Make Freelance Writing Your Full-Time Job

From About.com

Understand What You're Getting Into
Ready to make freelance writing your full time job? Don't make this transition blindfolded! Doing your research now will save you a lot of heartache later.

Market Yourself As a Freelance Writer
The next step to making freelance writing your full time job is to start marketing your skills to potential employers. Jobs can either come to you, for example through a writers website, or you can go to the source of jobs and stary applying. On the other hand, if you're aiming to make full time money from magazine article or trade publication writing, you'll need to start pitching your ideas and articles to editors right away.

Manage Your Freelance Writing Income
Once you secure clients and gigs, you'll need to carefully manage the three main elements of your freelance writing income: invoicing, banking and taxes. You will submit your invoice, usually via email, after the project is complete. However, those in the magazine/trade publications markets may get to forego this step due to internal processes. After you receive your payment (hopefully on time and in full!), you'll need to carefully track these expenses in anticipation of tax time. Once tax time hits, you'll be able to provide your tax preparer with all of the documents and numbers needed.

Achieve Freelance Writing Success
Once things get rolling, you have to keep them rolling. Things such as getting along with your editors and networking with other writers will keep your writing in business. Keep in mind that editors are the gatekeepers of work. Keeping this relationship productive and positive will keep the work flowing.

Another area to explore is writer's communities. No where can you learn about your new job better than from those who have been there. Seek out veterans and reach out to others who are just starting out, and you will soon find yourself well-supported and well known.