The Writing Bloc Hiring New Writers
July 7, 2008 by Jodee
Filed under Writing Gigs
Update: Due to the Overwhelming Response, Writing Bloc is No Longer Accepting Applications at this Time.
The Writing Bloc (http://www.writingbloc.com) is now taking accepting applications to join our network of freelance writers. The Writing Bloc is a little different from other freelance companies that offer work to writers. The most important thing is that we do all of the development to find quality freelance writing work, then distribute it out to our network of freelancers … and there’s absolutely no cost to those freelancers.
The basic format is this:
1.) Complete the really quick form at http://www.writingbloc.com/WritingBloc/Write_for_Us.html
2.) We’ll contact you with a link to a more detailed application and give you more information about how the network works.
3.) Get accepted to the Writing Bloc network.
4.) Check your email daily for new projects. The email will give project details, the timeframe, and what it pays.
5.) When you see a project you want to do, be the first to reply to the email.
6.) Write.
7.) Get paid.
Seriously, that’s all there is to it. If anyone is interested, please visit the site and take a look around. We just switched domains and are still working on some site development, but we’ve got a good amount of work coming in and need to really start finding some of the best freelance writers out there to work on it!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at mandy@writingbloc.com.
Best of luck, and happy writing to you all!!
Has anyone done this or worked for a company like it?
I don’t usually say this but I’m a little cranky today.
No offense but…
This is a free service. You’re welcome to look somewhere else if the jobs are a joke.
If there’s one thing Jodee and I have learned lately is that we’re not going to please everyone. There are always going to be some malcontents. So be it. If the jobs here are a joke and you don’t like what we do, you’re welcome to shop at Craiglist.
Do you know why we don’t get a lot more employers writing in with cushy job leads. Because they feel the community is too hostile to the people who posts jobs here.
I’m really not into coming here everyday and asking everyone to be respectful. We’re all grownups. How hard can it be to be nice?
Have a nice day.
As someone who started out with nada in her resume or portfolio, I appreciate some of the lower paying gigs. It helps me build up my skills, my confidence and my portfolio. ALL of my current contracts are lower paying, but they all add up. Once I get some more meat to my portfolio I can charge higher rates and have the experience to back it up.
And if I find a rate is too low? I don’t apply. Of course, I also apply for jobs that pay nothing and currenlty work for a couple of people pro bono.
I hope that Jodee continues posting these types of jobs….. what’s a joke to you is bread and butter to me.
Well, I applied and hope I can write for them. Thanks Deb and Jodee!
*hugs*
In the respective corners of our world, each of us write and have had varied writing experiences. I’ve had lucrative writing gigs for the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, American Greetings, and web content for television networks. However, if I find an writing gig that gives me the opportunity to break into a new field, I’m going to pursue it regardless of the pay rate. It simply fits into my personal edict: Just because I’ve written for they big guys and just because I’ve been an a corporate executive, I’m never opposed to taking a low paying position or even starting all over again.
I find it shameful when someone comes along and kicks the low paying job. Those jobs could very well be the stepping stones to someone’s success. Are we really ever bigger than the rocks we stand on?
OK, Done!
I agree with Colleen. As someone very new to freelance writing but with some writing experience in India, I am finding it very difficult to build a portfolio with samples relevant to what clients are looking for here in the US. So, I do welcome any writing opportunity I get & look at it as a learning experience. It is very impressive & encouraging to note that there are freelance writers out there charging much higher rates for their work. Obviously, they don’t need gigs like these. But for those of us looking for a start, this is a fairly good one in terms of pay, exposure & experience. Thank you, Deb & Jodee.
I to applied. I understand that most of you expect certain things when it comes to your experience but like some of us, we are starting out in this business, straight from college or still attending and want to get some experience under our belts. I think this will be a great opportunity for those who are accepted. Good luck to you Colleen and Rupa!
You know, Deb if I had a job for writers I wouldn’t post it here either. Not with all these comments. It’s a shame these same people can’t get off their soapboxes long enough to see they’re doing this blog a disservice. Who wants to come to all this negativty? I’m sorry certain people don’t respect you enough to respect your wishes, Deb. That’s what it comes down to no matter how they try to justify it. They’re showing you and Jodee disprespect.
