WRITING

Writing doesn't have to mean blockbuster novels, although it is said that there's a novel inside all of us. Click on the right for details of how to get started, suggested reading materials, contact points and more.

TRANSLATION

If you are fluent in English and a second language, this is the option for you. Listed here are several agencies and companies worldwide that will consider adding you to their books. Plus tips on increasing your chances, and the chance to subscribe to a FREE translators newsletter.

 SECRETARIAL SERVICES

Many companies are simply not large enough to require full time secretarial staff. Tips on hiring yourself out, either on a regular basis to several companies in your area, or tasks like production of C.V's, typing student dissertations etc.

MYSTERY SHOPPING AND RESEARCH

Companies are much more conscious of the importance of customer opinions and many agencies have sprung up requiring researchers to check out shops, offices and anywhere that staff come into contact with their customers. Learn how to make the most of the opportunities available or how to get snapped up by the agencies.

 MUSIC

Find out how to make a success of a career in the music industry.

 COMPUTING

Be it designing web sites, repairing computers or computer programming, there are many ways to work from home. (UK page but not UK specific)

PROOFREADING

If you have an eye for detail, then this could be for you. Click on the link to the left for details of the work involved, together with recommended reading, courses and contact points. There's even a short test to see how observant you are. Note this is a UK page and as such the test relates to UK spelling.

 MISCELLANEOUS

If nothing above takes your fancy, what about artwork, photography, etc. A few more ideas are listed here.

FREE GUIDE TO SELLING YOUR SERVICES ONLINE

Whatever your skills, you need clients to become a successful freelancer. This free 10 part e-mail course shows you step by step how to create and market a website to generate business whether you are looking for clients around the world or around the block. Also available as an instantly downloadable e-book for both Windows and Mac users. Click here for more details.

USEFUL SITES FOR FREELANCERS

eLance.com Thousands of people from over 120 countries now use the eLance.com marketplaces for web and graphic design, software development, business services, research, data entry and much more.

Freelance Work Exchange To get started, sign up for their FREE report on the 50 top-producing freelance markets and check out their Freelance Directory and Project Directory.

Guru.com
This is an essential site for freelancers, with a huge resource of freelance work.

Bullhorn.com
A great resource for freelancers in the creative community. The site is well designed and easy to use, and offers an excellent range of quality projects from major corporates and agencies.

TELEWORKING LINKS

For more sites for teleworkers, visit our links page

Freelancing for Dummies by Susan Drake A friendly guide to becoming a freelance career person, showing how to make the leap smoothly. Includes real-life anecdotes that illustrate the methods of successful freelancers. Discusses such topics as evaluating jobs and projects, organizing a home office and a time budget, managing money and paying taxes, and the business-client relationship.

Successful Freelancing: The Complete Guide to Establishing and Running Any Kind of Freelance Business by Marian Faux In this guide, writers, consultants, artists, and other types of freelancers will find the essential information they need to set up and run a profitable, successful business. Special emphasis is placed on the concerns of women running their own businesses, as well as parents and couples working from home.