Image via Pink Sherbet Photography
In Part 1 of this series, I discussed some of the things you should know before embarking on a freelancing journey, now I’m actually going to talk to you about how and where to start. If you are cool with what to expect and have set up a plan, then you are ready to actually start!
I personally started over a year ago at a co-op blog called Handmade News. I happened to find this website by coincidence and my previous experience working on an environmental campaign helped in landing me a GreenWise columnist position; however it was not until a year later when I started taking freelancing seriously and began looking for more websites and options.
So, without further ado, I will present to you my top picks for places to begin your freelancing career.
GMW Top Picks for Starting a Freelancing Career
Where to start getting paid for writing right away: These three websites are a good place to start and will definitely pave the way for more opportunities later on.
1. Associated Content (now known as the Yahoo Contributor Network): I have read time and time again that you cannot expect to be a successful freelance writer without being a contributor for Yahoo. After about 6 months I can truly vouch for this and say that Associated Content does not only have competitive pay, they are also an outlet to major websites and get major traffic. In fact, within a couple of weeks of having written for Associated Content, Environmental Graffiti was already asking if I could write a few articles for them. Associated Content can be kind of overwhelming for the beginner so I whipped up a little fact sheet on Google Docs for you all.
2. Demand Studios: If you already have some experience then you can apply to write for Demand Media via their studios. Demand Studios pays very well per article and creates content for eHow, AnswerBag, and Livestrong. They have a very helpful editorial team and some of the most efficient writers can make up to $300 a day. In addition to writing, they are also constantly looking for film makers and copywriters. Just a warning though, many of the articles are extremely technical so it may be difficult to find content you would like to write on. My approach is simple: even if it is extremely technical or obscure at least I learn something new.
3. Examiner.com: I am going to be 100% honest when I tell you I thought this was a scam, that is until I got an email from PayPal telling me that I had been paid. Examiner may not pay as much as other sites, but if used properly it can definitely get you some extra cash and exposure.
Freelancing Websites and Job Boards: Helpful websites with guides and job listings.
1. Freelance Writing Gigs: A great website for anything pertaining to your freelancing career. Also has a great job board for finding writing gigs.
2. About Freelance Writing: Wonderful guides and daily postings of writing jobs.
3. Get Paid to Write Online: Another great site with resources, free eBooks, and even blogging tips for taking your freelancing career to a new level.
I hope this is a sufficient list for any of you who want to get started! Keep a look out in coming weeks when I will post more about self promotion, the importance of having your own website as a writer, the importance of giving back, what a writer’s resume looks like, and how to come up with proposals.
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