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Web freelance writing opportunities

How to Find a Job as a Freelance Writer on the Internet

Before the internet age, freelance writing was an almost unknown profession. Access to information on any subject was limited to books, periodicals and magazines, and communication was often slow and dependent on the pace of snail mails. But with this burgeoning new medium, flying solo as a writer has become an attractive option. As an independent professional, you get to be your own boss and enjoy all the advantages it entails; or, you could even do it part-time.

Here are a few of the opportunities open to you if you are a good wordsmith and can sell your talent to the right markets:

Web Content Writer: This is an entry-level position that can easily be found by trawling the web for freelance job sites, forums and blogs. While it does not pay much initially, it is a great way to create a writer’s portfolio with articles that have been credited to you. You can take it from there to break into higher- paying job markets like magazine features and newspaper columns.

Being a web content writer can get you lucrative ghostwriting opportunities, not to mention positions like those of a telecommuting researcher or a writing assistant for publishing houses. You could end up as a travel, health, fashion, automobile or entertainment writer, to name just a few general categories. Each category has a spectrum of opportunities all its own.

In addition, becoming a web content writer paves inroads into creating and monetizing websites. Many web writers either launch websites and blogs of their own on niche subject areas, or partner with a website owner for this purpose. Done well, this could be a great way of generating revenue.

Blogger and forum poster: This could be an interesting niche, which is not very high-paying but may help build a network of clients, fellow writers and editors. A lot of websites are looking for knowledgeable writers to post regularly on their blogs and forums, because that is a great way of bumping up web traffic and marketing products. Once you have a specialized niche for blogging though, you can write for established and well-paying organizations.

Copywriter: If you have a way with words and feel confident about persuading someone to buy a service or product purely on the basis of your write-ups, then you could create your own well-paid gig as a copywriter. A copywriter creates hard-hitting material which can be used for marketing purposes in the form of online web content, newsletters or press releases.

Resume writer: There is an increasing demand for professional writers who specialize in creating targeted, well-presented resumes. If you feel you have a knack for human resources as well as writing, this could be the calling for you.

Technical writer: If you have an engineering background or are simply fascinated by all kinds of technologies, procedures and products, you could become a technical writer. You could happily spin out tutorials, procedures and product reviews and get paid to do it.

Freelance writing can be more than just a meal ticket. It has the potential of becoming an enjoyable and rewarding profession in its own right. If your day job frustrates you or you simply want some extra income, take the plunge and write your first article or blog post today.

Damyanti Biswas

Damyanti Biswas is the author of You Beneath Your Skin and numerous short stories that have been published in magazines and anthologies in the US, the UK, and Asia. She has been shortlisted for Best Small Fictions and Bath Novel Awards and is co-editor of the Forge Literary Magazine. Her literary crime thriller series, the Blue Mumbai, is represented by Lucienne Diver from The Knight Agency. Both The Blue Bar and The Blue Monsoon were published in 2023.

I appreciate comments, and I always visit back. If you're having trouble commenting, let me know via the contact form, or tweet me up @damyantig !

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11 Comments

  • I never thought of some of these before, thanks!
    Thereviewsister.wordpress.com
    Writetoyoheartscontent.wordpress.com

  • DG says:

    I am glad I was able to help in any small way eamon. Feel free to drop in again any time, or email me if you feel there is something I can help with.

  • eamon.mack says:

    Thanks for this, I have so much to learn. For me, the hardest part as a newbie is to know where to get started with all of this. I guess I just need to take the plunge.

  • DG says:

    Thanks for dropping by Paul, and I am hoping t be able to write to you real soon!

  • Paul says:

    Hey…nice to be able to drop in and read your stuff again, Damyanti. Just like old times. As far as writing in the computer age is concerned, what a great development. Convenient, far-reaching, and the feedback from across the globe is almost immediate, compared to earlier times. And let’s not forget the friends we would never have otherwise encountered 😉 See you again soon!

  • DG says:

    Michelle,
    Things like resume writing and technical writing are not my cup of tea either, but I have done both when I needed the money badly enough.

    I look forward to seeing more of you here, and would be emailing to you, if I may.

    Cheers,
    Damyanti

  • DG says:

    Star Lawrence, Thanks for dropping by and taking the time to comment. I went over to your blog and really liked what I saw there. I will be emailing you about some ideas soon.

    Cheers,
    Damyanti

  • DG says:

    Indigo bunting, thanks for dropping by, and I hope to write in more detail soon.

    I really like your blog as well.

  • I do copywriting for clients, it’s hard work when you are not familiar with their product. I never thought of the resume writing… that wouldn’t be a gig for me. I would get bored.

  • I have been a full-time freelancer and sole support of my family (buying houses, cars) for more than two decades and this was far from an unknown profession in past years. In fact, it was a respected and well-paid profession. Before Craigs, employers knew they were getting a good deal with a freelancer–no office space to provide, computers to buy, benefits to give. Now, would-be employers seem to think it’s some kind of honor to put your work on their sites where “real, paying” employers might see it. It’s sort of a big con now, this business. Everyone is in on the joke, but the beginning writer. But I do go on. Come visit http://writerscatablog.com.

    Cheers,

    Star Lawrence

    PS Copywriting and direct mail take training–there are many principles and tricks. It is not something you just take up.

  • It’s funny…I work in publications, but still the slow kind. I learned quite a bit reading this!