A guest post by Sarah Protzman Howlett for Urban Muse

Let’s just get a few things out of the way: Writing for trades is not sexy, you won’t get free stuff and you won’t meet celebrities. But you will learn — a ton, and things you’ll carry with you throughout your reporting career, no matter the beat. Business makes the world go ‘round. If you’re new to freelance writing, or simply don't want to compete with the scads of young people clamoring to write about how to flatten your abs or the latest Hollywood meltdown, read on.

Write for trades to: Learn about business.

Somehow, I graduated from J-school without having been forced to take an Intro to Business class, and I’ve been playing catch-up ever since. (If you’re reading this and still in J-school, make it one of your electives immediately,... More...