Grandy’s comment on yesterday’s post got me thinking about something more than one experienced freelance writer told me when I expressed my own newbie fears:

“If you’re too much of a chicken to deal with rejection, freelance writing probably isn’t for you.”

Well, I might be a chicken, but I’m a stubborn bird. I wasn’t going to let my fear stop me, and neither should you. The fact is, any career change is scary. The thought of being self-employed (which the bulk of us freelance writers are) is even scarier. But how can a chicken break into freelance writing?

1. Think big, but start small.

I have no desire to write for national magazines or fancy newspapers, but many folks do. If your goal is to write for big parenting magazines, start with an online magazine, or break into print with your local parenting magazine. If you want to freelance for newspapers, break in with your local paper. Yes, these venues pay less, but your chances of being accepted are greater. Small clips can lead to bigger clips. Just don’t waste your time writing for free for unknown pubs or start-ups.

2. Write what you know.

I know, it’s cliche. And no, you don’t have to ‘write what you know’ forever. If you did, you’d likely dry up after a few years. But it’s much easier to get those first few clips tackling subject material you know well. Need some ideas? See C. Hope Clark’s article I’m New… What Can I Write About?

3. Do some research.

To get published, you’ve got to find a place for your ideas. I’d love to write articles from the perspective of my pet rabbits, but I’ve yet to find anyone who agrees that this would make a great column. Research the markets you want to write for. Learn the types of articles they like, the style and tone of voice. Once you feel like you know the publication well, then query. Don’t just aimlessly write articles and send them to editors. Editors want articles geared specifically to their audiences.

4. Learn to write a query letter.

If I told you how many really bad query letters I get from experienced freelance writers every day, you’d probably pass out. A great article with good query letter tips (including a sample) is Jenna Glatzer’s The Beginner’s Guide To Freelance Writing.

5. Don’t let rejection break you.

Experienced writers get rejection letters, too. It’s really not personal. It may feel personal, but there can be many reasons why you receive a rejection letter. Your idea may not be a good fit. Maybe the editor already has someone else covering a similar topic. It could be a space issue — maybe the editor’s got to be really choosy. Perhaps the publication doesn’t like to take the chance on new writers. Whatever the reason for the rejection, don’t let it stop you from trying again someplace else.

Some recommended reading (these books are on Amazon, so you can probably get them used):

The Shy Writer: An Introvert’s Guide to Writing Success by C. Hope Clark
Jenna Glatzer’s Make a Real Living as a Freelance Writer.

For more on how to become a freelance writer, see my previous post: Tips for New Freelance Writers

A few questions for all of you: How did you break into freelance writing? How did you overcome your own fear of rejection?