13 Best Freelance Writing Job Websites
Recently I blogged about awakening the writer inside and since being online I have learned that freelance writing is actually very popular amongst many bloggers. Since it provides us with instant income in return for our written words, we can earn a decent income once we manage to build our brand.
Despite this, many writers struggle to find enough work and often this is because they don’t know where to score some decent gigs. Since becoming a freelance writer myself I have scored the web high and low for the best sites to hunt down some jobs.
A couple of my readers asked me to provide them with additional writing resources and that is why I wrote this post. I want to share with you the very best of freelance writing job sites I have found since being online and when I’m looking for more work it is through one of those sites that I do.
Freelance Opportunities Job Sites:
Elance is a great market place for professionals of all walks of life. Whether you are a writer or a designer, you can get some decent work trough Elance. Membership accounts range from FREE to $39.95/month for large businesses.
Elance charges a service fee of between 6.75 % – 8.75 % for paid jobs.
Guru is designed to service freelancers of all kinds and has a very active bulletin board. I’m a free member of Guru and so far I haven’t managed to score a job with them. I believe that it is probably better paying for membership if you are serious at scoring a decent writing job.
Guru offers FREE as well as paid memberships and they range from $29.95 to $99.95 per quarter. Once you get paid for a job well done, Guru takes between 5 % – 10 % commission.
ScriptLance is probably the most known website for freelancers all around the world. It is also the most notorious since most freelancers find work there first. Many freelancers sell themselves really cheap there just to get some work and this is damaging the whole industry.
I personally have had some great finds there but the secret is to stand out from the crowd. Don’t sell yourself short!
ScriptLance is FREE for all and they take a 5 % commission on work paid to you.
oZLance is a freelance website focused to bring more connections to Australian and New Zealand professionals and connecting business owners with freelancers. The site is still very young but is also open to worldwide registration.
You can sign up for FREE and pay a small fee to get accredited if you want to for better exposure. There isn’t much traffic yet and you won’t find too many writing gigs, but having said this, there are the occasional bargains.
Freelance Writing is one of those sites to get lost in easily. They have a huge range of information and links leading to other related websites. Whenever I visit the site I find myself still browsing an hour later. So be warned!
Journalism Jobs is simply put a job website for many professionals around the world. Some are in house based and others allow you to work remote.
The best way to see whether there are suitable offers for your experience is to do a keyword search.
Get A Freelancer is similar to ScriptLance and again it is probably more so a good site for beginners in freelance writing since the money is mostly very bad. There is nothing wrong with writing for $5 an article when you first start out, but once you gain credibility and experience this is simply ridiculous.
Writer Lance (updated 21.January 2008 site is down and seemingly no longer available) is a new favorite of mine. There are plenty of job offers and they seem to pay a decent rate too. Registration is FREE and they charge you a 3 % fee of your income.
Suite 101 is an article/freelance site that invites freelance writers into their network. They claim to get 6 millions of views every month and will pay you a share of their income. What is great about Suite 101 is the fact that they have such a broad article gallery where you will find something to write about in your chosen field.
You Can sign up for FREE and start earning revenue straight away by writing great articles.
iFreelance is one of the best freelance websites because of the sheer amount of good paying jobs available. Membership levels vary between $ 3.91 – $ 6.58/month but that is all you pay. iFreelance doesn’t charge you a commission fee of your earnings. So fire away by applying for your dream jobs.
Helium is a freelance writers platform that lets you indulge into you craft. Possible income happens from being very active on the site and write a lot. Articles are voted by the active community and you can also compete for paid freelancing gigs.
Helium has a huge active reader and writer base and you can write about any topic you like.
CraigsList has been a secret money maker for many entrepreneurs on the Internet for month. It is a huge job and advertising network that spans across the globe and is free to use. You can source writing jobs and a lot more.
You can also advertise your services for free but you need to be careful not to scam the system. If you do, your ads will be gone in no time.
Pro Blogger Job Board is updating all kind of online jobs every week. You will find blogging jobs, writing, design and more. But you have to be quick in snapping up the good ones as his site is heavily trafficked.
