Making money as a freelance writer can be extremely difficult, especially if you want a regular income that can support a family and pay for the mortgage.
However, the reality is that unless you are a well-known author who has published novels, you are unlikely to get many offers. It will be you that has to search long and hard for the work before you even get to think about being paid to complete it.
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It’s a good thing there are websites and platforms that offer freelance writers the ability to earn money without having to work too hard to find those jobs.
Here is a selection of the best websites for freelance writers to make money:
Craigslist
Sure, Craigslist is well known in the media for being a website synonymous with untoward nighttime activities and criminal transactions. However, there is a less well-known, more innocent side to Craigslist.
The freelance writing section offers a huge selection of types of writing, such as blogs, news posts and novel ghostwriting. For a new writer, it might be best to steer away from Craigslist unless you have a good sense of when you are being taken for a ride.
The protection offered by Craigslist against scams is minimal and often nonexistent, so be very careful.
Textbroker
If you want a simple website to use to find freelance writing jobs, then Textbroker could be the website for you. Assignments are posted, and once you have been approved by the client, you have a set period to complete the work.
After you have completed it (provided it is in the time frame set), you are paid an already agreed price. This is perhaps the simplest transaction on the web.
WiseGeek
WiseGeek is not a website that should be used in an attempt to make good money, but it can be a supplement to a writing job. The site works through an affiliate program where you post articles, and for every click on your advertisement that you get, you are paid a small amount of money.
oDesk
While not designed specifically for writing jobs, oDesk is used by thousands of people who want small jobs done for them. So long as you indicate on your user profile that you are a freelance writer, you should find that jobs are easy enough to get. Just connect with the people who are posting the jobs.
This is probably a more respected version of Craigslist.
Demand Studio
Demand Studio is a website that it based around freelance writing. You sign up, list the area that you are a specialist writing in (you can only have one specialization and so multiple accounts might need to be created), and then you bid for contracts.
BreakStudios
This website is maintained by the same company that created Demand Studio, except this is the version where US citizens are the only people allowed to write articles for it.
BreakStudios is largely the same as Demand Studio, except that it has better opportunities for US writers to get contracts over outsourcing writers from foreign countries where English is not necessarily the first language.
If you are a US citizen, this is a better option than Demand Studio, as although there are fewer jobs posted, the pay is generally higher.
Elance
Elance combines a regular freelance writing website with protection for buyers. Once you have created an account, you are prompted to take tests which guarantee that you are a legitimate writer. By confirming your ability to write in English and fulfill grammar checks, you are then allowed to bid for jobs.
Suite 101
Suite 101 isn’t based around bidding for work, but rather getting your name listed on the Internet. Think of this is a resume/CV website for freelance writers. You can display your skills, and by providing your contact information, you may get jobs without having to search for them.
Every online writer should use this website to at least get their name showing on Google in reference to online writing services.
Helium
If you have used WiseGeek, you will be familiar with how Helium works. The only real difference is that WiseGeek is a smaller website and does not have as high Google page rankings.
You are more likely to get a better return with Helium, as your articles will be displayed more prominently than on WiseGeek. Once again, it’s not a website that can fund your lifestyle but can certainly be a supplement to your writing jobs.
Freelancer
The reason that Freelancer is the last on this list is simply that native English speakers struggle to get jobs on Freelancer due to writers from foreign countries undercutting them while claiming to be native speakers.
There aren’t any checks to ensure that writers are from the countries they claim, and so just by using the US, British or Canadian flag, they are trusted as native speakers.
Unless you are in a tight pinch financially, it’s best to stay away from Freelancer as much as possible. Don’t degrade yourself by accepting wages that are not fitting to your experience and ability.
Latest posts by Kate Funk (see all)
- The Best Websites for Freelance Writers to Make Money - August 11, 2013
Been busy with my studies. Anyways, this article caught my attention. Thanks for providing a list. However, I personally do not like oDesk, Freelancer and Elance. Most of the writing jobs there are only $2 per 500-word article.
MonMon recently posted…Feitan: Feel the Heat
Hi, Mon, thanks for dropping by. Actually, I would have to agree with you. Still, if you would really put in the effort, there’s a good chance you’ll find one that pays well. And I commend you for recognizing that a 500-word article, especially if well-written and well-researched, is never worth $2.
Maricel Rivera recently posted…7 Ways to Start Your Work Day on the Right Foot
Hi Kate, thanks for providing us with a great list of writing websites. Several sites in the list are great places to start out an online freelance writing career part-time in particular. However, some of the sites are not really easy to get into such as Demand Studios and WiseGeek. I have had great luck writing for private clients producing content on a wide variety of topics. Bidding websites usually do not provide jobs instantly and the process of landing a job is quite time-consuming and often uncertain. Selling articles at various article marketplace website can be a good option to make money with freelance writing. Also, many webmasters and bloggers have a “Write for Us” page on their websites and blogs and offer upfront payment for each approved piece of write-up. I will not recommend revenue sharing websites if you are not able to write a fair number of good articles for a good revenue sharing website. Besides, you need to promote your work too. You can also sell articles from your own blog or website. I hope this helps. Thanks a lot for this great post again.
Freelancer recently posted…What Is Search Engine Marketing?
No worries. You’ve shared valuable insights as well. Thank you!
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