How to find the best freelance writing jobs in the USA

• Sign up to the major freelance websites

Most freelance writers begin their careers by signing up to one of the major freelance websites that are available on the Internet. These websites generally offer a wide range of jobs, not just those aimed at potential writers.

Once you’re signed up to the websites you will find a large list of jobs that gets updated frequently, with new opportunities posted by clients all around the world. You simply have to create a job proposal for any opportunities that look appealing to you, and hope that you get selected for the work.

• Look for writing jobs in online and print classified sections

Whilst the major freelance websites offer plenty of opportunities, you may also wish to expand your horizons by looking for writing jobs advertised in online or print classified sections. Unlike the major freelance websites, you are potentially more likely to find full-time opportunities - as opposed to temporary or one-off writing jobs - by using this approach.

One possible drawback of using this approach is that many of the jobs will be advertised for in-house writers and, therefore, if you’re not in the local area then the opportunities may not be appropriate for you. However, it is still possible to find some clients that are looking for people who can work remotely.

• Join writing groups on social media sites

To increase your chances of getting spotted by potential clients, as well as increasing your knowledge of the writing industry, it can be a good idea to join writing groups on social media websites. Sometimes you will find jobs advertised here, as well as being able to network with other like-minded individuals.

• Send job proposals to private clients

Rather than looking for jobs that have been advertised, you may also wish to contact companies directly to see whether or not they need your services. Ideally, you will identify a need within the company and you will then have to create a job proposal based on this. Whilst you are likely to receive many rejections with this approach, occasionally you will get lucky and the company will want to hire you, particularly those in the publication industry.

One of the main benefits of taking this approach is that private clients are generally more likely to offer higher rates of pay compared to those found on websites on the Internet.