Vickie Said:

How exactly does freelance writing work? Do you go and offer your services?

We Answered:

most freelance writers spend *a lot* of time and energy trying to get work. the trick is getting a handle on what types of articles and what subject matter an editor is looking for. the most common way is to make a "query" to an editor about a particular article you'd like to do--the subject, the tone or treatment, the length, who will be interviewed, etc. if the editor likes your idea he will say go ahead, but he won't make a decision on whether to publish it until he sees your finished work. freelance writers basically have no rights and often get treated poorly. sometimes they have to fight with their editors just to get paid for work they've done.