We Get Letters…

A little late today, but thanks for your patience. Trying to get back to East Coast time and get work done is proving to be a challenge. Life returns to normal tomorrow.

Hi Deborah,

I’ve been an earnest reader of your website, the tips are resourceful,
the jobs posted span an amazing gamut of job sites and I am a fan who
learns everyday!

I’ve recently learnt of an opportunity to write a weekly blog on the
property/real estate market. This is an ongoing opportunity they say,
and want to know how much I would charge. I have a business
background, an M.B.A and an English degree (all of which makes me a
good fit I think) and I am freelancing in order to stay home with my
lil’ ones. How much do you think will be a fair rate, especially since
this will be my first blogging opportunity?

Thank you for your help. I know how busy you are, and I appreciate
your time. On the off chance that you have a few minutes and would
like to have fun critiquing a fellow writer, please visit my webpage
below – I will be deeply grateful for any suggestions you have on my
profile.

Padma

Hi Padma,

Thank you so much for your kind words.

I’m never comfortable quoting rates because so many different things are factored in. How many posts? Word count per post? What kind of budget does the company have? How many hours will you work each day? There’s so much to consider, for instance, does your client want an hourly rate or a weekly or monthly salary type deal?

I’d love to visit your webpage. Right now I’m trying to catch up on everything after my almost a week away. I hope you don’t mind my waiting a few days. Please be aware that I’m not an expert, I just know what I like.

Best,

Deb

Dear Deborah,

Your pictures from BlogWorld Expo suck.

Sincerely,

Mad Max

Hiya Max,

Thanks so much for visiting my blog and offering such constructive criticism. Do stop by again and share more of your eloquence.

Hugs and kisses,

Deb

Dear Deborah:

Please send me more information on freelance writing from home.

Sincerely,

Sheri

Hi Sheri,

I could talk about writing from home forever, I wish I had that kind of time! : )

Why not make yourself at home and read the archives here? Plus there are so many great writing blogs, all of them with helpful information to get you start. Give it a Google and you’ll be amazed at the wealth of information you’ll turn up. I share everything I know about freelancing on my blogs, so I do hope you’ll be a regular.

Do come back often and participate in the discussions. I’m still learning and the community here shows me there’s always room for improvement.

Good luck,

Deb

Deb,

I continue to love your blog, especially the recent cover letter clinic. Yours is one of the first stops I make each morning. I have a question, the answer which is probably a matter of opinion, but why do you think it is that so many craigslist freelance writing job posts do not offer up the name of their company. I sometimes see a lead of interest, but with no idea who it is that’s seeking writers, hesitate to respond because I may have already worked with them (and subsequently chosen to stop). Why on earth can’t job posters post their company name instead of saying things like “we’re a big company looking to hire….” If they don’t give a name do you think they are probably lame?

Appreciate your input!

Jen

Hi Jen,

Thank you so much!

Honestly? I don’t think a lot of employers name drop because they’re smarmy, I think it’s because they don’t want to be inundated with email and phone calls. If you saw the same ad in the New York Times would you be inclined to send in your resume, with your name, address and phone number even if the business didn’t have a name? That isn’t to say that Craigslist isn’t a hot bed of scams and false opportunities, either. It’s good to proceed with caution. If an ad doesn’t make you feel comfortable, don’t apply.

I know what you mean though. I remember a couple of times I wanted to apply to ads but they felt kind of “familiar.” I passed and found myself wondering if I should have applied anyway.

Thanks for stopping by!

Deb

Dear Deb,

Why do you think a blog for freelance writers needs constant updates from a blogging convention? Your blog is called “Freelance Writing Jobs” or gigs or whatever it is this week, not “Update from the Las Vegas Convention Center.” Your guest bloggers are far more interesting.

My name is Mark not anonymous.

 

Hi Mark not anonymous,

I’m sorry you found my updates boring. While you may not be interested in learning what went on, more than half of the community here consists of bloggers. Freelance Writing Jobs has evolved from being just a list of writing jobs to featuring jobs for both writers and bloggers, and tips to help all freelancers succeed. I would have changed the title to “Freelance Writing and Blogging Jobs Plus Tips to Help All Bloggers Succeed”, but I felt it was a little too wordy.

Rock on,

Deb