How to Get Started

[MelancholyMan]

It's beginning to look like my novels are never going to get published:cry:. No agents are interested and so far, editors are saying that while I write well and imaginatively, that it is harder to get a debut novel published than ever before. And when it comes right down to it, while publishing a novel would be great, I really just love writing. Putting down words on paper and helping people learn.

By trade I'm a rocket scientist so have a lot of experience with engineering and physics. I've also done a good bit of teaching and have a better-than-average knowledge of history - especially military history and history of technology. I guess that sort of dovetails with the rocket scientist gig. I also understand cars and motorcycles, engines, electronics, gadgets, computers, and have a masters degree in atmospheric science in addition to the physics B.S. and aerospace engineering M.S.

So I was wondering if any of you pros have any advice on how I might get started in parlaying my skillset into some freelance writing? I really have no idea where to start or even how to go about soliciting jobs. Or where to solicit them. Or how to present myself. Any ideas? Are there any books or websites that might serve as a compass better than guessing by glancing at the sun.

Thanks so much.

[Nancy]

Wow, someone who can say, "it's not rocket science" with authority! :welcome:

I'd suggest you read all the stickies on the Freelance forum to start if you haven't.

Since you have such a great variety of science knowledge/expertise to sell, maybe tech writing or trade mags. would be a good fit.

Sorry, nothing more specific to offer at the moment - not enough caffeine.

[SouthernFriedJulie]

Hey there! You've come to the right spot.

I would suggest with your background that you should apply to be an About.com guide. Check out About.com, then the Be a Guide link on the bottom right corner.

You should also pitch ideas to national glossies in your niche. Smithsonian may work well, Popular Mechanics, and so on. With your degrees I am pretty sure you'll get accepted much quicker than someone who just spins an article based on research.

I just posted a gig for Editor in Chief for WoW mag, looks like you're into gaming :-)

My job list is www.freelancelist.blogspot.com I try to grab jobs from all pay ranges.

Deb Ng list jobs and lots of advice : www.freelancewritinggigs.com

And try BurryMan jobs page, I don't have the link handy, but google burry man jobs, it's get you there!

[Skyraven]

SFJ - I love the new website. Thanks so much for putting it together. :)

[WriterofChaos]

Like the about.com link but unfortunately not anything listed there that I'm knowledgeable about. any idea how many times that is updated?

[SouthernFriedJulie]

SFJ - I love the new website. Thanks so much for putting it together. :)

Thanks! My little Bubba helps me with it. He's the 'baby on the shoulder' I mention there!

Like the about.com link but unfortunately not anything listed there that I'm knowledgeable about. any idea how many times that is updated?

No, not sure. I check it twice a month, that's usually enough. :-)

[caseyquinn]

i would also check out magazines in your speciality that you read or have subscribed too. Try sending them a query letter for a feature article in the field.

[MelancholyMan]

I've started doing some searching and I'm starting to get the idea that there is tons of opportunity here! It isn't all high paying but seems to be a very good way to build up credits in paying markets. Between print magazines and online content I would bet, after getting a bit of a reputation and discovering the various freelance job outlets, you could keep yourself every bit as busy as you'd be at a full time job. But you might actually like what you are doing! Man, wouldn't that be a rush!

There is actually an About.com guide job that would suit me pretty well but I'm not sure I want that level of commitment to a single site just yet. Something like that could pretty easily turn into just another full time job.

[kej5009]

I'm surprised no one mentioned this yet: WritersMarket.com

You can search publications by a variety of ways, including subject. If you have any local ideas, talk to local newspapers or magazines. Layoffs have created overworked staff and bigger opportunities for freelance work.

[speel00]

Well to get started, write some small sample articles on content sites(that way you can start earning a little money while you build up your samples) and start a blog. After a month of that, start applying to adds and sites for writers with those links and samples.

Also try to query some magazines as well.

Good luck and keep us posted!

[mariedees]

Hi all

Just jumping in to read the thread since I seem to have suddenly become a freelance writer. The company I worked for underwent some restructuring. The Public Affairs division laid me off then the Marketing department called and offered me contract/freelance work. What they need is a bit specialized, so the pay will tide me over for a bit. But I'm looking to see what else is out there and get some advice.

SouthernFriedJulie, I've tagged the sites you listed. Thanks!

But another question - business cards, contact info and company names? I want to order some business cards with my basic contact info. What information do people usually include on these? I don't have a company name and I'm not really sure I want to give out a home address. Any advice?

Thanks!

[MelancholyMan]

I've just been picked up by Demand Studios! Went through their online registration, submitted a resume and writing samples, and they got back to me yesterday. I haven't looked to see what's available yet but I'm excited to make even $1, since it will allow me to cite a credit in a paying market!!! YES!

Next is to finish up my cover letter for space.com and see if I can get in with them, too.

You guys have been awesome.

[Skyraven]

congratulations! Make sure to keep us updated on your progress. :) Way to go!

