Long gone are the days you need to have a bachelor's degree in English or Journalism to write.
Freelance writing has opened up to entrepreneurs without big degrees, or even college educations.
This is not a career for everyone.
It requires skill, dedication and hard work.
Here are some tips to become a profitable freelance writer.
Be honest with yourself about your skills.
You need to have a good grasp of the English language.
Spelling and grammar are of utmost importance.
Brush up on your skills and start writing daily for yourself before submitting your first article.
Become confident in your skills and comfortable with the process.
You will likely receive many editorial reviews and rewrites along the way.
Develop a thick skin and use this constructive criticism as a way to grow as a writer and improve your skills.
Build up a portfolio.
Save those articles you are writing everyday.
Write on different topics.
This will help you start recognizing where your niche will lie.
Experiment and discover which topics you enjoy writing about and are knowledgeable in.
Find online freelance writing gigs.
This will give you a chance to acquire constructive criticism.
The review process in some cases takes some time, so be patient.
Keep writing while you wait.
Start networking with other freelance writers within these companies.
They will help you improve your skills by providing feedback.
They can also introduce you to other opportunities on your freelance journey.
Set your rates and start finding clients.
Once you have put in a good amount of time with freelance writing banks you may feel you are ready to go out on your own.
Concentrate on the niches you discovered along the way.
Find out where your potential clients are and start marketing your skills and picking up clients.
Freelance writing is a business, treat it as such.
When you take on writing projects, always meet your deadlines.
Keep detailed records as to what articles have been submitted where and to whom.
Track what has been paid and payment dates for unpaid gigs.
Talk with a tax preparer.
If you are making good money chances are you need to be paying quarterly taxes.
Keep track of receipts and expenses related to your freelance writing business.
Building up a profitable freelance writing business takes time and dedication.
Success may not come overnight, but it will come if you are willing to put in the effort and grow as a writer.