I have to confess that I RARELY ask for that much for online writing. I have been brave enough to pitch $.10 per word – which I thought was daring online. But I am beginning to send out one query each day to new employers or potential publications and I intend to keep that doubling idea in mind!

Thanks for the motivation.

That misconception stems from online ads. People advertise lower paying jobs, and they don’t advertise higher pay as often. They don’t want a rush of writers applying – they don’t have the time. So they turn to referrals or they search for writers on their own. That’s why visibility online, and a network, are vital. But just like you can pitch a magazine, you can pitch businesses. I don’t even mean exclusively online businesses. Just take a look at some big corporations located in your own local area. Visit their websites. Then ask yourself “is their copy effective?” “Could I offer something better?” “Would they benefit from more consumer-oriented content on their site?” “Do they have a blog, or could they use one?” “Might they need help with editing projects?” “Could they use some new user guides or manuals?”

You’d be hard-pressed to find a mid-sized to large company out there which couldn’t use a freelance writer’s help with SOMETHING. In many cases they don’t even know they need you until you send them a proposal. For writers who don’t have higher paying jobs coming directly to them yet, this is the perfect way to break into a new market – something that simply taking on advertised gigs probably won’t do.

So go take a look at a few of those companies, and ask yourself those questions. See what ideas you come up with. :)