Pinpoint your strongest writing genre. Do you like to write nonfiction or fiction? If you like to write nonfiction, do you prefer to write feature articles, how-to articles, newspaper articles or books? If fiction tickles your fancy, what kind of fiction? Suspense? Children's fiction? Do you want to write screenplays?
Develop a plan to strengthen your skills in the genre in which you prefer to write. Check out online classes or classes at local schools and colleges. Many communities also offer free writing-support groups in which you can take classes and receive support from other authors.
Write out your plan for strengthening your genre on a piece of paper or in a Word Document. Start a file and label it "Writing as a Business." Remember, this step concerns what you love to write about most. This is what makes you tick. When you seek to write for a living, you will attempt to find jobs and projects that allow you to write in this genre. Make sure you recognize this as your area of strength, and continue to develop your capacity to write well in that genre on a consistent basis.
Pinpoint other types of writing projects you are willing to complete for money. Yes, you know you want to write a science-fiction trilogy. If you want to write for a living, however, how will you pay the bills in the meantime? All writing gives you writing experience. Search the web or local libraries to explore other types of writing: how-to articles, personal essays, feature articles, newspaper articles and more.
Decide on at least five other types of writing (like feature articles, how-to's, or books) which you are willing to explore for profit. Finalize this process by filtering out what you do not want to write under any circumstances, and then choose five types of writing that you are willing to undertake for money.
Write down those five (or more) genres or types and add them to your "Writing as a Business" Folder. It is important to keep putting any of your ideas and decisions related to your writing career in one place. It physically and psychologically solidifies your decision to write for a living.
Reserve at least two hours a week during which you can search and apply for writing assignments. It is preferable to study for four hours; however, two hours can suffice. This step is critical. There are many people who aspire to write for a living but never take the time to look for assignments. The assignments are out there.
Search for writing assignments during your scheduled times every week. Where to search? A myriad of websites exist that offer writing assignments. Type "freelance writing assignments" into a major search engine. Many options will appear. Make sure anything you explore is legitimate. You can do this by going to a major search engine, typing in the name of the company and then typing "scams" next to it. For example, if you type "Company XYZ Scams" into a search engine and 50 entries come up with complaints about the company, it is clearly not legitimate. You can also use printed writers' guides (either generalized or for specific genres).
Apply for writing assignments. Check everywhere. Explore journalism websites, writing-studio websites, bidding websites and any websites that offer freelance assignments. Refer back to your lists of what you like to write most and the other types of writing you are willing to produce. Do not be too picky. You might write a review of a boring book for a publishing company just to get your foot in the door, do well and then end up with regular assignments from them.
Turn in your work on time or early. Never turn in an assignment late. If something unforeseen comes up and you think you will need an extension, ask for it.
Always follow the instructions for all of your assignments. Read all instructions very carefully, even if they run to 20 pages. If you fail to follow instructions, a company may not work with you again.
Edit and proofread your work carefully before turning it in. If possible, have someone else read your work for glaring typos. Make sure your article comforms to the required word count. Follow instructions, edit and proofread.