Any other freelance writers?

[cirrusnarea]

Hello everyone,

I've been trying to establish my freelance writing business online, but I keep getting jobs from middlemen that want to keep most the profits. Does anyone have any idea how to attract the clients themselves and write for them directly?

[Raven]

I've been freelancing for a while now. The easiest way to get jobs directly with the publisher and stay away from the middle men (like those bid-sites etc) is to submit your work directly to the editor of the publication you want to publish your work.

You can find the submission details on most writer's Market Listing sites.

Try this database: Writing for DOLLARS! Guidelines DB

It lets you search for direct submission guidelines of publications.

[zharlene]

I've written for webmasters before. But because they're the easiest people to sell your articles to, they'll only buy from people who are willing to bring the price down quite a bit. It's always better to sell articles one by one than to sell them in bulk.

[AmandaT]

Do you have a portfolio, or someplace where potential clients can see some of your work?

If you can find a site that will pay for your article, one of those that pay a little up front as opposed to a free article site, you can send potential clients to your pages without worry that they can lift your work and avoid paying you, which is a huge problem with those people who insist you send "samples".

You can build a web page where links to your work can be placed, then look for sites where you listing your site is worthwhile.