So check back often!
Please remember that in order to land yourself some good paying freelance writing jobs you will need to be professional in your approach and possibly have an online resume. It also helps if you have client testimonials from past clients since it validates your claim to fame.
Make it a habit to stand out from the crowd in order to get noticed. I have personally managed to snap some jobs because I dared to be different so it has served me well.
But always be true to yourself and don’t lie about your experience – it will only bite you in the bum. If you have to start low, then do it. Work it and before you know you will be able to earn a satisfactory income as a freelance writer.
I wish you success and happiness and should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Also, to see part two of my Freelance Writing Job Websites please follow the link.
Monika
Technorati Tags: freelance writingfreelancing,writing,writers,freelancers
About the Author: I'm a passionate freelance writer and problogger. To further build my business I'm also in the process of building my own niche empire which pays me residual income.
Mike Smith | Dec 7, 2007 | Reply
Do you have any specific site(s) that you think is the best at grabbing quality clients and has less chance/turnover for fraud? I’ve been getting into the blogging scene more lately since I’ve been designing more blogs and wouldn’t mind trying my hand at some freelance writing.
Any tips or direction would be great
Thanks,
Mike
Monika | Dec 7, 2007 | Reply
Mike: that’s great to hear, you will find freelance writing most likely very satisfying, especially once you earn money.
As for personal favorites, I’d have to say iFreelance, WriterLance, Elance and oZLance.
I’ve gotten quite a few jobs on ScriptLance when I first stared out, but am not happy with the low rates most writers offer there. So these days I tend to stay away from them.
Jason A Clark | Dec 7, 2007 | Reply
This is a really good list that I think a lot of bloggers (in particular) will find very useful. I know I haven’t even heard of all of these sites so I’ve already learned something. Thanks.
Carla Chadwick | Dec 8, 2007 | Reply
Hi Monika,
What a helpful list! I knew about some of these but not all. I’m going to bookmark it.
BTW, I stumbled and zoomed this page.
Writing Jobs | Dec 8, 2007 | Reply
I know it’s quite a new platform, but you may want to add http://www.bizreef.com/Writing to your list.
It’s a general platform for freelnacers (such as GAF and Elance) with a section dedictaed to freelance writers.
Michelle | Dec 8, 2007 | Reply
Hi Monika,
One website to add to your list: oDesk. oDesk makes it easy to find freelance writing and blogging jobs. Plus, unlike other marketplace sites, oDesk allows you to get paid by the hour, which is great for long-term writing gigs and copy editing jobs.
Take a look!
Michelle
oDesk
Athlyn | Dec 8, 2007 | Reply
What a great site. I especially appreciate your observations/summations about the different sites.
Another site that pays monthly residuals is Triond. Writing keyword articles and bookmarking them pays off. Triond is similar to Helium; however you don’t have to wait until your earnings reach a ceiling amount. You are paid each month.
writeandearnaliving | Dec 8, 2007 | Reply
Hi Monika,
I’ve included a link to your great site at my writing blog.
Monika | Dec 8, 2007 | Reply
Jason: yes, I hope it will help bloggers and freelancers alike to find some more work. Thank you for submitting my piece to Blogging Zoom too.:-) it is much appreciated.
Carla: thank you so much. Watch out for part 2 of this resource.
Bizreef: thank you for letting me know, your site will go into part 2
Michelle: I just signed up with you lot and posted my profile, took the first test and scored 98%. Now I’m waiting for suitable job offers. I’ll also include your site into part 2.
Athlyn: thanks for your nice comment and giving me constructive feedback. I knew about triond but didn’t deem them worthy enough for the list. I realize now that was presumptuous on my behalf and will also include them in part 2.
I also just realized that you are the next commenter too.
Duh…thanks for blogging about me. I tried to leave a comment but the window came up to skewered and small. Not sure whether this is due to me or not.
Also we seem to have in common our love for birds. Your little Miss Muggles looks so cute.
writeandearnaliving | Dec 9, 2007 | Reply
Hi Monika,
Yes, I mentioned Triond because I have found that this is has been a reliable monthly income stream for me. Triond offers a larger list of bookmarking sites, which, of course, leads to more views.
