I recently wrote an article about how I started my own writing business before my 18th birthday. Many people who read this wanted to know more about how I actually did it. There are a lot of steps to the process and everyone is different with different levels of writing skills and experience but here is my basic recipe for starting an at-home writing business.
You can use these guidelines and tweak them as you see fit for your particular needs. You can use them as a basis to help you learn more as you start your own business. Remember, I started mine as a 17 year old who shared a computer with the rest of the family and had just always wanted to write. Skill can always be learned but natural determination will take you very far.
How to start an at-home writing business:
• Make the decision and commitment that this is something you want to do seriously. You won’t be productive or successful if you look at it like an “on the side” thing or a hobby you make some extra cash from. If this is really going to be a business, you must treat it like one.
• Be sure you have the tools- a writer doesn’t need many tools but a basic computer with an Internet connection is almost a necessity these days. You may also want some pens and pencils that you feel comfortable writing with and some paper or notepads. There are many other things that you may “want” or that you find are helpful but these basics are all you really need.
• Gather evidence of any writing experience you have whether paid or volunteer. You will need this to start building a profile. If you don’t have any, make some by writing for sites online that publish you with a byline. Sign up for Helium, Associated Content, etc or publish on article marketing sites with your byline.
• Look for writer’s job boards and forums that post projects you can apply to or bid on. There are many of these for free so you can search the jobs and start applying, using your portfolio as samples.
• As you get jobs and prove yourself, continuing adding to your portfolio, taking out less impressive samples and adding in new, updated ones of those from better sources.
• Never stop promoting yourself. Continue to bid, apply, submit and write every day.
Now that you have these tips for how to start an at-home writing business, you can begin your own journey towards a writing career at home. Remember that it’s very important to set your goals up front and then stick with them.