You’re right. It’s a free service. They can go to craigslist if they’re unhappy.
I don’t know why people can’t keep their opinoons to themselves if they’re in disagreement. It’s like me going to their homes and criticizing the cheap furniture out loud to everyone there.
As others have said, something like this could be their first steps. For others, it’s an insult. For the newcomers, it’s nice to hear a range of comments from new to the field and those who are veterans. Knowledge is power.
Suppose the newcomers thought this is the only way it is? They could spend a lot longer than necessary with these type of writing jobs. If you need the exposure, clips, go for it. Just know there is a whole other world that awaits. And who can say how it will turn out for the writers who do apply?
Maybe the owners of the site plan to increase their rates as they get more successful or widely known; that’s what we all do as freelancers anyway, right?
I think what some people were doing was simply voicing their opinion. And you’ve heard opinions from both sides. Now it is up to the individual to make their choices.
But I would be the last person to suggest a posting like this should ever go away. Please don’t take it personal Deb as if we don’t all enjoy what you do.
We appreciate you!
Scribette,
Agree with everything you say….but you may want to look at what you yourself are charging for press releases. May be too low, depending on type and work required.
After reading some of the comments here I thought it’d be a good idea to address some of the questions and concerns being voiced.
First and foremost, I completely understand some people’s concern about pay rates. If you are accustomed to writing $100 press releases, our rate will no doubt seem very low. And if you’ve written dozens or hundreds of pages of content for other companies, $12 an article might seem like it’s not worth your time.
We’ve updated the “Get a Quote” page to be a little more clear about the prices listed. They are all guidelines based on previous work we’ve done and are in no way set in stone. We use many factors to establish all final prices quoted to clients:
* The amount of time required to do research. If all relevant information is provided by the client, and we’re simply doing a write-up for that information, we’re not going to charge them for research time. If hours of research will be required to complete the job, we’re certainly going to compensate the writer for that time.
* The amount of time it should take a skilled writer to produce the desired amount of content. For example, a single 250 – 350 word blog post takes very little time to write – perhaps half an hour? If you want to look at it from an hourly rate, that’s $16/hr… which isn’t bad at all! Again, if research is required for the post, that research time will be included in the price we quote our clients.
* The scope and time frame of the project. If a client would like 5 300 word articles and nothing more, they’re going to be charged differently than a client who would like 5 300 word blog posts a week for an indefinite amount of time.
It’s also worth nothing that many of the writing projects we’re approached with are much larger in scale than simple blog posts and short articles. So again, the prices listed on our Get a Quote page are guidelines only.
And for what it’s worth, I started as a corporate blogger making $8/hr regardless of the research time needed, length of the post, or quantity of posts requested. Like several people have suggested, that low-paying position was a springboard into a much more lucrative position within the same company that included supervising an entire team of writers.
That’s why our philosophy at the Writing Bloc is that no project is too big OR too small. But we understand that not everyone will share that philosophy. That’s why we think our approach is great for writers of all levels of experience. Writers are free to express interest only in the projects they feel are worth their time. If you’re not interested in a $50 blogging project, simply ignore the request for writers. When a $600 ebook project is announced, you may feel that is a better match for your experience and pay requirements.
The choice of what to do is completely up to you.
Hopefully that clears up some of the questions. If not, feel free to drop us a line at any time.
Thanks for your time and for all of the great feedback we’ve received so far!
-Derick Phillips
The Writing Bloc
I wasn’t going to say anything here, but I’ve changed my mind. When someone contacts us to post a job ad, I make a point of asking them to confirm that their rate of pay meets the minimum threshold as set by Deb. I did that in this case, too. Once I got the confirmation, I posted the ad.
If someone who visits here thinks I got the information wrong, then all you have to do is send an e-mail to bring the matter to my attention. That’s all. There is no need to insult my work and this client by declaring that their rates and the jobs we post here are a joke.
