If you are considering becoming an online freelance writer, you should definitely pursue it. While it is likely that you have no illusion that you will become rich overnight, chances are that you imagine in the back of your mind that you could be the future Agatha Christie, Stephen King, JK Rowling, or even a Dean Koontz, maybe even a cartoonist, screenwriter, or a celebrity blogger. Whatever the source of this passion that drives you to put prose to the computer screen, check out some lessons that I learned on the way to becoming a freelance online writer.
Join online writer groups
Many writing groups exist all over the Internet, particularly on LinkedIn, Google+, Facebook, etc. Similar to many other professions, the best knowledge comes from those who have already traveled that path. Even in a professional as traditional and well known as writing, thanks to the constant changes in technology, new conventions emerge, and one can always learn more. Online writing groups can offer insight into topics such as how much money you can make, the importance of researching your topics, SEO promotion, sharpening your grammar, spelling, over all writing skills, the best sites to find writing jobs, and so much more. This stands as the single best first step for a budding online freelance writer.
Become an avid reader of a variety of subjects
One thing that I have discovered is that everyone does not share your interests, nor will your interests generate a great deal of excitement in everyone. For this reason, develop a broader interest in a variety of subjects. I personally had to expand my knowledge of video games, sports such as racing, and pool fence installation. These have been some of my most read columns. You can certainly still write about topics of which you know well. Yet, you might find it a fun discovery to explore topics, outside of your field of expertise. Conceptualize your writing role models in the age of the Internet. Shakespeare would have loved it. I am convinced that my favorites such Alex Haley or James Michener would have enthralled with it as well.
Before you submit your masterpiece, read it aloud.
This is the best way to catch spelling mistakes, confusing sentences, or even unimaginative writing. When you read aloud, your ear is also involved in the comprehension, rather than just listening to your inner voice. You will be surprised how useful this exercise is. There is nothing more disappointing to finding a glaringly obvious spelling error in an article, particularly the moment after you sent it. We have all experienced this.
Embrace the joy of writing!
Yes, let yourself feel that sense of satisfaction of having written something for all of humanity to read! Writers are a passionate group and love knowing that others are enjoying their point of view, their knowledge, and their window into the world. Our paper, our keyboard, our computer screen, our website, our blog is our canvas. Literary self-expression is a mighty art. The Internet can be an online freelance writer’s Louvre.
