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Kim Wilson
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Time-Saving Tips For Finding
Freelance Work Online
by Debbie
Ridpath Ohi
With the wealth of research
information available online, the Internet has the potential to be a valuable
tool to writers looking for freelance work. However, it's one thing to know the
info is out there and another to find it; sifting through the overwhelming
amount of "noise" and misleading information can often be a challenge to
freelancers, particularly those with limited time.
While researching freelance job listings to post on
Inkygirl.com, I've combed
hundreds of job boards and online resources of wildly varying quality. Based on
my experience, here are a few tips for writers who work from home on how to find
the best online resources and tools.
è
Learn how to use a search engine. Everyone knows how to type in a simple search
term and hit ENTER, but a good search engine will have advanced features that
can help you save time by narrowing down your search more quickly. In Google,
for example, try clicking on the "Advanced" option.
è
Before applying for a job listing, make sure it is current. Too many freelance
job listing boards out there update only intermittently, with no indication of
when a listing was posted.
Before putting the time and effort into applying for a particular job or writing
a detailed query, make sure the listing is still valid.
è
Check for payment and copyright details. If the listing doesn't mention payment,
don't assume there is any. I used to spend too much time applying for
promising-sounding jobs to find they only paid in contributors' copies or
royalties. Be sure to also verify what rights you are selling.
è When
considering applying for a specific job listed online, be selective. Remember
that chances are good that many other (sometimes
hundreds) freelance writers are also applying for that particular position, so
you'll save time and effort if you apply for clearly defined jobs for which you
are well-qualified.
è When
you apply for a position or put together a query, make sure each one is
well-researched and tailored specifically to that market or position. Too many
writers use the shotgun approach when sending e-mail applications or queries,
mistakenly assuming that quantity is more important than quality. You'll have a
far better chance of success and waste less time if you put the extra effort
into a single, well-tailored query than a general form letter sent out to dozens
of editors.
Following the tips above will help you save time and effort when looking for
freelance work online. And finally, here are a few useful online resources for
finding freelance work online:
Freelancewriting.com
This site was recently revamped so that job listings are now separated into
high-paying and low-paying positions, among other categories.
Craigslist
Click on one the list of cities on the right side of the page and then select
"Writing/editing jobs." Some city listings are more frequently updated than
others.
WritersWeekly
Weekly job listings that are verified before posting.
Writing-World
Articles on how to find markets
Journalismjobs.com
Sunoasis Jobs
I've collected these resources and more in Inkygirl.com, for those interested.
Good luck with your writing, and happy hunting!
Debbie Ridpath Ohi is a Toronto-based freelance writer whose
book, The Online Writers Marketplace, was published by Writer's Digest
Books. Inkygirl.com is her blog for
writers who work from home.
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Have You Read...
I Wanna
Win
by Cheryl Wright
If you want to win writing contests and earn that elusive tag of
'award-winning writer' or if you just want to hone your skills, this book will
point you in the right direction.
New to freelance writing?
Read
this informative article.
Read
Glossary of Writing Terms
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(Electronic & Print)
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Writing
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