Setting Up Your Workplace as a Freelance Writer

Writers everywhere will tell us that they need to have that place where they are able to compose their works. Anyone who has worked on a freelance job will probably say that it is true for them, too. Freelance writers, too, need to have that one particular place where they are able to think and write. Perhaps it is psychological, our brain associates certain places to certain functions. But whatever the reasons may be, having a workstation is really helpful for freelance writers like me.

This workplace does not need to conform to any definition of a "workplace". It doesn't need to look like an office workplace. Mine is just a small table and a chair in one corner of our room. But it has everything I need as a freelance writer - desk lamp, internet router (for wi-fi connection), power outlets, a laptop stand and cooler, pens, paper, coaster for my coffee. Yes, I spent some money to set up my workstation but the mere fact that I am earning from writing just justifies the expenditure. Think of it as an investment. Now I am able to write continuously whenever I am at my desk.

For some, their workplace may be their favorite coffee shop (I have a couple, too!) while for others it may be in the park. Experiment on different places, and find that which makes you more productive. Once you've identified that place, you will be able to write well, and of course, earn well! So having set up your workstation, go and look for freelance writing jobs in the Philippines (try oDesk). But while at it, you might want to look elsewhere, too!

Happy freelance job hunting!

How to Choose the Right Buyers (for Freelance Writing Jobs)

Have you ever been duped by a buyer?

Felt bad, right? You worked hard to produce the document, and then you don’t get paid. Ouch! More than not receiving the payment that is so rightfully yours, what’s even more infuriating is that you can’t do anything about it.

This is a risk we, freelance writers, take. Whenever we apply for freelance writing jobs in the Philippines or elsewhere, we always need to exert a certain level of trust to somebody we don’t know. Very rarely would we encounter someone who will be willing to pay upfront, and this is understandable, too. Buyers also get duped by providers – that’s the truth.

Working only part-time for oDesk, I make a good income from freelance writing now, but this has not been the case all the time. My first two buyers did not pay me – how sad. And to think that those jobs were some of the lengthiest articles I have produced! But I have moved on, and somewhere along the way, learned a few tricks on how to spot a good buyer.

· Choose only those buyers with “verified payment method”.

· Never transact outside the marketplace if it is your first time to transact with a particular buyer. Willingness to transact within the marketplace indicates good intentions.

· Check the feedback of the buyer. Specifically, look for feedbacks about his payment manners.

· Check his work history and payment. His profile will usually show total jobs, total jobs paid and those in progress. If total jobs paid + jobs in progress is not equal to total jobs, then there is something wrong.

· Do your research – when the buyer has disclosed his identity, check online for some info about him. You can learn a lot from the internet and if you cannot find anything about him, then you might want to rethink doing business with him.

Note that these are not foolproof. In the end we all need to take risks when it comes to online transactions. So couple these tips with a little prayer.

Happy freelance job hunting!