A properly written keyword article will perform well, over the long-term. Submitting to Triond can definitely add to your income stream, in conjunction with other writing endeavors.
Lin | Dec 10, 2007 | Reply
Monika, thanks for posting these! Several of these I’ve never heard of. I do write for Suite101 and am really enjoying it. With Suite101, your articles are completely exclusive for the first year, found nowhere else online.
While I have written for ezinearticles and associated content, oftentimes people have simply posted the exact same post from their blog, without changing any text or anything.
Suite101 helps me build and stretch my writing skills, and it feels so good to get the email notice saying the post was good and published to the net.
My blog is about to be on Wordpress (almost done with the set up), and I’m very excited to be able to have a much more professional looking blog with all the cool plugins and post dating posts.
Yeah!
Monika | Dec 10, 2007 | Reply
Lin: hey, I’m glad you found some gems. I also would love to get some stuff on AC but since I don’t reside in the US I am excluded.
I wonder how Suite101 performs since I’m looking at joining their force. I’ve just come back from your new shiny blog and it is damn nice! Well done and great to hear about your helping hand too.
Diana13 | Dec 11, 2007 | Reply
Great list! I’m not a very good writer so for now, I write only in my blog. But when I’ll become a good writer, I’ll check again your list. Until then, I’ve added it in my Great Top 13 lists.
pockey | Dec 12, 2007 | Reply
Is it easy to apply for a job as a fresh writer without experience?
Rose | Dec 12, 2007 | Reply
Problogger & freelancewriting are two sites I check often. Thanks for the post.
Monika | Dec 12, 2007 | Reply
Pockey: as a fresh writer you have the advantage of going in cheaper. You might have to get your feet wet and bid lower than the established writers force and the best place for you to do this would be on ScriptLance.com.
Once you get established move onto the better paying jobs. You need to start building your writing skills though since you’ll be writing a lot if that is your chosen path and the sooner you start, the better it will be for your new career.
Good luck and if you ever need any advice, don’t be shy to contact me.
Rose: you are welcome, those are both great places to find some cool jobs. Trouble is, you have t be super lightning fast to snatch them.
Rich Morgan | Dec 15, 2007 | Reply
There’s a great new freelance site that is focusing on quality rather than quantity: http://www.consultingfair.com
Bill | Feb 5, 2008 | Reply
Try http://www.freelancewar.com – Get freelance work, or get freelance work done. No commission fees or monthly service fees.
Alex - Freelance web designer | Mar 21, 2008 | Reply
Wow – great list Monika, nice to see that you actually took the time to review the sites properly and take screenshots!
One more for your list – http://www.peopleperhour.com
Ant Onaf | Apr 28, 2008 | Reply
Great list! I do have one more to add:
http://www.remotegurus.com
Monteath | May 19, 2008 | Reply
Great list, I would also consider adding Constant-Content, which is a little different but has done well for me, and Associated Content isn’t great, but it has some perks – similar to Helium in that way.
What is a query letter? | May 30, 2008 | Reply
I have visited some of these sites, but I appreciate your comments on the quality of each of the sites. Thank you.
Kelli
Mark | May 31, 2008 | Reply
Just as an update, I looked at WriterLance today and it is back online. I haven’t used the site personally, but I liked the list of links you posted here. I’ve mostly been using Elance and ifreelance, but I’ll take a look at some of the others you’ve posted.
Keep the great posts coming.
Constant-content | Jun 27, 2008 | Reply
We do not require any up front fees and have many many freelance writers making livable money from the our marketplace. We do require fairly high quality writing, so there is a editorial process, but we are in the process of revamping the site, and have attracted all sorts of new buyers. Come check it out.
slendertone | Jun 28, 2008 | Reply
Nice site. I will add you to my ‘blogroll’.Caty-Slendertone flex
BloggingFun | Jul 13, 2008 | Reply
What a great article and those are terrific sites. Thanks so much for the helpful descriptions and resources!
