Online Published Writing

Online published writing has created many new opportunities for freelance writers.

Writing online can be a good way to build a successful freelancing career.

The primary appeal of online published writing is instant gratification. Instead of waiting months to see your article in print, you can view your work online just a few days after it has been submitted. Payment also tends to be quicker for online markets, with many companies paying via PayPal deposits on a weekly basis.

For those interested in beginning a freelance career, there are a number of opportunities available in the field of online writing. Writers can create:

• Blogs
• E-zines
• E-books
• Informational articles
• SEO content
• Product descriptions

Payment for online writing projects usually falls into one of three categories:

• Revenue share: With a revenue share arrangement, you earn a percentage of the advertising income your article generates.
• Flat fee: This means you are paid per project, such as $20 for a 500 word article. You earn the same amount regardless of how long the project takes you to complete.
• Hourly rate: For projects involving a great deal of research, an hourly rate is sometimes preferable.

Qualifications for landing freelance writing assignments vary. Some clients will want writers with a college degree in journalism or English, while others will prefer professional work experience relating to a topic area such as insurance or health care. Most will want to see a selection of writing samples to get a feel for your personal style. If you're just starting out, you may want to volunteer your services for a worthy non-profit organization in order to get a few samples for prospective clients.

To learn more about how to find online job opportunities for freelance writers, check out the LoveToKnow Freelance Writing articles on Jobs for Writers on the Internet, Job Listings for Writers, and Telecommute Jobs for Writers.

Although the number of online writing markets available means that it is somewhat easier to break into online writing than print freelancing, it should be noted that writing online is not a "shortcut" to beginning a successful career. Strong writing skills, a solid work ethic, a professional demeanor, and a commitment to continually building your knowledge are necessary to excel as freelance writer, regardless of whether you're published online or in print.

Additionally, it's important to keep in mind that the style used in online writing is significantly different from what you'd find in a newspaper or magazine. Online published writing uses short sentences without a great deal of description. Articles are often written to aid readers who are simply "skimming" for the answer to a particular question. Bullets, lists, and subheadings are used to visually separate information. Pictures, videos, and links are common as well.

One of the most widely debated issues in the world of online published writing is whether or not a writer should insist on a byline for his or her work. While bylines are not an option for assignments that involve ghostwriting, it's generally a good idea to get a byline whenever possible. Having your name attached to an article gives you more credibility in the eyes of prospective clients. A byline says that you are an experienced professional freelance writer. If you're going to give up your right to a byline, it's best to negotiate an increase in pay to help offset the loss.

On the other hand, many freelance writers often take assignments that are simply a way to pay the bills. They may not want articles on payday loans, gambling tips, or "as seen on TV" skin care products to be part of their professional portfolio. In this case, working without a byline or using a pen name may be a better option. As a writer, your name is the "brand" of your business. Think carefully about what types of information you want others to be able to find when they search for your name online.

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