Journalists Turning to WAH Writing

The ongoing struggles of the print media, evident by the recent closings of major U.S. daily newspapers, have put many experienced journalists out of work.

With newsrooms facing constant budget cuts, an out-of-work editor or reporter will likely have a tough time finding work at another newspaper.

However, for the open-minded journalist, the rising popularity of telecommuting has produced endless opportunities for writing, editing and print production work from home.

In addition to Virtual Vocations, there are many online hubs for freelance writing and editing jobs. If you are new to the work-at-home job search, you may be surprised by the diverse selection of jobs for hire: newsletter producers, bloggers, ghostwriters, copyeditors, forum posters and more.

Where to begin? For starters, apply to be a content writer on a site like Associated Content or Demand Studios. These sites allow you freedom to write about the topics that matter to you, and their pay scale is built on the popularity of your articles.

Also, set up a profile on a freelance bid site like Elance or Odesk, specifying the type of writing work you are willing to try.

Both of these are safe and free first starts for a writer looking for work.

Then, walk away from your computer for the day and scope your local community for ideas. Sell your writing skills to an established restaurant that is looking to revamp its menu. Inquire at independently owned boutiques to see if they need you to write product descriptions for their web site or press releases to the community media.

Hospitals have media staffs, as do many cities, Chamber of Commerce offices and banks. See if they hire freelance writers for their newsletters or brochures.

If there is a blog you read, query the administrator to see if he or she accepts submissions or pays for writing help. If you are feeling emotional, write greeting cards, (Blue Mountain Arts has steady calls for submissions). The possibilities are endless.

Posted:Friday, April 17, 2009