Reach for the stars...but know you have to go through astronaut training first.

Like Suzanne Lieurance, who wrote this great post about the 10 Musts for Freelance Writers,  I am often asked how to go about starting a freelance writing career.  I have been asked the question more and more during the past months as businesses closed doors and employers tighten up their belts by letting go of staff.  

Suzanne's list is great; comprehensive and practical.  To it I would add that you also need realistic expectations.  So many writers (and entrepreneurs in general) start out with crazy dreams of big money, short work days and glowing reviews.  They forget that sometimes you work for less than minimum wage (or unpaid completely!) in the hopes that it will pay off in the long run.  They are often unaware about the costs involved in promoting your new business as a freelance writer.  Worst of all, they aren't prepared to put in the effort and work required to hone their writing skills to a level that people are prepared to pay for.I would be very interested to hear what a "rooky" would put down for number 3 on Suzanne's list - their top three writing goals for the year.  I bet you would see more than a few "write a bestseller" or "get my article published in the New York Times" in there.  Don't get me wrong; these are admirable, and completely achievable goals...just not likely within your first year as a new freelance writer. 

This might sound contrary to my usual "reach for the stars" attitude, but it is a shame to see so many great writers give up on a career early because they are disillusioned.  Far better to be prepared to tough it out, pay your dues and build your experience and portfolio for a couple of years before reaching your potential than feel like a failure because things didn't pan out the way you expected within the first few months.