by Lauren Hovis

Created on: April 26, 2010

So you think you can write?  If penning the next great novel is not realistic, try freelance online writing.  I took to online writing over one month ago and unbeknownst to me, found challenges I never imagined.  I had no warning of the difficulties in writing for online sources and many times wanted to quit.  So, if you are a novice in freelance online writing and are eager to begin your spare time career, here are signs to watch out for to help you better prepare for your dream line of work.

Finding the right topic -

Every online writing source, such as AssociatedContent.com, Helium.com, and Seed.com, requires a minimum base knowledge on the many topics offered.  This knowledge can be personal if the topic is on pop culture.  This knowledge can be academic if the topic is serious.  In either regard, writers need to know to justify their words.  Furthermore, writers need to know in order to support the minimum word count.  If one has fleeting ideas on a topic, don't write.  Fleeting ideas will not muster up at least 400 words.  Confidence in knowledge will go a long way and therefore meet the requisite count.  With this in mind, finding the right topic is crucial and will play out through the remainder of the writing process.

Editing process -

Submitting articles for criticism by editors and fellow peers alike is one task that no writer enjoys, in print or online.  Doubts enter a writer's mind - is the spelling accurate, is the knowledge presented justified, are the ideas unique and catchy, and so forth.  The editing process is key to submitting articles for publication.  As painful as the notion is, constructive criticism does help in revising work and finally getting articles out there.

Publishing -

Without the previous step, unedited articles are not worth publication.  A writer's work must be accurate in spelling and knowledge, but also must stand out strongly in thoughts.  Redundancy is a waste of time and will catch no one's attention.  Thoughts must have a twist, bring something new to the table, even if on a topic already discussed by another online writer.  Sadly, though, publication is not guaranteed and always comes with the possiblity of rejection.

Recognition -

Congratulations!  Your freelance online work has been published!  Caution: Don't jump for joy.  Recognition on any online source is competitive.  Setting goals of reaching

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