Free Freelancing Resources
From LoveToKnow Freelance-Writing
As you're preparing to begin your journey as a freelance writer, free freelancing resources can help you get the information you need to make sure your new career gets off to a promising start.
Free Freelancing Resources Online
The Internet is a wonderful resource for anyone in search of information about how to begin a career as a freelance writer.
Free Online Writing Classes and Writing Tools
Obviously, you must have strong writing skills to be a successful freelance writer. If you could use a refresher course on spelling, grammar, and punctuation, or you want to learn more about how to write in a particular genre, free e-courses can provide a good starting point for your studies. Here are a few classes to consider:
You may also want to check out 50 Open Courseware Writing Classes for a more complete list of free writing classes.
In addition to structured writing classes, there are also many sites offering free writing tools online. For example, Web Grammar provides articles detailing common grammatical errors as well as a free e-mail newsletter for people interested in improving their writing skills.
Freelancing Job Boards
In most cases, freelancers spend just as much time looking for work as they do writing. Unless you have a stable of private clients already lined up, it can be helpful to bookmark a few job boards that provide regular advertisements from companies in search of freelance writers. For example:
Depending upon what type of writing you are interested in, you may also want to check out bidding sites like Rent a Coder and Guru.
Forums
If you live in a smaller community, you probably don't come into contact with other freelance writers on a regular basis. This is why Internet forums can be one of the most helpful free freelancing resources. You can ask questions about the business of freelancing, learn about potential job leads, and simply share your daily struggles with a group of people who truly understand what you're going through. There are many different forums for writers available, but LoveToKnow Freelance Writing recommends the following:
When posting on forums for freelance writers, please keep in mind that anything you say online can be traced back to you. Many editors and business owners also frequent these forums, so be very careful when venting about a difficult client or discussing anything that could be considered a breach of confidentiality.
Work at Home Web Sites
Many parents with young children at home are attracted to freelance writing because of the flexibility to balance the demands of a career with childcare responsibilities. Even though they aren't devoted entirely to freelance writing, sites for work at home parents such as WAHM.com can be good freelancing resources because they offer time management tips and moral support for anyone struggling to launch a business while caring for their family.
Visit Your Local Library
If you're looking for more free freelancing resources, don't forget to visit your local library. There are a number of excellent books about freelance writing available, covering both the technical and business aspects of this career field. For example:
- The Well-Fed Writer: Financial Self-Sufficiency As a Freelance Writer in Six Months or Less by Peter Bowerman
- Six-Figure Freelancing by Kelly James-Enger
- How to Start a Home-Based Writing Business by Lucy V. Parker
If you can't find the book you want at your local library, ask the library to request it for you via the inter-library loan system. There is no charge for this service and you'll generally get your book within one or two weeks.
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This page has been accessed 68 times. This page was last modified 15:10, 14 September 2009.
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