Randall Said:

What are the chances of making it as a Free Lance Writer?

We Answered:

In the best of times I imagine freelance writers would find it challenging to perpetually be looking for assignments, and in times like these when so many companies are struggling just to retain their staff, I think it would be even tougher. I am optimistic that the economy will be strong again in four years, but I still think it would be wise to plan on finding a permanent position where you can establish yourself as a writer and then strike out on your own and freelance.

You'll have a better chance at success if you start building up a portfolio and getting experience now. Write for your school newspaper or literary magazine and join Quill & Scroll. Enter into writing competitions and participate on sites like Writers Cafe. Submit your work to Teen Ink. Consider starting up your own blog to post pieces you've written. Many websites allow users to be contribute articles and essays, so Google away until you find a few that are in your niche. Seek out internships that involve writing, and check with your local newspapers and magazines and inquire about whether they'd consider hiring you. I wrote a column in my town's weekly community newspaper my freshman and sophomore years of high school, and am planning on writing a few more articles in the upcoming weeks. I've also written for my church's and volunteer league's monthly magazines, and non-profit organization's newsletters. Perhaps similar opportunities are available in your town.

If you write steadily now and throughout college then you'll have an impressive portfolio to show when you graduate.

Good luck!

~ Pax / Peace : )

Glenda Said:

How can l become a free lance writer?

We Answered:

Type, "Writers Markets" into google and see what you get. There are a lot of companies out there who will charge you too look at their lists of potential markets, but there are some free ones if you look hard enough. Once you've found a publication you want to write for, (and one that accepts articles from freelancers,) submit it. Then write another one and submit that too. Don't expect instant results. Most magazines say you should expect to wait 3 months before getting a reply. Just keep writing brilliant articles and sending them out and eventually you'll get a bite.

Dianne Said:

How do I go becoming a free lance writer?

We Answered:

Start by sending resumes to local newspapers. Include a sample column. Start offering to do it for free for a while until you build a reputation. Pax-C

Kathy Said:

How do you become a "free-lance" writer?

We Answered:

start writing, and then send your writing in to publications. simple as that.

Rick Said:

how do i become a free lance writer?

We Answered:

I've free-lanced some, mostly for hobby magazines. First, I would recommend that you reflect on your interests. What are topics about which you could write? Do you have hobbies? Do you have areas of particular interest, say certain eras of history? Do you enjoy writing fiction or non-fiction (or both)?
Once you have defined your interests, look around to see what is being published in those fields. If you decide to write for magazines, you need to realize that all are not interested in freelance material. (Some magazines are entirely staff written.) I'd recommend you look over a copy of Writer's Market (get one at the library or buy a copy at the local bookstore) to see which magazines cover your interests. Write the magazine editors for a copy of their writer's guidelines. (Many publishers now make these available online. Check the internet for their websites.)
You do not always need to submit some samples of writing to editors, unless you are seeking an assignment first. I always preferred to write an article (unassigned) and submit it on speculation. In doing this, I would first determine the general size (word count) of articles the magazine used and tailor the article to fit that size. (Use a spell checker!)
When contacting editors for their magazine guidelines, be sure you establish what rights the editors are buying. (There are several names for the different categories, each designating things such as reprint rights, one-time use only, and so forth. The best option is to let a magazine publish your article, and then for you to have the right to sell the same article to non-competitors later, or even to put it on your own website or blog and thus make yet more money.)
When you send the article, keep a copy! If you want what you sent back (in case it doesn't get bought), enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope for the editors' convenience. Send a short cover letter in which you state your qualifications to write the article, why you wrote the article (for example, is an event or an anniversary of some sort upcoming?), and what you'd like done with the article if it isn't accepted for publication. (Otherwise, an unaccepted article will likely end up in the trash.) Also, ask for a small critique in the event the editor decides to reject the article. A rejection does not signify lack of quality writing. Sometimes there is just not a need for the article at a particular time, so editors send it back so it can be submitted elsewhere.
See if the editors would also be interested in photos. Likewise, check for the magazine editors' standards for photos. This way, you can make additional money.
Best of luck. (I'd be happy to give you some additional pointers. See the contact information here. Click my avatar.)