-books.
It covers all aspects of the process including finding subjects to write about, how and where to sell your e-book, and everything else involved in the process. Take a look at
Writing E-books for Fun and Profit
and read the first chapter
here.
"How to" books are fun to write too! I love learning new things and the first thing I do when I'm interested in a subject is go on-line to one of the bookstores and search for how to books on the subject. So, writing how to books and e-books is my best advice on how to become a writer.
Magazines
If you are interested in writing articles or stories for magazines, you should remember to study the magazine and submit relevant articles.
This isn't the easiest way to become a writer and magazine writing jobs are very difficult to get, but freelancing is a good way to get your feet wet in the industry. If you have trouble getting assignments, think about trying to write for smaller trade publications. This can give you experience and samples to show once you feel your ready to try again.
You might also want read Write Where the Money Is. I love this book because it shows you how to write for top-paying magazines and the Web. Written by one of the country's top freelancers, he shares the secrets of starting a writing business and succeeding.
You can also think about starting your own magazine and write your own articles. This magazine template package will make it easy to start your own magazine business and take control of your writing career.
Copywriting
Copywriting jobs consists of writing promotional materials for businesses. You may be asked to write brochures, sales letters, press releases, website content, articles, or any other type of written communication that is focused on informing, persuading, educating, or motivating.
Copywriting or business writing, as it is also called, is one of the better paying writing jobs. If you freelance, it would be safe to say that you can make a lot of money. We're talking $50.00 an hour or more. Not bad for doing what you love!
What are the skills you need? As a copywriter, you need to be able to communicate effectively and clearly. Yes, that's it. When I started my copywriting business, I took a great course that taught me how to write very effective copy. It's a home study course on copywriting from AWAI's Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting
It introduces you to all aspects of the copywriting industry — from what you need to know about the copywriting business … to writing powerful letters … to launching your new career.
I also read two great books that kept me motivated. One by Robert Bly, called Secrets of a Freelance Writer I like this book because it is a clear, concise book that touches on all the basics you need to know to get your new business up and running.
The other book I read and re-read is The Well-Fed Writer by Peter Bowerman had no experience as a writer and built his business from scratch. He cares enormously about helping you live the dream and you can tell as you read his book.
I highly recommend both of these books if you want to have a career as a copywriter.
Website Content
This is my second favorite of all the freelance writing careers. Like writing books and e-books, a website is a way to teach what you know. I write three websites right now, and they provide me with a good income and I get to write about some of the things I am passionate about.
Although I still write books, a website is a way to really expand on a subject and let your creative writing ideas flow. You can use a website to to promote your business, to teach a hobby, to share information and experiences and to build a business.
My websites make me money whether it's day or night, even when I take the day off. It's called passive income and it's a really nice thing. When I write copy for clients, I only get paid for the time I am working on a project. With my websites, I may be writing today and then take the week off and I still get paid for the information I have already provided.
So, if you are interested in building a business on the web, I can tell you, it's well worth it! I use a company called
SBI
to build all my sites. They provide everything I need to build a successful business on the internet. It is the only all-in-1 step-by-step system of process-and-software that delivers thriving businesses. Everything is included...
Travel writing is one of the great freelance writing gigs available to writers who love to travel and the travel industry. As a freelance travel writer, you will write articles about places to go while traveling, such as gardens, amusement parks, restaurants, shopping, historical points of interest and other travel destinations.
AWAI has a great home study course called The Ultimate Travel Writer's Program. It's a great course that will teach you everything you need to start your career as a well paid travel writer.
These writing careers are ideal for beginning writers who are interested in freelance writing careers. The best thing about all of these careers is that you can take some great courses and read some great books that will get you started on the road to success no matter which one you choose.
You can also start while you are working at your present job. If you decide to take a class, you can study in your free time as you prepare for your new career. That's what I did and it worked out great for me. I was able to really prepare to start my new life.
Copywriting jobs consists of writing promotional materials for businesses. You may be asked to write brochures, sales letters, press releases, website content, articles, or any other type of written communication that is focused on informing, persuading, educating, or motivating. 
