Does anyone know how to get started as a freelance writer?

strange question, i know....

but i dread going to work every day and this is something i have always been interested in...writing articles etc...so i figure maybe i could start freelance.

any ideas?

my girlfriend is a reporter for Newsday. a lot of the people she works with got their start writing articles for magazines. she said if you look in any magazine, they should have an article section - it will describe in detail how long articles should be, the proper format, who to send to, etc. that's a good way to get your start.

good luck!!!

I used to write freelance for a few magazines. I got started by sending out lots of letters of inquiry, resumes, and writing samples. Unsurprisingly, smaller magazines -- particularly those that focus on specific subjects (music, art, et cetera) -- are much more likely to respond than large magazines run by corporations like Conde Nast. If there's a specific area you're interested in -- music, for instance -- focus your search on music magazines and demonstrate your expertise! Also, look at copies of the magazines that most interest you, and see if your writing style would be a good 'fit.'

After that, get ready to be aggressive! Call the magazines you're most interested in and ask if they received your work. Request an 'informational meeting' if possible, or at least inquire about their present/future needs.

Also, if you have contacts or friends at magazines, be sure to ask them for help! Networking is crucially important for freelancers. I started writing for one magazine because I was the friend of a friend of a friend of the editor! So, even your pals who aren't in magazines/journalism may know someone who is!

Good luck!

thanks everyone