Freelance Writing Guide: What to Expect in Your First Year as a Freelance Writer

by Christine Rice

Are you thinking about becoming a freelance writer? Are you unsure because you don’t know what to expect? Or are you simply curious what it’s like to be a freelance writer?

"Freelance Writing Guide" is here to help! It will answer your questions about the profession of freelance writing, explain to you what the life of a freelance writer is like, and tell you all you need to know about the type of work a freelance writer does - during the first year of a freelance writing career.

Written by an experienced freelance writer who has been a writer for seven years and a freelance writer for sixteen months, Christine Rice will give you the details - honestly and directly - of what she experienced during the first year of her career as a freelance writer.

In this book, there are no exaggerations or claims of becoming famous or making millions. Rather, this book provides realistic information and lots of resources for getting started on your career as a freelance writer.

So get ready to find out all you need to know about freelance writing so that you can follow your dreams and use your love of writing to become the professional you’ve always wanted to become - a freelance writer!

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

ebook

First published August 15, 2012

About the author

Christine Rice is the author of: Poetry for the Heart (2007), Essays for the Soul (2008), My Not-So-Ordinary Life (2009), Freelance Writing Guide (2012), Articles for the Mind (2013), and Adolescent Angst (2014). She is currently writing two memoirs that are due out in 2015.

Reviews

[Valerie Caraotta · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world of freelance writing I learned, from Christine Rice's book Freelance Writing Guide, is indeed a world and territory to claim like no other. There is much one needs to know and consider far beyond just the love of writing. If you, like many others, desire to do this full time as a career knowing you have the talent, this will prove to be a very valuable resource.

I love that Rice is honest in sharing this information that she learned her first year especially in the realities of it taking time to develop as a writer and gain increasing opportunities. Beginning Freelancer's will gain strategies on portfolio compilation and organizational format for online articles, along with Ghostwriting and magazine article writing. Because having a website and blog is imperative, learn suggestions of what to include in each and how your earnings can increase with ads. She provides places where you can obtain FREE ADS.

Speaking of free- I love, since money needs to be wisely spent the first year, that author Rice has included websites where links to FREE COLLEGE COURSES are offered. It is a good place to search for writing courses that will aid your career. The companies she has provided to help you land more opportunities will often include your need to maximize Search Engine Optimization (SEO). FREE again will be given places to get SEO ONLINE COURSES, webinars, and tutorials.

Technical aspects you may not be aware of when writing for content websites and the type of pay will be given including:
~revenue share
~page views
~upfront payments
Marketing one's work is essential and many will decide to publish a book. Learn the differences between costs and formats for print books and e-books. Christine Rice also offers PUBLISHING SERVICES to assist you with editing, and full book compilation helps.

The 6 parts and 21 chapters provided is what I would coin as a very comprehensive work that will take you systematically through your first year concerns and needs. Author Rice currently has 4 books published and two on the way. I highly recommend this resource where it can be referred to on a regular basis.
 

[Shalini Ayre · Rating 4 out of 5]

To paraphrase a brand's tag line, Freelance Writing Guide says what it does on the cover. Based on only a year and half's experience, the guide takes both the newbie and experienced writer through the various steps of becoming a freelance writer.

Split into six parts covering everything from publishing to lifestyle, the guide is easy to read/follow and it's written in an almost conversational way like a friend chatting about their experiences. There are useful websites like Writing.com and EzineArticles, both of which allow the writer to publish their articles, as well as helpful tips on marketing.

Set out chronologically i.e. the best way to approach starting a career, once read through, it's easy to dip in and out of as a reminder of what to do. The guide mentions the use of blogs, twitter accounts etc., so it's a fine balance with advising someone who is technically minded and those who are not, but Rice manages it without being derisive or dumbing down this aspect.

In general, I completely enjoyed reading the guide. It wasn't laborious or condescending - just an honest, useful account of what a new (or even experienced/published) writer may expect from the world of freelancing. Rice doesn't build expectations that the writer will be immediately successful but neither does she make it sound impossible to earn an income. I found it an engaging, quick read. It was inspirational and give me confidence in pursuing a career in this field.

True to her own words, Christine is running a blog tour of which you can find out more information about her work at Christine Rice's Blog. A highly recommended read for those wishing to enter the freelance writing world.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for review purposes. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not expected to give a positive critique.

[Norm Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christine Rice has titled her “Freelance Writing Guide: What to Expect in Your First Year as a Freelance Writer” very aptly. There is a plethora of valuable information for the beginning freelance writer contained within.

The conversational nature of the prose combined with plain, simple down-to-earth language makes the book readable and easy to go through; not dry like so many others on the subject.

