I teach several online courses. One of them is a Freelance Article-Writing Course. This course is designed for those who want to make money writing articles and for those who want to promote their books through article-writing. Check out the course here: http://www.matilijapress.com/course_magarticles.htm
What my students learn through this course is that freelance article-writing is not always fun. Writing (the fun part) is just part of the equation. You must constantly come up with viable article ideas. You have to pitch those ideas to editors who are not always open or even cordial. There’s a lot of rejection. There’s also a lot of bookwork involved and, sometimes, you have to become a hard-nosed bill collector.
Many writers fail because they find some of these tasks so torturous. For some, coming up with ideas and pitching them is pure agony. Some balk at the necessary bookkeeping. Still others hate the research.
I tell writers that if they truly dislike some aspects of their work and feel that they are no good at it, hire someone to handle those tasks. Throughout my career, I’ve hired help. I hire printers, of course and book and cover designers, but I’ve also hired a secretary to print out and send query letters for me. And recently, I’ve hired a researcher to help me discover new promotional opportunities for some of my books. I also used to hire my grandchildren, when they were younger, to help with bulk mailings, large shipments and such.
These days, most article-writers are supplementing their income by taking on corporate work or editorial jobs. Actually, those writers who have landed jobs with organizations, companies and/or agencies typically have less stress and make more money. You have to be assertive enough to sell yourself and land the job, but then you simply do what is commissioned. Typically, there’s no pitching, waiting, rejection, etc. The corporate representative simply contacts you with assignments.
As a corporate freelance writer, you might write newsletters, rewrite business manuals, compose letters, edit business plans or contracts, design brochures, write or rewrite copy for their Web site or even compile the company history. I’ve done all of the above.
What’s it like being a freelance writer? After 40 years, I can say that it has been and continues to be a great ride. This lifestyle has suited me nicely. I like being at home. I am disciplined enough to actually work at home and, most of the time, I’m pretty good about balancing my work with a little play, as well.
If you are interested in any of my online courses, Article-writing, How to Write a Successful Book Proposal, How to Build Your Author’s Platform or Book Promotion Workshop, let me know. I am now offering these courses on demand. If someone is interested, I will set a date to start and begin promoting the course to get additional students in order to make it worth my time.