"I can write — and talk — about anything!"™

 

Developed for Washington Independent Writers and customized for the National Press Club, Society of Professional Journalists, National Writers Union/DC Local and other professional organizations.

"Getting Started as a Freelance Writer"

Lots of people write well, have great story ideas and want to freelance, but have no idea where to start. Find out what you need to know from an award-winning freelance writer/editor with more than 30 years of experience - someone who honed her career in St. Louis, DC and Baltimore, and has been published in regional, national and even international markets.

Topics include:

  • Why freelance - and why not
  • A day in the freelance life
  • Potential rewards
  • How to prepare
  • First steps
  • Developing samples
  • Finding work
  • Getting paid
  • Diversifying
  • Promoting yourself
  • Danger zones
  • Resources
  • and more!

    Detailed handouts are included, including specific market information, sample query letters, etc. Participants also will be able to purchase Ruth's booklet, with further detail on all topics, at half-price.

    Why attend? Here's what colleagues say:

  • “I've been to Ruth's seminar, and it's a not-to-miss event. I had been freelancing successfully for 7 years when I attended her seminar, and I still learned things from her! … it was my good fortune to learn much by [attending]. It takes quite a lot to get me into the city from the West Virginia countryside, and [this] was definitely ‘time well spent.’”
  • “Ruth has been there and done that. She knows everything there is to know about being a freelance writer, and she’s very generous with insights, humor and much-appreciated nuts-and-bolts advice for freelancers of all stripes.”
  • “If you’re interested in or new to freelancing, Ruth is a great source of information and experience.”
  • “Ruth has offered me pearls of wisdom about how to get more writing work ... [her] advice has been right on the money.”
  • “I have attended your seminars in the past and found them to be quite useful.”
  • “Ruth, I am glad to see that you will be providing a workshop for this (freelancing). I will be sure to be there, and am encouraging all to attend. You have much to offer, and your insights are rare and valuable.”
  • “Ruth E. Thaler-Carter is adept not only at the craft of writing, but also at the business of freelancing. An active member of the Editorial Freelancers Association, she is always among the first to share her expertise with fellow freelancers in need of help or support. I have found her advice to be invaluable ... I'm not new to editing, but I am new to freelancing as my serious, fulltime occupation, and [her] advice has been invaluable.”
  • “I would definitely go to a seminar like Ruth's. She's a veteran freelancer so hers would be a good one, if you can make it.”
  • “Now I see why Ruth is so successful! She looks for opportunities wherever they may be!”

    Coming up next on March 25 in NYC and April 20 in DC.