While the chances are great that writing freelance articles will make you rich, you can earn a good living, or raise a few dollars here and there from the time of writing.

Caution should be informed about new freelancers who jump on every opportunity to see their work in print or online, enabling editors, publishers and others to "give you the opportunity to publish." While just starting out in freelance writing articles may require the publication of pieces for free, it should be an ongoing thing after a couple of clips under your belt.

While the majority of editors are extremely valuable, overstressed and underpaid workers, writers who are treated with respect, there are those who simply want to save a buck by touting "If you love to write I will offer you a great opportunity," line. These people will wonder aloud why you want to get paid for doing what you love. And steer clear of these publications.

a number of ways and places where you can publish independent articles [http://www.jvmembers.com] is huge. If you're just starting out, you need two snippets before you can access the publisher to buy your article. Publishers do not ask how much you were paid to write articles, you are free to submit them. If you write it for free they will not know. Nor do they care.

can do a keyword search on the Internet for web sites and publications that are looking for an unpaid freelance articles. You might try a local Web site, or even create your own blog. If you're really desperate and no one has published anything of yours yet, find a cause that is dear to his heart and write compelling, well-worded letter to the editor of your local newspaper and use that as your first clip.

If you have expertise in a particular area, apply an associate ongoing column on some sites that you pay a portion of advertising revenue that is derived from your site. Suite 101 and About.com both work in this way, as well as several others.

Find a niche and stick to it. Become a local or regional expert in this field. Present the idea to your local newspaper. They do not pay well - especially if your city is small - meaning that they do not care where you graduated from, and how journalism class you took. They just care that you can write freelance articles.