| u are one of those gifted ones who can write easily, | | | | are the best person who can provide the best to the |
| you can put to use, the talent to earn as much money | | | | client. However, mere words may not satisfy the client. |
| as you want through the internet. There are plenty of | | | | You need to be prepared for cross-questioning. Some |
| opportunities for people who have a sense of literature | | | | of the local clients may even call you for a personal |
| and can read/write English without many mistakes. | | | | interview before they allot the work to you. |
| The basic requirements to start a career in freelance | | | | To be prepared, it is recommended that you keep a |
| writing are: dedication towards the work, good English, | | | | portfolio in both electronic and printed format. The |
| and basic internet research skills. If you think you fit the | | | | portfolio is nothing but a file that tells the client about |
| criteria, don't waste time and get going right now. | | | | your eligibility for the freelance job. The file you use |
| Before you start applying to the many opportunities | | | | should be a clean with plain color in case of printed |
| available, do some research on what others are | | | | portfolio. If you are using an electronic version, you |
| charging for writing. For instance, the most common | | | | better use the PDF format as it is easy to navigate |
| rates for a 500 word article can be USD $10 if you | | | | with links. |
| are in the US. However, there is a tough competition in | | | | The portfolio will carry your experience in brief on the |
| the field. With people from Middle East and South | | | | very first page. You can include your resume or CV in |
| Indian sub continent entering the market, the rates | | | | the second page. The following pages will contain |
| have gone down. Still, you can check out the rates on | | | | samples of your work. In case you did not save any |
| the popular websites and charge accordingly. | | | | writing or did not write anything, pick up some of the |
| It is not advised that you write at lower rates for | | | | hottest topics and write some articles, stories, prose, or |
| everything. Depending upon the content, you can | | | | poetry on those topics. Add these to your portfolio. |
| charge different rates from different clients. Simply to | | | | The final pages will contain any feedback you got at |
| get an idea, check out the website GetAFreelacer. | | | | your previous job, or from the clients for whom you |
| You will see plenty of people bidding for projects at | | | | worked. These will stand as testimonials for your work |
| rates that are not just feasible. | | | | and workmanship. Finally, include a page as to why |
| It is not necessary that you too need to bid at the | | | | should the client hire you for the contract. In case you |
| same rates. If you bid, take into account the expenses | | | | are meeting the client in person, carry an extra copy |
| that you will incur and add your own charges. It can | | | | of the portfolio that you can leave at the clients' place |
| vary from person to person. | | | | so that he or she can read it in leisure. |
| The next thing will be to make the client understand | | | | Finally, ask the client as when you can contact him or |
| why you are charging that amount. Whether you are | | | | her. Even if the client does not specify any time, you |
| approaching clients through a bidding site, through direct | | | | need to follow up after a week or so to show that |
| contacts, or job portals, you need to show that you | | | | you are really interested. |