If you've always wanted to be a writer but aren't sure where to begin, freelance writing could be the perfect starting point for you. Many online companies provide opportunities to ghostwrite a wide range of content, from SEO blogs and articles to both fiction and non-fiction novels.
As a freelance writer interested in authoring books, there are many websites promising ghostwriting opportunities. Many of these company websites seems more like scams than genuine opportunities. If you’re having trouble finding a dedicated application page for writers or if the company's contact information is limited to a generic info@ email, it’s best not to waste your time.
Some companies are more interested in making sales to prospective clients than actually onboarding quality writers. I would watch out for these pitfalls and not waste my energy on empty opportunities.
Key Red Flags to Watch for When Applying to Freelance Writing Platforms
Broken links on Website: These issues often result in "404 errors," occur when a web page or resource linked on the site is no longer available
Poor or No Reviews: Be cautious if a platform has negative reviews or lacks reviews from other writers on sites like Google or Glassdoor
Lack of Social Media Presence: No LinkedIn or other Platforms
Payment Required to Apply: Be cautious of any platform or job listing that requires an upfront payment or application fee, as this can be a red flag for potential scams.
Outdated Appearance: Be wary of websites or platforms that look outdated or have a design reminiscent of the 1980s.
I've discovered a few sites that appear to offer great opportunities. I'll share more details about them and my personal experiences, if applicable.
Freelance Writing Platforms That Are Worth Your Time
This company runs a content creation platform that connects clients with freelance writers for all kinds of content, and it’s not just limited to writing. For freelance writers it offers services such as SEO blog posts, marketing copy, book descriptions, outline creation, ghostwriting for fiction and non-fiction books. The Urban Writers ensures quality through professional editing and client feedback.
I am a bit biased as this is the company that has given me my first opportunities as a ghostwriter behind books I loved to write.
Pros:
In my experience, it is a great company to work for, offering extensive resources and valuable administrative support whenever needed.
They have a fantastic community of writers who actively interact and share their experiences, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.
They provide growth opportunities that can lead to increased pay
You’re not limited to a single type of writing; you can explore and apply for various writing positions they offer.
Cons:
On the downside, there are way more freelancers on the platform than projects available, making your chances slim for landing all the projects you want.
You get paid per word, which works well for content writing and SEO blogs but can be less favorable for ghostwriting fiction novels.
Scrolling through Amazon and seeing your work with another author's name on it.
Ask any writer, the process of rewriting the same sentence until it perfectly conveys the intended meaning can often take hours. As a freelance ghostwriter for The Urban Writers, I’m finding it challenging to determine if the per-word payment truly reflects the time and effort needed to finish the actual books.
In writing—and any job, really—it’s crucial to recognize that your value extends beyond just the work you produce. Time is money. In the end, you have to be compensated for your time and energy, not just for your words written. Especially with writing a fiction novel, you’re creating something from nothing, which requires a huge amount of creative and mental energy that goes far beyond just the words written.
I suppose whether ghostwriting is a good fit is a personal decision—you have to evaluate whether the time and effort you're putting in are worth the grind. Not receiving recognition for your creative work is part of being a ghostwriter, but you don’t fully understand what that entails until you experience it firsthand.
Not only do you have to get accustomed to someone else receiving praise for your creative work, but you also remain completely uninvolved, even if the book succeeds. You don’t receive royalties or share in any of the success.
This might be why self-publishing could be a better option, you are the fuel behind the book after all, not the platform or the client. With self-publishing, you might not get paid right away but you at least retain control and benefit directly from your creative work.
WriterHire appears to be a solid choice for freelancers seeking their next project, particularly in the realm of marketing writing. It is a platform that connects businesses, organizations, and individuals with professional writers for various needs, including content creation, copywriting, and editing.
The process to apply for projects involves submitting a project brief, after which WriterHire matches clients with suitable writers based on expertise and experience.
Reviews on Glassdoor show a rating of 3 out of 5, which is fairly decent compared to many other companies.
This is a widely known and a prominent freelancing platform that connects writers with clients seeking various types of writing services.
You should carefully evaluate whether your time and energy are worth the effort, as securing projects is not guaranteed. You’ll likely spend significantly more time sourcing projects and sending proposals to clients than actually writing.
The rates you set as a freelancer are up to you, but when you're just starting, you often need to keep your rates low to attract clients. This can sometimes feel like compromising your worth.
Upwork is a highly competitive environment where success relies on crafting effective proposals and maintaining a high-quality profile.
WriterAccess is a platform designed to connect freelance writers with clients looking for content. It offers a range of opportunities across various content types, including articles, blogs, and more. The platform is known for its structured workflow and solid support for freelancers, making it a valuable resource for those seeking writing gigs.
On the platform freelance writers are paid on a per-project basis, with rates varying by project type and complexity, and earnings are influenced by their tier level, which reflects their experience and skills.
WriterAccess appears to be a highly professional platform that maintains standards, often only accepting experienced writers and not readily allowing beginners to join their ranks.
This platform is a content marketplace that connects businesses with professional writers for various content needs. It offers a large selection of pre-written articles and custom content creation, allowing businesses to purchase or request tailored content.
Pricing on the platform varies depending on the content type and licensing options. Additionally, it provides customer support and resources to help develop effective content strategies.
The upside of Constant Content is that it has good reviews on Glassdoor. However, it faces the same issues as many other platforms: many talented writers are competing for a chance to be noticed and land decent projects.
This platform caters to more than just writers but is a valuable investment of time for those in the writing field. It offers an exclusive platform that connects writers with high-profile clients and projects. You do however need to pass a rigorous vetting process.
Writers benefit from personalized project matching based on their skills, flexible work options (both short-term and long-term), and the potential for competitive rates.
If you manage to get accepted, Toptal could be an excellent opportunity to advance and grow your writing career.
Just like creating a website alone is not enough to attract clients, signing up for a platform is also just the first step. The reality is that a writing career is highly competitive, with many skilled individuals waiting for opportunities.
Fortunately, we live in a world of endless possibilities, so you don't have to feel trapped in a single path or dead end. Where there's a will, there's a way.
For blogs and articles, signing up for these platforms might be worthwhile, depending on your goals and what you seek from your writing career. In addition to freelance opportunities on various platforms, you can also find your perfect clients through a variety of other methods. Every company with a website needs blogs for visibility, and you might be the perfect voice to bring someones online presence to life.
As a freelance writer interested in authoring both fiction and non-fiction books, self-publishing might be a more rewarding option than ghostwriting.
Keep in mind that everyone's freelance writing journey is unique, so don’t be discouraged by others' experiences.
You don't need to work like a machine to be deserving of clients, resources, or fair compensation.
Trust that your passion for the creative expression of writing will guide you to where you need to be and provide you with enough opportunities and income to make it a sustainable career.
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