As a writer, you’ll encounter slow times, no doubt. But, I’m not talking to the established online freelance writers who have a large client base, and suffer from a slow time every year or two. I’m talking to the ‘print’ crossovers to the internet version of freelance writing — in a lot of cases, your background won’t give you the clout online that you think it should. If you’re a new-to-the-game writer on the web, and you’re looking for article writing gigs, web content writing gigs, eBook writing gigs, and so forth — where most of the writing jobs are these days — you’ll likely have to start out like the rest of us — near or at the bottom.

Now, there are exceptions to this rule, certainly. Though, unless you have some help, or you are pretty quick about learning how to navigate the online writing jobs field and the many markets within, you’re probably going to have a rough start. So, when a legitimate writing job crosses your path, and it’s a wage that you can deal with, especially when you have nothing else going for you — take the job or gig. While this is money in your pocket today, you really don’t know the end result of your one-time, lower-paying gig.

For instance, many clients, if they like your work and they’re not a super-bulk buyer paying pennies on the dollar for writing work, will be willing to consider a pay rate increase. Also, you can get referrals from this lower-paying client, either today, or even 10-months down the road. Plus, those referrals can lead to many more referrals — all from a one-time gig where you swallowed your pride so that you could put a few bucks in your back pocket.

If you want to make money in the online freelance writing field, and you’re just getting your start now — you’ve got to be willing to do what it takes. Yes, this means that sometimes you’ll have to suck it up and take on a $5 article writing gig, or a $8 article writing gig — but so what? You may spend hours, days, or weeks, finding that one big writing job, but you’re potentially passing up the launching a full-time writing career by skipping over the little jobs that you’re too big to do.

This may be a bit harsh, but hopefully it drives the point home. There’s plenty of money to be made in the freelance writing field, but if you really want to succeed, don’t be afraid of taking on the little jobs. Sometimes, the little jobs are the ones with the biggest long-term rewards.

• Importance of revising and proofing your writing projects (get more clients)
• How much do blogging gigs pay?
• When clients try to take advantage of writers
• Getting Established as a Freelance Writer
• Yes, you can get paid to write online – but here’s your problem