What exactly is a freelance short fiction writer?
A freelance short fiction writer works on individual writing projects and sells the final products to an interested publication. These kinds of writers are their own bosses; they work on their own schedule and market themselves and their work.
Who are some well known freelance short fiction writers?
Currently, there are no big names in freelance short fiction. However, many famous writers started their careers by freelancing.
What kind of education is needed?
There are no formal education requirements to have this career. However, it's recommended to finish high school and pursue a degree in English from a liberal arts university. Doing so would expose them to more writers and as a result, more writing styles. In addition, they should take as many writing courses as possible; they would likely be taught by people that have been published and are aware of the publishing process. Basically, they should soak up everything they can about writing while pursuing their degree.
What skills are needed?
- Good command of the English language
- The ability to clearly communicate ideas
- Time management skills
- Self-motivation
- The ability to market oneself as a writer and one's pieces of writing
What is the potential salary for a freelance short fiction writer?
Beginning writers often have difficulty finding ways to be published. However, the more that they do become published and get both critical and commercial attention, the more interest they will have from publishers. Freelance short fiction writers often make somewhere between $10,000 and six figures per year, depending upon the experience of the writer, how many pieces he or she has published, and in what medium are the pieces being published.