by Patricia Hanrahan

Created on: March 27, 2009

The Internet has opened up income opportunities that never existed before, including a vast number of ways to earn a living online. Writers, graphic artists, web developers, marketers, and educators are just a few of the professionals who are able to achieve a viable income entirely online. Entrepreneurs have also found a ready audience for buying their wares, whether through eBay, an online store, or another distribution channel. Let's start by taking a look at the freelance job boards.

One of the best general freelance sites for professionals looking for gigs is guru.com. You can post a profile, including samples of your work and other relevant information. Employers needing freelances post a description of their project, and freelancers put together a proposal telling what they can do provide a price to bid on the job. A Google search will yield many freelance sites geared for specific skills.

Authors have a large number of ways to promote their books online and thus drive sales up. They may even choose to self-publish or produce their books through Printing on Demand (a book is only printed after an order is placed). Websites like Amazon provide an extensive online bookstore for any writer with a book to sell. Authors can post their profile, provide inside information about their book such as the Table of Contents or excerpts. Readers rate the books, which drives author popularity and impacts sales. Authors also use their own websites, blogs, podcasts, e-newsletters, online videos, and other online methods for attracting reads to their books and other products. It is possible for an authors to earn a very comfortable living by promoting his/her books online.

If you have at least a Master's degree, you might consider teaching online. Many opportunities exist, and the number of schools needing good part-time instructors for their online programs is only increasing. Most schools will put you through an online orientation before permitting you to teach. However, once you get approved, you can easily earn upwards of $10,000 a year teaching one course at time. Schools that hire online instructors include DeVry University, Kaplan University, Colorado Technical University, the University of Phoenix, and the University of Maryland's University College. There are many more. Try an online search or consult a site such as Adjunct Nation for more opportunities.

eBay is a great way to make extra income, and some enterprising individuals have made a career out of selling

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