Tips for Becoming an Online Entrepreneur: Working as a Freelance Finance Writer

Today’s “I Want to Be” Series features Miranda Marquit who works from home full-time as a freelance finance writer for many personal finance blogs.  She is also mom to one son who is in elementary school.  Find out how to connect with Miranda at the end of this article.

How long have you had your business?

I've been freelancing off and on since 2001, and I really got serious in about doing it as a business 2005. However, I didn't set up my LLC until 2007. 

What led you to pursue it?

I wanted something that I could do from home. I've always enjoyed writing, and I knew that it was something I could do from home. I needed to be able to provide for my family while my husband pursued his Ph.D. Writing was pretty much perfect.

Are you full time or part time?  If part-time, do you anticipate switching to full time?

Full time. When I graduated from the journalism program at Syracuse, I immediately began working from home. Nothing less than success was really an option. I had to make it work.

 How do you market your business?

I don't market my freelancing very aggressively at all. When I first started, I applied for jobs through boards. Now, though, the fact that I appear as a staff writer on so many financial blogs is basically all the marketing I need. I am active on social media, though.

What is your favorite part of the business?

Working with great clients and "meeting" new people online. I also enjoy making my own schedule, and doing something I (mostly) enjoy. 

What one question do you get most from people about your business?

How do I get started as a freelance writer? Everyone wants to know that.

What one myth or misconception do you want to dispel about the work you do?

That it's easy and you can just start out making a lot of money. A number of people think that it's easy to just start writing, and that the money will pour in. In reality, I wrote a lot of things I didn't want to for a few years. I wasn't paid very much, and I had to prove myself. Just because you work from home doesn't mean that it's a cake-walk. As with most other things, any online business requires work and dedication, and that includes writing.

What advice do you have for others who want to get into a similar opportunity?

Really, I think the best thing you can do is have a blog to showcase your writing, and then get out there and apply for jobs. 

What is the first step? 

Just start writing. 

What websites or books do you recommend for tips?

Elementsof Style by Strunk and White is helpful. And, even if you aren't a journalist, I think the AP Stylebook is worthwhile. I think that FreelanceFolder.com and FreelanceSwitch.com are great sites. Head to MediaBistro.com for jobs and media openings and other resources, and visit Problogger.com for all things professional blogging.

To learn more about Miranda, stop by her professional website, Miranda Marquit, and her blog, Planting Money Seeds.  You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter.

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*photo by Kevin via Flickr.