Q&A for How to Become a Freelance Writer

Online courses, certification programs, and boot camps are all relatively quick and inexpensive ways you can develop more experience writing before you become a freelance writer.

Hone your writing skills by writing something every day. Also remember to read often, as reading the work of other writers and journalists you admire can be a great source of inspiration. Also, you can join a group specific to writers to learn how other people find clients.

Like a lot of endeavors in life, and especially a lot of creative endeavors, it's largely about just telling yourself that you can do it. Don't say no to yourself. Instead, say yes, you are a writer.

No, you're not too old. There many successful writers twice your age out there.

Yes.

Yes, you can find work online. Upwork.com is a good place to go when you're first starting out.

Yes. Starting so young gives you much more time to develop your skills, so when you are ready to commit to writing entirely, you will be ready. Do not rule out getting a part-time job doing something else, however, or going to college. It can be tough to break into the field, and it may take a while before you have enough work to support yourself on freelance writing alone. Keep in mind that most freelance writing jobs out there prefer that you have a bachelor's degree, and you'll have many fewer opportunities available to you if you don't get one.

Yes, but taking some college classes might not be a bad idea, especially writing classes. A business class or two may also be helpful, especially when it comes to promoting and advertising one's work.

As long as you consistently execute the contracts you acquire, it would be an asset.

Anyone can become a freelance writer, as long as they are a good writer. If you have a degree, one of the best ways to break into freelance writing is to look for work that relates to your degree - for example, writing for an economics-related website or publication.

Yes, of course you can. In fact, it actually helps because you have a specific study focus to talk about - so for example, if you focused on World War II (just a throw-out-there example), then you can write fiction about this era in an accurate way. You can write great, riveting non fiction, too.

Yes, take a course in Journalism and Mass Communication. Take a diploma level or a class, and later you can go to Degree level in a nearby College or University.

You don't really have to "register" unless you mean on specific websites, in which case the instructions would vary by website. You just need to find a way to advertise your freelance writing, like through Craigslist. You can look up websites that are designed to match freelance writers with projects as well.

You don't need a degree, but it is highly recommended. Majors in English and Jourmalism are probably the most common and useful.

Yes! This would make you more valuable than a freelance writer who only speaks one language.

Yes! There is no age limit when it comes to writing. You can even use your age to your advantage by writing manuscripts that appeal to tweens and teens around your age.

You can, but you have to be aware that good writing abilities are a basic requirement, and I don't know if you can have that without an education. Some people may be so naturally endowed with talent that they do not need formal education to be able to perform well, but prospective customers may not be endowed with the ability to spot such people, so an education is always an advantage.

Yes. Previous collegiate or other academic experience doesn't inherently hamper your ability to write well or often. You should, of course, take your current capabilities and level of skill into account when choosing what jobs to take. Perhaps consider writing in a related field to your degree, such as nonfiction editorials.

Not necessarily, as long as you have a very good understanding of grammar and you naturally write well, you could still be hired. However, many businesses hiring freelance writers will have formal education requirements, so you'll be better off if you do have that background.

A degree in office administration will not help you become a freelance writer unless that is the topic you intend to specialize in for clients.

If you want to earn money, you should probably stick to the topics that you're assigned.

It's probably a good idea to use a computer. You'll be able to work much faster and use proofreading programs more easily.

Yes, as long as you can balance your time so that your studies, extracurricular events, and other responsibilities don't suffer.

Age does not matter. It is your creative skills that speak in this profession.

Yes, but check with the employer to make sure. Also, check with your parents.

Yes, many colleges offer free online classes. Just do a quick search online to find one.