Freelancing for Pleasure and Profit

Issue #67

Greetings, Gather writers, and welcome to this issue of Freelancing for Pleasure and Profit. I'm curious to learn if other freelance writers have had the kind of good fortune that I have had since the beginning of the recession. I am guessing that the reason boils down to staff writers being let go from their full time positions. This means that publishers will rely more heavily on freelancers, paying them less than the full time staff writers, and ridding themselves of the expense of benefits.

Regardless if this is the reason or not, I know many freelancers besides me who have had more work than they can possibly keep up with throughout the past year. I decided if I shared some resources on where to look for that work that perhaps you, too, might be as fortunate.

I know I have mentioned places where I go to seek out freelance jobs, but today I thought I'd share links to a couple of online publications that compile many of these jobs into one newsletter, making it even easier for freelance writers to find assignments.

Before I list the links, however, I think it's important to mention that regardless of the economy and the number of freelance writing jobs that may be available, it's imperative to present yourself as a professional. This means writing a sharp looking query letter and keeping updated references and clips available for editors and publishers to review.

So, what are you waiting for? Check out these publications and start jotting down ideas for a few queries to send out in the next few days. Before long you could be writing all night like I've been doing for the past 13 or 14 months!

About Freelance Writing compiles the latest posts on CraigsList and a few other freelance writing job posts and provides freelancers with a neat and tidy list once a week. In addition, publisher Ann Wayman features insightful articles on freelance writing. You'll need to subscribe to the free newsletter, but that's pretty simple to do.

JournalismJobs.com provides a wealth of information for freelance writers and is among my favorite resources. In addition to timely articles and even ideas for article topics, you can peruse their job listings for up to date freelance writing gigs. You will need to become a member, but there is no charge, and it's well worth your time.

 

Kimberly Ripley is a freelance writer and published author from New Hampshire.