Starting Out Writing Online

I started freelancing just last year while I was in the States. I was about six months pregnant, living with my parents, bored out of my mind! I left for the US on a spree, purchasing my tickets just two weeks before leaving. I quit my office job and everything! So, I really had no plans in mind. I was pretty much a mess at that time, and I was just looking for something to get me by my pregnancy without driving myself crazy. I found writing to be quite therapeutic; not only that, I earned a hefty amount doing so! It was nice being able to work from home, manage my own schedule and buy my little yet-to-be-born baby with my own money. It made me feel great about myself, I helped a lot of people and it gave me something productive to do.

There are a number of online websites for freelancers out there. What you need to figure out is what you want to freelance. I found my feet freelance writing. I started out writing academic papers for one website called Student Network Resources. The pay was pretty good and the support was excellent. Friendly editors - namely Mark and Jill - would help writers out when they get in a pickle with customers. I remember the application process took quite some time; you have to fill out a simple application form and send in a few sample papers, as I recall. I was contacted by Lauren around two weeks after filling up the form, I had to sign a contract and fax it over to them thereafter. To qualify for such a site, you have to be an expert in a number of academic subjects (economics, law, American history, etc.). You will also need to know at least one type of writing format; i.e. MLA, APA, Oxford...

There was a constant workflow available for writers, and you can choose from a number of papers available on your dashboard. You have to make sure that you can complete the order on time and up to standard before actually taking it. Remember, this is a business, and you should respect your customer's deadlines if you want them to hire you again!

Doing great on a paper really pays off. There are a number of clients that order more papers throughout their school year, and if they like you, you'll most probably get hired again! The key to getting on your client's good side is to keep them in the loop, ask them relevant questions regarding their preferrences and always submit your papers on or before the deadline! There are a lot of very nice customers out there, though sometimes, there are ones that can really get on your nerves. No matter how rude they can get, remember to keep it together and always keep your cool! It's part of the secret freelancer's code to treat your clients with respect, no matter what.

The downside to their company is that pay only comes around once a month (every 30th). So, everything you do from the start of the month, up until the end of the month will be paid out on the 30th, upfront. It goes in straight to your PayPal account and the e-check is then cleared after five days. Compared to other academic writing websites, this one is actually good because it offers upfront pay. None of that 15-day buffer periods that drive a lot of freelancers crazy! Another thing about this company that might turn off some writers is that they have a limited quota, for new writers, you can only accept two orders a day. There are ways, of course, to increase this quota.
All-in-all, this website was great for me and it helped a lot. I do not know if they will accept writers from the Philippines, but applying sure won't hurt!

Good luck! Drop me a line and let me know how it goes if you decide to apply :)

xoxo -