INFINITE POSSIBILITIES:
A FREELANCE WRITER’S JOURNEY
by
Scott O. Cosby
SMASHWORDS EDITION
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PUBLISHED BY:
Scott O. Cosby on Smashwords
Infinite Possibilities:
A Freelance Writer’s Journey
Copyright © 2011 by Scott O. Cosby
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About this e-book
This e-book offers the reader a conversational tone into the author’s journey in the world of freelance writing, and to help potential writers to do the same through the author’s personal experiences, plan, and recommendations. The author makes no warranties or guarantees of success in freelance writing. The italic sections emphasize the main points for the reader. Furthermore, this e-book is licensed for personal enjoyment only. Thank you for respecting the author's work.
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Dedication
This e-book is dedicated to those who have emotionally supported me in all things I’ve attempted in writing: J’Layne (love of my life), my parents and her parents. If this e-book helps only one person to achieve some success like the author, it makes the work worth it.
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Introduction
A definition of writing can be described as a human activity used to convey information on people, ideas, events, and so on in a textual medium. A freelance writer is someone who is self-employed and benefits from a greater variety of assignments than in regular employment, and has more freedom to choose his/her work schedule. Payment for the freelance writer may depend on the client or through negotiation, and may widely vary from: by the day, hour, or a per-project basis. The disadvantages concerning freelance writing include the uncertainty of work and income, and lack of benefits as in traditional employment. Freelance writing is overall a rewarding career despite the disadvantages.
The present day computer technology and word processing software has rendered the actual writing task obsolete except in notes or the occasional rough draft. In person meetings have been replaced by instant messaging and contact by email. A freelance writing career requires discipline, perseverance, and self-motivation.
In today’s economy: people are pursuing part-time, second careers for an additional income. Freelance writing can become a part-time, second career for anyone especially by learning from someone who has experienced it. Next, the author will present his freelance writing experiences for the reader based on personal journal entries.
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The Author’s Experiences
The desire to write was there at a young age, but I never pursued it until 2006 in my late 30s. My professional career as a civil engineering technician for a state government agency and the writing involved in that work along with my educational background helped to foster interest and provide me with a solid writing background. I possess a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Geography, and very close to two (2) Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S) degrees in Electronic Technology and General Engineering. I believe for a freelance writer, exposure to a variety of subjects is a positive attribute.
In five (5) years, I’ve achieved some success and extra income through my part-time freelance writing career. I’ve had more than five hundred (500) articles published on the web and over seventy (70) articles in print. My process started with a year-long research in freelance writing through books and online sources before diving into the field. I was a frequent visitor to the local library, occasionally kept a few books for longer than the due date.