Join elance.com / upwork.com ( odesk is now upwork)
Create a good profile over elance , Give test so that you can show your clients that you have knowledge in your field.
Never send copy+paste proposal . You can copy header and footer of the proposal but you need to explain the client what you have understand from his project description.
Try to get the client info
1.How many projects he has posted.
2.His joining date.
3.How many projects he has awarded.
4.How much he has spent on projects.
5.Whether he has given good review or not.
Start your proposal with client name if you can get from his info . Never start Dear sir , Respected sir , Hello sir etc.
Never leave your direct contact detail in your proposal you will get banned from that freelancing site.
When a project owner send you a PM( Personal Message ) then you can ask him to add you on his skype , gtalk or any other platform where you want to have easy convo with your client .
Never try to do deal outside the freelancing site.
Always post some decent example of your previous work done.
Enjoy getting projects and see money rolling in .
If you need any further help please let me know.