Thanks for the valuable advice.

Re specialisation: Would it be best to specialise by industry AND format e.g. direct mail for the agricultural industry?

For example, if you have no technical experience and try to pursue tech writing jobs, you’ll have a much harder time than if you formerly worked in that area. You can research all you want, but you can’t make up for lack of time spent in an area of expertise.

I don’t quite agree with this. If by a pro you mean a veritable know-it-all who can spout astounding data and insights but on one topic and one topic only, then I’d rather remain jack-of-all all my life.

In my experience, when I’ve been really excited by my work, researching / learning hasn’t been an issue.

12. Join a professional trade association like the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) or your local direct marketing association.
You’ll need to network and align yourself with companies or agencies that NEED freelance writers.

One of the best ways to start might be to back up another freelancer when he or she goes on vacation or if that person is unable to take a job. You can try to work out a non-competitive way to do this and share the workload. It pays to have colleagues who do what you do or want to do … I’d go as far to say it’s good to have at least one person like this – it can be a great asset.

However, in respect to point 2 and especially to point 3, we have to ask you:
How much money do you make with your freelancing?

Excellent advice.

I’m into my third year now and only just breaking into profit. However, it’s taken the amount of time that was necessary to be able to build my portfolio and prove my credibility, which isn’t something you can invent for yourself. If I’d rushed and made claims I couldn’t back up (a track record in direct response copy for example) then I would have simply killed my business before it even got going.

Narrowing down to specialising in a specific field (as you recommend) is now my next step.

Matt