Learning How To Pen Your Passion

If you're anything like me, you'll know that finding a real, legitimate freelance job opportunity is hard work. It requires some real research, a lot of time, and much effort to find the perfect opportunity to earn some extra cash for your material. Many sites seem to be the perfect chance, but unfortunately, many of them have hidden agendas — fees that haven't been disclosed, failure to tell the user just how long it will take to acquire some real cash.

Of course, each writer needs to start somewhere, but if you aren't sure of what you're looking for (or just not quite ready to dive in headfirst), it can be frustrating — and kind of frightening, if we're being honest! The competition out there is brutal, but I'm not saying this stuff to tear your hopes down and crush your dreams. I am, however, willing to provide you, the aspiring writer, with some quick and in-depth tips to improve your chances at scoring the dream job you've always wanted: making an income through your passion.

First and foremost, we need to start off with grammar and spelling. Make sure your material is accurate, even if that just means getting your document(s) reviewed by a peer. Two sets of eyes are always better than just one. When you've worked on something for so long, and invested so much effort into it, it can sometimes become difficult to differentiate between what is acceptable, and what isn't.

That being said, make sure the content that you are writing is accurate (if it isn't purely opinionated). You wouldn't want to supply your faithful readers with false information, would you? Me neither!

Here are some quick and in-depth tips to get your foot in the door of freelance writing:

1. Have a passion. If you have something that you are passionate about, it will be easier to gauge the topic you're looking to write about. If your passion is dogs, write about dogs. If your passion is rain, write about rain. You get the idea!

2. Broaden your knowledge. Take inspiration from other sources (but not too much). Remember, originality is key, and while some inspiration from outside sources is encouraged, at the end of the day, the content needs to be in your own words. Copying information from another source will only result in the rejection of your article (and potentially being permanently banned from the freelance website — and we certainly wouldn't want that!)

3. Realize that freelance writing isn't just limited to articles. There are various opportunities out there, such as blogging, brochures, web pages, and other business marketing materials. Some freelance writers even specialize in creative writing!

4. Know what you are going to charge for your content. Though many freelance websites offer projects that already have a payment in place, others don't — and if you are just beginning (even if you are a gifted writer), it's better to start off modest, build your reputation, and work up the totem pole from there. Don't make your payments outrageously expensive, but alternatively, ensure that you are earning some sort of revenue from your material.

5. Fear. We all have it. The fear of rejection, and ultimately, failure. Every writer had to begin somewhere. If you think we all got to where we are with the click of a few fingers, you are sadly mistaken. It takes a lot of blood, sweat, and tears — but I promise you, if this is what you are passionate about, it will pay off in the end. As long as you are doing what you love, you will never work a day in your life.

6. Contracts. Though they may be a pain, many websites require that you do enter binding contracts with them. Most requesters (the people who actually advertise for help with writing their content) will also have you enter a binding contract. If you are writing with a site that doesn't require a contract, avoid that site at all costs. If no contract is in place, they have absolutely no obligation to pay you. Again, definitely something we want to avoid!

7. Time. Just like everything, it takes time. Be persistent, and never give up. Each time you fall, get right back up, and in no time, you'll be doing what you love — and in turn, loving life! Plus, who wouldn't want to be their own boss? Definitely an added perk, if you ask me.

Below are some sites that I have researched extensively (and joined many of them in the past) that you may want to consider joining in order to kickstart your freelance writing career!

http://www.elance.com/ - Offers freelance writing, graphic design, etc.
http://www.iwriter.com/ - Offers fixed rate articles.
http://www.textbroker.com/ - For US citizens only. Potential to earn $0.07 per word.
http://www.worldstart.com/ - If you're versed in computers and technology, this is definitely the place for you! Write tutorials, etc.
http://www.about.com/ - You've probably been on this website before, so need I say more?

Best of luck on your future writing endeavors! Don't give up.