Many will argue that to write for free is giving away the farm, I say it all depends on where you are in your writing career. If you are just beginning to learn how to become a freelance writer and you need to build up a portfolio or samples of your work to show prospective clients who need you to write 500 word articles, to provide content for websites or blogs, one could easily rationalize that it is best to write for a free blog or content sharing site that allows you to post regularly on niche topics of interest.
Where is it best to write for free?
Another place that you may want to write when starting out for the first time is with your local newspaper column in your town. Small newspapers need journalists who can cover current events and produce news pieces for the local city sections. Other places that allow for newbies who want to see their writing in print is comic books or recipe websites.
Freelance Writing Career Guide Tips and Advice, Some of the best tips for any freelance writing career is to seek opportunities to use your skills, some Freelance Writer Jobs, Gigs, and Opportunities include writing for trade magazines business journals need content and will allow new writers send in samples which will help with showing your name in print and gives others a chance to see what type of writing style you have to offer.
Direct Mail is a great place to practice copywriter, writing sale letters and promotional ad copy is in demand and it will give you some pieces to showcase. Most direct mail campaigns are for the purpose of selling a product or service.
Where to find writing opportunities, try non profit organizations, small businesses or newsletters. Also its notable to add brochures to the list of items to share your expertise and range of writing styles. Either way one has to start somewhere and once enough material is built up then one can start to set rates and price sheets.
Compare prices research other freelance writers and look at what they are charging. Rates per piece and turn around time on each assignment. These are things you want to consider, experience helps but how long you have been in the business is not as important to what quality you can offer.