I work in the writing category on Elance. Although only for a couple of months, I have some tips.
- It’s okay to take low paying jobs if you are starting out. It helps build your skill and practice, and as this occurs, have the confidence to increase your rate.
- Have some samples of work ready to go. If you don’t have any samples, write some up in subject matter you feel comfortable with and enjoy.
- Add a personal touch when placing your bid. Particularly in the writing category, buyers may be want to hear your voice rather than a canned bid that gets copied and pasted with each new project.
Here are some recently listed jobs: each is from a buyer who has paid on projects previously and who uses escrow. No guarantee, but it’s a good start. You can join for free with no membership fees and have 3 bidding opportunities per month.
- Web Copy for a Course on Small Animal Care
We need 3,000 words of copy for a one-page website selling a home-study course called the Diploma in Small Animal Care. The course will help the student learn about animal care, and maybe lead to a job in a veterinary surgery, kennels, cattery, rescue centre or pet store. - Ghost Blog Writer
You are bidding on an initial get-to-know each other and show us what you can do, paid project. We may select more than one writer as a result. This initial project is to telephone interview the subject matter expert and develop some ideas. You are expected to either bring ideas to the expert, or through interviewing, draw them out…We are looking for you to interview and then write 10, 2-8 paragraph blog postings…
- Learn to Sing Articles
I need someone to write 16 articles on the subject of learning how to sing with a few variations and particular angles to be explained on successful bid. The articles should be between 250 to 500 words and delivered within a week of winning the bid.
Best success!
Diane
