This is the first post of an ongoing series about opportunities for teens (youth for that matter) to make some money, using resources available to them.

Freelance WritingHave you ever heard the word “freelancing“? Freelancing usually applies to someone who is doing a job that requires their specific talents, for themselves. You may see someone who does a “guest post” on a blog, or a weekly or one-time column in a newspaper. These are freelance writers. Freelance writers, depending on experience and reputation, can be paid pretty highly. All you need is time, and the ability.

Now, I have absolutely no doubt in the world that teenagers can be just as good (if not even better) writers as adults. That’s why many teens these days choose to write for some extra money. Here’s how one would normally do it.

1. Get Some Skills!

In order to make some money doing freelance writing, you first have to develop your skills! This is the most important part of the process. Make sure you’re creative. Make sure you’re persuasive. And most of all, make sure that you have good grammar. Because on the internet, in real life, or in a newspaper, everyone hates someone who’s horrid with grammar. I recommend just writing, about anything, to hone these skills.

2. Write Some Articles… For Free

Maybe the best way to start your freelance career would be to provide some free articles. This shows that you’re dedicated… that you really want to earn someone’s approval. Submit your articles to a local newspaper (a local youth newspaper, if you have one). Blogs will often have specific pages where you can apply for a guest post. Make your first articles the best – because without a good kickstart, you’re hooped.

3. Continue

This really isn’t a “next step”, but it’s important. Keep records of your writing portfolio, so that you can show off that you’re experienced (a blog, an e-file, or a physical folder are all good ways of doing this). At this stage, you’ll probably still be doing it for free; that’s good though, because you’re just gaining experience, honing your skills, and becoming known. Do this, and you’ll become wanted.

4. Write Regularly

There’s nothing worse than writing once, and hoping that you’ll be found. Because you won’t. That’s why a lot of freelancers have blogs, and that’s why I recommend you get one. The internet is amazing, and if you use a blog correctly, it can serve as your portfolio. Even as I’m writing this post right now, I’m building my portfolio.

5. Get found!

Market yourself… send your articles in to the newspaper, propose ideas to a person running a blog, write on forums. Whatever you do, make your articles good.

6. Write Some More.

Yes, write.

Once you’ve passed the stage of free freelance writing (whew!), you could make $10 an article. Sometimes 20… but if you gain reputation, and you have experience in a field, and you can research well, you could be making 10 times that! Remember, this job opportunity is open to anyone… Masters degree in English, or not!

Some resources:

Corey Freeman at Writer 7 - a 17 year-old female freelance writer (among other things)

A Great Freelance Writing List

BloggerLinkUp – A site that connects bloggers and freelancers. It sends out emails that outline guest posts that are wanted and available. A perfect place to fill in a position, or market one.

A freelance Article By a teen freelance writer about freelance writing for teens!