How to Write a Successful Freelance Writing E-Course

E-courses are becoming very popular today in a variety of genres, but especially in the freelance writing area. If you are a freelance writer, you can write a successful e-course that will be valuable to those who are interested in becoming a freelance writer, and you can make some money selling that e-course. In our previous article, we went over the basics of what e-courses should contain. Now, it’s time to put that e-course together.

First, in preparation, don’t just throw something together and think that people are going to want to buy it. This is probably going to be a lengthy process that could take quite awhile if you want to have a successful and best-selling course. You want to give your customers quality work, and that takes time. Plan your course from start to finish, research, write, revise, and then publish. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves.

You must, of course, begin with a topic – what the course is about. This article will focus on a freelance writing e-course, but you can actually create an e-course about literally any topic at all. It’s often a good idea to cover a niche for example: How to Become a Technical Freelance Writer; How to Become a Ghostwriter; How to Write Articles that Sell, etc.

Niching makes your courses easier to sell because you can get specific. Every discipline is different and has different lingo. The more specific and concrete advice you can offer, the more valuable your course will be, and the easier it will be to market and sell.

How you organize your material can be just as important as the topic itself because an e-course should present material in a learnable, usable format. Experts feel like there are five essential components that must be covered: marketing, samples, pricing, a basic business plan, and freebies. Of course, this doesn’t cover how to write the course, but it does give you an idea of how to plan the course itself.

There is so much information that can go into an e-course that once you sit down to write it, you may discover you have the makings of two or three courses. That’s why it can take quite some time to put the e-course together. The key is to follow your plan and write the course so that it flows and make sense. Tell stories, use success examples to show what your writing really does work, use your writing skills, and let the prose flow!

Just like writing an article, you will have to add, revise, and cut material until you get it right. Once you are please with your content and the course itself, it’s time to publish. This is easy enough when you convert it to a PDF format and place it on your website for sale. Then, the marketing can begin.

While we included this info in the previous article, we can’t stress enough that there are many different free and low cost ways to market your course online. Find websites that your target audience might frequent and advertise there.

You should start marketing well in advance of finishing the product so you can start a buzz about the course itself. After that, you’ve gotten on the road towards writing and marketing a successful e-course. Good luck!

 

 

How to Market and Sell a Freelance Writing E-Course

If you’re a freelance writer who is always doling out free advice on your craft or any other subject, you have the ability to write and publish a freelance writing e-course and make money from it. An e-course is like taking a class only it’s done online. It walks people through different topics to help them learn about a variety of subjects.

The great thing about this is that it can be a constant revenue stream once the course is written. It can be sold over and over again without any additional work on your part. Once the course is written, you will market it and sell it to a variety of people and there is no time constraint on how long you keep it up for sale. You will want to follow some simple guidelines to make your e-course a success.

First, sell yourself, your talent, and your abilities. Let people know why you are qualified to write the e-course. Essentially, the biggest selling point for an e-course is going to be the experience of the author. Your readers must trust they are getting the best and most reliable information from an expert on the topic.

Your course is not going to sell itself – you’re going to have to do some pretty lucrative marketing and make the buyer absolutely HAVE to buy what you’re offering. One way to do this is to offer incentives or freebies. What kind of freebies? You can offer free websites, e-books, free software, free consultations, newsletters, articles, and so much more. The offers you can give are endless.

You must make these freebies pertinent to the course you have written. You may want to include a weekly e-mail newsletter listing available freelance jobs or additional information about the freelance writing business. One e-course author offers a free website (as we mentioned above) so those who buy the course will have the opportunity to put up their own website. Offer something unique that your readers can really use.

A money-back guarantee is a must these days when it comes to offering things for sale on the internet. Although some will disagree, when you offer a money-back guarantee, it gives you credibility. You are standing behind your e-course and telling the buyer that they are getting a quality product. Some people will take advantage of this and want a refund even if they are satisfied, but if your course is truly useful and your readers come away with just one piece of concrete knowledge, most of them will be satisfied and you shouldn’t have a problem with requests for refunds.

Finally, check out innovative ways to market your e-course. This can done through affiliate marketing or advertising with Google Ad Words and Google Ad Sense. But there are other ways such as joining writing forums and including a link in your signature line. Write a freelance writing blog and include a link allowing readers to download your course. When you think “outside the box” to find new ways to market your product, you will find there are many, many ways to get the word out about your e-course, and start the money rolling in!

 

Defining Writing Genres

When you decide you want to become a freelance writer, you may already have a specific idea in mind about what you want to write. The truth is that there are so many different writing genres you can choose from – some of which will make you more money than others. Let’s take a moment and define the different freelance writing genres.

- Business Writing – This is any kind of writing assignment you take on for a business such as a newsletter for a company’s employees or a marketing brochure

- Blogging – Blogging is the act of updating web content in a date ordered posting. Blogging is generally used to build a community and solicit comments from readers. Companies who hire bloggers want them to maintain their blog and increase readership. Blogging can also be used to promote a product, person, or a service.

