Regarding security, Lori is right, you can get an EIN for your “small business” (which does include freelance writers) to protect your SSN and use for tax related papaerwork. If you go to IRS.gov, you can apply for an EIN free of charge. Do NOT Google “Obtaining an EIN.” You will come across websites who charge to get an EIN- this is FREE through the IRS. DO NOT be fooled! Especially when it comes to releasing your information to unknown sources.

1) I went to the website posted by Jenn above (whois.sc) where I inputted the URL of the website that is courting me. What I’m curious about is…what does all that information on the results page mean? Some of it I do understand–I guess I’m just wondering this: What would have to come up, or NOT come up, in the results field for me to be either worried or worry-free?

2) Also…how much should a writer seek as far as compensation? For me personally, at 25, I am just happy to write in general and be compensated for it. I do, though, want to be properly compensated for my hard work like anyone else. At the same time, I don’t have a wife and two kids to support or anything like that. I do have a full time job, but this writing gig is my “side thing” (that I would like to turn into a full time opportunity sometime down the line if I were to be so lucky).

But anyways, I’m just curious about the payment scale. I’m sure what a business writer makes per assignment is different than what a sports writer should make per article. But what I’m wondering about is…how does one figure out what he or she should be worth?

Thanks to all.

Mike

I just turned 25 and while I am still a bit in search of what I exactly want to do, I am realizing more and more that I love to write. And while I know that some like to do technical writing, or business writing, etc, I know that I love to write about sports and entertainment (analytical writing pertaining to both).

I have written for a few websites over the past couple of years to get experience, and have started to make a small amount of money per article from one television/film website. But it’s definitely a small amount of money (something like $15.00 per article).

My question is this, though…where do you guys think my best bet would be to find freelance writing opportunities for magazines or online publications (in regards to my writing interests)?

Now don’t get wrong…I check online here and a few others sites every week. But I’d say on the whole, I see writing gigs such as a copywriter, essay writer, technical writer, etc. That’s not the type of writing I would like to pursue.

So is it just about timing? Do I have to search the same exact sites as the people attempting to pursue, say, business writing, and just hope I see something that catches my interest? Or are there certain websites (or what have you), that may offer writing opportunities for people who are seeking more creative freelance writing gigs?

Ultimately, I have two types of gigs. The first are long term gigs, with contracts and 1099 forms. Those are the ones with companies and larger groups that need writing done. I research before agreeing to anything. The other gigs I get are more personal, just someone needing ten articles for their site or whatever. It’s not worth a contract for a two day project, so I just require a half and half. This puts both of us in a place to trust each other, because they pay me half up front before I do the work, and then half once the work is submitted.

Many people that don’t have the time to deal with contracts for little stuff like this method, as long as you’re good on your word. But yes, even with taking the time to research, a lot of times you do just have to fill out the forms and hope that the company is one that’s not going to do you wrong.

How do freelance writers protect themselves? There are a lot of websites out there, and even start ups that are looking for writers. But sometimes, you’ll be asked to fill out a 1099 form and that will include one’s SSN#.

My question is…what do people do in that situation? Nine times out of ten, you’ll probably be dealing with people you’ve never met. And you have no idea how many people will see that 1099 form and SSN#, or what will happen to it after you mail or fax it in.

How do you all deal with this? Do you just take the risk and hope it works out? Surely one has to due their due diligence before applying anywhere, but if it’s a new online publication or if it’s just people you only know through email, how would you approach this situation (especially if you want the writing gig)?

Thanks.

Mike

I have been searching the job boards for the last six months. I feel like I am an expert on the freelance writing field.(LOL) However the amount of information is so overwhelming, that sometimes I second guess myself. I know my strengths and weaknesses in this industry, but I am still my own worst critic. I am writing here to see if anyone can give me any pointers, tips or advice. I would like to become a business writer and I don’t really have the funds to go to school and learn what I need to learn. I do read a lot of books and self-educate myself. Bob Bly is my hero!

Most of the books I have read state use what you know. I have a background in the Hotel & Restaurant industry, but I never held a top executive position. I aspire to write for trade journals and copywrite for hotels and restaurants around the world. But, I am kind of in self-doubt mode since I have always been an entry-level–sometimes management employee. I guess the underlying question is; are there any good online classes/courses that can help me develop my business writing skills at an affordable price? I am also looking for a great network of writing friends, I hope to find a writing partner where we can critique each others work and give advice.

P.S. freelancewritinggigs is the first place I check in the morning, the site has been great in helping me understand the writing world!

Thank You all in advance for your time!

Nina Lewis.