As Ms. Rice says, the book allows the reader to “Learn from someone who has gone before you.” Sage advice.

She covers aspects of freelance writing from concept to publication. There are ideas on where to get published, querying, contract negotiations and more.

The text includes some simple techniques for increasing productivity and the quality of one’s writing.

While there is much in the way of relevant information, I would like to have seen some concrete examples. e.g. In the section on “Effective Querying” it’d be nice to see what an effective query letter looks like. Perhaps an appendix could be added.

All this said Ms. Rice’s book certainly serves as an incentive to get out there and get writing.

I recommend reading it to anyone beginning, or thinking about beginning, their journey as a freelance writer.

[Lia Burres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christine Rice has put together a very wonderful and helpful book for all of us that love to write. It’s a Kindle book called Kindle Freelance Writing Guide.



Here is what my review on Amazon states:

I am so thrilled that Christine sent this book for me to read. I done the review on one of my blogs and then the blog had a glitch. I ended up redoing it.

I’ve learned a whole lot from this book compared to what I did know. I’ve asked a lot of questions over the years of blogging and no one else was able to answer my questions.

The book includes where and how to get started, marketing, many helpful and useful sites to get you started. Some of the sites are great for obtaining more freelance work. The book is full of all sorts of helpful information and helps with those that are just starting out or having trouble getting started into full swing.

I was given a copy of the book in hopes for my honest review and well, I’m thrilled to say that I have to give her two thumbs up as Christine has done an AWESOME job on putting together so much helpful information!

I have to admit, if you’re looking for answers and can’t find what you’re needing and in words for you understand, then check out her book.

[Sage Adderley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freelance Writing Guide is geared toward writers who are interested in breaking into the freelance writing world. It’s an in-depth book that gives writers a realistic view on their first year of freelance writing. Rice’s guide is on point, practical, and well written. She absolutely covers everything, such as multiple writer’s online resources, supply lists, tracking income, marketing, and continuing education. Freelance Writing Guide includes advice for online article writing, periodicals, ghostwriting, and publishing in print and eBooks.

Simply put, I am impressed with this guide. I have been a freelance writer for five years, and I found plenty of information that I can use in my daily work. Researching about freelance writing can feel overwhelming, so I appreciate how organized the guide is. Not only is it a must have resource for beginners; I think it is the perfect refresher for any freelance writer. Rice includes the basics, the small things that writers might overlook, and everything in between. Freelance Writing Guide should be added to any writer’s bookshelf.

[Shannon Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you're just starting out as a writer or just simply looking for new ways to turn your awesome storytelling abilities into cash flow, Freelance Writing Guide is definitely for you. Christine Rice provides so many helpful tips and web resources that can help anyone become more adept at writing as well as turn that talent into a lucrative career. I truly appreciate the time Christine took to create this guide. It's truly a time saver and very invaluable.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

[Athena Nagel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been considering looking into freelance writing for some time. For me, it seems to be the natural progression from all of my blog writing. A new way to be creative and expressive. However, to succeed there is so much more to know than just how to write. There are roadblocks that need to be navigated, technological paths that are not widely known, pitfalls to beware of etc... Christine's book is a great tool to help find the way. Anything I could have asked for is in this guide - even continuing education classes! Freelance writing also does not fit into just everyone's lifestyle - she helps through those issues and concerns too. As soon as I am ready to begin my journey - I will put so many of these tips to great use!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Justyn Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Author asked for me to review one of her books, and I chose this on. I've always wondered what freelance writing was, and this book is full of info. Some of it that I found most helpful,because it talked about how to make better reviews, which was differnt from how I review books, but it made sense. It also talked about a few social sites like Behance and writingroom. The book was from the view that you are a new friend to Christine and asked her about Freelance Writing. As I'm currently a senior in high school, most of the info. wasn't helpful for because of my age. In all this was a great book.

[Lola Standish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion and review:

I gave this book 5 stars and here is why:

I have no complaints 'Freelance Writing Guide' does exactly what it says on the tin.

It is informative and resourceful but there is also an underlying story which tells of the authors first year of being a writer.

Here is the link for my Amazon Review:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R1PVHZ...

[Alex Reborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring book, with great info on becoming a freelance writer. It's really helpful for beginners.

[Etienne P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled into the world of freelance and providing services as a wordsmith. Christine helped by guiding my thinking back on track. Writing as a freelancer can cause one to tackle too broad a market. Christine spoke some sense into my situation without becoming too analytical about it.

