I decided to share this topic because I’m fed up of managing and teaching people, particularly writers, who caused more problems than produced desirable outcomes. If you are interested and believe that you have the qualities and skills of a good academic writer, this is your chance. Have the right motivation, attitude, and information and I promise you won’t regret you’ve chosen to be one of us.
There are a lot of websites and blogs that provide or discuss online jobs. Just enter the right keywords in any of the search boxes of your search engine to find answers for your specific queries. I don’t have to elaborate the details but here are some considerations before you start deciding about working online.
1) Internet Access
Make sure you have your own computer, as much as possible, and an Internet connection because this more convenient rather than working in a cybercafe. Unlimited DSL connection is cheaper and more efficient than broadband subscription. I suggest Bayantel DSL if you’re in metro manila area or Digitel if you’re in the province. Based on my experience, other DSL or broadband providers are not very satisfactory. Using your mobile phone as a modem (just install the latest PC suite software) is fine if you are willing to spend 20/hr.
2) Choosing a Job
Be careful in discerning legitimate from fraudulent sites. Visit forums or Q&A communities. Please note that academic writing is just one of the various types of online jobs. This tough but it’s the most rewarding.
If you want to perform with utmost quality and productivity, look for free online libraries where you can get reliable sources of information or references. You may pay to view academic journals but it’s better if you choose a monthly or annual subscription. I recommend Questia because (USD99/year) it has the largest collection of literatures and Philippine eLib (Php12,000/year) if your target clients are Filipinos.
It’s definitely possible to choose to be an independent writer. However, you might find it difficult to have clients unless you have a large network of friends or marketing skills. My first and current online writing job provider is essaywriters.net (Its local site is writers.ph). There may be negative comments about this company but I have proven this to be the best so far due to the following reasons:
* There is no bidding, which means that writers have the freedom to start working with the chosen order immediately.
* Writers can ask for time extension, additional compensation, and copy of the required reference/s from the client or support team.
* It doesn’t run out of clients, which means that you can have long-term income stability.
* It encourages professionalism.
* It delivers salary on time.
* It has a very effective system and it is concerned with the writers more than the clients.
* It offers bonuses, learning opportunities, flexible work period, dispute resolution, 24/7 support through chat or PM, and direct communication with the clients through the messaging system.
Other sites, which I believe are legitimate, include: oDesk, AcademiaResearch, and AcademicExperts. There are also blogs that pay for original articles.
3) Bank Account
You must have a bank account, preferably international, or a debit/credit card, esp. with MasterCard or Visa logo. This is not to be used for registration or sign up fee but for receiving your salary because most legitimate companies don’t ask for any payments. To secure your debit/credit card, sign up for a free PayPal account.
4) Honesty is the Best Policy
Force yourself to do beyond your capability or limitations and ruin your reputation or be honest with yourself and gladly accept the fact that, indeed, there are times that you can’t do something no matter how much you want to. Focus on quality, not quantity. Do not plagiarize, follow instructions, and work ethics because everything that is haphazardly, badly, incorrectly or mistakenly done would always come back to give you another chance, if it’s not to haunt, annoy or make things more difficult for you.
