Uncovering Fresh Freelance Writing Job Prospects
Finding and Making the Most of Online Writing Opportunities
In the digital age, writing opportunities abound, but they may not always be as easy to grab as one might hope. Meg, the creator of Novelty Revisions, a platform dedicated to helping writers put their ideas into words, shares some key tips on how to find and make the most of these opportunities.
1. Regularly research and track writing contests and calls for submissions that align with your interests or expertise. Many platforms update monthly lists of writing contests with deadlines, themes, and prize details. For instance, the July 2025 lists of writing competitions offer cash prizes, residencies, or publication opportunities like the Banff Mountain Book Competition or the Kokonut Head Media residency for African writers.
2. Focus on niche or theme-specific opportunities that may have less competition or suit your background. Contests targeted at women writers, military veterans, or regional demographics often offer both paid and volunteer publishing opportunities.
3. Leverage writing competitions to build your portfolio and visibility. Entering contests can lead to publication, cash prizes, and mentorship, as shown by large literary prizes that offer entry for authors starting out, plus professional support for shortlisted writers.
4. Network with organizations, nonprofits, and businesses offering writing partnerships. Nonprofits often seek volunteer writers for content and storytelling to engage supporters and donors. Partnering with such entities can open pathways to paid projects later and raise your profile.
5. Develop a strong online presence and professional marketing materials to showcase your writing and attract paid collaborations or freelance assignments focused on your niche interests.
6. Vet potential partners carefully, whether nonprofits or businesses, ensuring their reputation aligns with your values and will enhance your professional brand.
7. Sign up for newsletters and writing communities that circulate timely calls, contests, and paid opportunities. This keeps you informed and lets you apply early.
When it comes to free opportunities, it's important to clarify if the submission will be published, and not assume it will be. Meg advises reaching out to professionals, such as former bosses, for writing opportunities. However, she warns against agreeing to do work without a promised payment in some kind of contract.
Meg, a freelance writer, has an eight-time NaNoWriMo winner with work published in Teen Ink, Success Story, Lifehack, and USA TODAY College. She suggests finding paid opportunities on sites like Upwork, where clients pay funds before work is completed and only transfer the funds to the writer's account once the work is approved.
However, she warns that there may be some risk when working with clients found on freelancing sites, and suggests skipping over sketchy postings and offers. It's possible to encounter situations where potential clients or partners don't respond or don't publish work, even after submission. In such cases, Meg advises following up with people, especially if there's a payment issue, but also knowing that people may change their minds and letting it go.
Lastly, Meg encourages writers to ask more questions than necessary before agreeing to anything, and always signing a contract if not using a protected service like Upwork. Her Twitter handle is included for readers to follow for tweets about writing, food, and nerdy things.
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- To advance one's career development and lifestyle, it's beneficial to participate in education-and-self-development opportunities like attending writing workshops, webinars, or taking online courses related to the writing industry.
- For a well-rounded career development, tailoring one's lifestyle to balance writing with other hobbies, such as reading, travel, or network building, can foster creativity and expand knowledge in different areas, contributing to enhanced writing.
