How to Find Writing Jobs and Paying Markets

I write from home because I like being my own boss, and I like to spend more time with my husband and children. I'm sure you write from home for the same reasons, or maybe you write from home for many other reasons. It doesn't matter what the reasons are, what does matter is we have to pay our bills just like everyone else. In order to meet our bills, we search the Internet for writing jobs; besides, our time and talent should be rewarded!

In the beginning, I found myself struggling to make ends meet. I couldn't find the writing jobs or paying markets I needed, but the really bad part was I didn't know where to look. With time and research, I finally discovered where I could find writing jobs and paying markets, and today I will be sharing some of that information with you. In addition, I will also share some links to writing jobs and paying markets.

Because I was just getting started, I had no clips (published work) and no references to speak of. We all have to start somewhere, and in order to start, I needed to find some paying markets for the article ideas I had, and since I was in it to make money, I didn't want to give my articles away for free. Through my research, I found out trade magazines were a good place for new writers to break-in. Some of the trade magazines didn't pay a whole lot, and some did. Even if the magazine didn't pay a whole lot, I was willing to give it a shot (every little bit helps). Besides, it gave me a few clips and some references for my resume. I knew I had to work my way up in the writing business and trade magazines were my start to better things ahead.

In order to find the right trade magazines, the first thing you need to do is visit your favorite search engine -- mine is Google. Once there, type, in quotes, paying markets, and then, without quotes, and without a space, type directory ("paying markets"directory). This will return results of many sites and directories that list paying markets for writers.

Following are some links to Web sites that list paying markets for writers:

1. Writers Write. For your search, leave the "publication name" empty, put "trade" (without the quotes) in the "keywords" field, choose "paying," and finally, choose "fiction," "non-fiction," "poetry" or "all." If you choose all, 15 markets will show up.

2. Bonnie Mercure's Guide to Writers' Markets. Once there, scroll down the page a little ways and choose "paying print markets" and/or "paying ezine markets."

3. Freelance Writing. Enter the word trade in their "guidelines search."

4. Writing for Dollars. A great place to search for paying markets based on your area of expertise.

To see if the market will accept the genre you will be pitching to them, read the guidelines for each of the markets you visit. Also, be sure to find out how or where you can obtain some samples of the publication. Getting samples to look over will give you an idea of the type of pieces they publish and their style. Sometimes you can access pieces they've published on their Web site, but if the information is not on their Web site, and they don't offer free samples, you can always visit your local library to see if they carry the magazine. Another way you can get back issues for free is by trading with your local doctor's or dentist office. You can even trade with family and friends.

After you've gotten a few clips under your belt, you can try to break into some of the bigger publications. Maybe you're not a beginner; maybe you've already gotten clips. No matter where you stand, here's a small list of bigger publications that pay:

1. ByLine Magazine (for writers): Pays anywhere from $10 up to $100, on acceptance.
2. Child magazine: Pay varies depending on length and positioning. Pays on acceptance.
3. The Writer magazine: Generally pays any where from $50 up to $500, on acceptance.
4. Writers Digest: Pays 30 - 50 cents per word, on acceptance.

Now, let's discuss where you can discover writing jobs. Once I decided to make freelance writing my full-time job, I already had some experience and clips to go with. In addition, I also had a few references I could use. So, to make more money, I needed to find writing jobs. On the job boards, writing jobs from home are usually referred to as "telecommuting" or "contract jobs." I knew there was good money to be made from writing jobs, I just had to find the writing jobs that were right for me -- writing jobs that fit my areas of expertise. The best paid writing jobs are the ones looking for ghostwriters. When you do a ghostwriting job for someone, most of the time you write a book for them, and once it's published they take the credit for it. Sure, you don't get the credit for writing the book, but you can make a good chunk of money this way. Payment for ghostwriting a book usually averages any where between $2000 and up. When searching for these type of writing jobs, you need to be very careful. There are some dishonest people out there who will have you write the piece for them and then you never hear from them again, nor will you see the payment you were promised. Make sure you research the person and/or company thoroughly before accepting the job. Ways you can check them out include: Ask the person for references, check with other writers on forums, in writing groups and on message boards to see if they have worked for this person or company before, do a search on the Internet using the person's name and/or company name, and check Web sites that list scammers. Some Web sites you can visit are:

Absolute Write's Bewares & Background Check Forum. This is also a good forum to join and talk with other writers. You can even ask the writers there if they have worked with the person or company you're checking out. I have been a member of this forum for over a year, and I can assure you that the writers there are very friendly and helpful.

National Writers Union. Some of the resources on this site require you to have a membership, however, the "writer alerts" are open to the public.

Writers Weekly. Reports on scams related to the writing and publishing industry.

Rip-Off Report. Read complaints sent it by actual people who have been scammed.
Now that you know how to research for scammers, I will share some Web sites where you can find writing jobs. One other piece of advice before you get started... if you get the job, be sure to ask for everything in writing. This can come in handy if you have to go to court in order to get your money.

Craigslist Writing Jobs

Online Writing Jobs

About Freelance Writing

Poe War

Guru

Sunoasis

To find other writing jobs you can search Google or your favorite search engine using these terms (include the quotes): "freelance writing jobs," "freelance telecommute jobs," "freelance telecommuting jobs," "writing jobs," "writing job directory," "ghostwriters wanted" and "writers wanted."

I hope the information, writing jobs and paying markets I've shared with you puts money into your bank account. Best wishes for much success!