[Christine Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

My book, Freelance Writing Guide, is a helpful career guide that informs you of the experiences I had, and what I learned, during my first year as a freelance writer. The purpose of the book is to educate writers who are considering becoming freelance writers, on what they can expect in the beginning of a freelance writing career, so that there are no questions or fear of the unknown.

I think the book is well-written, straightforward, and optimistic yet realistic. It covers ghostwriting, book writing, self-publishing, traditional publishing of books and magazine articles, business and finance topics, the lifestyle of a writer, income and types of pay, reading and book reviews, as well as others. This is a very resourceful book from an experienced freelance writer, written for writers like you who wish to develop a freelance writing career. I hope you find the book helpful!

[Christine Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

My book, Freelance Writing Guide, is a helpful career guide that informs you of the experiences I had, and what I learned, during my first year as a freelance writer. The purpose of the book is to educate writers who are considering becoming freelance writers, on what they can expect in the beginning of a freelance writing career, so that there are no questions or fear of the unknown.

I think the book is well-written, straightforward, and optimistic yet realistic. It covers ghostwriting, book writing, self-publishing, traditional publishing of books and magazine articles, business and finance topics, the lifestyle of a writer, income and types of pay, reading and book reviews, as well as others. This is a very resourceful book from an experienced freelance writer, written for writers like you who wish to develop a freelance writing career. I hope you find the book helpful!

[Christine Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

My book, Freelance Writing Guide, is a helpful career guide that informs you of the experiences I had, and what I learned, during my first year as a freelance writer. The purpose of the book is to educate writers who are considering becoming freelance writers, on what they can expect in the beginning of a freelance writing career, so that there are no questions or fear of the unknown.

I think the book is well-written, straightforward, and optimistic yet realistic. It covers ghostwriting, book writing, self-publishing, traditional publishing of books and magazine articles, business and finance topics, the lifestyle of a writer, income and types of pay, reading and book reviews, as well as others. This is a very resourceful book from an experienced freelance writer, written for writers like you who wish to develop a freelance writing career. I hope you find the book helpful!

[Christine Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freelance Writing Guide is a helpful career guide that will inform you of the experiences I had, and what I learned, during my first year as a freelance writer. The purpose of the book is to educate you, as someone who is considering becoming a freelance writer, on what you can expect in the beginning of your freelance writing career, so that you will have no questions or fear of the unknown.

The book is straightforward and realistic. It covers ghostwriting, article writing, book reviewing, book writing, self-publishing, traditional publishing (of books and magazine articles), business and finance topics, the lifestyle of a writer, income and types of pay, and many other topics. This is a resourceful book written from my perspective as a freelance writer, for writers like you who wish to develop a freelance writing career.

[Christine Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

My book, Freelance Writing Guide, is a helpful career guide that informs you of the experiences I had, and what I learned, during my first year as a freelance writer. The purpose of the book is to educate writers who are considering becoming freelance writers, on what they can expect in the beginning of a freelance writing career, so that there are no questions or fear of the unknown.

I think the book is well-written, straightforward, and optimistic yet realistic. It covers ghostwriting, book writing, self-publishing, traditional publishing of books and magazine articles, business and finance topics, the lifestyle of a writer, income and types of pay, reading and book reviews, as well as others. This is a very resourceful book from an experienced freelance writer, written for writers like you who wish to develop a freelance writing career. I hope you find the book helpful!

[Christine Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

My book, Freelance Writing Guide, is a helpful career guide that informs you of the experiences I had, and what I learned, during my first year as a freelance writer. The purpose of the book is to educate writers who are considering becoming freelance writers, on what they can expect in the beginning of a freelance writing career, so that there are no questions or fear of the unknown.

I think the book is well-written, straightforward, and optimistic yet realistic. It covers ghostwriting, book writing, self-publishing, traditional publishing of books and magazine articles, business and finance topics, the lifestyle of a writer, income and types of pay, reading and book reviews, as well as others. This is a very resourceful book from an experienced freelance writer, written for writers like you who wish to develop a freelance writing career. I hope you find the book helpful!

[Christine Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

My book, Freelance Writing Guide, is a helpful career guide that informs you of the experiences I had, and what I learned, during my first year as a freelance writer. The purpose of the book is to educate writers who are considering becoming freelance writers, on what they can expect in the beginning of a freelance writing career, so that there are no questions or fear of the unknown.

I think the book is well-written, straightforward, and optimistic yet realistic. It covers ghostwriting, book writing, self-publishing, traditional publishing of books and magazine articles, business and finance topics, the lifestyle of a writer, income and types of pay, reading and book reviews, as well as others. This is a very resourceful book from an experienced freelance writer, written for writers like you who wish to develop a freelance writing career. I hope you find the book helpful!