As a full-time freelance writer without a Journalism degree, I’ve learned things the hard way. Here are 8 lessons I’ve learned from writing for magazines. 

First, a quip for writers from Natalie Goldberg: 

“A student in a workshop walked up to me swinging his briefcase. “Hi, I’m an engineer. I make $46,000 a year. How long do you think it will take me to earn that much with writing?” 

“Keep your job,” I told him.”  But wait, there’s more: 

“Know that you will eventually have to leave everything behind; the writing will demand it of you. Bareboned, you are on the path with no markers, only the skulls of those who never made it back - over and over again. I will act as your guide.” Natalie Goldberg wrote this in Thunder and Lightning: Cracking Open the Writer’s Craft. Click on the book cover for more information about Natalie Goldberg and other books about writing.

Okay, the writing quip has done its work. Now on to the writing tip… 

Lessons I’ve Learned About Freelancing & Writing for Magazines 

1. Teach yourself to create fresh ideas for articles. Coming up with new ideas (well, it’s actually new slants on old ideas) is a skill that can be mastered. Don’t waste your time fine-tuning a pitch called “10 Rules for Writing Articles” and send it to The Writer, because it’s been done before. Find new ways to package old ideas. See 10 Solid Freelance Writing Ideas: How to Create Articles That Sell and 13 Ways to Find New Writing Slants in Old Ideas for guidance. 

2. Keep pitching. Editors always need fresh ideas for articles and good writing, and they recognize and respect perseverance. I’ll stop pitching article ideas only after I’ve emailed a dozen times and still haven’t heard anything. “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,” said Wayne Gretzky (I lived in Edmonton in the Oiler heyday, so me and ol’ Wayne are pals). The point is: don’t give up if you get rejected or hear nothing from editors or publishing houses. Sooner or later, you’ll win a writing assignment. 

3. Check the website or print magazine for past articles. You don’t need to read a year’s worth of magazines to get a feel for a print or online magazine. Explore the website; search the site for the topics and ideas you have. Read the past 3 or 4 issues of the print magazine. If the magazine has lots of articles about reducing stress, don’t abandon your idea for a stress-free vacation. They like articles about stress, and you may fill a gap. 

4. Learn something new about writing or freelancing every day. Keep studying writing tips, publishing information, freelancing websites - and look for solid information about writing. I’ve done lots of writing research, and have drowned on oceans of good-hearted but unhelpful writing advice. Find a writing website or blog that offers challenging information about writing, and re-read the articles until the writing tips have soaked in. 

5. Pitch an idea immediately after you submit an article. When I win writing assignments, I immediately start working on them (even if they’re due in 2 months). And, I actively look for more ideas to pitch to that publication. It doesn’t work in all cases - I’ve worked for at least 3 magazines once and only once (it’s a shame) - but it’s smart to follow a great article with a fresh pitch. 

6. Diversify your writing projects. There are so many areas for freelancers: blogging, technical writing, newsletters, textbook writing, print magazines, feature articles, research shorts, top 10 lists….don’t focus on one area. Instead, do a little of everything. Build a solid portfolio of writing clients. 

7. Act like an entrepreneur. You’re a businessperson, which means you need to learn how to run a small business. Get the appropriate software, office space (though I write out of my kitchen full-time, I still advise a “real” office or space to write in), spreadsheets, etc. Learn how to attract clients - and how to keep them happy. Editors and publishers are your clients. 

8. Remember that freelancing is different for everyone. What works for me may cause you to become a skull on the road to freelance writing (to get back to Natalie Goldberg’s analogy). Don’t take what other writers do as gospel (though if they’re successful writers, do heed their advice). Find what works for you, and stick with it. 

There are dozens more freelance writing tips - if you want to share yours, I’d love to hear them!