- Content Writing – This is writing specifically for the internet which is similar to blogging but more static and formal. Web content comes in many forms such as articles, columns, how-to’s, or lists. Content can be part of a website or the entire website. For many websites, the entire site is web-based and is intended solely for informational purposes like Wikipedia.

- Copywriting – When you are a copywriter, you are writing for promotion or marketing purposes. This is writing to sell something but also includes indirect sales like press kits and informational brochures. In general, copywriting is looking for a reaction from the reader.

- Critical Writing – If you are asked to critique something such as a book or a movie and then write about it, you are doing critical writing.

- Essay/Non-Fiction Writing – This genre includes memoirs and/or anecdotes in an educational or persuasive form.

- Fiction Writing – This is a broad category and not usually one that many freelancers are asked to take on. It, basically, is writing any type of fiction from a few paragraphs to a short story and even a novel.

- Ghost Writing – This type of writing is when you compose any and all of the other genres on behalf of someone else using their name and allowing them to take credit for the final piece.

- Grant/Proposal Writing – Traditionally, this type of writing is the act of putting together the written content of a funding proposal. Many times, this goes beyond simply writing the proposal but also delves into aspects of accounting, budget, research, and project management.

- Journalistic Writing – When you write for magazines or newspapers, you are a journalistic writer. The content can be about nearly anything and can include newspaper columns, features stories, and even ezine articles

- Speech Writing – Writing for spoken word in a non-performance setting for a live audience.

- Technical Writing – If you are writing to convey information or provide instruction in a specialized field, you are a technical writer. Tech writers are likely to product instruction manuals or similar documentation used for teaching purposes.

- Web Writing – This is similar to content writing, but it may also include writing for ezines, online columns, or search engine optimization articles.
No matter what type of writer you decide you want to be, we suggest that you keep your options open to whatever jobs may come your way. You may really desire to be a freelance fiction writer, but a content writing job may pay the bills in a much more feasible way. That’s the beauty of freelance writing – depending on what is available for bid, you have your choice as to what you want to write and which direction you want to go!

7 Secrets to Getting Great Ghostwriting Jobs

Did you know that over 80 percent of the population wants to write a book someday but only 1 percent will ever even attempt it. What that means to you as a freelance writer is a huge opportunity for ghostwriting. Chances are, you can make a lot of money as a ghostwriter and there are some tremendous benefits including great pay, steady work, variety, freedom, flexibility, and much more.

So how do you find ghostwriting assignments? Here are some suggestions:

1. Connect with people. Most clients who are going to invest significant cash to have a book ghostwritten are going to want a referral from a trusted source. Build your network and get the word out about your services. Become more active in local and online communities and extend your circle of influence. The more people you know, the more jobs you may get.

2. Conquer a specific niche with experience and education. If you’re a career coach, then you’re already well positioned to write for a client who wants a career book. Anything you do either for a living or as a hobby can qualify you to be a ghostwriter on that topic.

3. If you are currently a freelance writer, then you’ve already got editorial connections and contacts. Use them to get referrals for potential ghostwriting clients and opportunities.

4. Use the Freelance Home Writers website extensively. They can provide you with countless leads towards ghostwriting gigs with their patented job finding software found nowhere else. They have agreements with the top bidding companies and job postings are updated daily.

5. Business leaders and executives are perfect candidates for ghostwriting work. Use any business contacts you have and network to find CEO’s and other business leaders who may be ready to write their book.

6. Use online marketing to your advantage. The web offers almost unlimited low-cost ways to market and promote your ghostwriting service. Post in forums on websites such as www.writersdigest.com and www.writer.com. Post a profile on the social site My Space or Facebook, or start your own web site.

7. Join forums and support sites for writers and ghostwriters. Fellow writers can be a great source of leads and referrals. Since most ghostwriters can typically only handle one or two clients at a time, if you “buddy up” with another writer, you could take on their overflow!

As we said before, ghostwriting is a great way to supplement your freelance writing income and to just make money in general. With all the opportunities available to you, why not take a shot and be a highly successful ghostwriter?

 

5 Ways You Can Freelance Write and Keep a Full-Time Job

So many people dream of getting into the freelance writing business but are unable to do so financially. We all have bills that come in on a monthly basis, and, unfortunately, until you get your freelance writing business really off the ground, you have to have a regular paycheck to get you through the month.

Starting a new business is scary enough, but when you don’t have a regular paycheck to count on each month, it can be even more terrifying. Rest assured, if you really want to get started in the freelance writing market, you really can do it without quitting your regular job just yet. A lot of people freelance on the side while still working their regular jobs. Here are 5 things to keep in mind:

1. Start slowly. You need to become acclimated to the types of work you will be doing which will also help you determine a strong foundation of freelancing basics. You can learn about the opportunities that are available for freelancers and how to handle the business side of writing. Working on a part-time basis will help you build your portfolio and your client basis for future work.

