So you want to be a freelance writer. How do you begin? And how can you make money doing it? Here are five tips for getting your freelance writing business up and running:

1. Write what you know

   You’ve probably heard this before, but it bears repeating. Look at your life - your hobbies, interests, career, pets, children - and think about how you can parlay those facets of your life into articles that others will want to read. Practice brainstorming about these topics; thinking of interesting, unique, and creative topics is a large part of a freelancer’s bread-and-butter. Get in the habit of thinking about story ideas as you go through your daily life.

2. Write for publications you know

   Look at the magazines you already have around the house or Web sites you already visit. These are likely to be linked to your hobbies and interests, and so they’re often a good place to start. And don’t overlook the lesser-known, free, or local publications you might read. Alumni magazines, local shoppers, and even some catalogs hire freelance writers, and some pay very well.

3. Learn to Write a Query Letter

   Query letters and e-mails are the basic way that freelance writers introduce themselves to editors, so it’s important that you learn to write one. A query letter or e-mail usually has three parts: 1) Introduce your story idea, with an engaging lead - or first sentence - that will draw the editor in, 2) Introduce and sell yourself and your background, including details about why YOU are the best person to write this article, and 3) Contact information, including your phone number and e-mail address, so the editor can follow up with you if necessary. Remember: query letters are essentially sales documents. Make sure they’re polished, engaging, and convincing. Look at the Writer s Market (a great published guide and online site for freelance writers) for examples of good (and bad!) query letters.

4. Be professional - and perfect

   As a freelance writer, you’re selling your professionalism. This means you do what you say you’re going to do, you turn articles in by deadline, and you check and doublecheck your facts. You’ll also want to make sure your grammar and spelling are absolutely perfect. You won’t do well in this profession if your writing isn’t excellent. If you’re concerned about this, buy and study a grammar guide such as Strunk and White’s The Elements of Style. Also, don’t be afraid to look up every word you’re not sure about in the dictionary; Dictionary.com is just a mouse click away. Believe me, in this business, perfection sells.

5. Know Where to go on the Web

   The Web is filled with excellent job boards and sources of information for freelance writers. Some of my favorites are Mediabistro, JournalismJobs, and VirtualVocations. These sites offer job listings, advice, and networking opportunities. Mediabistro, along with Writers.com and WritersOnlineWorkshops, are also good sites for writing classes, which can teach you new skills and help you to generate publishable pieces.