Comments on: The One Thing Keeping You From Finding Freelance Writing Jobs

By: jayanti

jayanti — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:21:07 +0000

Excellent post,thanks

By: Valerie

Valerie — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 18:06:04 +0000

What an excellent post! I did the same thing you described for a long time – kept visiting job boards but not applying for jobs. I took the plunge just a couple of weeks ago and put up a profile at elance and got the first two jobs I bid on. One of those two clients already contacted me to do a second job. The fact that this client came right back for more gave me a much-needed dose of self-confidence! Now I can’t help but think about the time I wasted, but of course I can’t spend too much time dwelling on that.

By: Janet

Janet — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:46:43 +0000

Hah! You are so right. I have to make myself apply for stuff, with a “what the h***” attitude because otherwise I wallow in nerves and procrastination. I am my own best enemy, as many of us are. My rule of thumb (which I don’t always follow) is apply for a bunch of stuff and something will work out. So far I’ve gotten three paying gigs, and one that stole my work. (But that was partly my fault for not raelly asking any questions. Live and learn.)

By: Lori

Lori — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 14:36:39 +0000

Thanks for bringing up this important point. It is surprising how taking that step to simply apply for jobs can be such a scary one. I finally had to ask, what do I have to lose? – Nothing. On the other hand I had so much to gain – work, experience, pay, etc.

By: Ann G.

Ann G. — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 12:02:20 +0000

One of my biggest hurdles is picking out the scams from the non-scams. I have one right now sitting on my desk that sounds slightly scammy – so I’ll ignore it, but there is that part of me that wonders if I’m just being overly cautious. It’s hard because the Web site checks out, but the guy’s phone number comes back as unlisted, so I can’t vouch for it there. One post lists the guy as being a scammer, but that was four years ago and he’s still using the same email and Web site, so that makes me question that one post calling him a scammer.

That’s where I struggle the most when it comes to jobs. I have plenty of work currently, but with the area propane companies telling people to expect rates of $6 a gallon this winter, I need all the work I can get.

By: Jodee

Jodee — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 11:43:01 +0000

@ Elizabeth: Congrats on getting the Demand Studios gig! Keep applying for things and this won’t the only place you are working before too long.

@ Brian: I think everyone feels overwhelmed by insecurity at times. The way to get that particular demon to shut up is to take action, and it sounds like you are doing all the right things.

By: Morgan

Morgan — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 11:31:12 +0000

Thanks for the motivation! Great way to start off the week.

By: TIm

TIm — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 11:11:17 +0000

I think it’s a fairly important thing to remember. For example, prior to January of 2008 I had never written an article in my life, other than short stories for fun. I literally never did have time due to running a construction company in the US. When we moved to Europe in January I was able to finally focus on writing as I’ve always wanted to. Within 3 weeks I got a job writing content for a computer game, I sold the first short story I’ve ever submitted in my life on the very first try, I signed a contract for 10 articles over the summer for an interior design/construction website, and I’m in negotations to write a class guide for LOTRO. It’s all about selling yourself. If you can meet deadlines and write with some intelligence, you’ll find work. Regardless of your experience. You just have to think positive and remove the words “fail” and “no” from your dictionary.

By: Brian

Brian — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 03:24:24 +0000

I love this web site. I have been looking here for about a year and just now started applying for jobs. I’m still pretty new at this so I haven’t found much yet but I feel that if I am persistent something will come. I have been reading the blogs here for some time, and there is always good advice. It’s a little comforting to know that I’m not the only one who feels overwhelmed at times. Thank you very much!!!

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 02:06:56 +0000

I just wanted to say thank you! I have only been contemplating this line of work for the past few weeks. I sent out some queries right away and wrote down some ideas for articles and even pounded out a few, then I found your website. I applied at Demand Studios, which you posted last week and I was accepted. Yey! They approved two suggested articles so far. I know that the more experienced writers think they don’t pay well enough, but I am grateful for it anyways.

Thanks again – great site!