An Intro To Freelance Writing: Get Paid To Write

By Melissa Esposito

My freelance journey has been ongoing for nearly 20 years and there's a lot that I've learned along the way. In this workbook, I'll share wisdom on what you'll need to get started, how to find story ideas, creating agreements, invoicing, strengthening your writing skills, and managing your time and mindset. With seven lessons and four additional worksheet activities, you'll have the opportunity to jump right in with valuable tools that you can use today, including a personalized introduction letter, a list of standard questions to ask any interview subject, and timeless tips for deepening your writing abilities.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Melissa Esposito
• Release date: Aug 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223609377

Melissa Esposito

Melissa Esposito is a skilled, strategic communications and marketing professional with experience in both business and nonprofit industries. Over the past decade, she has honed her skills in crafting compelling content, learning the intricacies of branding, and developing successful strategies that have helped several organizations target new audiences, gain media attention, increase social media engagement, and more. In addition to PR and other marketing communications, she has experience in media and publishing as a former editor and published journalist. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys writing, attending concerts, cooking for friends, and working out. She resides in New York's beautiful Hudson Valley.

Book preview

Hi There!

Congratulations on getting started with (or furthering) your freelance career. It may not always be easy, but it sure is a fulfilling lifestyle and I’m thrilled to be your guide along this journey!

In this workbook, you’ll learn the foundational practices of starting and maintaining a freelance writing lifestyle. Because, yes, it’s a lifestyle!

Sure, you’ll choose your own hours (freelance high-five!) but you still need the discipline to put in those hours. Luckily, you don’t need a lot to get started.

First, I'll cover the basics of how to get your momentum going. Then I'll share the lessons I’ve learned along my almost-20 years of freelancing, from finding ideas to mastering the art of the interview, to streamlining your time and project management skills. Oh, and that crazy little thing called money. I'm glad you're here.

— Melissa Esposito

About Melissa:

Writing is my passion. For almost 20 years, I've had the joy of being a professional writer, putting my Journalism degree to fantastic use as a freelance journalist for local and national publications, and working for myself as a copywriter for an array of businesses. I look forward to sharing my lessons with you!

Table of Contents:

Introduction

SECTION 1: Getting Started

Lesson 1: What You'll Need

Lesson 2: Finding Ideas and Sources

WORKBOOK: Creating Story Ideas

Lesson 3: LOIs and Pitches

WORKBOOK: Create your LOI

SECTION 2: Landing The Gig

Lesson 4: Get It in Writing

Lesson 5: Manage Your Finances

Lesson 6: Time Management

WORKBOOK: Create Interview Questions

SECTION 3: Building Your Skills

Lesson 7: Mindset & Practice

WORKBOOK: Three Writing Exercises

Introduction 

My freelance journey has been ongoing for nearly 20 years and there’s a lot that I’ve learned along the way. In this workbook, I'll share this wisdom with you. That includes building your contacts and story ideas, creating agreements, invoicing, strengthening your writing skills, and managing your time and mindset.

With seven lessons and four additional worksheet activities, you’ll have the