The “How Do I Start?” Writing Question

What’s on the iPod: Life by The Avett Brothers

Once again, snow arrived in Valley Forge. I knew the minute I said we rarely get snow that we would be hit with it. Murphy’s Law, isn’t it? But I love the white stuff, so bring it on. Right now, the view outside this study window is glorious. Snow, heavy on the branches, is settling the trees right into the landscape.

All that snow made for a great work day yesterday. My husband is on vacation and doing some light work from home, which does tend to throw me off my routine. Still, I had a deadline and a need for another check (who doesn’t need another check, I ask you?), so I pushed forward. One project done, another started. My kind of day.

I was on a forum recently where the question that always comes up did just that: “How do I start in freelance writing?” I’ll give the poster credit — she thought further into the question than just asking and expecting the freelance world to take her by the hand. In fact, hers was one of the more detailed questions, which I love. I can help you if you give me more insight into what you’re asking. Just saying “How do I start?” gets you (and me) nowhere.

The ensuing advice ran the gamut, so while the question had been narrowed down a bit, it was clearly still too broad for a targeted answer. Aside from the obvious commenters pandering for sales of their own books and courses, the freelance community was supportive and helpful.

Yet I wonder how valuable the advice is to someone who stated having no idea where or how to begin. To those of us who have figured out the answer to our own “how do I start” question, it seems like foreign territory. We’re here, working in those niches and generalized careers of our choosing and making. Did we ever have to start somewhere?

Sure. We’ve just forgotten having the same blank page of a career in front of us.

But those of you who are starting now, take heart. The blank page isn’t as frightening or as defining as you might think. In fact, I think the blank page is a huge opportunity to write on it whatever you like. But you like what exactly?

That’s the rub, isn’t it? You can’t start if you’re unclear where that should be. So maybe some examples will help you. My own career progression has gone like this:

Just start with what’s in front of you. I actually remember the beginning of my career. I was struggling to sell one thing — anything — in order to call myself a writer. That first sale (beyond this completely odd contest win) was a profile piece in a regional magazine. I was on my way! But to where? Hadn’t a clue.

Branch out whenever the opportunity presents itself. I realized early that profiles, while fun, weren’t going to be every publication’s need. I was still interested in them, but I needed something more. Then it happened — I was reading the city paper when I saw some essays — funny ones. I could do that! Didn’t I have the funny essay trophy to prove it (see the previous link)? So I followed up my “success” with a half-dozen essays for the local paper. The pay wasn’t great, but it was a credible publication, and there was some actual money coming my way.

Sell your opinion. My first national sale was during this same period. I found it easy to score acceptance for an opinion piece published in a national magazine for writers. The pay was only slightly better than the city newspaper, but it was a step in the right direction.

Look a little higher up the food chain. Knowing that I could write and sell a profile piece, I thought about what other magazines out there would need that sort of thing. Enter a children’s magazine and an article about a miniature railroad. That netted me credit from a “household name” magazine. Soon, I had the confidence (and the clips) to approach other national magazines and land assignments.

Don’t overlook golden opportunities. When I applied for a magazine editor position after just a few short years of writing, I didn’t think I stood a chance. When the editor called, I was elated, then somewhat disheartened. The work– writing for a risk management magazine. What did I know about that? I nearly didn’t take the paid writing test, but I did. The result: I got to wear the title of senior editor for over three years.

Give yourself plenty of “what the hell” moments. That’s how I got the gig with the magazine, and it’s been the starting point for nearly every great thing that has come my way in my career. I don’t worry about failing or looking dumb or not meeting deadline, getting in over my head, etc. I just tell myself “What the hell” and try.

Writers, where and how did you start? Feel free to share your own career progression.
What one thing helped  you establish a career? Would you recommend that to writers just starting out?