By Ashleigh Rousselle
You don’t have to wake up to an alarm; it’s not 9 to 5.
There’s a freelancer identity: freedom, and hard work.
There’s not much of an education requirement, not often asked for resume.
Anybody can write—there are lots of avenues to write in (like when he used to review movies).
Know that you aren’t going to get rich.
When in doubt use quotes! Interview people.
Your opinions can turn into articles.
Consider using an outline—it’s different for every writer.
Your job:
1) Tell ‘em what you’re gonna tell ‘em
2) Tell ‘em
3) Tell ‘em what you told ‘em
Always know what you’re writing about and put main points in the first paragraph.
“Nutgraph”—a nut is what you hang your story on.
Make a contract with yourself about how much you’re going to write.
You might be gathering information for a book subconsciously.
Sometimes you might do something for nothing (or for little) because it leads you to something else.
Be aware: publishers can go bankrupt and not pay you.
Sometimes you make your own luck.
Usually you get a contract or assignment before writing.
Know your reason for writing.
Go to publishers with ideas, after a while they might come to you.
Blogging—you never have to wait to get published, you get your foot in the door, and have something to put on your resume.
Be honest with the editors; impress them by being persistent—work with options.
Be humble—write for anyone; get your portfolio started.
Have some attitude—don’t take no for an answer.
Don’t hold yourself to standards—find your voice.
Persuade editors, then readers.
You don’t want to write for someone just once; try to form a relationship.
Find an accountant who deals with writers—tax write offs.
Freelance journalism is an opportunity to write for a variety of different publications on myriad different topics, either padding your portfolio for an eventual staff job at a magazine/newspaper or allowing a freedom to work for yourself—without an alarm clock!
