The 5 Best Websites for Freelance Writers

Searching the internet for a quality writing site is like searching for a needle in a haystack if you don’t know where to look. Writing websites are great places for freelancers to network, find projects, and how to information, as well as provide links to hundreds of other sites and resources. Most of the writing websites that you find with a simple internet search are so extensive that it would take you more than a year to search everything they have. Some are good starting places for beginning writers while others will help you build a network or even outsource some of your work. If you are tired of playing the keyword game here are a few websites that will help you boost your freelance writing career.

I have personally tested and used hundreds of freelance writing sites over the last 3 years, as I have built my freelance portfolio. I have discovered that many sites come and go, and there are a rare few that actually stick around for the long haul. Many sites have outdated or incorrect information, or simply exist for the benefit of advertising. These sites are terrible resources for freelance writers and are an immense waste of time. I have weeded through some of the best and worst sites and have found five that were even worthy of mentioning.

The five following sites have helped me do many things, including the start of my own freelance business. Hopefully they will give you some insight and inspiration as they have for me. The first few site listed are mediocre at best and provide lots of information on writing in general markets, and provide users with free newsletters and writing exercises. The last two sites on the list are by far the best, providing the most recent and best paid writing assignments, relevant information on hundreds of subjects from technical writing to non-fiction, and also hundreds of articles specifically designed for reference by freelancers.

www.poewar.com
This website has a large data base of information that is quite broad. It seems that the two main subjects are poetry and fiction, but there are also topics discussing screenwriting, technical writing, copy writing, content writing, and fiction. The articles provided on this website give users tips on breaking into the business, starting your own freelance career, self promotion, and self publishing. There is also an employment section, writing exercises, and a lot of general writing information.

http://freelancewrite.about.com
This site is kind of beginner-ish and doesn’t appear to have many professionals on board. There are hundreds of articles specifically designed for writers providing hints, tips, and resources. There is a section for job searching and networking, as well as markets, services, and links. Freelancewrite.about.com is a good place to start if you are new to the world of freelance writing. Although several different genres are covered the site is still pretty general and most of the information is common, but great for those who don’t know yet.

If you want to limit your search parameters a little bit, the following sites are recommended.

www.writersweekly.com
Writers Weekly is one of the better sites that freelance writers may find handy. Other than just having the usual resources that can be found on most of these sites, the Writers Weekly also has sources for self publishing and promotion, as well as an online forum where writers can meet, network, critique, and ask questions. Like most of the sites they also offer a free newsletter that is often filled with great tips and advice. This site also offers books and courses for freelancers, a writing aptitude test, free reprints, and warnings about publishers and editors that do not pay or properly conduct business.

www.worldwidefreelance.com
This is a great site if you are looking to start a network or add to an existing one. World Wide Freelance offers several free newsletters and job alerts, as well as hundreds of links, tips on how to get started in the freelance business, free e-books for writers, and hundreds of reference articles of writing in general. There is also a writer’s store where freelancers can buy office supplies and products, as well as other merchandise from online suppliers. There is also a market section as well as writers portfolio’s which are great for self promoting or cross promoting your work, website, and services.

www.freelancewriting.com
The site owners have dubbed their site as “the place for working writers” and appropriately so. This is the best website that I have ever used as a freelance writer. There are tons of links, lots of info, market and job searches, as well as writer portfolios/resumes. There is an online chat room where writers and professionals can meet and share ideas, as well forums, a reading room, and over 500 reference articles specifically about freelance writing. There is also an idea lab where you can share and receive constructive criticism on story lines, article formatting, submissions, and more.

In addition to all these great features, you don’t have to register to use the site (unless you want to receive newsletters), all of the information is free, and there is also a writing center where you can participate in writing exercises, find writing events and conventions, as well as contests that award monetary prizes. Out of all the sites I have searched and used, this is by far the best one.