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The best way to get started is to "just do it."

There are several resources available on line –

http://www.write-a-free-resume.com/freelancewritingjobs.html

http://www.guru.com

http://www.elance.com

There’s more than the ones listed above just do a search.

Press on to success!
References :

My advice is to pick up a copy of Writer’s Market and check other reputable sites online that list available writing markets (publications, etc.)

Keep your BS detector up about non-paying "great for new writers" markets. A lot of these so-called opportunities are just interested in ripping you off for your hard work. Any good web site that lists writing opportunities will also keep track of dead-beat publishers.

Other advice: keep track of story ideas, learn how to pitch your stories to busy editors, and keep writing.

Good luck.
References :

The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you’re interested in.

I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.

Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you’ll inevitably have as well as many you haven’t anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* Start and Run a Profitable Freelance Writing Business: Your Step- By-Step Business Plan (Self-Counsel Business Series) by Christine A. Adamec
* How to Become a Fulltime Freelance Writer: A Practical Guide to Setting Up a Successful Writing Business at Home (Road Map to Your Writing Career) by Michael A. Banks
* The Well-Fed Writer: Financial Self-Sufficiency As a Freelance Writer in Six Months or Less by Peter Bowerman
* The Freelance Success Book: Insider Secrets for Selling Every Word You Write (Write It, Sell It) by David Taylor
* Make a Real Living as a Freelance Writer: How to Win Top Writing Assignments by Jenna Glatzer

I also posted links to some free articles in the source box.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
References :
http://www.sba.gov
http://www.entrepreneur.com
http://www.startupjournal.com
http://www.nolo.com/resource.cfm/catID/9FA25870-14F1-4657-9778F19FB41FB93D/111/228/ — Nolo’s Starting a Business – Resource Center

Associations:
http://www.nwu.org – National Writers Union
http://www.asja.org/ — American Society of Journalists and Authors

Articles:
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Rule-of-Twelve:-Unlock-the-Door-to-Your-Freelance-Writing-Career&id=154969 – The Rule of Twelve: Unlock the Door to Your Freelance Writing Career by Suzanne Lieurance
http://ezinearticles.com/?Making-Money-from-Freelance-Writing&id=36870 – Making Money from Freelance Writing by Amber McNaught
http://ezinearticles.com/?Create-A-Successful-Career-As-A-Freelance-Writer&id=3482 – Create a Successful Career as a Freelance Writer by Danielle Hollister