There is a common misconception that freelance writing jobs are limited. However, this is not true as there are multiple types that exist out there. While some aim to gain experience, it still is practical to know what are the highest paying freelance writing jobs, right? Let’s take a look at what kinds of freelance writing jobs are there and see how you can get started. [Read more…]
What You Need to Do Before Going Freelance
If a year of working remotely has made you dream of a permanent life away from the office, maybe it’s time to think of going freelance. There are more potential benefits to freelancing than just the freedom from office gossip and train delays of course, with 67% of freelancers earning the same or more than they did in their full-time jobs while working less.
4 Tips for Becoming a Successful Freelance Writer
Anyone who has solid writing skills, a laptop, a healthy work ethic, and a plan has the ability to be a freelance writer. That’s great news, isn’t it? Being a freelance writer means that you can have a side gig with the option to turn it into a full-time job. It’s flexible, can be fun, and with the right opportunities, can even be lucrative. If you’re still reading this, we can assume that you’ve got the computer, the work ethic, and the skills. Now you just need to get a few tips before getting started on your plan. [Read more…]
3 Most Common Reasons People Start Freelance Writing
The internet is the most common place that people turn to as a source of information. There is a blog or article for just about any subject you can think of. From stamp collecting to science experiments, you’ll find a source of writing out there talking about exactly what you want to find out more about. Some writing out there is all about sharing personal experiences, while others are non-biased news sources. Behind a lot of this writing are the freelance writers who are paid to create it. [Read more…]
Essentials New Freelance Writers Need
When you first explore the freelance writing career option it is normal to feel overwhelmed. This is especially the case in the event that you leave your current career to follow the path of a freelance writer. Fortunately, there are countless articles written about what you actually need. If you want to offer top quality content services, the first steps you take are really important. Here are some of the essentials that all new freelance writers need. [Read more…]
Freelance Writing Jobs, September 24, 2018
Had a great weekend?
Good — because we got more freelance writing jobs for you!
Let’s just jump into it.
Having a Personal Crisis? How to Deal and Keep your Freelance Writing Clients
In a perfect world, your personal and business lives would run smoothly and completely independently from each other. One of the benefits of working as a freelance writer is that you get to make your own schedule for the most part. As long as you turn in your assignments on time, your clients don’t really know (or care) whether you do your best work at the crack of dawn or you like to tackle it in the small hours of the night. What happens when a personal crisis crops up? How do you deal with it in a professional manner and keep your freelance writing clients?
[Read more…]
The 12 Best Android Apps for Freelance Writers
[UPDATED AUGUST 2017]
One of the benefits of working as a freelance writer is that your workplace is not limited to a specific location. As long as you have your Android phone charged, there are plenty of work-related functions you can perform while you are away from your usual desk. Use it to work on projects, track projects, create characters and more.
[Read more…]
When Can You Call Yourself a Writer?
Editor’s Note: This post was written by Brie Weiler Reynolds, the Director of Online Content 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.
If you’re visiting this site, it’s highly likely that you’re either thinking of becoming, or you already are, a writer. When, though, does that transition happen? When do you get to drop the “aspiring” from your title as “aspiring writer?” Anyone along the writing career spectrum, from those just toying with the idea to those fully immersed in writing every day, will deal with this question at some point: When can you call yourself a writer? [Read more…]
When a Freelance Writing Job Doesn’t Pay
There is perhaps no other topic in the freelance writing world that generates more controversy than the concept of writers writing for free. Bring it up and lines in invisible sand are drawn, commenting spikes and in the case of Harlan Ellison, a few F-bombs are dropped.
It’s understandable. Shady publishers and editors prey on vunerable writers who want to see their names in print. Writers are constantly burned by “write for free now and earn later” promises in which “later” never comes.
However, in the angry buzz of the debate something gets lost. Choice and education. There will always be writers who consider using their talent without traditional compensation. Instead of helping writers make informed decisions, we as a community often take the abstinence-only approach – IT’S WRONG, NEVER DO IT.
Is it really free?
The first step to weighing a work-for-free option is to look at whether the project has any compensation opportunities. Writers work in exchange for items and services all the time. A little web content work in exchange for a new website. A little PR work in exchange for lessons from a yoga studio.
Just be sure that you follow three simple rules when bartering services:
- Set clear boundaries. Define the services you will provide and the services or products you expect in return. This prevents misunderstandings and keeps either party from taking advantage of the “freebie” situation.
- Determine cost. It should be expected that your standard rates are used for services you provide.
- Put it in writing. This is not only helpful for tax and business record purposes, it makes the transaction official and binding.
Is it for the greater good?
Wielding a hammer may not be some people’s idea of how they want to volunteer, but wielding a keyboard may feel just right. Providing writing services to help a charity or organization is a good thing. Sweating over a keyboard or a hot stove both take time and effort and each can be a great help to someone in need.
Are you prepared for the lack of payoff?
Writing for exposure. *Sigh* That’s a tricky one. Certain publications swear by it, but when their blog only reaches 12 people and four of those are family members, the “exposure” doesn’t help a writer one bit. Then you have the Huffington Post model: huge reach and definite opportunities for exposure. However, when the publication makes a deal for a large sum of money, whether it’s for advertising or through the sale of the blog, there will be writers who feel slighted when left out of the monetary windfall.
There is, of course, the possibility that exposure may never come. Before you get into an “exposure” deal,
- Use metrics to define success. How many blog hits, how many subsequent work requests, book sales, etc.
- Recognize and get comfortable with not being able to eat, spend or pay bills with exposure. Exposure has to translate into dollars through other avenues to be successful.
- Have a time limit and exit strategy. Give the exposure enough time to produce results, but have an end date in place if it doesn’t show signs of panning out.
Can you afford to do it?
Whether working in exchange for goods and services, as a volunteer or for “exposure,” carefully weigh the costs of the commitment. There are time costs, including time away from other business-growing opportunities, i.e. querying, working on gigs for other clients, etc. There are also actual costs: electricity, Internet, the standard writing rate… This is one of those tough choices that a writer has to make from a business perspective, especially if the project will be ongoing.
Most of the time I’m against writing for free. It distracts writers from doing things that can both further their careers and enable them to pay bills. Writing for experience can be accomplished while making money – don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. There are, however, situations in which free can work out for writers though they are not as common as “job” listings would have you believe. It’s a personal, business decision that should be made with research and with realistic expectations.
Have you written for “free?” Why or why not? What other things should writers consider when weighing a non-traditional pay option?