There are so many great sites, groups, etc. out there to help freelance writers new and old. I’ve definitely developed some favorites through trial and error. Since people often ask me, here’s a handy list of the ones I like:
Freelance Success: the forums, where writers freely share contacts and other key info, are worth the membership fee
Freelancers Union: for insurance info and other benefits
Hiveage: an online invoicing system that keeps track of your earnings
MediaBistro: super-useful media news like the comings and goings of editors, plus the best resource on pitching available — the How to Pitch section, available with an affordable membership fee
ProfNet: great way to find expert sources for stories
The Renegade Writer: one of the few writing-related blogs I read regularly, probably because it’s one of the few that offers advice that helps “advanced” freelancers as well as beginners