Telecommuting Writing Jobs

Telecommuting writing jobs: make your own schedule, save gas and creatively make a living

Rich writers are not the norm. You probably already know that. Even best-selling novelists, while enjoying some fame, seldom truly amass a fortune. If that fortunate and talented writer has their book made into a movie, they just may get into some wealth. However, most writers write because they love the work and would rather write than do anything else. Writers are often not well suited to a corporate environment, as they prefer working alone. If you now write as a hobby, but fear that your day job may go by the wayside in these tough economic times, you should begin now to look in to the telecommuting writing job market. You may not get rich, but you can make a living doing what you like doing best.

Here are a few of the benefits of telecommuting writing jobs. You don’t have to be anywhere and punch a clock. You can work by day or night, or a mix of the two. You don’t have to make special arrangements with your boss to go to the dentist, doctor or your kid’s school events. Telecommuting writing jobs give you (almost) complete freedom to schedule your own life. Working at home means you don’t drive any distance to work, so you can tame your gas costs as well. Sounds pretty good, right?

So what’s the catch? You’ll find there are times when you’ll get a job with a very tight deadline on the turnaround. For example, you find a client who needs a bio written for their website by tomorrow morning. Yes, there are people like that. If you want the job, you need to be flexible and diligent and get that piece written before the coach turns into a pumpkin, if you want to be paid and keep your sterling reputation. If you are unable to meet deadlines, word does get around, with negative effects on your career and income.

Telecommuting writing jobs are actually on the rise now, while the brick-and-mortar opportunities are on the decline. If you’re a disciplined writer, you can succeed in this market. You need to have the ability to be your own boss. No one will be telling you what to do next, or when. You’ve got to consistently pursue your craft, without fail.

So how do you break into the telecommuting writing job market? Unless you have previously published work, you may need to write a few pieces for free. This is a common practice. Literary sites often advertise for writers, on a ‘contributing’ basis. If you see such an ad, it means they want you to write for nothing. Why would anyone do this? What it amounts to is that you’re giving your work to them in exchange for being published. Now you’ve got a clip, a url you can give to a prospective client. Accumulate a few and you’re on your way in the paying writing markets.

You should also prepare several samples of your writing. It’s important to diversify, with samples on various topics, demonstrating good research skills and a distinctive and consistent style and voice. If you’re rusty on your grammar, review! With a variety of sample topics to choose from, you’ll better your chances of landing that 24-hour turnaround job. Competition is stiff and jobs go fast.

While writing can be hard work, is there something else you’d rather be doing? If not, start putting together your portfolio now, before you quit your day job. A telecommuting writing job may be the most fulfilling job you’ve ever had!

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