Thank you, Deb and Jodee for what you do. I’m sick of the negativism that has really become commonplace in comments on this blog. I’m not usually into banning people, but is it possible to ban those who perpetually complain, whine, and post comments like this? Everyone has a right to their opinion, but people need to focus on what’s important here. This is a **free service** which truly offers something for everyone. If an individual reader does not see the value in a particular opportunity, he or she can simply move on to the next thing; there is no need to take their frustrations out on anyone else. Enough!
Wow! What a hot button post, however unintentionally.
I think what this really proves is how diverse the audience here is at FWJ. You have some writers who routinely command $150 and up for their services, while to others the $8/article is very appealing.
So perhaps we should all agree to some rules of engagement – that if Deb and Jodee feel it meets the criteria (and since it’s their forum), if a job doesn’t meet your standards, just skip it without comment.
Companies like this do serve a purpose, helping very new writers to break into copywriting and build up a portfolio.
One caveat to the companies though — I’m sure you spend a lot more time editing/revising the articles you get from $8/hour writers than you would if you paid at a bit higher level. Something to consider about what YOUR overall time is worth — if you yourself have to spend 20 minutes editing the article, wouldn’t it be worth at least another $7-12 to get a somewhat more established writer whose work is on spot on the first submission?
Just a thought.
Mary
http://www.webprowriting.com
I find all these comments intriguing. For someone like me who wants to do something I love ‘on the side’ – jobs like these are wonderful – I can dip my foot in the pool & enjoy it at the same time. Ah well.
@Scribette -
I do have a comment section for people to comment. I have but one rule, be nice. So when someone comes here and tells me the jobs we post are a joke it crosses the line and I get a little peeved no matter how many “no offenses” I get.
Moreover, I asked if we can refrain from having negative discussions directed at clients who post jobs here (such as this one) as it discourages other clients from wanting to post their jobs here in the future.
Now, everyone wants the guys with the big jobs to post exclusively to this blog but as long as they see these attacks it’s not going to happen. So do comment, just be aware that you may be doing yourself and others a disservice.
I really don’t ask for much. Just be nice and considerate to the members and guests of this community. Treat people as you would want me to treat guests to your home.
@Scribette — Yes, the comments section is one of the things that makes this site such a valuable resource — to get everyone’s broad range of experience and advice.
I guess I just see Deb’s point, that if we lambast the job posters, they might think, “Why should I post my jobs here?”, and then take their postings elsewhere.
I think harping on those job posters who pay on the low end of the spectrum is very short-sighted and hurts the rest of us, but I do realize that some people feel the need to vent.
Also, I kind of feel like it’s being invited over to someone’s house for dinner, and then complaining about the cooking. If someone is taking the time to provide hospitality and service, then negative comments should be held in check.
Deb – ok thanks for the response!
That said, I am just voicing my opinion. If a guest was talking about this issue in my home, I would say the exact same thing.
Wait, banning folks because they post negative comments? That’s like saying if you don’t agree with everything in this country they should undergo forced relocation (though I am sure there are people who would agree with that statement, LOL)
In the About Freelance Writing Job section, it says: “Freelance Writing Jobs began in May 2005 as a way to help other writers, especially Work at Home Moms, find decent paying jobs. More than three years later its succeeded beyond our wildest dreams. We’ve expanded from being a little writing leads blog run by a “mommy blogger” to the number one online community for freelance writers.”
The key word is “community” and no one in any community is going to have the same opinion all the time about everything. If folks are suddenly banned from expressing their opinion, then what’s the point of a “community?”
By the veterans saying, “I get X amount of dollars while said company is offering Y amount of dollars” that is still relevant information for this community. They should, of course, do it respectfully or not at all, but I don’t see anyone saying anything disrespectful by saying “I think their rates are too low.” That’s their opinion. How is that disrespectful?
Further, by reading through the comments, many people have already expressed their opinion by signing up!
This is exactly how a community is supposed to work.
If Deb and Jodee think it appropriate, maybe they could start a forum where these kinds of discussions can happen behind the closed doors of the community they have created.
One of the sites I visit and comment on frequently does that. They list whatever it is and then link to discuss the item on the forums. This way the community is safe to freely express their ideas and opinions without people talking about banning anyone for expressing those ideas and opinions.
