Viola Said:

I'm studying Freelance Writing online. Does anyone know of any writers organizations?

We Answered:

The ASJA is one. It's nonfiction writing--articles and such, and you only get to be a member after you've published articles of a certain caliber, but you can still get their newsletter sent to you electronically.

They also hold a really great writers' conference in New York City every year. I go every couple of years but can't afford it every year.

Check out Writers Digest's website--they list conferences all over the country. There's also Poets and Writers magazine, which also lists things and is a pretty good source of information.

You can find most writers' magazines, which have tons of information and sources, in the big chain bookstores.

Lastly--The Writers Market is worth the $30 price. You can also subscribe to it online. It lists publications to submit your writing to, with details about who buys what, and it has pages of tips and information as well. There are Novel and Short Stories Market and Poets Market versions, as well.

Julio Said:

Does anyone know any online freelancing jobs that are available for someone who writes poetry?

We Answered:

Sure.

Every state and some large cities have a poet-laureate. Including the national dude (or dudette) there are about 75 to 100 such jobs.

There are about 300,000 people world-wide who are qualified for the work, and 30,000 actively seeking the titles. 3,000 of those will be considered. 300 of those will have the political clout and resume to pull it off. Half of those will find work.

They all have three degrees in the arts and some of them have crossover parchment in science.

So, if you've already earned your Ph.D., then proceed. If not, then you better stay in school for at least another decade.

RB