How to Begin an Online Writing Career
If you're a wizard of words or a pundit of prose, put that talent to work with an online writing career. Benefits include working in your pajamas, keeping your own hours and never having to apologize to your boss. You do have to have basic research skills, a computer and Internet connection and self-discipline.
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Instructions
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Write several articles on different topics. Second or third person is preferred by most content companies as well as individuals. Polish to perfection. Vary the style and the length to show off your diversity. Articles of 250, 500 and 750 words demonstrate your skills.
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Develop a writer-oriented resume. Include any articles in hard copy publications you've written, books you've published and links to articles you've written online. If you don't have any examples, write a few articles and post them on article directory sites. These won't count as professional pieces, but at least you'll be able to show potential clients your work.
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Register a domain name that includes your name and the words "writer," "freelancer" or "ghostwriter." For example, if your name were Katie Rosehill, the domain name would be katierosehillwriter.com. People searching for your name will find you, and people searching for a writer may find you, as well.
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Set up your domain on a host. This won't involve a lot of technical programming. Most host companies catering to small businesses will help you get set up. You have your choice between a static html website or a blog. Wordpress blogs are free to set up once you have your host company. It's a blog platform that is simple to use. You will probably be able to set it up with a few mouse clicks through your host's control panel.
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Obtain the licenses you need. Many states, and some cities, require a license even if you're working out of your home on a part-time basis as an independent contractor. If you feel uncomfortable giving out your Social Security number to freelance clients, obtain an Employer Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service. That number will substitute for your personal Social Security number.
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Post your writing samples and resume to your website or blog. Some writers post their rates, while others don't.
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Determine your freelance rates. This is a challenge. Some companies that provide content have established rates. When you work for them, you accept those rates. Freelance clients are different. You set your own rates. Fees range from 1 cent per word on the low end, or $5 for a 500-word article, to as much as 10 cents or more. It's not uncommon to be paid as much as $50 for a 500-word article. If you don't know where to start, figure out how long it takes you to write a 500-word article on a subject that is somewhat unfamiliar to you. If it takes 30 minutes and you'd like to make $20 per hour, you would need to charge $10 per article to achieve that hourly rate.
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Find clients. Try online classified ad sites such as Craigslist for individual freelance clients. Try discussion forums where webmasters hang out. They often have a marketplace or for hire sections. Look into the freelance sites that match writers with clients. Most are fee based.
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Set up a payment method. You can accept payments through online payment services or by check.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't fall into the trap of setting your rates low in order to break into the business and then increasing your rates. Your clients will most likely stop using you.
Request a portion of the money upfront when accepting a job that entails writing more than a few articles. Some webmasters will say that the content you've provided isn't up to their standards as an excuse to not pay you and then use the articles anyway.
