by Robert Medak

Created on: March 25, 2009

Many sites offer freelance writing jobs lists and places to bid for work. If you decide to use a bidding site, be warned that many will charge a percentage of your writing income for the project; also, there will be many bidders and the pay is low.

Some sites want to charge for credits that allow you do bid on jobs or you will need to pay a recurring monthly fee for access to job listings. I won't do that, I also will not bid on jobs that I know are low paying. Craigslist is another place to look for freelance writing jobs.

From what I have found, the good paying jobs require degrees in English or Journalism. There are also freelance writing jobs that require a PhD in science or engineering, while others want a record of accomplishment with years of experience and publication credit in magazines or have written for a company and verification of writing credit. Some jobs require a resume and cover letter with your application.

For the newcomer to freelance writing, the business can be frustrating and you may feel like giving up. If you can't check your ego at the door and give up on things, the freelance writing business may not be for you.

I call it, freelance writing business, this is because writing is a business and you will have to work on the same things that businesses do. You will have to market, promote, and even do PR work to let possible clients know you exist and what you offer.

You will have to learn the craft of various types of writing. You may also want to do niche writing as opposed to general writing. Everyone must make the determination for themselves as to what type of writing they wish to do.

What types of writing is there?

There is SEO keyword web content, blogging, resumes, web content for sites, editing, marketing copywriting, book reviews, product reviews, and more. You will need to figure out what type you want to write and then learn how by reading the type of writing you wish to write. This type of writing is writing copy.

By reading the work of others, you will get a sense of how to write copy for particular clients. After that, it is all practice, practice, practice.

If you think by going into freelance writing you can fire your boss, think again. Writers write for the love of writing. Yes, you can make money writing, but for big money, it will take years to achieve and it also depends on your location.

You will find that many perspective clients want outstanding original copy, but are not ready to pay for it. It is up to you what you are willing to work for as far as rate per project.

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