[SouthernFriedJulie]

Hi all

Just jumping in to read the thread since I seem to have suddenly become a freelance writer. The company I worked for underwent some restructuring. The Public Affairs division laid me off then the Marketing department called and offered me contract/freelance work. What they need is a bit specialized, so the pay will tide me over for a bit. But I'm looking to see what else is out there and get some advice.

SouthernFriedJulie, I've tagged the sites you listed. Thanks!

But another question - business cards, contact info and company names? I want to order some business cards with my basic contact info. What information do people usually include on these? I don't have a company name and I'm not really sure I want to give out a home address. Any advice?

Thanks!

I've put:

Julie Fletcher
Freelance Writer
Phone
Email


I design cards, did one for one of the writers here. I need to get photoshop up again. You can take my designs, print yourself or take them right to a print shop if you burn the images to cd. Some places even do flash drives.


Enough people get interested, I'll start doing them again.

[spamwarrior]

Sometimes people put their websites, if they have one.

[TemlynWriting]

But another question - business cards, contact info and company names? I want to order some business cards with my basic contact info. What information do people usually include on these? I don't have a company name and I'm not really sure I want to give out a home address. Any advice?

Thanks!

Some of us have PO Boxes, too, and some list those on business cards.

The usual info is, in no particular order:
Name
Title
Website
Blog (listing a blog link is becoming popular, if it relates to your work/business)
Email
Phone
AddressHaving a website is important in this business, too, even if you start out with a free one like Wordpress (utilizing their "Page" feature).

Hope that helps! :)

[mariedees]

Hmm, just got turned down by Demand Studios. Which is sort of interesting since I have 15 years experience in web content management for a major corporation. (Honestly, I have a resume that would make you weep. Well, mostly because of the "and then I was laid off part.")

On the other hand, I'm actually pulling in new readers for Orlando Creative Writing Examiner page which I have fun writing.

Marie

[MamaLou]

Hmm, just got turned down by Demand Studios. Which is sort of interesting since I have 15 years experience in web content management for a major corporation. (Honestly, I have a resume that would make you weep. Well, mostly because of the "and then I was laid off part.")

On the other hand, I'm actually pulling in new readers for Orlando Creative Writing Examiner page which I have fun writing.

Marie

I'm no longer much of a fan of Demand Studios since they turned down an article I did for "improper format". The editor asked me to re-word some stuff and when I sent questions to them asking for more specific input as I had done the article exactly like the others they had accepted, they didn't respond with anything more than to cut me off from the good articles.

The editorial people there seem to be hit or miss anymore whether you get a good one or not. I have enough bad editors in my freelance life to worry about Demand Studios.

[Skyraven]

mariedees - just checked out your site. Pretty cool. As for the biz cards, I just ordered mine through Vistaprint. Got them for free, but paid for shipping and handling. I just put my name, email, cell phone number, my portfolio web addy, and the web addy for the Freshman Writer. i've already started handing them out. :)

[mariad]

For business cards, moo cards is a unique option, not the usual cookie cutter cards and you even get a cool business card holder with them!

Check out the mastheads for trade magazines and any online magazines you read and find out how to pitch to them. Writing for free is totally okay at the beginning to establish clips. A professional blog is also good for that.

The content sites like demand studios, ehow, etc are good for extra income (from what I've noticed) but not to build up a name for yourself as an writer.

[SouthernFriedJulie]

Ooo. I forgot Moocards and I have a ton!

[MamaLou]

I did a quick check at moo.com and didn't see anything right away about minimum orders or cost per card... Is there a link I'm not seeing? I need to order new cards due to my ISP changing my e-mail address (which I thought wouldn't be a problem, I'd just write my new addy on the back. PU-LEZE!)

Help?!

[TemlynWriting]

I did a quick check at moo.com and didn't see anything right away about minimum orders or cost per card... Is there a link I'm not seeing? I need to order new cards due to my ISP changing my e-mail address (which I thought wouldn't be a problem, I'd just write my new addy on the back. PU-LEZE!)

Help?!

Under Products (http://www.moo.com/en/products/) you'll see Business Cards (http://www.moo.com/en/products/business_cards.php) and MiniCards (http://www.moo.com/en/products/minicards.php).

For business cards it says $21.99 (per 50 card pack); they also have a bulk 200 card option (Save $17.97 with 200 Business Cards, $69.99).

For minicards it says $19.99 (per 100 card pack).

You can get a free sample pack (http://www.moo.com/en/products/sample.php) of 10 cards, too.

Hope that helps! :)

[MamaLou]

I was just comparing their prices to Staples, which is my local office supply store, and noted Staples was a lower price, allowing me to get more cards. Though, to be fair, I made the mistake of ordering 1000 to get the better price and within 2 months my ISP changed my e-mail address.

Can't make that mistake again.

[CatMuse33]

Mamalou,
Can you perhaps do a re-direct to your new site from the old address, thereby saving the trouble of new cards? I'm not a techie so I don't know HOW to do that, specifically, but I believe it can be done.
Dawn

[SouthernFriedJulie]

I picked up 100 when they had a promo for LJ a while back. Just put my web addy. Dropped them here and there, hits came in.

