When a writer is getting started, he or she finds ways to get his or her feet wet in the industry. One avenue is the freelance writing job website. Here, writers compete for a variety of writing jobs based on their expertise. But, writers looking at these job sites must be aware of the pros and cons to doing business with them.

Pros-

• Writing websites are not in short supply. With the explosion of the Internet business, there is an increased need for good skilled writers to do a variety of things. The advantage to online writing is the speed with which projects can be delivered to clients.

• For the niche writer, some freelance job sites specialize in one type of writing. Here, a writer can gain confidence, experience, and skill as they he or she completes more writing jobs. The job site is marketing its ability to find good writers so there won’t be a problem finding clients. They handle that part of the equation for you.

• Many job sites, like eLance, have developed a system for paying writers. A client must be good for the money or have it deposited in an account to be allowed to post a project. In this way, a writer doesn’t have to track down a client for payment if something goes wrong.

• With many writing jobs to choose from, a writer can decide what he or she wants to write and doesn’t want to write. The writer can accept simpler jobs in another niche he or she is exploring to get a feel for it. The only writing restrictions on the writer are the types of skills he or she possesses.

• Freelance writing job websites can be free to join or a paid membership. Paid memberships range from cheaper to more expensive depending on the perks awarded to the member. The number of bids a writer is allowed differs between paid membership levels.

Cons-

• Just like with any other industry, there are scammers. All freelance job websites are not the same. With some, you could possibly run into the nightmare of not getting paid by a client.

• Some writing job sites advertise writing projects for a ridiculously low fee for the writers. These sites are not scammers, but the lowball prices put them in almost the same category. Take a look around a writing website before deciding whether or not to work with them. Even membership sites will give you a look see.

• Check about extra fees with membership writing job sites. A percentage of the final payment to the writer is taken by the site. This cost is in addition to the monthly fee a writer pays to be a member. This payment can be anywhere from five to ten percent.

• When a writer completes a writing assignment he or she expects payment. This may be the expectation but it is not the reality with a number of writing job sites. Payment may come in one to three weeks after uploading the completed project. Be sure that the terms of the site are well understood before sinking your money into a membership.

There are positive and negative sides to working with freelance job sites. Caveat emptor—let the buyer (or in this case, writer) beware. Take a thorough look at the freelance site before deciding to work with them.

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