Editorial freelancing can run the gamut from copyediting, writing and proofreading to graphic design, illustration and word processing.
However, breaking into the writing sector is the easiest way to go, in my opinion. Why? Simply put, the Internet has brought a need for content like no other medium. There are newsletters, e-mags and niche-specific content needs that don't require the journalistic background of traditional media forums (ie, magazines and newspapers).
Content is king, especially on the Internet. All many web publishers look for is fresh content with a different angle to it (humor, sarcastic bite, informative edge, etc.). So, if you know the subject matter, or are adept at doing the research required to put together a cohesive article, 9 times out of 10, you can find a market for it.
As it's much easier to put up a website than publish a magazine, there are literally hundreds of thousands of venues to market yourself as a content provider. Further, mainstream companies are paying more attention to their web presence. So, in addition to offline content needs, they have a need for fresh material for their online presence.
Visit the InkwellEditorial.com job boards today!
http://www.InkwellEditorial.com/postjob.htm: Full-time listings. http://www.InkwellEditorial.com/freelance-jobs.htm: Freelance listings.
http://journalism.nyu.edu/alumni/careerservices/internships/recentintern.html
However, if you are more of a generalist and target various markets (greeting card writing, book reviews, niche e-zines), you will have to churn out more pieces to replace your salary. However, it can be done.
The ways to make money as a freelance writer are innumerable. And, you don't have to sit on your hands and wait for an assignment like, for example, a copy editor or proofreader. If things get slow, you can always do the writing first and then spend your time pitching it to various outlets instead of waiting for the phone to ring.
The Variety of Content Needed is Staggering -- Capitalize on It!
Following are some writing jobs advertised on Elance.com. From poker to press releases -- you're sure to find something within your range. These opportunities were pulled at random to show you the variety of writing that companies and individuals alike are willing to pay for. Notice that the rates are none to shabby.
1. I need emails written in story form promoting the use of various products we sell. These emails will be used on an autoresponder. Stories to show how the products can be used. Will provide links to information on the products and an example email. Pay: Between $250 and $500.
2. We require 30 keyword optimized web articles of around 250-300 words, plus compelling headline. Articles are to be based on 1 optimized keyword per page. Writer to research and write an original and informative article. Pay: Less than $250.
3. In need of a fluent English content writer to write adult content pages for dating related site. Must be highly creative! Love, fantasy and erotic content writing experience a must! Goal is to create thousands of content pages. Pay: Between $500 and $750.
4. I want to launch an internet guide to online poker, offline poker and poker in general. I need a complete, well-structured guide delivered in HTML format. Pay: Between $1,000 and $1,500.
5. Business - we are looking for a writer who can provide us with 2 - 4 press releases that we can distribute to the media - especially contacts we have at The New York Times, Arch Digest and various trade publications. Pay: Between $1,000 and $1,500.
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Looking for freelance writing work, but don't know where to start or have the time to actively seek assignments? Coming in April: List of 1,000 Paying Markets to begin your search!
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Sample Listing: Home/Lifestyle Magazine. Seeks articles on interior design, shopping, entertaining, recipes, art and more. Pays $100-$500/article. The majority of our leads are little-known, industry-specific publications/firms that many freelancers don't target because they rarely advertise. We will only sell a limited number per year and the list will be updated/added to annually. Backed by a 100% money-back guarantee!****************************************************************************
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