Where to Find Freelance Writing Jobs that Pay Money and Not Diaper Coupons

People often ask how I started freelance writing and where I actually find jobs mostly because I know it’s pretty damn amazing that anyone would pay me for this ridiculousness, but also because lots of writers are trying to generate some kind of income before they become bestselling authors. If you’re just wondering because of the first reason, this blog post isn’t going to help because I am still just as amazed as anyone and that’s that.

I have written for various publications since 2003, but only online since around 2006. My initial plan was to write a children’s book and at the time, this meant querying agents and publishing houses… and actually writing a book that someone would buy. I found out along the way that I probably cuss and write too many inappropriate not-for-children-type things, to write a children’s book. Needless to say, the book never actually got written although I had spent a lot of time researching what to do once it was and had nailed down some magazine work at the same time.  2006 I realized I needed to make some money and started looking for jobs online.

Way back when I used to write with a feather pen…

Finding Writing Jobs Online

I work in an office full time so I have a limited amount of time for freelance work. At the moment, I have enough work and clients to be considered a full time freelance writer as well. I still go through my regular routine and check out who’s looking for what and I still apply for writing gigs. Partially because I like to torture myself with too much work and partially because I am not yet confident enough in the freelance writing world that  I can relax and depend on what I have. Also, I probably need a better hobby than “finding more work”.

Every day (or almost) I check these sites for writing jobs. You will also find jobs for copywriting, social media, and a bunch of other online work. There are tons of these sites, but these are the ones I’ve personally had the most luck with and seem to be the least scammy. I have also found work for writers I know that write on specific topics.

Problogger

Lots of blogging information at this site but I usually only check the Jobs tab. I think one of my first freelance gigs came from here.

Freelance Writing Gigs

Everything you need to know about freelance writing, but again I usually just check the jobs.

Media Bistro

You need to set up an account here but it’s free. Select the “jobs” tab and then enter “writing” in the search box. Media Bistro generally advertises the higher end writing jobs.

CraigsList

Check the Craigslist in your area. I have worked locally for a couple publications, so it isn’t impossible to find a work from home job in your area. Be careful though of the ads on Craigslist as many are scammy and a lot of them do not pay. Check the bottom of the ad where it says “compensation” if it says “hahaha” or “fame but no fortune” or “zero” or anything else that is not a dollar amount, they are looking for free writers. And I very rarely tell anyone to write for free.

Be aware that you will not hear from every job you apply for. Do not expect a reply unless they are hiring you – I don’t recall too many online publications that send out rejection letters. And it should go without saying that you do not send anyone any money, credit card numbers or anything else that has to do with money in order to get a job.  Don’t be stupid.

Next post will be on the wondrous email I send to get the job. It’s obviously pretty amazing. And sometimes has cuss words. ¹

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