How do I become a freelance writer?

Question

I love to write and would be interested in starting this as a side job/hobby.

Answer 1

ha ha ha ha... good luck!! writing is one of the hardest careers to get an entrance into, but if you want to try, try going to a local small time newspaper and asking if you can write some articles for them. They are the most likely to say yes, and if you do good enough work, you might be able to move up in the world. Enter contests (ligitimate ones) in reputable magazines and with reputable publishing/other companies. Many times winning those comes with a job. Plus, even if you only get an honorable mention, it looks good on a resume. If you want to go big tho, get a professional writing, english, or journalism degree. At a decent school.

Answer 2

First, my answer is tainted because I've only been published on the web and have never formally been paid. But I'd like to offer an answer anyway.

First, you dont start writing as a hobby, you have already been writing and now are choosing to do something with your percieved skill. If this is true, continue writing, Finish something, and submit it to as many publishers as you can. Don't ignore magazines or other periodicals.

Second, dont build palaces in the sky with all the money you are gonna make. As I understand, the writers get very little reward from published works and only the masters can make a serious living from it. Writing is more about the art and less about the dollar. I am opining here of course.

Third, go for it. If you love writing then write. Dont be bashful jump "write" in. When you finish something small, show the world. When you finish something bigger, show the world. But finish something.

Good luck.