Writing for Money: Little Jobs, Big Success

Want to write for money? There's a huge amount of writing work available at the moment. You'll soon get hired, but you may not be targeting the best jobs for you. In this article I'll talk about the little jobs which can grow your career into a huge success.

Cash flow counts. Experienced writers know that you need to have money coming in regularly. Therefore, it makes sense to accept lots of little projects.

Larger projects always take more time than you expect, and because you're working with other people, can absorb a lot of your energy. Much of that energy is wasted, because the extra work has nothing to do with the writing itself.

With little jobs on the other hand, you're usually working alone, which means that you can get more done, with less fuss.

Here are some tips to help you.

1. Everyone Wants Content: Relish the Little Jobs

These days it seems every business is on the Web and every business wants content for its website. This means that there's a huge number of little writing jobs available which you can accomplish quickly.

For example, you'll often be asked to write several webpages for a website; this is relatively quick and easy to do.

2. Cash on Delivery? Maybe, but Get a Deposit

I've often shared my theory that little jobs in the aggregate pay better than larger projects. However, when they're working with many clients, new writers often end up chasing slow payers.

There's a simple solution. On ultra-small jobs, which pay you less than $500, ask for the full amount up front. If the job's worth more, and you've taken a deposit, always send the client an invoice, which is payable immediately, as soon as you send the final draft.

You're a small business person, and you can't afford to carry anyone. This means that if somebody owes you money, you follow up on it rigorously. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

Remind them that the copyright remains with you, until you've been paid in full.

3. Create a Checklist: Your Process Keeps You Sane

You need a writing process. Your process is a set routine which you follow on each and every job.

It helps to have a checklist. Keep a checklist as a template, and create a new copy for each job you undertake. As you complete each task, mark it done on your checklist.

New writers fret when I mention checklists. They believe that a process will somehow harm their creativity. On the contrary, you'll find that you're much more creative if you're not wondering what the next task is. With your checklist in hand, you'll know exactly what you need to do next on every project.

4. Bored? Great, You're Growing

Occasionally you'll become bored. This means that the type of writing that you're doing has become too routine for it to challenging. Switch to a different form of writing.

When you make the switch, let's say from blogging to copywriting for example, initially you won't be making as much money as you were. However, your regular clients will still be sending you work, and this will cover you until you have built a reputation in the new area.

You should be pleased if you feel bored. It means that you're growing as a writer and are becoming more skilled and proficient.

Enjoy your writing, and remember that little jobs can lead to big success.

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