As for writing, I am currently working on a 30,000 word overview of stem cell research for middle school readers; the same publisher has contracted me to do 3 more books in the same series over the next year. For a different educational publisher I am contracted to do over the next year 12 anthologies that will be sold to school and public libraries. A third educational publisher has contracted me to do 3 titles for younger readers, the first of which I will begin researching next week. Finally, I just finished ghostwriting a book on pregnancy for expectant fathers for a trade publisher I do semi-regular work for, and am negotiating my next project for them, which will be ghostwriting a dieting guide.

As for editing, I am currently editing content for an encyclopedia on American literature. I am also occasionally contacted by clients I normally write for to help with editing when their in-house staff is overwhelmed.

As for “other” I have a weekly gig submitting abstracts of public policy articles to a well-known database.

I have been a full-time freelancer for about 2 years. Many of my assignments have resulted from contacts leftover from my career as an in-house editor with a young adult non-fiction publishing house. Other clients have contacted me via referrals from other writers and editors I’ve worked with at some point in time. Finally, I’ve gotten about 30 percent of my business off of Craigslist-type ads.

It is so interesting to see what everyone is up to and how they got there. Every now and then I worry that my whole professional life is an anomaly, a freak accident that could be taken away from me at any moment. But with each passing year, my increased earnings and growing client list help me gain the confidence to believe that my freelancing life is for real and for keeps.

In my opinion, “pay” will be what you make of it.

As a freelance writer, which I assume you are speaking of becoming, your ability to market your writing business and “sell” your services to others will determine your “pay”.

A good question to ask yourself is… How bad do you want “steak” instead of “bread”?

I can guarantee you didn’t waste your college on something you can’t use…what you have to do now is analyze what tools that gave you to present to potential clients. But you can’t just do a “surface” analysis here…you really have to look deep within yourself and list out your strengths and weaknesses…

Then focus your promotional efforts around your strengths.

You can develop your weaknesses as time goes on, if you want to. I found in my own writing / consulting business that my weaknesses are still my weaknesses…and that I only really used about 5 – 10% of my strengths to be successful thus far.

Your strengths will also translate into your career opportunities.

For example, if you are a strong salesperson…direct response copywriting might be for you (as PB’s path)…

If you’re a strong content writer, writing articles and blog content, along with other opportunities like inter-office newsletters and corporate memos might be for you.

It’s really up to you. Don’t limit yourself.

Now…for a look in the mirror…

In my opinion, your statement:

“I do not want to be rich, but I want to be secure and know that I did not waste my college career on something I won’t be able to use.”

Is a self-limiting statement…and could translate into a self-limiting mindset for you. In my opinion, there is no such thing as “security” in any business…but you can create that “security” by continuing to promote yourself…and focusing on your client’s needs (this is a DEEP subject, so I cannot get into complete detail here).

Also, “I do not want to be rich”…stop and think about that for a second Shayla…what is rich to you?

I would challenge that you DO in fact want to be rich, but that you might feel “security” is part of the path to get there…and I would further challenge that “security” ISN’T the path to get there.

Removing all self-limiting mindsets and road blocks is a good start to getting rich.

Just my opinion, take it for what it’s worth.

Best of luck to you Shayla.

Joseph Ratliff
Internet Business Growth Specialist
Direct Response Copywriter
Author of The Profitable Business Edge 2

Sounds like you’ve been busy!Good stuff – hope it continues…

PB

I am also starting work on some blogs of my own which will generate recurring revenue.

1. Sales sheet for an online real estate company
2. Web content for a real estate content management company (5-12 articles per day)
3. Banner ads and webpage updates for an online bank (regular client but the type of work varies)

For my “own” work, I am submitting my fiction book to agents to try and get it published, a fiction short story, and a true short story.

PB

Appreciate the contributions. Good stuff, all!

And Chris, good luck on your probably life-changing book… And Craig, I’d buy a copy, too. Wouldn’t it be worth the price of the book for even a decent chance of having your changed…

PB