You love words. You're always thinking up new ways to use them or you are constantly reading books about literature and language. Writing fascinates you. So why not turn that into your career? It's true -- there are many different types of jobs where people need content written for their businesses. Here's what it takes to be one of those writers who gets paid well.
No. A writer works in an office. If they work from home, they have all sorts of distractions (kids, pets, house maintenance) which makes working harder and thus less productive.
This means you will probably earn more per hour as a full-time employee than someone working part time at home. But let's say you decide to go freelance anyway because you want to keep doing this on the side while keeping other employment too. Here's what you should know.
First off, do research before starting online. There are some scams out there when looking for "freelance" opportunities. Be sure to avoid these by only dealing with reputable companies offering legitimate services. This goes double if you plan on getting involved with article marketing.
If you choose to start somewhere else, find a company that supports its employees' efforts and helps them improve skills. Some places pay better than others based on performance, so look into that ahead of time.
For example, Elance has been around since 1999 and allows users to bid on projects posted on their site. Freelancer pays $15/hour plus expenses for qualified applicants. People also post job openings looking for freelancers here. Clients usually hire through Elance but sometimes directly.
The biggest advantage of using sites like Elance and Freelancer is being able to network with potential clients and future employers. These kinds of communities provide great support systems for both parties. They also help cut down on costs associated with travel expenses.
Freelancing isn't just about making money though. The freedom to set your own schedule is another perk!
There are countless opportunities available to writers today. Most require little effort beyond sitting down and putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard, depending on what type of work you wish to pursue.
Many of these involve creating original content such as blog posts, press releases, eBooks, newsletters, social media updates, etc. Others ask for specific pieces of information such as web page copy, sales letters, reports, white papers, speeches, etc. And then there are still others asking for specific genres, such as romance novels, children's stories, nonfiction books, poetry collections, screenplays, etc.
As long as you possess good grammar, punctuation, spelling and sentence structure, you'll find plenty of places to submit samples of your work. Keep an eye out for relevant listings across various platforms including Craigslist, Indeed Jobs, LinkedIn Job Search, Monster, Career Builder, Simply Hired, Social Media Jobs, etc.
Also check out publications such as Writer Magazine, Writers Digest, Storywriter News & Tips, Creative Screenwriting, Scripts, The Muse, Poets & Writers Online Newsletter, American Way Magazines, and Business Journal Daily. Each publication offers tips, tricks, helpful resources, interviews and advice.
In addition, don't forget to search specifically for terms related to the particular field(s) you hope to gain notoriety within. For instance, searching "copywriter" may yield far fewer results than "technical writing". Also try entering random keywords to see what comes back.
Lastly, remember that even if your goal is to eventually become a professional writer, you shouldn't expect top dollar right away. While it does take years of hard work to achieve this status, it doesn't hurt to dream big either. In fact, if you truly desire something, never stop dreaming. Persistence is key.
A variety of websites exist where individuals can create accounts and sell their wares. Selling products requires very little overhead compared to traditional brick-and-mortar stores. However, selling services needs additional training and preparation.
One of the best examples of a service business is affiliate marketing. Affiliates promote other peoples' products, earning commission whenever they successfully refer customers. Commission rates vary widely among merchants. Unfortunately, however, competition amongst affiliates is fierce due to low barriers to entry. As a result, commissions tend to be lower overall.
Another popular way to make money online involves posting ads for others. Google AdWords, Bing Ads, Facebook advertising, Banner Advertising, YouTube videos promoting affiliate links, etc., allow advertisers to place advertisements across various networks. When visitors click on any given advertisement, the advertiser pays the platform a certain amount of money. Usually, this depends upon clicks or views.
Earning money via video blogging is yet another option. Many bloggers host informative vlogs consisting of product reviews, life events, daily activities and anything else interesting enough to share with viewers. Companies often seek input regarding upcoming products from consumers. Once a blogger receives permission, he shares his thoughts and opinions in order to generate buzz surrounding said item. Bloggers typically receive compensation each month once orders begin rolling in.
