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Be a Web Writer

© Laura Brown

You've always wanted to be a writer, see your name in print and become known as a source of information on your particular topic. Well, welcome to the Internet. It's a smorgasbord for writers in here, if you're willing to write without pay.

Now don't look shocked. There are advantages to writing online, even without getting paid for your time and trouble. Not that you should go crazy and spread yourself too thin. But, consider the points in favour before you slam the door.

First, you are not likely to be rejected. As long as you have some skill with words, watch your grammar, spelling and punctuation, you are pretty much assured of finding a place to write online. I've even seen some pretty horrible prose published on freebie websites. So, in fact, no matter how badly you write, somewhere there is a byline for you. However, your chances of getting to the better known sites depends on your level of writing ability. Of course.

Secondly, you can become almost an instant authority on your topic of choice. If you want to pull it off make sure you do some research, above and beyond what you already know from personal experience. Talk to others in the field, make contacts, do interviews and get fresh ideas and perspectives to add to your knowledge base. This will also keep your articles fresh and interesting for readers, always a big plus.

Thirdly, you will make contacts and promote yourself as a writer. Whether you write fiction or non-fiction getting your name out there is important and a huge advantage. Maybe writing for a freebie website is a lowly credit but it's still something you can show for yourself. It is still a step you have taken rather than hiding under your safe rock and wishing you were a writer. Promote yourself too, get links to other sites, add an email signature to your outgoing email, etc. You're a somebody now!

Last of all it keeps you writing. How do you become a better writer? By writing of course. Practice, learn better spelling and perfect your grammar and punctuation as you go along. Each week you can learn something new to make you a better writer. Learn by doing.

Now, where do you go to do all of this you may be asking? There are communal writing sites, like Suite101 itself. But anyone can put up their own personal site or weblog now. Also, there are thousands of small ezines looking for writers. Search for something in your topic and send an email to the publisher. Ask them what content they would like. You need to decide which kind of site has more advantages for you. Suite and the ezines are established sites but there are rules to adhere to whereas on your own site you would be your own boss.

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