Writing for Money

August 19, 2009

Today, I have decided to blog my way through the learning process of how to write for money: blogs, poems, random articles, and even training manuals for various subjects. Who knows how it will turn out, but I will document each step of the way, in hopes that it will earn me some recognition and future paychecks, while perhaps helping others along the way.  

At first, I had no idea where to even start! There are so many websites out there that it can be completely overwhelming. How can you separate the legitimate ones from the scams; and all those in between? Which ones are set up to actually “work” to help you earn money? Which ones will simply be a waste of time? There’s really only one answer to these questions… lots of “Research!”

First Step:

You must read as much as you can on the subject, even if it doesn’t make much sense to you at first. As you keep reading, you will understand more and more about how writing websites operate. After hours of looking online, reading as much as I could find about this subject; I realized that there are entirely too many websites and directions to go. So, I decided to narrow it down a little. I googled: “The top 10 websites for writing for money.” 

Pay Per Click:

Last night I read a fairly informative article about several “pay per click” websites. As I worked through the sign-up process on some of the top websites, I found that each one has their own rules to follow. So, just as you would not sign a legal document without reading all the fine-print, never accept the “terms & conditions” on any website without first reading the entirety of it! I know that sounds like a no-brainer; but lots of people try to cut corners by clicking the “I accept,“ or “I agree“ button without reading the terms & conditions. On these types of websites, you could be signing away your rights to articles that you worked hard to write. Always make sure that you retain the rights to your own articles; and that the website is merely promoting your articles in order to bring traffic to their website. Make sure each website works for your good and what’s best for you.

Your Original Work:

There are some writing websites that want your original work; but want it posted on their website first. You can post it on other websites after that, with a link directing the readers to their website to read your article. So far, I don’t see any problem with that; it’s just helping to direct readers to click on your articles, which earns you money. However, if I do find a downside to this I will post it.  (Be sure to sign up for my blog updates or you can follow me on twitter.com.)

Then, there are websites that only want original articles, period. They don’t care if you have posted it on other websites, as long as it is “your” original work; not copied and pasted from somewhere else. Most of these websites will give tips on how to drive more readers to your articles. The more articles you write; and the more places you post links to your articles, the more money you will earn each month. You will continue to earn from now on--on each article you post. So, keep posting more and more articles and eventually you can be earning a decent monthly income.

What to Write About:

You must keep yourself updated about what subjects are hot topics. The things that are hot topics today may not be next month. There are different genres of hot topics to keep informed about as you write. Of course, politics and top stories in the news are always hot. Also, writing “how-to” articles are always highly sought after. Use your own judgment, but spend time every few days researching what seems to be public interest.

What Style of Writing Should I Use? :

First of all, read the rules for writing on each website.  Follow the style of writing that they suggest for their website. Try to give as much information on the subject as possible. After you gather the information, write the article completely in your own words. Do not copy & paste anything that has been previously written by someone else. If you do, you will run the risk of being banned from this website, which will end your chance of earning money from them!

Keep it Clean:

If you expect to earn a good name in the writing community and earn money by writing; by all means, keep it clean! There are many opportunities out there if you are willing to work at it.   

Websites to Avoid:

There are websites you should definitely avoid. They are connected with scams and other unethical behavior. One that I have run across is outsourcingroom.com. Read the article at: http://www.ripoffreport.com/Outsourcing-Room-CyberBionic-Systematics/Internet-Fraud/Outsourcing-Room-com-Outsourc-4F99F.htm

I’m sure there are many other websites to avoid, but this is the only one I’ve come up with for now. I will post more as I find them.

Last, but not least, I will continue to blog this subject as I continue to research and learn more about it. Hope you will add me as your friend, and will subscribe to my blog. Also, I hope you will leave me some comments and feedback about my articles. That will help me know if I’m on the right track, and know what the readers want to read. 

Thanks,

Jane Pen