[MamaLou]

I've thought about that but finally decided to just ger new cards. They really don't cost that much. I've been kind of putting it off since I know the moment I get new cards, my e-mail address will change again.

[TemlynWriting]

I was just comparing their prices to Staples, which is my local office supply store, and noted Staples was a lower price, allowing me to get more cards. Though, to be fair, I made the mistake of ordering 1000 to get the better price and within 2 months my ISP changed my e-mail address.

Can't make that mistake again.

That happened to me a few years ago, only with our VoIP phone provider. They went under, and I lost my business number, which was a secondary number to our primary home phone.

So annoying!

[mariad]

It depends on your software.. blogger makes it really easy to forward to another URL. Wordpress.com, not so much.

[SouthernFriedJulie]

Why not just use Gmail?

It holds a ton and is pretty respected. Even my disabled, arthritic, and nearly technoclueless mom adores it.

[mariedees]

I think I may need to come up with a "professional writer" site under my real name instead of just using the "author site." Sometimes I feel like I've got a split personality. Or maybe a secret identity. But the author me has some things in the works for Ravenous Romance, which might worry people wanting the corporate professional me.

[MamaLou]

I think I may need to come up with a "professional writer" site under my real name instead of just using the "author site." Sometimes I feel like I've got a split personality. Or maybe a secret identity. But the author me has some things in the works for Ravenous Romance, which might worry people wanting the corporate professional me.

Microsoft Office Live (http://www.officelive.com/) has a pretty good price and some nice templates, though you can upload an existing page to their server. One thing, their reporting part, the one that tells you when you've had visitors and from where, doesn't work the greatest. I added the code for Google Analytics and it works great.

When I signed on with them, I got the first year free. After that, it's $14.95 a year. Main reason I did this was to have a constant e-mail address that was under my control. I DO have a gmail address but for some reason, it sits hard with me that I wanted a more "normal" address. Nothing against g-mail, I love em!

[SouthernFriedJulie]

I've been trying to get people to use that site, so many think there's a catch. But, there's not.

[MamaLou]

I've been trying to get people to use that site, so many think there's a catch. But, there's not.

Ah, a fellow convert! I love the site a great deal and it makes for a nice web site. Share with us your website there so we may both tout the wonders of Microsoft Office Live!

[CatMuse33]

I've thought about that but finally decided to just ger new cards. They really don't cost that much. I've been kind of putting it off since I know the moment I get new cards, my e-mail address will change again.

If you think that, it certainly will.

New cards are a good excuse to re-brand yourself though, or at least update your logo and look if so desired. :)

[mariedees]

Oops, jumping back to Demand Studios and offering up thanks to Absolute Write. Reading the thread on Demand Studios, I realized the email I received wasn't a rejection email but apparently an email they send saying they just don't have anything for me right now. Supposedly they'll contact me when they have something available. Well, it is nice to know that they didn't find my writing unacceptable.

Marie

[MelancholyMan]

I'm no longer much of a fan of Demand Studios since they turned down an article I did for "improper format". The editor asked me to re-word some stuff and when I sent questions to them asking for more specific input as I had done the article exactly like the others they had accepted, they didn't respond with anything more than to cut me off from the good articles.

Does DemandStudios parse out "good" articles to preferred writers? So far the stuff I've been writing is pretty generic and unimpressive though I like getting paid for the work. I've already picked out my Ferrari.;)

[MamaLou]

Does DemandStudios parse out "good" articles to preferred writers? So far the stuff I've been writing is pretty generic and unimpressive though I like getting paid for the work. I've already picked out my Ferrari.;)

Probably the better way to explain it is: They have a list of articles from which to choose. You go through the list and accept the ones you want. Initially, they are pretty crappy, such as how to make a "bald wig" or build a shed, and since they want photos, they can be pretty idiotic. Once you've had a couple accepted, they broaden the list and you get much better options that allow you to stretch your creative wings a bit.

[Christopher S. Brown]

Oops, jumping back to Demand Studios and offering up thanks to Absolute Write. Reading the thread on Demand Studios, I realized the email I received wasn't a rejection email but apparently an email they send saying they just don't have anything for me right now. Supposedly they'll contact me when they have something available. Well, it is nice to know that they didn't find my writing unacceptable.

Marie

That is actually their form rejection email. How do I know? I got one too. That said, I wouldn't sweat DS too much. First of all, I think their criteria for acceptance/rejection is pretty arbitrary and I suspect there are a number of different people deciding these things, so it probably depends on who you ended up with when it came time for your app to be considered. I was kicked to the curb by them months ago and never looked back. I've landed a number of regular gigs since then and some weeks I make $500+ writing for different sites. Take it with a grain of salt, as you should with all rejection letters, but particularly with DS. I get the impression that being accepted by them is at least 50% akin to picking winning lottery numbers. Depends on who reviews your app. I doubt I'd personally even want to work for them at this point. Too many better gigs out there.

[CoffeeBound]

Christopher, your post gives me renewed energy to continue looking for writing work. DS recently rejected my application and I was feeling rather down about it. But who knows? Maybe a better gig is just around the corner. (I surely hope so!)