Writing For A Living

[mik3cap]

It's looking to me like I'd be lucky to get $0.25 a word around these parts. Let's presume that I am fortunate enough to get this rate... in order to live at my desired comfort level, I have to make $1000.00 a week.

So... 4000 words. That's four big pieces a week, sixteen a month. That's cake, I can do that no problem... but where to get the work? And who'll pay?

Comments

[methanopyrus.livejournal.com]

Wow! Its pretty exciting to read about your writing endeavors. If you want to talk to my friend Will, who is a writer living in Tribeca, let me know. As far as I know he does not write articles, but you might still gain some knowledge from him.

[dura-luxe.livejournal.com]

Take your portfolio of published pieces and publishing credits and then query editors with project ideas. If they like the pitch, they'll take on your piece.

You can't just write a piece first and send it without their approval.

Once you work with the editor, if they like you, they'll throw more work your way.

[mikecap.livejournal.com]

I am working on building all that up - I'm going to completely redesign my personal web site so that I have a software resume, acting resume, and writing resume.

[dura-luxe.livejournal.com]

Good luck with any or all three!

[griffytime.livejournal.com]

A book?

[mikecap.livejournal.com]

Writing a book only pays bills if you can actually sell it.

[griffytime.livejournal.com]

...AND?

[rovanda.livejournal.com]

Some resources that may (or may not) be helpful: http://www.yudkin.com/flfaq.htm
http://www.absolutewrite.com/freelance_writing/freelance_writing1.htm

There's more online, of course, but these two are a start.

Good luck!

[drband36.livejournal.com]

Mike,

My pal from high school, Ethan Gilsdorf, is a successful freelance writer in Boston. He's written poetry, done restaurant reviews, lived and written in Paris for years before returning to the states, and now has written for every section of the Globe, including Op/Ed (except for sports! Go, Ethan!). Also, the Christian Science Monitor and scards of other outlets.

Anyway, he's taught a few classes in how to get one's feet under oneself with writing. Check him out:

ethangilsdorf.com

If you like his work, perhaps you might write him, mention my name (by the way, it's MacDonald now...I changed it to my mother's maiden name, just coz I like it), and maybe get some great info.

Glad to hear about the move!

Elise in NH

[mikecap.livejournal.com]

Good to hear from you again, and nice to see you on the LJ! I friended you, so you should be in on all the other friends-only scoop now too.