By Lis Garrett

Keywords: Yahoo group, freelance writer, freelance writing

For a novice freelance writer, the process of researching, writing, editing and submitting articles is an exhausting and understandably frustrating process. In addition, a freelance writer may wonder where to find support in what, at times, can be an isolating career. If you are a freelance writer looking to share advice, recommendations, a trained eye, or just a little heartfelt sympathy, one of the things you can do is begin a Yahoo group or join an existing one.

Start a Yahoo Group
Log on to www.yahoo.com and select "Groups" from the left sidebar. Next, click on "Start Your Group." Sign in to Yahoo using your ID and password, or register for Yahoo if you are not yet a member.

Browse the group categories until you find the one that best describes the Yahoo group you wish to create. If you aren't sure about this, you can search for a particular category such as "freelance writing." Choose the appropriate Yahoo category and then describe your group. Complete the registration process by confirming your Yahoo identity.

As the moderator of your new Yahoo group, you have the option of making it available to the public or restricting it to only those to whom you send an invitation. You are also responsible for approving or denying prospective members and messages.

Joining an Existing Yahoo Group
Log on to www.yahoo.com and select "Groups" from the left sidebar. Enter a term in the Yahoo search engine located under "Find A Yahoo Group." For example, if you are a freelance writer, you could enter "freelance writing" to locate the existing Yahoo groups that are specific to the writing industry. Select the group that best matches your needs, and follow the instructions for joining the group.

Freelance writers who create or join a Yahoo group can enjoy the benefits of an instant network of like-minded individuals.

Lis Garrett is a work-at-home writer living in Upstate New York with her husband and three children. In addition to her work as a contract writer for Writers Research Group, she writes site and product endorsements, maintains a blog for novice freelance writers, and edits a school newsletter.

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