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Expert: - 2/21/2008


Question
It's P.J. I was wondering, does a perosn really have to be fantastic at English and Grammar and have a degree in creative writing in order to work a job as a creative writer? What is the best way, for me to get started with little to absolutely no experience where I can make more money on the side? I know that sounds silly, but dreams are better then nightmares. Been writing since June last year and want to get some experience someway somehow. What is the best way to get started as a writer on a part-time basis?

Answer
Hi, P.J.

A degree?  No. But English and Grammar are pretty critical if you want to publish. There are tons of different kinds of freelance writing---from articles in magazines, to short stories, marketing materials and lots of other stuff. And all of them pay money. At this point, I think what you might want to do is two things. 1) Visit a writer's website I really like called AbsoluteWrite. They have a TERRIFIC forum on Freelance Writing that has a ton of sticky threads with information on how to get started. I can guarantee the information there is solid and will get you started on the right path.

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=3

2) Next, buy a book called MAKE A REAL LIVING AS A FREELANCE WRITER by Jenna Glatzer. This is chock-full of how-to information about getting started. It's an AWESOME book!

http://www.amazon.com/Make-Real-Living-Freelance-Writer/dp/097220265X/ref=pd_bbs...

You can pick up a used copy pretty cheap, even if you don't shop with Amazon.

Hope that helps a little, and good luck! :)

Cathy

Careers: Writing

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Cathy Clamp

Expertise

I'm happy to answer questions about any aspect of writing articles, short stories and novels, from the beginning kernel of an idea through completion. I can help with writing a query letter and synopsis to an agent or editor. I can explain publishing terminology and acronyms. I can also assist with questions about verifying the credentials of agents/publishers and how to proceed once you've been accepted for publication. I can teach the rules of formatting a manuscript, creating viable plots, characterization and flow in the following genres: romance, science fiction, fantasy, thrillers, suspense, horror, women's fiction, mainstream and mystery. I can also answer questions about writing for major print magazines in the outdoor genre (hunting/fishing/boating/travel.)

Experience

I'm a USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance for Tor/Forge Books . Along with a co-author, I've published fifteen mass market novels since 2004, and have contracts for four more books through 2011. I've also published more than two dozen feature articles in leading outdoor magazines.

Organizations
Romance Writers of America, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Western Outdoor Writers, Horror Writers of America, National Association of Legal Assistants.

Publications
Magazines--Guns & Ammo, Fur-Fish-Game, Rocky Mountain Game & Fish, Deer & Deer Hunting. Many others. Novels/Anthologies--Tor/Forge Books, Western Reflections Publishing, BenBella Books, Running Press, Wild Child Publishing. Many others.

Education/Credentials
Published Author. Published Freelance Writer. Certified Paralegal with specialities in intellectual property (copyright, trademark, patent) and real estate.

Awards and Honors
USA Today bestseller, Waldenbooks Mass Market Paperback Top 20 bestseller, Nielsen BookScan Top 20 bestseller, Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, 2009, Write Touch Readers Award, EVVY Award, The Lories Best Paranormal. Many others.

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