Any career that is financially and professionally uncertain raises some eyebrows and creates worry. Freelance writing sits near the top of uncertain careers. However, there are countless out there who will cross the treacherous fields of writing in order to make a living doing what they love, and feel are good at. But the world of writing/publishing is in constant evolution, and publishing is taking on new ground which changes the way writers make their living.

If freelance writers want to increase their chances of success in the writing game they may want to form a deeper bond with their computers. Not just for producing works but submitting and looking for clients. Online writing is increasing, and smart writers are using the internet to form and build their writing careers.

If you, like so many others, pay little attention to the internet when it comes to actually getting published you may want to consider the following advantages to writing for the online market.

For starters email saves time and makes communication between writers, editors and publishers much easier. Writers who don’t at least have an email address will be left behind in the writing/publishing world, this is not say that print media is ancient history but email makes communication faster and easier.

Less competition

Popularity of the internet is still relatively new. They are fewer writers competing for markets on the internet. It’s a great time to start branding yourself and your skills. Online publications are also more open to working with new writers. The internet allows you access to a number of smaller markets that give you experience and exposure. Exposure is the lifeblood for freelance writers and publications online can help you accumulate clips.

Exposure

Regular print publications circulation is limited to the number of copies printed, which is limited by the publications budget. An online publication has a much larger potential audience. Anyone from anywhere in the world with internet connection can access the content. This can lead to invitations to write articles for other publications and some companies/organizations may request reprint rights for these pieces for conference handouts, newsletters and magazines.

Shorter turn around time

Many online writers report a shorter turn around response time when making quires and submissions as well as shorter editorial lead time.

Shelf life

An article sold to a print publication has a shelf life of a few months at max. On line however, your article can be on a website for a much longer period of time, since publications usually keep archives available.

Interaction with readers

An online market offers much more direct response for readers, in fact online is much more about dialogue. Getting a review directly from a reader can help you to determine your strengths and weaknesses as a writer.

No geographical boundaries

Writers writing for overseas markets through traditional methods must deal with long distance phone call, time difference, postage, hassle and slow surface mail. As an online freelancer you can work in different countries and cities, the only thing you really need is an email address.

Of course nothing is perfect, and online writing has its share of disadvantages as well. For instance, it is possible for just about anyone to post with little effort and money, anyone can get into a public forum and be “published” thus the quality of writing varies greatly. Online markets do not pay as well as print publications yet.

According to Ken Jenk, an online publisher, the reason it doesn’t pay well is because there are not as many paying customers online yet.

However, as the popularity of the internet grows so do the number of paying markets and types of opportunities for writers.

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You may have heard of freelance work, but why should you consider it as a work at home option?

Freelance work, also know as freelancing, means that you are hired for a specific project. You are not hired part-time or full-time, you are simply hired to work until the project is done.

Freelance work can be anything from writing to inside sales. The internet offers a number of sources for freelance work.

Web design and web writing are growing markets right now and prove to be very profitable if you have the right skills. But there are many forms of freelance work that you can do from home such as photography, animation, proofreading and translation, and data entry.

Most freelance jobs can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. However, it varies depending on the job or type of work.

Is freelance work right for you?

Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Am I comfortable in a leadership role? Along with being your own boss, you may have to guide or direct some clients when appropriate.

2. Am I decisive?

Being your own boss means it will be up to you to make the decision to ensure your business is a success. Nobody else is responsible for filling out important forms or chasing down a client when payment is overdue.

3. Have I thought through the financial implications of going it alone?

Because you do not have a steady stream of income you may have to develop your business part time while still working your full time job.

4. Am I willing to adapt to different areas

A freelance writer for example, may be asked to write on subjects outside his specialized field or take on jobs in other areas for example writing and editing.

5. Do I have the ability to get on with other people and make new working relationships easily?

Your success will depend heavily on your people skills. Successful freelance are able to network effectively to continue to gain more work for themselves.

6. Can I look for my own freelance work?

While there are agencies out there that provide freelance work, you can greatly increase your income if you can scout your own clients.

If you said yes to most of the above, freelance work may be the perfect career for you.

With freelancing you can find the jobs you want and do them on your schedule. As long as you can meet the deadline you can work whenever you choose.

Tips to get started

1. Research your market

What skills do you have and who would be interested in paying for them. What type of competition do you have?

2. Identify your business goals

What exactly do you want to achieve by being in business. Is it a certain lifestyle or a certain financial target within a specified time span?

3. Write a business plan
Every business, big or small needs a business plan. It will help to focus on the objectives and structure the financial side of your business

4. Set up your company

Since you will be working from home, set up a space in your home that you can use as your office. Keep it organized to maximize efficiency.