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Where's a good place to start freelance writing (and just writing in general) if you are inexperienced and still in school?

I'm a high school student who wants to become a writer. I plan on taking courses in college, but I would like to start with little things now and possibly get my first paying job. #writing #first-job #creative-writing

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Rachel’s Answer

Volunteer to report on an event at your school for a local newspaper. Look for online publications that take submissions and just keep writing and sending until something gets published. Keep a journal -- when a good idea or a good couple of sentences come to mind, right them down before you forget.
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Susan E.’s Answer

Best thing to do is go online and surf at websites such as http://freelancer.com. I used to be a freelancer and that is a good place to start. I also talked to a lot of people about freelancing and who gave me ideas and advice where to start.
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Rachel’s Answer

Hi Brier,


All the above advice is awesome! Two thoughts.
Blog blog blog- and then network. Get your friends to tell their friends and their friends etc. Building a following will make a name for you. Write carefully and professionally; you not u, on my way not omw, and so on.
Also, don't be scared of rejection. Sometimes you will get a firm "no", Sometimes you won't get an answer at all. But take criticism and feedback to heart, and just keep writing.
I hope to see your name somewhere soon!
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Daniela’s Answer

Hi Brier,


No matter who you are, what path you're taking to freelance writing, or what kind of freelance writing you want to do, your number one step is to get a clip.


So, how exactly do you go about that?


Volunteer for a writing project with a local non-profit.
Write up your most perfect, flawless article on a subject that interests you (and then turn it into a nicely presented PDF).
Scrounge up a (short) paper from college, and make sure it's perfect.
Use a piece that you've written for past employment.
Write a letter to the editor of your local paper or magazine that is passionate and informative.
Start a blog.


Whatever you decide to use or write, make sure it's as near to perfect as possible and fits in with the kind of freelance writing that you aim to do in the future.


These links can help you:


https://www.thebalance.com/six-essential-resources-for-new-freelance-writers-1360770


http://fundsforwriters.com/submissions/


http://workfromhomehappiness.com/starting-a-freelance-writing-career-with-no-experience/


Good luck!
Thank you comment icon Thanks! I've been working on publishing little things here and there, but I wasn't sure where to start for pay. I think I may have a better idea now. Brier
Thank you comment icon My pleasure, Brier!! Daniela Silva
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Alex’s Answer

Good tips from Daniela above. I would also suggest:
-Write Yelp or other reviews online just for practice and to see what reaction you get.
-If you live in a smaller town, your local paper may be open to submissions for columns or articles. Even bigger city papers may have local editions that encourage 'citizen journalists' (shorthand for 'unpaid' but, for you, a good thing for clips.).
-If your school has a paper, get on it!
-If you have a particular area of expertise (woodworking, guitar, pottery, whatever) look for online publications on that topic. You'll have a better chance of getting an assignment if you know about the topic.
Whatever you do, keep writing! The more you write, the better you'll get whether it's published or not.
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