1. Specialize. If you work as a generalist, you’ll have a hard time convincing people to pay you more. If you’re the only one there with an expertise on a certain subject, all of a sudden your work can look more attractive.

2. Write a lot of posts on those subjects if appropriate, without directly trying to promote yourself. For example, I run a PR firm, so I have expertise related to press releases that most of the writers there offering that service don’t. I post a lot on that subject, demonstrating my expertise of the subject. People see that I know what I’m talking about, and they tend to remember it, then hiring me when they need one for themselves.

Don’t just look at forums though. You need to make a decision as to what’s more important to you: a quick buck or larger payments. Most publications and sites paying more don’t actively advertise; you’ll have to query them. Payment usually isn’t immediate, which can make the transition hard, but if you want a steady flow at a certain rate, you’ll have to put the legwork in and work past that kind of transition. That’s just a fact of life for writers, and why so many end up staying in the lower-paying markets… it’s “easier.” Start by doing a basic search for things like “$.05 per word,” “5 cents per word,” etc. or look in the writers’ markets section of this site for some leads you can query.

As for choosing a specialty…

For a lot of writers, it’s easy. You specialize in the area you’re educated in. For example, I’ve studied, PR, marketing, and other business subjects, and that’s where I specialize predominantly. I have a second specialty of independent music based on my work experience as a music publicist and connections in that industry. If you’re an engineer, tech subjects would work well. If you have a degree in the pharmaceutical industry, you could specialize in that niche, etc. If you don’t have a formal education, it’s going to be hard to specialize in a professional subject matter where you would be expected to have a degree to call yourself an expert or authority source.

That doesn’t mean you can’t specialize. Think about your hobbies or things that you’re simply good at or passionate about. Do you show dogs? Then maybe dog breeding or grooming would be a good topic for you. Are you a twin? Then maybe writing about twins would work. Does your garden always come out just right? Then maybe a niche in gardening would suit you. Are you a video game addict? Then write about video games. Pick something you already know a lot about, and something where there’s a demand for content from people with experience. Also keep your rate hopes in mind. For example, most indie music publications pay less than $.05 / word, and many don’t pay at all. So narrow it down to a list of like 5 or so possible specialties, and then do some searching for online magazines and such to see what they’re paying. If most pay what you want or more, go for it. :)

It was really very good to read what you had experienced while starting out as a writer and it was really insightful about what makes a writer stop earning a higher amount per article.

I am surprised that digitalpoint has writers who are able to earn anything between 5c to 15c per word and even above but I was not clear about how they earn that much.. I am always scared to get a client go away after making an inquiry thinking it will be very tough to get clients.. my experience says the number of prospective clients is extremely high.. i.e. the demand is very high and the supply is considerably low in some areas. My point is,

how do I get clients who I can comfortably charge some 5c-10c per word at forums.digitalpoint?

The number of inquiries that pounce on dp forums are quite higher but the normal pay scale due the fierce competition between the writers is fairly low. that makes even more difficult to attract a client who is willing to pay that much what I would love to charge regularly.

Until now, I have charged a few of my clients 5c per word and if I try to increase my rates, they wont or maybe they will, I am sure if they have to, remain with me for a long term basis.

What I want is consistently attract and retain clients that pay 5c per word and above, now how do I do that irrespective of where I am from and what country or religion or sex, or caste I belong?

I know, I got to get my site up and market it through the SE. Then I can comfortably make anything around $50 per article. Maybe thats too less for Jen or even you in that case. for me, its a nice way to bring your self up and running. So, what do you say? Please discuss the way to work at dp forums to attract wholesome higher paying clients.

I know, I got to have a specialization as you said and thats what I have learned by reading from most writers, the established writers I mean though it takes a little while to specialize in any specific field. I think it would be great if you could elaborate points to choosing what should a person specialize. Maybe a great blog posts would do the needful or even a reply to this posts by sending a copy to my mailbox would be awesome.

Jen has some really good insights about freelancing and O boy! she’s absolutely awesome! wishing you a great life and a happy writing career. I think she’s really life to writing!

Jen and Zac! Thank you for all that you are doing for all the beginners in the field! I feel you’re making a difference to the whole world. God Bless!

P.S. Do send me a reply as I would love to get in touch with you folks on Linkedin and other ways by MSN, Yahoo, Skype, ICQ chat stations.