Comments on: Applying for Freelance Writing Jobs: It’s All About Following Directions

By: Deb

Deb — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 22:21:56 +0000

Lesle

Yes, do send links. That’s pretty standard nowadays.

Unless specified not to, I always attached samples.

Hope that helps!

Deb

By: Lesley

Lesley — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 16:10:48 +0000

I have a couple of quick questions, and I thought this thread would be the best place to ask them.

1) When a job description asks for writing samples, and you want to submit writing that has previously been published on the internet, is it good etiquette to simply send the links to the published versions? Or should you still send the actual samples with your cover letter?

2) When sending writing samples with a cover letter, should you simply include the samples in the body of an e-mail, or should they be sent as file attachments?

By: Eddie

Eddie — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 06:50:42 +0000

I had a slight issue with people following directions recently, when I put up ads on Craigslist for writers for my blog. I included explicit application instructions in a blog post (which I linked to in the Craigslist ad, along with some more instructions), yet several of the replies I got had questions about how to apply.

I got some good writers out of it, but I’d have figured that more people would have read and then e-mailed, instead of asking questions I’d already answered.

By: Scribette

Scribette — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 04:41:17 +0000

Rachel and Tish – you make complete sense!

By: Freelance Writing Jobs » Blog Archive » Should You Quote Your Rates on Your Cover Letter?

Sat, 02 Feb 2008 18:38:25 +0000

[...] when suggesting folks follow directions when responding to an ad, I mentioned how that included quoting a rate if it’s requested. It appears I’m in the [...]

By: Tish Davidson

Tish Davidson — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 16:54:27 +0000

Here is an ad from SF Bay Craigslist that makes you wonder about the client. This is the COMPLETE AD.

Publicity for spiritual book/cd tour
Reply to: gigs-558581789@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-01-31, 12:10PM PST

http://www.asherahinternational.com

Please e-mail contact with details.

Thanks.

By: Tish Davidson

Tish Davidson — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 16:47:13 +0000

I have some real issues with advertisers who ask for rates or quotes without providing any clues about the rate they have in mind or the scope of the job. If you, the client, have a firm budget, then why don’t you just say what you are paying in the ad or at least give some idea of the range? It would cut down on the responses you get, and it would save freelancers who wouldn’t write for that rate the time and trouble of putting together a response. What good does it do either of us for me to tell you that my rate is $40 per hour when you know you only plan on paying $20 per hour?

I feel like clients who don’t provide adequate information about their rate and the job requirements are angling for the lowest price they can get. When I do answer ads that want a rate or a quote, I normally say something like “My rate depends on the topic, scope of the work, and research involved, but usually averages xx per hour.” And I can’t think of one case where any advertiser wrote back to discuss the job (although I get jobs at my quoted rate all the time when I respond to jobs that are in my quoted pay range). So for me, advertisers who don’t provide adequate information are just cheap bottom feeders and lately I rarely respond to their ads.

By: Sue

Sue — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 16:18:19 +0000

I hate the rates question, and I don’t know too many writers who like it. What is so difficult about an editor saying up front “we pay XX to YY, depending on the need or the experience”? If I write and say my rate is ZZ, I’ve wasted time for two people. I usually answer it simply that I discuss rates when I have a better indication of the job duties. I do get responses.

By: Pat Sherman

Pat Sherman — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 15:33:55 +0000

I tend to avoid the job postings that are too vague. If the entire ad reads omething like “I need a hundred 500 word articles asap. Send quote.” I think, is this someone I really want to work for? The solid employers seem to be the ones who post details and have a good idea what kind of writer they need. After all if I called a plumber and left a message simply saying “I need someone to do some work on my house, give me a qutoe.” The plumber couldn’t possibly do so without some specifics. I know I’ve probably passed up some decent jobs by being so picky, but I’ve also gotten some good ones by concentrating on the ads that appeal to me most.

By: Phil

Phil — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 13:44:38 +0000

Leo,

Provide the links first. Some spam filters are very touchy, with many rejecting attachments.

I ran into one recently tuned so high that it rejected a typical e-mail I send with a cover, links and resume.

The hiring authority eventually found it, after I resent and called a couple of times. I’m “in the bullpen” (former sportswriters can’t avoid sports references).