Damn good discussion guys! I wish I had the time to apply for this or check it out but kudos to jodee for all the hard work!
Deb, one thing I learned a long time ago: when someone says, “No offense but…” what they are about to say is no doubt offensive but they think by saying that, they can pass the buck for upsetting you.
Like a lot of regulars here, I’m getting sick and tired or people rehashing this same old argument every week. With respect to both job postings and comments, Deb and Jodee’s blog therefore Deb and Jodee can do what they like. If they want to allow all comments, they can. If they want to ban people from leaving comments they can. Heck if they want to post pics of naked skydivers they can!
Move on, people!
And Deb and Jodee – as always, thank you!
@Aaron J. Walker — The thing is that when people make comments like some of those in this thread (calling a job a joke because it is a low-paying position or somehow insulting the company), they undermine Deb and Jodee’s work and threaten the blog’s ability to continue to post jobs. They also threaten the site’s ability to attract and retain advertising revenue.
I have visited other sites that banned people for similar things. I was never an advocate of it — but when I thought of the opportunities that this blog has provided to countless writers and how much I want it to be able to continue doing that, it made me reconsider the idea.
I am sorry that some people have such a problem with the pay for a position like this. For new writers and for those going through a dry spell, these jobs can mean a big difference financially.
@ Fiona: Naked skydivers!
Thank you for saying that — I was in serious need of a chuckle and now you’ve given me one! 
Jodee: unfortunately I’m now going to have the image in my head for the rest of the day!
Aaron,
I don’t ban people from conversation and it’s very rare I delete comments. In fact, I only closed commenting once in three years. I ask people to be respectful. That is all. I love my community and I’m proud of it’s growth. The truth is, it could be a lot bigger.
I don’t expect everyone to have the same opinion or agree on the wages. I don’t mind a lively discussion. Just be respectful. Be respectful to the members of this community and to the people who guest post or ask us to put up their jobs. When you come to a post such as this one where it features a single job, it means a client comes to us directly with his/her job. When everyone gangs up on the client, no matter how polite the tone, it’s still being disrespectful. I don’t know how else to make people understand. I’m not censoring anyone, but I don’t want to lose these clients either.
This could be a bigger community but so many people have complained to me about the negativity from people who want us to post higher paying jobs. We could also have more jobs here but the truth is the negativity has scared people away. Please. Just be nice.
And @Scribette – Perhaps it doesn’t bother you that clients don’t want to post jobs here but it bothers me. It means I lose traffic and income. It means I can’t afford to pay people or bring about the changes everyone requests. So while it doesn’t affect you or others in this
community as a writer, and you can always find your jobs elsewhere, it affects me as the owner of this blog and it minimizes three years of work put into this blog.
@ Fiona: I just typed that search term into Google Images…wish I hadn’t now…LOL!
Jodee, thank you for all you do! There is no way to please everyone. You do a wonderful service here, and as Deb pointed out, this forum is free for us to come to. You will never get a negative comment from me because I appreciate greatly what you do! Applause for a terrific job!
@Deb
I wasn’t talking about you, I was refering to what BuffaloJen said. (Of course, by the time I finished typing, it had slid up a few more comments :s)
Sorry if I wasn’t more clear.
I’ll make sure to use the ampersand next time.
I like the site, I find it of incredible value.
Why folks wouldn’t want to post legitimate paying jobs, no matter how small or large, is beyond me.
Every business puts out ads looking for people. This is the salary, they are free to apply or not.
I don’t see why any business should take it personally if someone can’t afford or isn’t willing to trade their time and talent for the price being offered. Other people might (and already have by reading through the above comments).
How else are they going to find people? They’ll get a better class of applicants through this site than they would through Craigslist IMHO.
FIRST OFF…Please read and comment on my suggestions and don’t ignore me this time…
I can see both sides of this argument–but as Scribette said, the big guys won’t have to worry about being pegged. But, as Jodee and Deb said, this is a free service, and in my opinion–it is invaluable. This blog is the very first thing I check int he mornings before I start my day.
