Since I started to land jobs as a freelance translator, I've seen my share of some unusual writing gigs. You don't realize how much writers are needed until you start browsing the ads for listings, and unusual freelance writing jobs are often the ones that pay the most. If you're willing to look outside the box at freelance writing gigs, you might find that you can make more money and create a more diverse portfolio.
#1: Catalogs
How many times have you browsed through catalogs for office supplies, clothing, books, toys and other items? If you'll notice, there isn't just a picture and a price - there's also a description. Many stores - especially the smaller outlets - hire freelance writers to do this for them. You might get as much as $20 per blurb (although some pay considerably less), and these gigs can really add up if you impress a manager.
#2: Greeting Cards
Someone has to write all those Hallmark cards for Christmas and birthdays, and comedians and humor writers are often the best at this. You can either submit your ideas to a company that produces greeting cards, or you can contact them about a full-time or part-time contract job where you're assigned a certain number. This is a great way to generate cash because it is often a well-paying gig.
#3: House Descriptions
When you search for a new home to rent or buy, you'll find the description under pictures of the property, and real estate agents with lots of inventory don't have time to do it themselves. If you enjoy describing the architecture and layout of different homes, this would be a great job for you. The agent or broker gives you the specifics, and you write a glowing description of the property.
#4: Sermons
Some pastors and ministers are great orators, but they're not very good at coming up with their own material. If you enjoy researching biblical verses and theology, you could make a decent living writing sermons for ministers in your area. This isn't as high-paying as many of the other jobs because churches are generally not rolling in cash, but several different sermons a week will add up.
#5: Manuals
Remember that little booklet that came with your new microwave? Someone had to write it, so why couldn't that someone be you? Technical manuals that describe how to use products purchased in stores are needed by many manufacturers, and if you're good at your work, the referral business will boom. Of course, this is for writers that don't feel compelled to get creative!
#6: Travel Brochures
Head to your travel agent's office and peruse the hundreds of colorful brochures that adorn her walls. Travel brochures are written by travel enthusiasts, and if you fit the bill, it could generate a healthy income for years to come. They are always in need of updating as new features become available, which means that it becomes a residual job that doesn't ever end.
#7: Restaurant Menus
This is the perfect gig for a writer who also loves graphic design. Think about the dozens of the restaurant that surround your home, and try to imagine which ones could use a revamp of their menus. You could provide the item listings, the descriptions of the food, and even the design of the menu itself, which is a great investment for restaurant owners.
#8: Biographies
Think of all the jobs in the world that require a short biography. Artists, actors, musicians and anyone else in the arts and media industries need glowing biographies to capture the attention of agents and producers. This is a great income if you know how to schmooze the (almost) rich and famous, and it is a largely untapped niche market.
#9: Video Game Scripts
If you ever play video games, then you know that the characters often talk to one another. Talk to a few video games companies and ask if they have dialogue writers, and if so, whether they need someone new. A fresh voice on a video game is always an asset to the manufacturer, and it might turn into a full-time gig.
#10: Personal Correspondence
I know it's hard to believe, but there are C-level executives who are worth millions of dollars and who can't string together two cohesive sentences. These people hire writers to pen all of their personal and professional correspondence, which can be exciting as well as financially profitable. You can advertise in places like NY times, and gain referral traffic from happy customers.
Find freelance jobs on:
http://www.getafreelancer.com/affiliates/elinec/
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