🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <1992Dec30.033128.1@adcalc.fnal.gov> linden@adcalc.fnal.gov writes:
>I am thinking of trying to do some freelance writing.
>Mainly non-fiction stuff.
>I don't have any expeirence in writing except for the basic college
>English classes and the dozen term papers I had to do.
>The nerby community college is offering a class in writing.
>I was thinking of taking it.
>I was hoping to see more action on this net on the subject
>of freelance writing. So far I;ve been disapointed.
>Any comments out there.

Well, sorry I haven't been in here alot lately - it's end-of-year
and that always seem to be bectic!

My background: I have a day job that pays the rent, and I write
in the evenings and weekends alot. I have a column in each of
two computer-related magazines, and have pubished one book so far.
I'm planning on moving into writing full-time over the coming
few years, because I think in a less-expensive (and crowded)
area than the SF Bay I can make a decent living writing and
still have time left over for the family I hope to have found
by then.

My advice for people who want to freelance: WRITE.

(I didn't want to steal the 'Just Do It' since my legal budget
doesn't permit any lawsuits this year!)

The best way to become a freelance writer is to write. There
are a number of good books about writing, and if you haven't 
the slightest about getting started, go to your local library
or bookstore and browse. 

Then identify the publications you like to read, the subjects
you know about and want to write about, and start sending letters
and calling editors. The advice given about local papers and such is
good... start in a small pond. On the other hand, don't let your lack of
'professional publications' keep you from bootstraping into the 
field.

Yes, take writing courses. Yes, be sure you can write fairly
well and that your writing can be understood. Yes, even use
a grammar checker in your word processor to make sure you
are not using passive voice too much, and are not writing
incomplete.

(see?)

But my main advice is to get out and start writing. Write
magazines and get their editorial calander and author's
guidelines; follow up with calls to editors, introducing
yourself and making contact. If you are lucky, one or more of
them will have a need for something "real quick" and you
are in. 

And keep talking to friends - you'll be surprised how many
editors know people! And good luck!

Miles