Some might consider setting up shop on eBay, Etsy, Amazon, Tumblr, Pinterest or Instagram. All of these offer unique perks and possibilities. Just remember to stay consistent and update regularly. Otherwise, it won't matter how much you've earned.
Unfortunately, it varies greatly. One person could easily write two articles for $20 apiece and make almost twice as much on Fiverr than elsewhere. On the flipside, someone else could spend several weeks composing a single piece and end up receiving nothing.
That being said, if you haven't made decent money recently, give Elance a shot. Depending on your skill level, experience and current availability, you may receive anywhere between $5-$50 per project. Of course, some people claim to make hundreds of dollars per week doing this alone.
Keep in mind that success rarely happens overnight. Building credibility takes time and practice. Don't compare yourself to other writers trying to break in. Instead, focus on improving your craft and gaining knowledge about the industry. Eventually, you'll reach a point where you can comfortably charge higher prices without sacrificing quality.
And lastly... enjoy the process! Make writing fun again. Afterward, you can sit back and relax knowing you did everything possible to succeed. Now that you understand the basics, put together a portfolio and apply accordingly. Good luck!
The other day I was at the post office trying to mail some letters when I realized that there’s only one person in line ahead of me—a woman who appeared to be about 60 years old. She had her head down as she shuffled through envelopes looking for ones to fill out.
I couldn't help but notice that she seemed to have very neat handwriting (at least it looked pretty well-formed on paper). And while I don't know what kind of profession she has or even where she lives (aside from guessing that she probably works at the post office), this got me thinking: How often do we see people with great handwriting around us without giving them much thought? It turns out that having good handwriting is not just an aesthetic choice, it could also open up career opportunities in certain industries.
There are so many ways to use your handwriting skills to find work. You might think that being able to print neatly will give you an edge over others, but a lot more goes into finding employment than simply having "nice" penmanship. Here's how to turn your handiwork into cash.
Handwriting analysis is something that professional psychologists and psychiatrists employ regularly. If you're interested in pursuing this field, check online sources for training programs. Some states require licensing before practicing as a handwriting analyst, though most employers won't care about such paperwork because they'll hire based on their own criteria rather than any state requirements. Typically, these positions involve interpreting someone else’s script or cursive signature and then providing feedback to improve the way those signatures look. This type of advice isn't always easy to come by, which makes analyzing handwriting even more attractive to professionals.
Another option would be working for a company that needs you to sign documents frequently. There are plenty of companies that need legal contracts signed daily or weekly, whether by new hires or current employees. A lawyer or accountant may take the document home to review, or maybe you'd prefer to send in your signature via email. The key here is to follow instructions exactly and submit your forms within the timeframe specified. Even better, ask beforehand if you can send in electronic copies of your signatures instead of physical versions. That way you can continue to keep your inbox clutter free.
If you want to go beyond contract signing, consider becoming a freelance writer. Just about every industry, no matter its size, requires written content now days — including marketing materials, social media posts, sales pitches, press releases, white papers, etc. Freelance writers typically have experience in specific fields, which means you should tailor each piece according to your strengths. For example, if you enjoy blogging, focus on building relationships with readers by sharing personal stories. In short, provide valuable information to attract followers. If you've never written professionally before, start small by doing some research on different types of businesses and learn what kinds of words they usually use to describe products and services. Then try submitting samples of your prose. Once you feel confident enough to tackle larger projects, bid on gigs on platforms like Fiverr or UpWork.
While most people associate nice handwriting with professionalism, there are actually several professions that rely heavily on legible scrawls. One of them is teaching. Although teachers aren't required to have formal education, they must pass tests to prove competency. So making sure your notes are clear and understandable could potentially increase the chances of passing exams. Another occupation that depends largely upon handwriting is calligraphy artist. Calligraphers create everything from invitations to posters using various fonts and styles. They carefully craft lettering and signs. While there's little room for error in terms of spelling, proper punctuation, grammar, and sentence structure, artistry matters far less. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't strive to become proficient at calligraphy since it can boost self esteem and confidence. As long as you pay attention to detail, practice, and master basic techniques, you can certainly achieve success.
