Comments on: Freelance Writing Jobs for Wednesday, May 21, 2008

By: Tamara

Tamara — Thu, 22 May 2008 00:16:54 +0000

@ Adam & Brandi: Thanks for your responses. Yes, they may think it’s illegal or some such thing; they may think it easier to hire an American, or that the English is different. But they’re missing out, frankly. The main editing gig I have is for an American-based company, requiring me to know colloquialisms in US, Cdn, and UK English. Plus, I’m highly skilled at online editing. Their loss, but it’s misinformed. The outsourcing argument is all well and good I suppose, but seems to only ever go one way; plenty of US/UK citizens applying for Cdn jobs. Ah, well, that’s life as a freelancer, I guess.

By: Brandi

Brandi — Wed, 21 May 2008 23:05:18 +0000

@Tamara: I would imagine for some employers it’s a matter of language, too. Even people who are native English speakers but not in the US may use non-US colloquial expressions. I’ve written for both British and Australian audiences as well, and while most of the time it doesn’t matter, for a couple where I needed to be more casual, the language issue can be problematic.

Of course, they could just oppose outsourcing…

By: Adam

Adam — Wed, 21 May 2008 20:12:01 +0000

@ Tamara: it could be a case of the company mistakenly thinking it’s illegal to hire a non-US citizen. Or they just may think you’ll be easier to track down if something goes wrong if you live in the US.

Or maybe they just want to give a job to their neighbors.

By: Tamara

Tamara — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:23:04 +0000

So many American-only freelance/telecommute ads these days. I’m perfect for the Online Editor job, but the specs say they want US citizens. For a freelance gig? Is that normal?

By: Jodee

Jodee — Wed, 21 May 2008 18:25:13 +0000

@ Ayda: Thank you; you’ve just made my day!

@ Jack: I always appreciate it when some one takes the time to say thanks.

By: Adam

Adam — Wed, 21 May 2008 18:20:48 +0000

@ Brandi: if it’s that ideal for you, it couldn’t hurt to call them and inquire. It shows initiative and interest on your part, and it’s often harder to say no to someone over the phone than via email.

You’d likely at least get an answer, and at worst, you don’t get the job. Which seems to be the case currently anyway.

Nothing to lose and everything to gain.

By: Brandi

Brandi — Wed, 21 May 2008 17:15:50 +0000

@Adam: I hope you’re right. Though I don’t mind not getting the job, it is one I’d like for our current situation. The email interview had a fair number of questions about technical aspects outside web writing, but I have experience with them. Maybe they are looking for someone with a really specific skill set and can’t find it (I’d like to hope anyway…).

By: Rudy

Rudy — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:56:37 +0000

I love the last one: “middle grade fiction editor.” It’s a 6-8 week job that pays $200! I hope there’s no low-ballers out there that will take it. I have a no-freebies/no cheapies policy and I hope all the writers do too.
You can get experience at an official internship if that’s what you’re after.

By: Jack B

Jack B — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:50:26 +0000

Thankyouuu Jodeee.

I might as well set up an auto-comment that just posts that everytime I look at one of these.

By: Ayda

Ayda — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:47:10 +0000

@Jodee

You’re a blessing, Jodee. My hearty thanks for the support..