Freelance Writing Startup List:

1. Writing Portfolio: Include samples of the type of

writing your business will focus on

2. Marketing Materials: Business cards, professional

resume and sales letter to start

3. Virtual Resume: Use a free site, such as LinkedIn or

Google Sites

4. Office Supplies: Keep it basic—computer with internet

connection, printer, phone with long distance service and

supplies to mail one-page sales letters

5. Accountant: Find a good one! You can save thousands

come tax time

6. Funding: Have enough money to live on for at least a

few months while you get started

Top Five Tips for Success:

1. Be a bookkeeper: Keep track of all income earned and all

business expenses

2. Learn fast: The sooner you specialize, the more money

you’ll make

3. Charge for the client: Big companies can pay more than

small startups

4. Diversify your client base: Relying on just a few clients is

very risky

5. Work a full day every day: Being self-employed usually

means working frequent overtime