Nowadays, graphic designers face similar challenges when creating images. Their creations must communicate messages clearly, and sometimes hiring managers request revisions after reviewing rough drafts. Those who excel in design tend to get hired easily thanks to their ability to visually understand concepts and translate them onto paper. However, you can still apply for roles in design if you have exceptional handwriting. To show off your talents, sample designs created by established artists or freelancers to potential clients. Also, if you have access to Adobe Photoshop, you can create original illustrations for presentations. Donate the resulting files to nonprofit organizations and offer to sell prints made from them too.
Additionally, if you love music and poetry, you can explore options like songwriter or poet. Both are lucrative careers, especially considering that songwriters can pitch ideas directly to record labels, whereas poets can publish books or accept fellowships from prestigious institutions. You can also gain insight into these careers by reading blogs, watching YouTube videos, listening to podcasts, or joining relevant forums. These resources will help connect talented individuals with agents, publishers, and editors willing to support their dreams.
You already know that having good handwriting can land you a job. What you may not realize is that there are many other occupations that depend solely on legible scripts. Your favorite musician may not be aware of all the things his/her handwritten lyrics mean to fans. Think of the countless hours dedicated to transcribing songs, mixing beats, recording vocals, adding effects, and finally producing albums. Do you believe that the majority of musicians wouldn't exist today if not for meticulous note taking? Similarly, medical personnel, lawyers, police officers, firefighters, and engineers also deserve recognition. Each relies on accurate records and reports to ensure patient safety and protect communities from harm. Plus, some workers spend almost half of their time sitting behind desks completing administrative tasks, yet few recognize the value of typing speed. Having excellent keyboarding skills allows them to complete assignments faster, leaving more time for creative pursuits.
But let's say you can't stand performing repetitive tasks. Maybe you prefer to play guitar, sing, or dance. Or perhaps you've been dreaming of starting a band. Well, you can get paid to pursue your passion! Band members, singers, dancers, actors, comedians, and rappers can build successful careers with the right connections. Most importantly, however, they must develop strong networks filled with supportive contacts. Find mentors and role models to guide you along the path towards stardom. Whether you choose to sing backup vocals, act, manage logistics, or drum set, remember that hard work pays off. With perseverance, talent, determination, and luck, anyone can succeed regardless of background.
One final thing to consider is that you don't necessarily have to stick to traditional paths in order to fulfill your dream. Startups allow budding entrepreneurs to test innovative business models and hone problem solving abilities. Of course, you'll need funding, a solid idea, and a unique product/service, but the rewards can outweigh the risks. After all, the odds of succeeding are higher than failing. If you plan to launch a startup anyway, why not try selling stuff first to support yourself until your venture takes root? Selling used items can save you tons of money and leave extra funds to invest in growth later. Alternatively, you can opt to start a digital platform that connects buyers with sellers. Sellers can either be individual users who list goods themselves or service providers who showcase wares. Users browse listings and contact sellers privately once they decide to buy items. Since everyone involved receives payment quickly and conveniently, transactions seem less stressful overall. Not to mention, both parties benefit from increased trust, security, and transparency.
Aside from getting employed, you can monetize your handwriting skill further by turning your hobby into a side hustle. Consider selling greeting cards or gift wrap. On Etsy, you can upload photos of artwork or share links to online shops where customers purchase custom gifts. If you're feeling ambitious, you can also sell crafts made by friends and family. Perhaps you're skilled at drawing, painting, knitting, sewing, baking, woodworking, photography, or jewelry crafting. Why not put your creativity to work and offer customized pieces to loved ones? When brainstorming ideas, search for patterns and tutorials available on Pinterest. From clothing alterations to furniture refinishing, there's surely something you can contribute to. Now that you've decided to strike out on your own, prepare for rejection. Be prepared for criticism when showing completed work. Ask questions regarding customer satisfaction and suggest improvements. By following simple guidelines, you can soon establish a reputation for quality work.
