I knowa lot of struggling writers who don’t know the first thing about where to get jobs as a writer. They had visions of graduating from top schools with a degree in creative writing and walking right into a screen writing job, or getting a job as one of the staff writers on a popular show, or acquiring an quick book deal.

In reality, it simply doesn’t work that way. However you have to know of the in-between, not-so-glamorous jobs you have to take to work your way up, and where to get those.

First off, you’ll need to write for free. Think about it: writing is FUN! Everybody would like to do it. Not only that, so many people want to start their own publications or websites. There are countless competing publications out there, that only a handful really make income. And then, there are so many writers who aspire to work for those few. Do you really think those publications will hire a writer with no professional experience or published work?

Go to the “Contact Us” page of your favorite sites. Look at their “sister sites” (websites usually list these somewhere) and locate their “Contact Us” pages as well. Email the Managing Editor, Editor, or even the basic contact email address on there inquiring if they are seeking writers. If they are paying, excellent. If not, you should still take it.

I suggest doing this for the sites that enjoy reading since, if you’re going to be doing something for free, you may as well enjoy it.

Look, it’s not uncommon to need to do something for no payment for a while before you will get paid for it. Particularly in the arts. My pal who had been a singer her whole life wished t a voice coach in Los Angeles.But, she had no resume, no success stories of how she had helped people become a better singer to show for herself. How could she expect people to just start shelling out their money to her? So, she began offering to teach her friend’s kids how to sing better for nothing for a little while. If they are happy with their kid’s progression, they would pay her. Also, she would get personal references from that!

Doing it for nothing is simply part of the game. In the meantime, get a side job that actually pays the bills. It’s okay if it has nothing to do with what you actually want to do as a career.

An additional great approach if you would like to call the own shots is begin a blog or your own website about the subject you would want to write professionally on. At the very least, if you aren’t able to get any of those free gigs, you have work to show various possible writing employers.

If your blog gets big, even better! You may possibly get a book deal out of it! Either way, creating a website is just a good idea.