Online Writing Jobs for Beginners

Online writing jobs for beginners can be an excellent way to get the experience you need to build a successful career as a professional writer. The Internet has created many opportunities for people to earn money writing articles, blogs, e-courses, and other forms of Web content.

Learn how to be a freelance Web content writer.

To make money writing online, you should meet a few basic requirements:

• Access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection
• Strong grasp of English spelling and grammar
• Able to manage time effectively
• Enjoy learning about a variety of topics
• Substantial knowledge in one or more specialty areas, such as health, home improvement, or technology

While a college degree in English, journalism, or communications is certainly helpful, it is by no means required. There are a number of people who have transitioned to writing online after working in other career fields. If you're reliable and willing to work hard, your educational background is unlikely to be an issue.

If you're interested in making money by writing online, keep in mind the following helpful tips:

• Know how to protect yourself. Unfortunately, the growth of online writing opportunities has led to a number of scam artists hoping to take advantage of people who want to work from home. Remember that you should never have to pay to find a job, get as many project details in writing as possible, and be cautious of anyone offering something that seems too good to be true.
• Don't let people talk you into writing for free. Unless you're doing work for a charity that you're truly passionate about, you don't need to be writing for free. Even a beginner deserves to be compensated for his or her time and effort.
• Don't advertise your beginner status. Obviously, you shouldn't lie about your level of experience. However, there is no need to advertise that you've only been writing for a few months or that this is your first major assignment. Let your skills and enthusiasm do the talking for you.
• Be eager to please. Do your best to keep your clients happy, even if it means making the occasional revision that you don't agree with. Satisfied clients provide good recommendations and referrals, which you'll need if you want steady work.
• Be careful about what personal information you allow online. Once you start writing, you can expect clients to Google your name on a regular basis. You don't want them to be able to find pictures of you at a keg party, a forum post you wrote badmouthing your boss, or an incoherent blog rant about your ex-boyfriend.

To find online writing jobs for beginners, LoveToKnow Freelance Writing suggests visiting the following helpful Web sites:

• Associated Content: This popular content site is where many established online writers published their first pieces.
• Bukisa: Although they are a fairly new content site, Bukisa's policies make them very open to submissions from new writers.
• eHow: This site lets you publish how-to articles in exchange for a percentage of the advertising revenue they generate.
• Helium: Build your portfolio by taking assignments from the Helium marketplace or entering various writing contests.
• Mechanical Turk: A new venture from Amazon.com, this marketplace for telework assignments includes several small online writing jobs appropriate for beginners.
• Squidoo: Creating small Web pages on your interests is a good way to build up your portfolio while earning a bit of extra cash.

To learn more about how to find freelance writing jobs, please review the following LoveToKnow Freelance Writing articles:

• Freelance Writer Needs Work
• Freelance Writing Opportunities
• Freelance Writer Assignments
• Finding Freelance Writing Jobs: Interview with Jodee Redmond

• Erotica Writing Prompts
• Mystery Writing Prompts
• Creative Writing Prompts for Children

• Quickest Way to Make Money Writing
• Tips on Writing a Memoir
• How to Write a Concrete Poem
• Free Creative Writing Software
• Writing Essay on Myself