If you're a writer who likes the idea of making some extra cash by selling your words (or someone looking to start), then this article will help you learn about how to make money with writing. Whether it's an eBook or freelance work, we'll go over what types of jobs pay well when they come up in our field of expertise.
It may surprise you but there are plenty of ways for writers to find clients and earn money online without having any experience at all. If you have no prior training as a freelancer or author, don't worry! You can still land gigs if you know where to look. Here are just a few places where you could potentially be able to make money with writing.
Freelance Writing & Editing
This one’s obvious—you can literally sell your services as a ghostwriter or editor. There are tons of people out there who need these things done professionally so why not offer them your skills? This kind of job has been around forever and typically requires little-to-no previous experience working with other authors.
You’ll first want to familiarize yourself with different kinds of contracts that require various skill sets. For example, if you specialize in medical editing you might benefit from taking courses through programs such as American Medical Association Physician Assistant Training Program. Then once you decide which area of specialization you prefer, take advantage of platforms designed specifically for those needs.
For instance, HealthTap is a great resource for health professionals seeking information related to their career. Within its directory, you can search for specific terms within fields like “healthcare professional,” “physician assistant,” or “medical transcriptionist." In other words, HealthTap helps connect healthcare providers with potential employees.
Another platform called ProBlogger connects bloggers with advertisers. It offers a range of options like sponsored posts, native advertising opportunities, email marketing list subscriptions, etc. And BloggingPro also lets users create blogs using WordPress, Tumblr, Medium, among others.
There are many more sites available that allow you to promote products and brands while working solely from home. Once again, research each site before signing up because chances are good that you won’t receive payment until after completion of said gig. However, most of these sites provide direct deposit into your bank account as soon as the project gets completed. That way you don’t even have to wait for the check.
Copywriting & Content Marketing
Many businesses use promotional materials like ads, brochures, sales letters, newsletters, white papers, social media posts, and blog updates to market themselves. They hire copywriters to craft messages that catch attention and convince customers to purchase whatever product or service they’re offering.
So if you enjoy coming up with catchy headlines, witty slogans, and engaging descriptions, consider putting your talents to use doing some copywriting. To become proficient at this task, it’d probably be beneficial for you to sign up for classes through organizations like The Writers Guild Of America East.
Once you graduate, you’d then apply to companies interested in hiring you. Make sure you submit samples of your past works so that employers can see your abilities firsthand. Depending on whether you live in a big city or somewhere rural, prices vary depending on location. But generally speaking, rates tend to hover between $25-$75 per hour.
Technical Writing
Are you skilled in grammar, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure, vocabulary, style guides, industry jargon, and scientific terminology? If you answered yes to all of these questions, then becoming a technical writer would likely suit your interests. Many industries depend heavily upon written documents, so it makes sense that they’d seek qualified individuals to produce them.
To land this type of position, you must complete formal education through institutions such as DeVry University, Capella College, Harvard Extension School, University Of Washington Extension Course, International Federation Of Business And Technology Agents, National Technical Institute For The Blind, Oregon State University Online Campus, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill Online Campus, University Of Massachusetts Boston Online Campus, and University Of Nevada Las Vegas Online Campus.
After graduation, you should begin applying directly to tech firms, software developers, consultants, manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, universities, hospitals, schools, government agencies, associations, non-profits, and private entities. Most positions only request ten hours worth of work a week if you’re lucky enough to secure employment. Some companies may ask for more than ten hours though.
