Writing is a pleasure. Marketing is not! Marketing is what your question really is. One must have a few things to successfully market (in this case YOU)something: A quality product (assured since you were an English Major), a network of other folks in the industry who you can get leads and ideas from, a good reputation.
Networking and reputation must be built up and that isn't done in the office, it is done by placing shoe leather to pavement. EH!, if you are an animal activist you can put vinyl to pavement and tell the global warming people to take a hike! Anyway, it takes time and effort. Consider "allied" work to pay off the student loans and start building a network. Any type of job that has any writing requirement can be a stepping stone toward reaching your ultimate goal. Ad agencies, television and Radio stations, PR offices all use writers. Think about this: every scrap of paper you see with writing on it was written by a writer. Look at your local pieces of paper and search out the source. More than likely one of the sources has recently fired a pot-smoking derelict and needs a replacement.
Oh, I almost forgot! If you are to be successful as a freelancer your FINANCES have to be absolutely golden. Poor money management skills kill off free lancers more than any other factor.
Good luck, I hope you make enough money to help pay for my social security.
Chuck Petterson
Persia, USA
I don't blog. I have 3/4 acre to mow and four dogs to groom and stories to write. Sorry!