Top Writing Gigs for Beginning Freelance Writers

Do you aspire to write more than novels? If you have, here are some freelance writing venues to consider.

1. Content Writing Sites. The stigma of writing for contents sites such as Associated Content and Demand Studios is diminishing, thanks in large part to the writers who are earning a full-time living. Their success didn't happen overnight, though.

If you want to succeed with content writing sites, plan on working very hard in the beginning in order to master SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and to get the page views. Also, diversify your resources by signing up with several sites. That way, if one venue dries up you'll have another resource to keep your income going strong.

2. Web Content Writing. Offer your services to small business owners who are struggling to get their sites picked up by the major search engines.

3. Blogging. Contrary to what some gurus claim, blogging is not dead. Blogging is alive and well. A few bloggers earn six-figures. Don't count on becoming one of them. Instead, use your blog to write about your passions and develop a strong readership. Business will soon come without you having to make a single cold-call.

4.Local newspapers. Check your paper(s) to see if they have a "reporters wanted" ad. This is a great way to build your portfolio for future freelance assignments.

5.Trade publications. Write case histories about companies or industry news.

6.Ebooks. I haven't tried this out, but I've read that people have made a fortune off of writing ebooks, the Internet Marketing industry in particular. The trick is to find a popular topic that people crave and write compelling copy that will make them want to buy your book.

Elance always has scores of gigs from people who either don't have time to write an ebook themselves or are too intimidated by the process.

7.Ghost writing. This can be a fun venture because you can gain a variety of assignments and meet interesting people.

8.Copywriting. The real money is with offline copywriting-marketing pieces, articles, speeches, annual reports, etc. You can also make a solid income with online copywriting. Businesses need content for their website, whether it's to sell their products and services or to write industry articles.

9.Travel writing. Write articles about the places you've been and want to visit.

10.Resume writing. Whether there is a recession going on or not, you will always find people who need a professional resume and cover letter written for them.

11.Games & Entertainment. One of things that really bugs me about my family's video games is the flat and stunted dialogue between the characters. If you're good at writing dialogue, this venue is one to consider.

12.Educational. You'll find plenty of opportunities here in the forms of textbooks, how-to books, ebooks, web content, etc. Home schooling has become very popular, as well as distance learning for adult education.

That's the list so far. Have you tried any of these areas with success? If so, I would love to hear your stories.