As a freelance writer, you probably have a particular subject area and style of writing to focus on. But because freelancing is inherently uncertain, it can be helpful to have a side gig or two to help stretch you through lean times. Here are five part-time side gigs that showcase the variety of opportunities available for writers seeking extra work.
Social Media Content Editor. If you have experience with social media and enjoy writing for particular audiences, small businesses often hire part-time and freelance writers to assist with social media management. Writing and communication skills are absolutely necessary in this role, which is responsible for interacting with current and potential customers through Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other platforms.
Content Curator. Like reading others’ stories as much as writing your own? Blogs, websites, and organizations hire content curators to research the latest content in their particular subject area, then compile the content into one place for easy reading. The work includes writing headlines, synopses, and copy. If you’re a subject matter expert who enjoys research, this part-time job would make a great side gig.
Editorial Assistant. If you enjoy writing, but also like the organizational side of publishing, consider a part-time job as an editorial assistant. Depending on the publication, you’ll help with page layout, article editing, and editorial calendar management. 
Language Translator. Writers who speak and write in more than one language should consider a part-time job as a website translator. The main work of this side gig is to translate website content from one language to another, and to proofread and edit translations that have already been made.
Captionist: Speedy typists who have solid listening and writing skills can find part-time work providing captions for a variety of multimedia. Colleges, production companies, and other organizations regularly hire captionists or transcribers, and the hours are typically flexible with alternative schedules available.
The key to choosing side gigs is to decide ahead of time what you’re looking for. The number of hours you want to work, when you’re available, what type of work you’d like to do, how involved you want the work to be — decide these questions before you start searching. Writers who have a good idea of what they’re looking for in terms of side gigs will find no shortage of options.
Brie Weiler Reynolds is the Director of Content and Community at FlexJobs, the award-winning site for telecommuting and flexible job listings. FlexJobs lists thousands of pre-screened, legitimate, and professional-level work-from-home jobs and other types of flexibility like part-time positions, freelancing, and flexible schedules. Brie provides career and job search advice through the FlexJobs Blog and social media. Learn more at www.FlexJobs.com.
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