Making Money as a Freelance Writer

Can the rise of the Internet be a ‘cash cow’ for savvy writers?
Making money as a casual or freelance journalist or copywriter has often been regarded as a difficult proposition, especially in these tough economic times.
The rise of the Internet over recent years has resulted in the demise of many long-established printed publications.
This in turn has led to a significant reduction in newspaper, magazine or print-based ‘staff’ or ‘full-time’ writing positions – and a subsequent glut of well-credentialed and experienced writers.
However, there is a silver lining for freelance writers such as myself, and other self-employed journalists and copywriters.
The loss of these ‘permanent’, print-based jobs has left a substantial vacuum which can be filled by talented writers who can provide equally well-written copy for a huge assortment of online platforms.
As the average reader adjusts to this brave new online world, the demand for Internet-based (electronic) written content continues to grow exponentially.
In a boon for online writers, copywriters and journalists, many electronic publications and their associated websites nowadays increasingly demand well- written and researched, high-quality content – and lots of it.
In what could be regarded as a quirky reversal of fortune, the demise of hard-copy (the printed word) in favour of electronic (online or downloaded) information appears to provide a whole new opportunity for tech-savvy writers.
Their particular skills are in ever-increasing demand as the race continues to produce enough electronic and web-based material to satisfy an ever-increasing and content-hungry tablet, PC and mobile phone audience.
Fortunately for those of us privileged to work in copywriting, journalistic and associated areas, the demise of the newspaper in its printed or ‘dead tree’ format may not all be bad news.
Hopefully, it may even provide as much work or perhaps even more, than ever before!
This is the first in a new series of blogs by Mike Peeters – CEO Mike Peeters Media