Copywriting

[TheDeuteragonist]

I'm looking into getting started as a copywriter.

In my current job, I write articles for the local press (the work isn't published under my name), and I organise two monthly newsletters. I have work under my belt, but obviously am unsure as to how much I could use that as a portfolio as it's linked to my current job, IYSWIM?

I've used People Per Hour before but basically got screwed over so ditched it. I'm not sure if that was my naivety or a flaw in the set up, but it put me off using sites like that.

My question is, what are my best ways to get started? Initially, I was thinking of doing it as a bit of a side project and seeing how it went, but I've really no idea where to start!