2. Save up as much money as you can. While you continue to earn your full-time salary and retain your employer provided benefits, you can be “socking” away a little bit from each paycheck to help you when you decide to fully take the plunge. When you are able to save up a few months’ worth of income before leaving your full-time job, it will give you something to fall back on as you work on your writing.

3. While you are working your full-time job, you must become proficient at juggling multiple tasks. This serves a dual purpose because once you become a full-time freelancer, you will be better able to schedule free time and work time.

4. Keep your outside job and your freelancing job separate. Your full time job pays the bills, so give as much time to that job as you can. Don’t slack off, work on your writing, or daydream about your next great project at your day job. There’s plenty of time for that during your writing time which you will schedule AFTER your full-time job is over. If you do any of the above, you risk losing that paycheck.

5. After you’ve put in your eight hours a day at your full time gig, you can start to concentrate on your freelance career. Create a schedule for when you will be working. This schedule should be firm and all those around you should be aware of this schedule so you won’t be interrupted. Don’t deviate from this schedule unless it is absolutely necessary. If you are going to be accepting freelance writing projects, you need to be sure you make your deadlines, and that means you have to stay on task.

Essentially, when you take on freelance work on the side while working a full-time job, you are working two jobs. It can be exhausting, but it can also be the springboard toward a work at home career that will be amazingly fulfilling. When you go about it the right way, you are sure to be rewarded in the long run!

 

Reasons Freelance Writers are Underpaid and What They Can Do About It

If you are a freelance writer, chances are good that you are frustrated and even appalled at the rates offered for projects today. However, clients are only willing to pay what your to them is – not what your talent is worth. Why are freelancers so underpaid? Is there anything that we can do about it? Let’s explore this hot button issue.

1. First, a lot of providers believe that anyone can write. “If you know your ABC’s, you can write, right?” This is the attitude of many when it comes to freelance writing. Obviously, this is a misconception. Because web copy is a basic tool that some have known how to construct for years, why pay to have it done? The easy answer is because you want it done right. So, how do you combat this “anyone can do what you can do” attitude? Try working on spec. Offer an freebie. I don’t mean do an entire project, but a sample version of one to prove your worth. Present it to your prospective client so he or she can see there really is a visible different between a professional prepared piece and one done by an amateur. Then you have more ammunition to ask for more money.

2. Sometimes, undervaluation is the freelancer’s fault. They don’t know how to judge a project’s worth or are so eager to break into a market that they undercharge for their work. This can happen for a myriad of reasons. New freelancers who aren’t sure what to charge for their work may lowball a bid just so they can get a job and break into a market. They don’t want to lose a bid but they also don’t know what kind of work is involved in a particular project. For example, it often takes longer than just a few days to write a full e-book, and a novice may bid a mere $100 to write it. This is completely undervaluing your time. To combat this problem, get as many details about the project up front before bidding. Use a simple questionnaire and ask all pertinent questions such as how many pages the project will be, how many rewrites will be required, what the due date will be, etc. Some projects can be really detailed, so yo want to find out as much as you can before bidding. Sometimes you’ll get a client who has no idea what he wants, so ask for samples they’ve seen that they like to give you an idea of what they expect.

3. Many freelancers fear that they will lose a job if they quote a price too high, so what they often do is undercharge or underbid. This is more than just a freelance problem; it’s a small business problem. If you are going to succeed, you have to change your thinking in this area and also change the thinking of your customers. Show them what you can do! Again, ask specific questions to show your knowledge and prove your worth. Once you’ve proven your worth, you can bid what you are worth and expect to get it.

There will always be some providers who will not pay their freelance writers what they are worth. You can’t get away from it. Stay away from those providers and get with the ones who can recognize talent and pay for it. They’re the most dependable ones anyway.

Don’t let the home-buyer tax credit expire

Following the worst downturn in decades, housing is beginning to show signs of a fragile recovery. So allowing the $8,000 first-time home-buyer tax credit to expire at the end of November risks causing a relapse in the housing market that could forestall an economic recovery, even before it has time to take root.

This is the last thing the country needs with unemployment moving toward double-digits and builders already reporting that entry-level buyers are pulling back as the tax credit deadline approaches.

In virtually every decline since World War II, housing has been the catalyst to lead the nation out of recession. Our industry stands ready to once again take a productive role in moving the economy to higher ground. But Congress needs to be steadfast and extend the tax credit for an additional year, making it available to all buyers of a primary residence.

This would spur more than 383,000 additional home sales and help mitigate the foreclosure crisis by whittling down inventory at all levels of the housing market, setting the stage for a full recovery. It would also provide the economy with what it needs most, creating nearly 350,000 jobs during the coming year in many industries, including manufacturing, retail and real estate-related activities.

Housing accounts for more than 14 percent of the gross domestic product and represents the best opportunity to lead the overall economy forward. A tenuous upturn now appears under way, but for millions of Americans who are out of work or fear losing their jobs, it will remain a recession until businesses start hiring again.

Congress can help housing take a lead role in putting America back to work by taking quick action on the tax credit and urging regulators to restore the full flow of credit needed by both home buyers and home builders.