Dorothy Massey | Jul 15, 2008 | Reply
This is a great list. I knew some of the sites already, but there were a few I didn’t know. Your comments were helpful too. Dorothy Massey http://www.kidsbooksuk.blogspot.com
Beelissa | Jul 16, 2008 | Reply
Oh, this is a very helpful list, just what I was looking for. Thanks!
Monika | Jul 16, 2008 | Reply
@ Beelissa: You are certainly welcome. Don;’t forget to check out the other post with 9 more freelance writing job sites http://www.thewritersmanifesto.com/blog/2007/12/12/freelance-writing-job-websites/
Thanks
Cristina | Aug 27, 2008 | Reply
yup, GAF is good at first but when you’ve got enough credibility and experience it’s downright stupid to work for peanuts.
I have created enough credibility to move to a full time job as writer and I do thank GAF for what it has offered. but i don’t see myself going back to check for projects over there…ever!
bara | Oct 14, 2008 | Reply
Wow…
Sounds good to be writer.
Unfortunately, I’m Indonesian and I’m not too fluently in english.
Gary Davis | Oct 16, 2008 | Reply
Hello,
You have created an excellent resource! I am retired and have discovered writing. I write content primarily for Associated Content and Demand Studios.
While I have done a large number of articles, I am still learning everyday and always striving to improve.
Are you aware of other sites that are similar to these two where you just pick up titles to write about?
I am not a qualified technician at this point.
Thank you for your time and help,
Gary
rodney | Oct 27, 2008 | Reply
Monika,
Hey… GREAT site and info. Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge. You are very nice to do so.
Rachel | Oct 30, 2008 | Reply
Hi there. Thanks for posting such a great list. I just posted a blog as well – 100s of sites to find freelance writing projects and I thought that your users would appreciate some of the links that I found as well.
Thank you.
Rachel
AllFreelance.com
Jawahar | Nov 26, 2008 | Reply
Friends,
I am a new writer. I have written articles on variety of topics. You know any reliable source to sell my writing? what is the fee available to begin with?
Jawahar.tn, India
Takoda | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
Jobsinworld is a new job site with advanced technology used for searching openings from all job sites, worldwide.
Anstar | Mar 3, 2009 | Reply
Good list. Freelance writers i also suggest to check Freelance Writing Jobs List from HotFreelanceJobs.Com. On this page only open (hot) freelance writing jobs from all the web are listed.
leviathan | Mar 16, 2009 | Reply
I can honestly say that I got my start as a freelance writer because of this blog. I started at Writerlance(because of the favorable mention here), about 3 weeks ago. I got hooked up with a great client(the day after I placed my first bid) . The bad part is that it has now been a week since my account was credited and I’ve attempted to withdraw the money to no avail. Now I’m not saying(yet)that I’ve been ripped off, but it is taking longer to receive the earned funds(250$), than it took to earn them. But all the same, I am now working regularly for the client met through Writerlance, so it has worked out anyway. I thank the author of this blog for introducing me to a new way live.
Monika | Mar 17, 2009 | Reply
@ leviathan: Wow, that is some compliment and I appreciate your feedback very much. I hope you are getting your rightful money soon though. If you check their FAQ section you’ll see that there are some stipulations as to when and how they pay out accounts. Here is the links http://www.writerlance.com/faqs.html#18 Let me know though if they prove to be unresponsive and if you never get your money as I will then update my listings here and note this.
Monika | Mar 18, 2009 | Reply
@ leviathan: I got your last comment by email but for some reasons it doesn’t show up here. I find it a downright disgrace that companies such as WriterLance take people for a ride like they seemingly did with you. I have also used their contact form to make them aware of the issue at hand and am interested to see whether they will reply. Below is what I wrote to them:
I am concerned about the legality of your site. I have a very concerned reader who earned $250 through your site and hasn’t been paid yet from you guys.
To make matters worse, you haven’t even replied to his emails nor the ones on his behalf from the client who listed the job on your site.
