Becoming a freelance writer, at least full-time, is a huge decision. Do you have the clients? The time? The will? The health insurance? The size of the risk is matched only by the reward, and that can be intimidating. So I put together what is probably the best flowchart ever made in the history of flowcharts (at least according to one study I didn’t make up) to help make the decision easier.
Spelled Right, Used Wrong: Commonly Misused Words
Every writer knows that they should spell-check their work — but what if the words you use are spelled correctly, but they’re still wrong? Sometimes, it’s not the spelling that’s the problem; grammatical issues can get in the way even when every word in a sentence is in the dictionary. Let’s look at a few examples.
Posted in Writing Tips
Should I Write for Free? The Ultimate Guide for Beginning Freelancers
I started out writing this as a guide to writing for free as a freelancer. My personal belief that writing for free is beneficial for beginning freelancers guided the piece, but the more I read of the opposing viewpoint, the more I understood it. Just because writing for free worked for me doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone, so here are some pros and cons to writing for free. Make the decision for yourself… I can’t handle the pressure!
Posted in Freelance Writing
Proof Appositive – The Appositive and Appositive Phrase | The Red Pen
You know you want to
Today’s installment of The Red Pen is about the appositive, a grammatical construction that you probably never knew existed — but if you do, you saw what I just did there and can probably stop reading.
Posted in Writing Tips
Creating A Freelance Writing Website – What Not To Do
Every day, I get to work, grab a cup of coffee, say hello to my team here at OWJ, and open my email. I’m never far from my email, and it’s usually the last thing I check before bed, but somehow there are always plenty of unread little love notes to go through. One of those emails, and then two or three more throughout the day, will always be someone wanting me to visit their freelance writing website. The email usually goes something like this:
Good morning Online Writing Jobs!
My name is Joe Writer and after looking at your site I believe my writing skills can greatly help your company! I have written for numerous publications in the past, and believe that my experience fits perfectly with your goals. Please visit my website for more information.
Thank you,
Joe Writer
ThisGuySucksAtWriting.com
Being the naturally curious person I am, I visit the website. One minute later, I’m off the website, wondering why I keep falling for this. Here are some screenshots of Joe Writer’s website (which I totally didn’t just create), ThisGuySucksAtWriting.com, and the reasons I wouldn’t hire Joe:
Posted in Freelance Writing
Sometimes, it's not just about doing well, it's about doing your best. Writing blogs exist to help you sharpen your skills, expand your vocabulary, and improve your grammar. Our blog aims to do just that and much more. We want to help you boost your skills and your confidence in yourself as a freelance writer. Blog posts from Online Writing Jobs cover a variety of topics, from content marketing tips to detailed grammar guidance. You can stay up to date with any major announcements as well. Learn about writing, marketing, and how to improve your career in freelance writing. Blogs, articles, and in-depth pieces can be easier and more fun to complete when you continue to aim for your best. Let us know what you think by leaving us comments or finding us on social media. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter!