by Amanda Evans

Created on: February 06, 2007   Last Updated: April 17, 2007

The Internet has become a haven for writers and there are now a large number of online marketplaces that you can join. Joining of course is the easy bit, some are free but others like Elance are fee paying. If you intend to join the likes of Elance here are a few tips that might come in handy.

Don't purchase the highest subscription until you start receiving work. Whilst it might seem like a good idea to purchase the highest one because you get access to all the projects listed it doesn't necessarily mean you will get them.

Always remember that your bid is your gateway to the client. Use it to impress them with your writing skills. If the project is for articles on weight loss it might be a good idea to include some information in your bid for example: More than 30% of Americans are now classed as obese and at any one given time there are 50 million people on diets. This will help to show the client that you are actually interested in this project and you have done your homework.

Never say in your bid that you can do something if you can't. Never say you can deliver a project in three days if you know its now possible.

Always be polite in your proposal and try to give as much information as you can.

Many people feel that if they don't have any reviews or feedback that they won't be given any projects but let me assure you that this is not true. When I joined with Elance back in 2005 I won my first project within days.

You will also see on all the freelance marketplaces some ridiculously low bids. I myself have seen people put in bids of $1 for a 300 word article which I personally think is mad. If you are new to the marketplaces it is probably wise not to submit huge bids and on average $5 per 300 words is appropriate. You can of course increase this with time and experience.

There are so many opportunities available to writers online and if you are successful in the marketplace it is almost a certainty that many of the clients you work for will become regular clients. I got the majority of my clients through Elance and from word of mouth.

If you do a good job and are honest and keep in constant communication with your client they are sure to recommend your services in the future.

Learn more about this author, Amanda Evans.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.