by Zeynep Bayhan

Created on: January 19, 2009   Last Updated: September 04, 2011

I'm a graduate student in sociology, and recently, I decided to start freelance writing in order to generate extra income. It was easy to be said than done. Most of the ads I came across with were looking for specialists, for professional freelancers. But I did not lose my hope and came across with great sources where I can not only improve my writing skills but also generate extra income.

• Craigslist:

First of all, there is Craigslist. The impression that I got from freelance writing
blogs is that Craigslist is not a great site to search for jobs. Freelancers almost hate the idea of searching writing gigs through Craigslist. I agree; it is not one of the best. Most of the ads offer poor payments. Some of them even do not offer any payments, which is really annoying. But it is one of the sources that we got. So, I think, we have to benefit from it as much as we can. Plus, it offers writing gigs not only for professionals but also for students and amateurs. I usually search the website for advertisements on "blogs." The reason is that, ads on blogs are usually open to anyone who is interested in topics and issues they are dealing with. As a student, you can write articles for blogs. (As long as you write well enough to get your articles published.)

• Helium, Associated Content and Review Stream:

As a student, I also find websites such as Helium, Associated Content and Review Stream very useful for students, especially for those who are willing to build a career on freelance writing. In both Helium and Associated Content, you can create your own account, and present your work while reading and learning from other writers. Plus, you'll be making money. If you are a fast learner, or a good writer, your income from these two sites will increase as your writing skills improve. First, you'll write better articles, and rise to top, and second, you'll manage to write more articles in a given duration of time. Review Stream, on the other hand, is a great source where you can write reviews about anything. As a student you can write reviews on movies you watch, books you read, restaurants and cafes you have eaten, electronic devises you have bought, flights you have taken, hotels you have stayed at. Sky is the limit. All you have to do is to write down your experiences, your thoughts and feelings, rather than giving a mere description of your object of review.

Earning extra income through freelance writing gigs while you are a student is not a dream. All you have to do is to know where to look at, and devote enough energy, time and care when you write. The rest will follow.

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