Here are 4 great questions from a “Quips & Tips” reader - they really are the foundation of how to earn a living as a freelance writer. She asked about writing successful query letters, finding writers’ guidelines, researching magazines, and taking writing classes. 

First, though a writing quip from Elmore Leonard: 

“I don’t believe in writer’s block,” says Leonard. “I don’t know what that is. There are just certain little areas that I know I’m going to get through. It’s just a matter of finding a way.” 

I love that quotation! What a great way to approach freelance writing, family problems, health problems, and life in general: know that you’re going to get through, because it’s just a matter of finding a way. 

So, here’s a few ways to find your way to getting published and earning a living as a freelance writer. (Click on the book cover for more information about The Renegade Writer - which is a fabulous book about freelancing).

Finding Writers’ Guidelines, Researching Magazines & Writing Classes 

1. About writing queries: “Your post on a successful query letter was extremely informative and I was wondering if you used a particular book to help you get the hang of writing queries (I noticed you had a photo of Query Letters That Rock).” 

• I didn’t use one particular book to learn how to write a successful query letter. Rather, I read as many books as I could about freelance writing, and created my own query letter based on all my research. Successful query letters should represent your personality as much as your writing skills, great article ideas, and professional image. Writing websites and blogs are also helpful when you’re learning how to be a freelance writer (or even if you’re established) - but guard your time! You can spend hours looking for the perfect description of writing a successful query letter or a list of good writing tips, and lose valuable writing time.

2. About writer’s guidelines: “Sometimes I find it tough to find writer’s guidelines or really anything about queries on a magazine’s website; have you found a good way to locate that info?” 

• To find the writer’s guidelines, I usually go to the Site Map, About Us, or Contact Us. Sometimes the magazine clearly lists Writers’ Guidelines…and other times there’s nothing at all. Even if there’s nothing, I still send in my query letter.

3. About researching magazines. “How do you research the magazines you’re going to pitch? I know it’s suggested to review 12 issues of a magazine, but that can get expensive (to order back issues).” 

• Some magazines have been kind enough to send me past issues, at no charge. I’d already had experience with those editors, though. They wanted me to learn how to write for them. I visit the magazine’s website to get a feel of their writing style and content, and go to the library all the time. I’ve also sold articles to magazines I’ve never read.

4. About writing classes. “Have you taken additional classes since you’ve been out of school?” 

• No. My degrees are in Education and Psychology, and I did take a nonfiction writing course at university - and really enjoyed it. My Reader’s Digest editor once told me that the stuff I’m learning from her (about editing, readers, sourcing materials, etc) isn’t taught in Journalism school. No offense to Journalism grads - I believe it’s a valuable degree - but I found that learning on-the-job was better for me than taking writing classes. However, if you can’t get on-the-job training because you can’t sell your article ideas, then an online writing class or a night course would be a smart move. 

Thanks for your questions! 

P.S. Ever been to a writing carnival? Check out The Incurable Disease of Writing. Missy Frye’s writing carnival includes a writing buffet of encouragement for writers, publishing information, writing prompts, writing tips, and more.