1. Why did you start freelancing? Yuwanda Black, Writer, Editor, Small Business Columnist

My sister and I worked at the same company. We were freelancing on the side. Once we realized that we were making more as freelancers than as full-time employees, she quit and started Inkwell Editorial. Once the business was able to support two salaries, I joined her, which was one year later (1997).

2. How long have you been a full-time freelancer? Eileen Coale: Marketing & Corporate Communications Writer

I don`t work full time. On average, I work about 15 hours a week, sometimes a bit more. I work mornings until my youngest gets home from kindergarten, and sometimes I`ll put in evenings and Saturdays as well. Sixty to 70% of my work hours are spent networking and marketing to get assignments. The remainder is spent writing. In another year or two, I expect that ratio to flip.

3. How many years of experience do you have? Marcy L. Brown: Cataloging, Indexing & Information Management

I have five part-time years of indexing, but 10 years of library employment including cataloging, some indexing, and information management.

4. Do you specialize in a certain area, e.g., legal, medical, production? If so, what? Cathy Moore: Writer, Instructional & Marketing Copy

Instructional writing and marketing copy. I write appealing text for any readability level, including kids.

5. What specific marketing tips have you personally tried that worked? Jennifer Lawler: Writer, Editor

I tried a direct mail letter to editors that included the type of editing I could do, a few companies I had worked for, and my business card printed in such a way that it could be popped right onto someone`s rolodex. This letter generated so much business for me that I never had to do another direct mail package.

6. How do you get most of your clients? Katharine O`Moore-Klopf: Editor, Copy Editor, Factchecker

When I first started freelancing, I got them mostly by word of mouth, and some were former employers. Now, I get them mostly by word of mouth and via my Web site.

7. Under what circumstances would you turn down work? Jennifer Dirks: Journalist, Editor, Writer, Speaker

I?ve turned down work if the pay (or potential payoff) won?t compensate me for the work I?d put into it. I also once turned down work from a magazine publisher who in the past has asked for several rewrites without explanation and I was unsure if anything new I did for her would ever please her.

8. Approximately how many hours a week would you estimate you work? Nan Yielding: Copywriter

Anywhere from 50-60. I pretty much work a 9-hour day ... weekends included. However, I do allow myself some time off every so often to just `play,` so it averages out.

9. If offered a well-paying, full-time position, would you accept? Please explain why you would accept/refuse. Richard Adin: Desktop Publishing & Copyediting Services

This cannot be answered yes or no; there are too many factors that I would have to consider. "Well-paying" is important but also important, perhaps more so, are matters of responsibility and challenge.

10. What is the number one piece of advice you would offer to freelance newbies? Rachel Goldstein: Web Developer, Graphic Designer, Muralist

In order to assure your chances for the greatest success, you should do some self-evaluation before you leap into freelancing. Not only does it take a special temperament to run a successful business, but it also takes talent and expertise in your field. This includes some or all of the following personality features: self-confidence, common sense, innovation, and ambition.

Summarizng the experts:

►Have experience in your area: All of the contributors worked full-time in their area at some point to gain experience.

►Marketing: Simply put, you will not succeed unless and until you learn how to market your skills (effectively and consistently).

►Perseverance: Simply hanging in there is the final piece of advice our contributors offered.

Excerpted from Advice for Successful Editorial Freelancers: How They Built Their Careers & How You Can Too! on 11/01. It is a companion to How to Really Make a Living as an Editorial Freelancer.