Free as a...

...Freelance writer. Yes, that's me. I'd been trying to be one for many years, writing plays for a community theater, picking up an odd writing job here and there, articles for a little local rag; then seven years ago, I jerked that "wannabe" hat off my head and declared it. "I AM a freelance writer. That's what I do, that's what I'm about, and that's why I'm on the planet."

Making the statement was the biggest step. With that under my belt, I was ready to go out and present myself as a writer--someone who knows what words are and what to do with them. I found clients. Some were short-term, and others are still with me after several years. Ninety-eight percent have been extremely satisfied with my work. So how do you make it happen?

There are different types of freelance work. Technical writing is the big money-generator. Fiction is more satisfying, but harder to sell. Then there's corporate work. Often you can find a niche writing for people who need to communicate, but for whom English class was naptime. They want to concentrate on their business, not stress out over something they've hated since junior high. This type of client has become the bread-and-butter account that supports my creative habit.

To find any of these markets, there are some steps to follow:

1. Research. Find out who is looking for writers, where they are, and the type of writing they need. Job search services on the internet will give you some good ideas. You can also go to the library and check out (no pun intended) the businesses in your area. Who is growing and may not be able to afford an in-house marketing department? Who has new products and may be developing documentation? Who publishes magazines or newspapers, and for what audiences?
2. Target. Determine which fields match your interest and experience, then decide who to contact. If you have a specific piece in mind, look for people who can use the type of thing you have written. If you want to help clients develop their own projects, zero in on the ones that interest you, and who can really benefit from your expertise.
3. Plot. No, not plot in the sense we talk about in story development. Come up with a plan. Find the right people to contact. Find an approach that will hit them where they live. Create material that will grab their attention and address their concerns.
4. Contact. Sometimes this is the hardest part. You catch yourself talking yourself out of it before you pick up the phone or hit the "send" button. I mean, what makes you think you have the right...? Don't sell yourself short. What you have is a gift, and no, not everyone else can do what you do!
5. Follow up. Once you've initiated the relationship, build it. Of course you don't want to be a pest to someone who isn't interested, but maybe a person was just extremely busy when you first called. Maybe he/she misplaced your flyer and really wanted to talk to you. Maybe that particular story wasn't one she can use right now, but she liked your style and had thought about calling you with another assignment. Maybe he only has to get to know you; it's a very personal thing to let someone put words in your mouth.
6. Take criticism. Whether you're talking to a publisher or to a CEO who wants to put out a company newsletter, invite clients to tell you what they really think of the material you've presented. Your genuine interest in improving both your writing and your service can make a big difference in the promise of work.

There are lots of people out there who need wordsmiths. Some know it, and some have to be convinced. Once you have the confidence to show the world what you can do, you can pick and choose the assignments, the hours, and your degree of satisfaction. Ah! The writer's life for me!