One of the common misconceptions is that if you can write, you can easily start a freelance writing business. However, like other types of businesses freelance writing involves developing a business strategy as well as having good writing skills. You can be a great writer, but if you do not have the skills needed for today's market such as writing web content, SEO (Search Engine Optimized) articles, or other marketing materials you will find it difficult to truly succeed and make money.

However, the good news is if you invest some time in learning the tricks of the trade of freelance writing, you could eventually make a decent living from it. As a freelance writer, there are many online writing jobs available, from writing copy for websites, articles, blogs, newsletters, and much more. The Internet is fast becoming the main source for information and there are so many websites popping up every single week. Developing online writing skills is definitely an avenue to pursue.

Here are some things to consider before embarking on a freelance writing career:

1. Are you disciplined?

How disciplined are you? Do you have experience writing to meet deadlines? How many hours of writing can you reasonably do per day? Can you write when you don't feel like it? These are important questions to answer early on. If you have very little experience then first write an article about a subject that you know and time yourself. Also, do the same for a subject you are interested in but requires a bit of research. After you are done, ask yourself if you could see yourself doing this all day. A big misconception is that you have complete freedom when you freelance. But the reality is, you still have to work daily in order to be successful and earn money.

2. Can you sell yourself?

How good are you at selling yourself? Do you have a good-sized social network? If not, are you comfortable building one? Although you may be a very good writer, many people besides your existing clients have to know about you. Before you start freelancing develop a marketing strategy. Some writers start with having their own website and/or blog. Also, they use every opportunity to tell those in their network about their skills or send links to their work. So having a Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter presence are all great marketing tools.

3. Can you write about anything?

Of course, as a writer you want to write about subjects that are interesting to you, but in the beginning you might be called on to write about things outside your knowledge level or simply topics you have no interest in whatsoever. Once you gain more experience, you can choose to only pursue certain topics but sometimes this is not always possible.

4. Do you know what you are worth?

Rates for writing vary widely and depend on a number of different factors. Before you start stating your rates, do your research about the going rate. For example, some copywriters earn up to $75 per hour and some as low as $25 per hour. If you are a beginner you may not be able to charge at the highest end of the spectrum, but don't sell yourself short. Find out what others doing a similar job are charging.

5. What's your back-up plan?

It is important to have more than one source for freelance writing jobs. Although a certain job site might be great, you should not depend on it to always provide you with work. So research as many avenues as possible. Find out where writers in your area find work, search as many freelance writing sites as possible, and tell everyone you know that you are looking for more work.