Elance is the most comprehensive online database for freelancers of all pursuits. Their database contains thousands of freelance jobs listed under nine broad categories.  Freelancers find projects they would like to undertake and then submit a "pitch" for it. This way, you can clearly specify how much you expect to be paid (or pay) for the project, what percentage you want up-front, and all other terms and conditions.

There are two categories of membership: Basic, and Select. Basic is the entry-level category, and you have access to most of the jobs posted in what is known as the "basic" level marketplace. "Select" members get full access to all the projects, and most Select members are well-established freelancers who are known for their high standards and professionalism. Select members have to verify their identity or an academic/professional credential so that their integrity is never in doubt.

As a freelance writer, I have been a "Select" member of Elance for almost an year, and can personally vouch that the rewards you can reap far outweigh the cost of membership. (My ID is "photoessays")

I  encourage you to visit the Elance web-site and browse the jobs posted just so as to see for yourself the tremendous possibilities available. You can select a category to browse from the table on the left. It is free to look. I also recommend that you subscribe for a Basic monthly membership if you are new to freelancing and would like to test the water first. If you are looking to hire a freelancer, you can post your project for FREE.

Freelance Work Exchange

Created by freelance writer Ron Palmer, Freelance Work Exchange is another great resource for freelancers. The site is particularly strong on web-design, graphic, and freelance writing/editing opportunities. Best of all, they offer you a 7-day no-risk trial for only $2.95! You can cancel at any time. 

This is ideal for well-established and beginner freelancers alike, and I encourage you to make use of the trial offer, which is just the cost of a Big Mac or two! You can then decide whether to go in for a monthly membership scheme, subscribe to an annual membership, or cancel your trial membership altogether.

In addition, you can get the following items for FREE:  twice-weekly job reports, a course on freelance success tips and a  freelance e-book.

Scriptlance

Scriptlance is a good resource for programmers, web site designers and others involved in the IT industry. However, the number of jobs listed and the average pay is significantly lower than at Elance. Since it is free to join, you might want to consider joining Scriptlance anyway, and keep monitoring the site for suitable freelance jobs.

Scriptlance will pay you US$1 just for signing up for free!

Register for free and get US$1 from ScriptLance!

Programming Bids

Programming Bids is one of the most popular freelance work sources for highly motivated and skilful programmers, web designers, graphic artists and other IT experts. As with most other freelance work sources you bid for the projects on offer, negotiate the terms with the buyer, and complete the job according to the agreed-upon time frame.

The latest list of job requests are listed below.

Programmers from India have the option of getting paid via Remit2India (from timesofmoney.com) or Cash2India if they wish.

US$49

 

Signup here to post your programming or web design project request or to place your bid

Get A Freelancer

Graphic design, programming, writing, editing, translating and all other kinds of freelance jobs can be found at  Get A Freelancer. Registration is free. Like at Elance, you "bid" on projects which are posted by prospective clients. A solid, up-and-coming, freelance work source.

Free to join.

WorkTree

WorkTree is another database you might want to consider joining. Although WorkTree does not specifically target freelancers, there are quite a few freelance opportunities posted regularly on this site.

More than 50,000 job opportunities from around the world are listed on WorkTree. They have three categories of membership: Silver, Gold and Platinum. Also offered is a guarantee that they will extend your membership by three months if you do not find a job by the time your membership expires.

CC Now

The solution to this problem is to partner with a company that will accept credit cards on your behalf. Among these payment processors is CCNow which is a highly reliable (and recommended) processor of credit cards. They charge 9% for all transactions except in November and December where the fee is 8% (lower than usual). Registration is free, so even if you do not plan to sell anything right away, it is useful to register and check out what they have to offer. They welcome non U.S customers.

Free to register.

EmailMyResume

EmailMyResume is an excellent way of distributing your cover letter and resume to employers and recruiters who are constantly looking for talented employees, including freelancers. What I like most about this concept is that most prospective employers keep job applications on file so that they can contact suitable people whenever jobs become available. This is true not only for permanent employees but for freelancers as well. 

EmailMyResume has more than 8,000 recruiters and 1,190 employers who have signed up to receive resume's via email. This is an excellent way to gain exposure and ensure a constant supply of jobs. If you use EmailMyResume, you will also get a list of the companies/recruiters to whom your resume was submitted.

US$49

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