There are a surprising number of ways to start freelance writing online, but the aspiring writer should not limit themselves to only online opportunities. There are certain benefits that come only from working with other people. As one might expect, there are many varieties of website, some that are suited to the aspiring professional and others that do not share the same quality reputation.
The first, and least reputable, outlet for writing is the casual blog, much like this one. The casual blog is good for many things, such as practice and developing a good working portfolio. However, don't expect to sell anything that you have already published on your blog. As a general rule, if people can read it for free, you will not be able to sell it elsewhere. This is not to say that the causal blog can not be useful. It is possible to make passive income by posting links in the form of advertisements. Many online retailers will offer programs that will offer a cut of the profits to those willing to advertise for them. Examples of the casual blog are rampant and include blogger, xanga, and facebook notes.
Blogs belong in the second category as well, but there is a subtle distinction. There are many blog sites that are dedicated to a specific purpose. Bloguin, for example, is a network of blogs dedicated solely to amateur sports writing. While this may not seem to vary much from the casual blog, it does in that bloggers usually will write on just one sport, team or sports related topic. It is much harder to come up with content for a single purpose. It is possible to make money in the same way as the casual blog and will probably attract an even larger audience, due to its dedicated, specific nature.
There are sites online that will pay you for your work. The first in this category is a sight such as constant-content, where you can sell the rights to your work in a variety of ways at different levels of exclusivity. Of course, it is hard to say how many and what kind of publications peruse this sight for its offerings. While it is divided into major topics and sub topics, anyone wishing to find quality work will have to wade through many articles that are over priced, under interesting, and both in some cases. I have also found a site that will allow you to bid for freelancing jobs in the same way contractors bid for construction jobs. However, I have been unable to find it again and look into it more.
Finally, it is a good idea to do more than make yourself a presence and wait for publishers to find you. There are right and wrong ways to go about this. If you send your first article to The New Yorker, you will likely find yourself discouraged. However, there are many charitable organizations that need editors and contributing writers for newsletters and general communication. It is very unlikely that this will lead directly to a job. If they had the general funds for an editor on staff, chances are they would already have one. Writing for a charity offers a form of legitimacy that none of the other forms offer: a title. It may not pay, but being able to put "Contributing Editor" on a resume will likely be worth it in the end.
No one of these media is going to be the answer. A mixed approach is most likely the best. It gives you the flexibility to write about what you want, the possibility of income, and might even get you something nice to put on a resume.
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