Giving a try at freelance writing-anyone know where to begin?

I don't have a byline or anything, so I know I can't just pepper submissions everywhere without pretty much everyone ignoring me (trust me, I've given it a try).

Has anyone else here given it a try? I could use some advice or someone who could get my foot in the door.

I just want to do it on the side. I think (though this may be just delusional confidence) that I have the writing talent to be able to be able to make very readable pieces in somewhat credible publications.

I'm able to get myself into school newspapers and stuff like that, but I want to go one step above to, well, at least a professional place where quite a few people read my pieces.

It's less about the money, and more about getting pieces out there. I'm not thinking of getting a career in writing, but I'm very interested in pursuing it in the side and seeing stuff I write go to a respectable and somewhat-read outlet.

I know, for example, that a lot of pieces are tailor-made to the requests of a certain editor. I've already started something I pushed out of just, well, the hell of it, but before I start too deep I'd really want to be able to get it published. If anyone would know how to do that, and would be able to offer a few guiding words on the topic, it would be much appreciated.

This is a sample of the piece I'm working on, if anyone's curious---

 

Man, Playboy would actually be good. John Updike beats being me.

 

Got something better man?

could always use the help.

considering it---but like really, what I want to do is to at least get my name somewhat out there so I'm not a total unknown, that way I have a crack of the door open for whenever I want to submit something big that doesn't just get sent an automatic rejection letter. Like---"oh wait, this guy has actually published stuff before, might be cool to at least glance over his stuff"

 

It was not the intro. In fact, it was in the middle.

The intro runs as follows---

I specifically have to add the latest developments in the War on Drugs---which have never fully been expanded on in a unified way (the fact that the DEA has been called on for political wiretaps, and how it has grown to rival the CIA, and how for example, Wachovia and much of the global financial system was buoyed by drug money in the depths of the recession.

 

Actually, a Economics major from a first-rate university.



if I'm gonna be accused of being pretentious, might as well go the whole way

i got no dollars, no style---just a dream.

 

I like it. Love constructive criticism.

This is actually the first non-fiction piece I've ever written. I tried to go at it like the writers I've always admired (Micheal Lewis being one), but obviously I have nowhere near the talent.

I guess stripping down the language would be good.

 

I wish. I don't even want the money, just some exposure/mentoring.

 

Hey, writing's a hobby of mine, and I intend to get better at it. Got plenty of time too---well not really, time is kinda hectic...but I guess lifespan works better.

So---really, it would suck if it doesn't pan out, but it's not about the effort level. Hell, I'm here pulling an all-nighter for Financial Derivatives, and here I am soliciting, and accepting advice from strangers halfway across the globe, all to further a craft from which I expect neither pay or fame.

I already have a niche I'm considering---Economics/International Law. since I'm running a Bachelor's in the first, and a concentration in the second, I gotta spend more of my life on those then I'd like to anyways. but i love these things, so it's all good.

Thanks for the realistic advice. Not gonna stop me though.