When most teenagers think about writing, it usually involves some torture in high school English class involving a book report or an essay. Usually, it’s not the sort of thing that gets teens excited about wanting to write every day.
However, just like their adult counterparts, teens with a knack for writing and a computer with an Internet connection can engage in freelance writing just like anyone else. And that means instead of working as a minimum wage grunt in a fast food restaurant or retail store, a teen can be earning just as much or more on his own schedule.
There are a number of opportunities a teen can easily take advantage of as soon as he develops a basic skill of writing well and doing so quickly. After all, most work needs to be turned around within a day or two. So teen writers have to perform at the same level as any other freelance writer to perform the same work. That said, opportunities include content writing, website content production, being blog writers for hire, lens and hub content writing, marketing material production, and self-publishing.
Preparation
Before getting started chasing after any work, however, a teen writer should practice a bit to develop a style and confidence. Not only will different writing projects help build up skill, a new writer can then use some of the best articles as samples. In most cases, before signing up with an online writing service, a new writer will need to submit a sample showing his best skill and capability. Obviously, a teen writer wants to put his best foot forward doing so. It also helps a writer get rated for particular pay levels and related eligibility. He should also get his parent’s support as any work agreement likely requires a parental approval.
Expectations
If a teen can dedicate an hour or two a day to writing, even in broken up time periods, he can expect to earn anywhere from $7 to $30 a day just with writing content production. A week comes out to an earning level of $50 to $210 and $200 to $840 a month. Most teens are not going to have an objection to having that kind of spending money available to them, far exceeding anything they’re going to receive with an allowance. Further, the younger writer is not going to stink like fast food, kitchen grease or onions at the end of the day like so many other working teens in normal part-time jobs.
Undisciplined Types Need Not Apply
The above said, a prospective teen writer needs to understand he will have to be his own boss. No one is going to chase after the work to get it done. Only the teen writer is responsible, and being late on too many jobs can get him kicked off an Internet service fairly quick. However, those who understand personal discipline can quickly begin earning and saving money each month on their own schedule with online writing. It can be enough to save for a car, a special trip, or even for college. For those are really savvy, it’s never too early in life to put money away for retirement as well, believe it or not. And freelance writing can create that income stream for anyone.
(Editor’s Note: WriterAccess requires applicants to be at least 18 years old to apply as a writer.)
Tom L is a freelance writer available on WriterAccess, a marketplace where clients and expert writers connect for assignments.