I tend to believe there might be a reasonable explanation for the lack of response on your behalf and I shall give you the benefit of a doubt before I make your dodgy operation public.
Fear no mistake. My site gets read by thousands of freelance writers so keep that in mind. I would appreciate a contact email that will be answered ASAP by you guys so my reader can get his money paid ASAP as stipulated by you in your FAQ section.
Thank you
Let’s wait a day and see what happens. If they are indeed a scam I will write a post about it and ask others to spread the massage to help avoid more people getting sucked into their hungry mouth. Thank you for getting back to me too. And I always appreciate more readers for sure so thanks for the offer Travis.
leviathan | Mar 26, 2009 | Reply
I haven’t forgotten that I’m supposed to keep you posted on the Writerlance situation. I still haven’t been paid. Michael Santiago informed me, about one week ago, that I should be paid within two weeks (for a grand total of one month).
Monika | Mar 30, 2009 | Reply
@ leviathan: Thanks Travis, I was wondering what is happening regards to your issue with them. Let’s see whether you do get paid after all or whether the guy is dishing out a load of rubbish.
Banza | May 7, 2009 | Reply
@Monika: A great resource and thanks a lot for posting. One glitch sometimes with Freelance sites is their method of payment. I haven’t checked out all the sites but some retain you monies until a certain amount has been earned, etc. It would be nice to know of these particulars about sites in advance because sometimes that can be a deal breaker for freelancers… especially ones from developing countries where they already have to jump through inane hoops to set up a payment system to accommodate the sites. But, hey, there’s so much to say about the freelancer sites and you can’t put it all into one article…right? Thanks for your efforts and all the info…very helpful.
angel | May 9, 2009 | Reply
Hi Monika,
Thank you for your generosity. Is there any update on this list? I’ve been looking for free and legit job. My experience limits to data entry only, I wonder some of the buyers are paying too small USD1.00/hr for the provider. I can’t blame those people as they want to get an experience.
I will post your site to our forum. I have no website yet, but I will link your page as soon as I have one. I want to share this page to all aspiring freelancers.
Thank you and God bless you more!
Monika | May 11, 2009 | Reply
@ angel: You are welcome. I also thank you for your kind words. As it stands I do not have an updated list to this one. However, maybe it is time to do just that. Take care and I look forward to see you around.
Jennifer | May 19, 2009 | Reply
As a freelance writer who has used many of the websites out there, I have been most frustrated with Elance. I find most of their clientele is out to scam the writer. I also use some of the others on this list.
I’ve since opened my own site to help writers connect with clients and manage web content. http://www.epubster.com. I hope to run the site from the perspective of a former freelance writer and change some of the bad we experience from larger shops.
Adsense Money and Websites | May 28, 2009 | Reply
I found your blog on google and read a few of your other posts. I just added you to my Google News Reader. Keep up the good work. Look forward to reading more from you in the future.
Monika | May 28, 2009 | Reply
@ Jennifer: Thank you for stopping by and sharing your experience about Elance. Interestingly enough others have recently shared similar views with me which is not good for Elance itself. I wonder whether this is to do with our increasing notion to get everything for cheap or nothing and that in turn attracts the wrong people on the platform?
Good to hear you took pro-active steps by starting your own platform. I hope it will work well for you and look forward to see it grow.
Check my Pagerank | Jun 9, 2009 | Reply
Finally someone who can write a good blog ! . This is the kind of information that is useful to those want to increase their SERP’s. I loved your post and will be telling others about it. Subscribing to your RSS feed now. Thanks
Monika | Jun 10, 2009 | Reply
@ Check my Pagerank: Thank you. Good to see the information I provide is helping others. Take care and I look forward to seeing you back at some stage.
Samir Khan | Jun 10, 2009 | Reply
Hello,
Very nice post indeed. It will surely help us to find legitimate freelance site on internet. Can you post some top writing blogs which can provide us more useful information as you are providing.
Thank You
Sameer Khan
Monika | Jun 11, 2009 | Reply
@ Samir: I will try to do this for you. Please come back and check again in a few days. Nice to see you stop by.