Freelance Writing Jobs in Chicago
From LoveToKnow Freelance-Writing
Freelance writing jobs in Chicago are available, if you are willing to do some searching. Due to the large size of this city, there are a variety of periodicals, magazines, newspapers, and newsletters. Therefore, the need for good writers is a priority.
Writing in the Windy City
Do you live in the Chicago area? Perhaps you have just moved to the city, or have decided that freelance writing is something you wish to pursue. You can either work for a company such as a magazine or newspaper - a place you would commute to each day - or you could work from home using your computer. Many jobs encompass a little of both worlds. There are full-time positions and part-time ones. In this windy city, there are plenty of opportunities to write about fashion, sports, beauty, theater, and dining.
Finding the Jobs
To locate freelance writing jobs in Chicago, these resources are only a click of your computer's mouse away. Search for jobs for journalists, sports writers and copywriters. Simply type in what you are looking for and watch the results pop up.
Consider
As you find jobs that are available, narrow your search by considering the following about each job that is posted.
- The pay
- The length of the job
- The hours of work
- The actual writing
- Your skills and expertise
- Your enthusiasm
Publications to Write For
Before approaching an editor, spend some time reading several issues of the publications you are interested in writing for. Some popular magazines published in Chicago include:
- Chicago Parent
- Chicago Magazine
- Chicago Bride Magazine
- Chicago Athlete
- Illinois Issues
- Chicago Fashion Magazine
- Chicago Jazz Magazine
When You Find What You Like
When your interest sparks as you read about something you wish to pursue, be sure to keep these suggestions in mind.
- Be professional as you approach a potential employer
- Use spellcheck to verify the spelling of anything you send online
- Be polite
- Make sure that your grammar is topnotch
- Do not use all caps
- Get something in writing from your employer, especially if you work from home and all the hiring is done via phone and email
- If you go for an interview, dress neatly and conservatively, and be on time
- Make sure that your resume is updated and error-free
When You Decide Your Rate
You may be faced with a situation where you get to determine how much you will be paid. If an editor of a magazine hires you for a specific job, he or she may ask what your rate is. Be sure to study the market to see what other freelancers set as their hourly rate. Some writers determine how much to charge depending on the cost of any materials used to complete the task, as well as the time it will take to do the writing. Look for copywriter rates to get a better understanding of how to set the fee for the service you will provide a company.
Continue Learning
Just because you have found a freelance writing job in Chicago that you enjoy does not mean that your days of searching or doing research on the Internet have ended. Stay in the loop of connecting with freelance writers. Subscribe to writers' e-zines so that you can discover other freelance jobs. Above all, continue honing your writing skills. Buy or check out books from your library on the writing craft. Strive to improve your technique and style. If you do not have one, create a website. Attach the URL for it to each email you send out. Continue to improve yourself as you freelance so that you can continue to get writing jobs in the area.
Learn More
This page has been accessed 1,670 times. This page was last modified 14:40, 9 December 2008.
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