How To Choose A Great Online Freelance Writing Job

If you’re looking to make a fulltime living, supplement your income, or make some money in between jobs, freelance writing may be a great fit for you. Not only can you work from anywhere, but with a diverse set of clients you’ll never get bored. However, it’s important to choose the right jobs for you.

• Focus on your strengths. You can find freelance work for almost any kind of writing: creative, scientific, academic, grants, technical, articles and blogs. Apply for jobs that you’re qualified for and that match your strengths as a writer. Not only will you be more likely to get them, but you will be able to complete them more efficiently and effectively.
• Make sure your rate is worth your time. Especially when you’re starting out, it can be tempting to underbid other writers to get the job. While this can be a great way to build up a resume and gain some credibility, be sure that you are making enough money to make the work worth your time.
• Choose a flat rate vs. hourly rate. Some clients will specify whether they will pay a flat rate or hourly rate for the job. If you are able to choose, you should ask yourself which you think you’d make more at, as well as how much back and forth do you think there will be with the client. If it is a straightforward simple job that won’t take much time, you may be better off with a flat rate. But if you think the client will be very involved in the revision process, an hourly rate will ensure you get fairly compensated for all your work.
• Pick clients who know what they want. Working with clients can be one of the hardest parts for most freelancers. Knowing how to communicate effectively with clients so you can translate their vision into reality is a skill you’ll need. However, when you come across a client that doesn’t really know what they want, you may spend more time helping them to figure it out than you do actually completing the project. If you’re being paid hourly you may not mind the extra time, but if you’re paid a flat rate, you’ll want to avoid this kind of client.
• Balance hard and easy jobs. Chances are you’ll be juggling several jobs at once in your freelance career. If you have a couple that are challenging, try to balance them with easier, more mindless jobs that you can use as a break.