As a matter of fact, I may sign up for the service, as I have a dire need for extra income and every little bit helps.
God bless you guys, as there isn’t another one as comprehensive and noteworthy.
But I do like what one poster said–maybe we can shut down the comments section of the blog and relegate comments, negative and otherwise, to a small forum where we can hash out ideas and vent???
After reading the discussion this far, I’ve concluded that a fair compromise would be that all posts complaining about rates be replaced with pictures of naked skydivers. We’ll all know exactly what it means, so it’s not the same as deleting them.
Seriously though… if Deb says that people are put off from posting ads because of this behavior, don’t you think that she knows that better than we do? You can argue all you want about whether it makes sense for job-posters to feel that way, but I would bet that she knows what she’s talking about.
@ Wombat: I’ve seen the naked skydivers….not pretty!
In all seriousness, if Deb tells you something, then it is a fact. Why would anyone want the people with higher-paying jobs to post them elsewhere? We want them to come here and I would think that those of you who visit here regularly would want the same thing.
Thanks for the fantastic work on this site. I enjoy reading all the useful information and following up on great leads that often leads to great jobs! Keep up the good work!
The website clearly states that the prices range and as a new writer in this field, it all seems fair. I have applied and was given a nice, fast, and prompt response after the initial application. I am hoping that I am accepted and given the chance to work with these people. I also would like to thank the creators of this site for being so helpful.
I actually got accepted — I will keep any and all interested parties you posted on how it works, but it actually seems like a fun set up!
I applied. I’m building a business, so this will help my portfolio. Thanks to Deb and Jodee for all you do.
I don’t want to debate rates here, but I wanted to mention that I received a very well-written, courteous reply from WritingBloc after I sent in my application.
Therese, Phil and Scribette – please would you send me some tips about how to market my own freelance writing (this is a serious request!) email: vc@morethanoxfordstreet.com
Thanks
I’ve received an email from Writing Bloc, I had to give a sample writing but nothing more then 150-250 words. The only problem I’m having is what should I request in pay for a job that has posted what most start out around $8. Should I request $10 and see what they are willing to pay? Starting out is tough and I don’t want to ruin my chances of gaining experience regardless of the pay.
Thanks, Nic
Tish, I did notice that, but I figure there must be method to their madness. I am taking a wait and see approach.
Nickel, it never hurts to ask–besides, from what I gather, some articles may actually fetch higher pay rates depending on the client, so you may make $8.00 with one client and perhaps $15-25 an article with another–in the end, it all pans out, esp if you are simply seeking to build your portfolio…
In an aside: how does one upload a icon/profile photo…
So let me get this straight: some potential clients pay rates that may be less than the going rate and their gigs might be more appealing to someone just starting out and not to a seasoned freelancer. Many of the high paying gigs come through networking, recommendations, and other sources. So why do people who feel they should be commanding a higher rate than what’s offered waste their time commenting about gigs that may be more suitable for a newbie? Wouldn’t their time and energy be better spent seeking out those high paying gigs that aren’t posted openly on the Internet and cultivating their network of potential clients?
I mean, if you have the time and energy to go back and forth about low paying rates, you’re probably not writing those elusive high paying gigs, right? I would think that, for those who have been doing this for a while and have the ability to charge well for their services, their time would be better spent attending a networking event or a conference where they could promote their services. But instead, this convo goes on ad nauseum, which makes me think that those who feel they can charge a great rate don’t have actually have enough work to keep them busy. Which is why they come here to pooh pooh those who are excited about a particular gig.
And while I understand people’s reasoning for suggesting that comments get turned off, I think that would be a shame. One of the newest posts on this site for a gig has a nice convo going on where the potential client is being very encouraging and helpful. That would be a shame to miss out on just because of the Bitter Bettys who simply must have their say no matter how polite (yet firm!) Deb and Jodee are. No offense. Ya know?
Vanessa – nice to hear your question!
I think one of the most basic items to have when you contact a prospective client is to have a compelling cover letter (covering writing experience and other relevant experience for the job)… with links to some of your best writing – followed by a resume.
All of these items should be in the body of an email … with no attachments (unless they ask for them).