Writing A Book
Whether you've got an exciting novel inside of you or simply wish to share your life experiences with the world, self publishing isn't dead yet. With technology advancing rapidly and competition increasing every day, publishers aren't willing to give away millions of dollars anymore. So instead, you can publish your own books via Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, Apple Books, Barnes Noble Press, Kobo Writing Life, Lulu, Trafford, CreateSpace, iBooks Author, Sony Reader Store, Nook Press, Google Play Books, Baker & Taylor, HarperCollins Publishers, Penguin Random House, and Hachette Books.
While getting published doesn't guarantee success right off the bat, it definitely puts you ahead of the game compared to countless aspiring writers who never actually see a finished manuscript. Plus, you don't necessarily need to spend thousands of dollars on production costs, printing fees, distribution deals, etc., since these expenses are usually covered under royalties earned from the sale of copies sold at retail outlets.
Before deciding which areas of interest to pursue further, you'll want to identify which topics you'd like to explore. After all, there are dozens of online publications out there that cater to almost every subject imaginable. So where does one begin? Well, here are a couple ideas.
1. Answer Sites
Answer sites are pretty popular nowadays. Basically, anyone can post a question and leave comments/responses on a topic of their choosing. As long as you keep up with regularly scheduled answers, you shouldn't run into too much trouble finding steady work. Just remember to follow proper etiquette guidelines.
2. Forums
Online forums are another excellent option for writers. All you really need to succeed is time management and patience. While it takes time to build credibility, regular forum participation alone can increase visibility and eventually attract new followers.
3. Ecommerce Websites
Ecommerce websites often rely heavily upon user-generated content (i.e. reviews) to draw traffic. Therefore, quality customer testimonials and case studies are always appreciated. Before posting anything, ensure that you carefully proofread everything so that grammar mistakes don't detract from your message.
4. Social Media Platforms
Social media networks like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Reddit, Snapchat, YouTube, TikTok, Digg, StumbleUpon, Yahoo Answers, Quora, Couchsurfing, Tinder, Flickr, etc., are very helpful tools for establishing relationships with readers and gaining exposure. Simply put, you can drive targeted traffic toward your profile page by creating relevant accounts. From there, you can engage with fans and gain valuable feedback.
5. Classified Ads
Classified ads are perhaps one of the oldest forms of web advertising. People still place classified advertisements in newspapers and magazines hoping to find "the one" that shares commonalities with them.
6. Article Submission Services
One of the easiest ways to generate free publicity is submitting informative pieces to article submission sites. These include EzineArticles, ArticlesBase, Goarticles, Buzzle, Article Dashboard, AssociatedContent, MyWebWriter, Business24x7, HubPages, Vindale Research Group, eHow, BestOfTheBest, etc. Each site accepts submissions ranging from 500-1500 word count.
7. Paid Submissions
Paid submissions involve paying editors either monthly or annually to review your material. Since this method takes longer to achieve results, it’s recommended for established contributors with lots of existing content already uploaded.
8. Freestyle Magazine & Newspaper Advertisements
Most print and digital periodicals accept unsolicited contributions. Although the rate of compensation differs greatly based on publication preferences, the average annual income ranges anywhere from $500 -$10,000+. Be prepared to invest some time upfront to perfect your portfolio and pitch, however.
9. Guest Posts
Guest blogging involves contributing original content for high-traffic websites like Forbes, Huffington Post, Mashable, Inc., Entrepreneur, etc. Don’t expect to make hundreds of dollars overnight, unless you manage to break onto major news stories. On top of that, guest blogger agreements normally stipulate that you’ll be giving exclusive rights to distribute your piece.
10. Podcasting
Do you enjoy sharing personal thoughts and opinions with friends and strangers alike? Then podcasting might be something for you. Popular podcasters earn six-figure salaries, so earning respect from listeners isn’t difficult. One thing to note is that you’ll need to record podcasts yourself and upload them manually to hosting sites like Podbean, Libsyn, iTunes, Soundcloud, Blubrry, Castbox, Spreaker, PlayerFM, Anchor, and Spotify.
11. Video Sharing Platforms
Just follow our battle-tested guidelines and rake in the profits.