How to Find Freelance Writing Jobs

I found this today while I was browsing YouTube. It was created by the folks behind Daily Writing Jobs, and I find it very useful, especially for beginners. The “Write for Us” tip worked for me several years ago. Hope it works for you too!

Why I Write

by Deb Ng

One of my first freelance writing gigs was a weekly online humor column. I worked full time however, so I did much of my writing during the morning and evening commutes – an hour each way. It came to pass that no matter what I was doing – working, watching TV, washing the dishes, walking in the subway – I was writing. I was forming sentences and ideas and kept playing with those ideas until I could find a keyboard or pen and paper. It’s like I couldn’t shut off the words in my head.

It’s always been that way for me.  Even when I was younger I kept journals and notebooks to store my ideas. I look through many of them now and laugh, but it seems I always had to write something. When teachers would assign papers or essays other kids would groan but not me. I’d eagerly plan my topic and outline and couldn’t wait to go home and begin.

I write because it’s what I was destined to do. Even if I had to work in a cube farm, I’d still be writing. I don’t have a choice. I think if I didn’t write my head would explode. I know I must look so silly to some jotting down ideas or talking into my keyring at the most interesting moments. I can’t help it though, the wheels are constantly turning. Writing isn’t a job or a hobby. It’s a passion. It’s an addiction. It’s something I couldn’t give up if I tried.

Why do you write?

Are We Losing Our Individuality?

In the past few weeks many freelance writing and blogging blogs included posts on the following (Yours Truly is no exception):

• Gift Ideas
• Setting Goals
• Top X Places to Find Freelance Writing Jobs
• Using an Editorial Calendar
• …and a number of topics that are being done to death.

So let me ask you…is it easier for us to borrow someone else’s ideas than come up with our own? What do you think?

Is Writing for the Web Holding You Back from Writing for Print?

by Deborah Ng

When I first began writing for the web, it was just as practice. A way to earn money and get my rhythm going while querying magazines. This was about nine years ago, and my fellow web writers all had the same goal. To earn some money, practice writing and gain experience until we break into print. As of this writing, many of the web writers I started out with have had limited print success and they don’t care. Same here.

Once I started writing for the web on a regular basis, I started cutting back on my querying. I had a bite now and then but it didn’t matter. My web clients published quicker and there was none of this “pay on publication” business where the check came six months to a year later. Read more

5 Things About Freelance Writing Jobs I Wish I Knew When I Was Starting Out

by Deborah Ng

When I first began freelancing in 2000 I thought I had an edge. I spent a dozen years in publishing, after all. That experience should work to my advantage, right?

Well…yes and no.

It gave me some good ideas about customer service, what editors look for and more. There were some areas however, in which I was a little green. There are a few things I had to figure out on my own. I’d like to share them with you today.

1. There Are Different Types of Freelance Writing Jobs

I was kind of surprised at all the different types of writing available to freelancers. Where should I set my sites? Print? Web? Business writing? Writing grants? Those new fangled e-books everyone is talking about? Obviously I found my calling, but it was a little confusing for me in the beginning and I had some fits and starts before reaching my comfort zone.

This is why I think it’s important for all new freelance writers to take some time out before they begin to research every aspect of the business. Not only will they learn some of the ins and outs of the business, but also the types of writing.

2. Everyone’s Good at Something

Today it’s all about branding and expertise. Most freelancers have to pick something they’re good at and use that to their advantage. Thanks to the Internet, there’s more competition now than there was when I worked with freelancers in the mid 80’s and 90’s. To stand out an impressive resume helps. Set yourself up as an expert in your favorite topic and soon the jobs will come to you. Read more

10 Necessary Freelance Writing Multi-Tasks

I write a lot of posts on things freelance writers need to do besides writing.  When you think about it, we wear many different hats. Writing is a small part of what we have to do on a regular basis if we want to be successful at our jobs.

Here are some of the jobs we need to do well if we hope to make it as a

1. Job Hunt

Freelance writers have to take some time out each day or several times a week to hunt for new opportunities. You might do this by querying magazines or reading the online job ads. In this feast or famine world, it’s a good idea to check the job boards so as not to have slow spots during the month.

2. Customer Service

If looking for work is one of the most important parts of a freelance writer’s job, customer service runs a close second. It’s important our clients are happy with our work. This means good communication with the client, responding to emails and phone calls in a timely manner and following up after each gig.

3. Research

Even if you’re well versed on a topic, you’ll still need to research. This might mean Googling some info or visiting the library for a more in-depth read. You might want to watch a documentary or interview experts. Research is probably the most time consuming part of the writing process. Read more