Unfortunately in this picture, the writer starves to death.
The reality is that if you're smart, you will develop good relationships with editors. You will behave professionally, and never burn bridges. Writing assignments can build on one another. If you make editors happy with your clean, error-free prose that comes in on time, you will be unusual. In a world full of flakey freelancers, being competent makes you memorable.
Editors talk to other editors. If your work is good, other people in the publishing industry may notice or hear about your writing. The publishing business is often chaotic. Magazines and publishing companies get bought and sold all the time. It may seem like you're dealing with a big intimidating corporate behemoth, but even in the largest company, remember that writing assignments always come from people. Editors who like you may suddenly move to new publishing company. Odds are, they will tell their new colleagues about the "great writer" they worked with at their last place.
You want to be that "great writer!"
Remember that magazine editors are like everyone else. While waiting in line at the deli or espresso hut, they talk shop. It's really not unusual to get a referral because one editor talks to another editor at a different publication that happens to work in the same building or the same industry. Good news travels, and the result can be money in your pocket.
So get in the habit of keeping an up-to-date, organized contact list of every editor you write to or talk with. Check in periodically. Always take notes about when you called and what you discussed. It sounds elementary, and if you're shy (as many writers are), you'll need to overcome your discomfort enough to talk with the people who pay you.
While you are thinking about who you know, think about all those other writers you know as well. Good writers are often busy writers. Let all your writing buddies know that you'll take overflow work. Also tell them your specialties. Find out if you have skills they don't.
For example, the world of technical writing can involve many different software and writing skills. By working together everyone wins. For example, suppose you have experience using Quark XPress, which is somewhat unusual in the tech-writing world. If you work with another company that specializes in doing documentation in FrameMaker, they can outsource any projects that require Quark skills to you. They get to keep their client happy and you get some work. Best of all, after you become rich and famous, you can return the favor.
Remember that what goes around comes around. In the good karma category, as a writer, you provide information, so you may end up helping people you don't even know. This good will may come back to you later in the form of paying work.
If you like to write and you are a self-starter, you can make money online as a freelance writer. The Internet is a great way to have a home based business that you can use to supplement your existing income or to replace your nine-to-five rat race and work entirely from your own home office. The money is not outstanding to begin with, but if you are willing to turn in solid articles, web copy and blogs on a strict deadline, you will find the income very satisfactory. As your reputation grows, so will the price you receive per post or per article. Here is information about some of the most common types of freelance writing.
Blogs
Many, if not most of today's blogs are written by paid professional writers who complete projects consisting of dozens of posting. Sometimes, one writer becomes more than one blog personality. There are blogs that are more like online journals. Other blog postings are created to spotlight products, services or websites. If this sounds like your style of writing, check out the freelance sites where there are projects asking for 'Blog Posters'. Posters working under contract receive anywhere from 50 cents to $4 per post. You can make money online by posting.
Directory Articles
There are several web sites where you can submit articles that you have prepared along with identifying information that bring your writing and research talents to the eye of buyers. Those who wish to buy your article contact you directly and pay for the use of it. The benefits for such articles are that you can choose the topics that interest you and share information with those who read your work. Thousands of topics have been discussed in directory articles, but the market and topics are constantly expanding so you can make money online.
Web Content
Hundreds and thousands of web sites exist that were set up with the philosophy of expanding the owner's web presence by capturing the attention of the search engines. A good way to increase your visibility on the web is by including keyword rich content articles on your website. If owners don't have the time or expertise to write such articles, he can pay to have articles written. Service buyers post projects on the freelancer sites so that service buyers know about projects. They are a great way to make money online, especially as you become more experienced. You can complete articles more quickly and tackle more expensive work so your price per article increases.
Website pages
In addition to the informational content pages that are placed on the websites of businesses and individuals, the textual material itself must be prepared for each and every website. This type of written materials is much more precise than web content pages. The search engine crawlers are looking for specific keywords, as well as where links came from and where they are going to. Website page writing often pays better than some of the other writing types and this is an excellent way to make money online.
Both Susan Daffron & Alan Lim are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Susan Daffron has sinced written about articles on various topics from Ezine Articles, Computers and The Internet and Writing. Susan Daffron is the President of Logical Expressions, Inc. () and has written more than 300 newspaper and national magazine artic. Susan Daffron's top article generates over 9900 views. to your Favourites.
Alan Lim has sinced written about articles on various topics from Colorado Springs Refinance, Flirting Tips and Online Dating. Freelance writing is changing the lives of thousands of writers the world over. What you waiting for? Get started today by checking out