How to Get Started as a Freelance Writer

If you're trying to find writing jobs online, then you know it can sometimes be full-time work (with no over-time pay!). To seek out freelance work at home, you need to hustle smarter, not harder. Listed in this article are a few valuable resources for you, the aspiring telecommuter looking for leads. It's not a question of "if" you'll find writing jobs online—you WILL!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A computer with an Internet connection. (See, you're halfway there already!)
• A desire to write. (Ha! As if you already didn't.)

1. To find writing jobs online, get acquainted with forums for writers. Forums bring you freelance work at home leads and information necessary to perfect your craft. However, googling for these forums only earns you pages upon pages of listings (that may or may not match your needs). Forget that frustration! Here are two forums that have plenty of established writers willing to help you find writing jobs online:
   
   WAHM.com is a message board that has a wealth of resources for any type of telecommuter. To join other writers in discussions about how to find writing jobs online, there is a WAHM's Who Write folder. Scroll down about halfway on the page to find this folder for freelance work at home gigs. You’ll often find employers posting opportunities here.
   
   The Absolute Write Water Cooler forum is where you'll find freelance work at home leads, as well as experienced magazine writers and book authors who can answer your questions about how to get those high-paying gigs.

2. Check out a few (of the many) employment sites for freelance work at home leads. Deb Ng's Freelance Writing Jobs has plenty of leads to find writing jobs online (and timeless professional advice). The Pro Blogger Job Board lists freelance work at home gigs for bloggers. Craigslist offers on-site leads as well as freelance work at home opportunities. The Engaging Pages for Working Writers blog posts obscure gigs here and there. Check out the older blog posts for employers who still may be hiring.

3. Perfect your craft daily. Don't make excuses for not writing; just do it! Set a particular time each day to brush up on your skills. Treat that period of time like any other important appointment in your life. Whether you have 10 minutes available or 2 hours—make the most of it.
   
   For additional help in your search to find writing jobs online, check out the Resources area and elsewhere on this page for more information.

Tips & Warnings

• Add researched information to your articles, such as quotes from experts and data from respected journals, to increase its value to buyers.
• Be leery of job offers that require a custom writing sample. If it's from an anonymous lead, it could be scam to steal your hard work. However, if the job lead is from a reputable person or company, then the decision's up to you.

Resources

• WAHM Message Boards
• Absolute Write Forums
• Deb Ng's Freelance Writing Jobs
• Pro Blogger Job Board
• Craigslist
• Engaging Pages for Working Writers
• Best Guide to Becoming a Highly Paid Technical Writer

[dorigillman]

on 5/7/2009 i am putting this article in my favorites! you gave me great suggestions for finding better freelance writing jobs.

[CaseyCarlton]

on 2/25/2009 I can use these tips. Thanks for sharing. 5 stars and a recommend

[Traqqer]

on 12/21/2008 A lot of good suggestions!

[scottmitzi]

on 12/6/2008 I'm going to give it a try. Thanks

[gpcs]

on 12/6/2008 Very good information to know - particularly since newspapers are declining and magazines may follow. The 'Net's apparently the wave of the future.
Nice job, Stacy.
-George