Comments on: Freelance Writing: Start Low (But Not too Low) and Aim High

By: Freelance Writing as a Summer Job for College Students : Freelance Writing Jobs | A Freelance Writing Community and Freelance Writing Jobs Resource

Tue, 11 May 2010 15:39:11 +0000

[...] retired people because it usually indicates to me the hiring person is trying to justify extremely low pay. However, that doesn’t mean that freelance writing isn’t a good way for college [...]

By: Tara M. Clapper

Tara M. Clapper — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:45:55 +0000

Deb, I like your balanced opinion on this issue. I struggle with this because those higher-paying gigs are popping up to me, but I still need to keep that lower-paying stuff on the back burner to keep a steady flow. I feel like I am ready to ‘go freelance’ and manage this.

Speaking of which, I wrote an article on the topic recently and was paid my goal rate. I found the opportunity on here. Thanks!

By: Tara M. Clapper

Tara M. Clapper — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:43:09 +0000

Frank, I definitely agree with Deb’s recommendations. I just wanted to add that Examiner is a great place to earn some notoriety or to establish yourself as a topic expert. I would recommend using it to break in to a new niche. You will not make a livable wage on there by any means (although the Twilight Examiner is apparently doing really well)!

Demand Studios in particular helped me improve in my goal to beat deadlines early, which is a bit hard because part of the fun of writing a research article is sometimes the rush of the deadline.

By: Tania Mara

Tania Mara — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 10:24:16 +0000

I confess I’m among the writers who started too low. I wasn’t earning a livable wage at first. Fortunately, I’m a quick learner, so it didn’t take me long to find better jobs.

I do use articles published on content sites as clips and never had a problem. In fact, these clips help me get most of my jobs. In the end, I may not be making much direct money from content sites, but the gigs I get thanks to those articles more than make up for that.

By: Kristine

Kristine — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:12:14 +0000

Hi Deb. Thanks for this post. I’ve always told the same to aspiring freelance writers since our craigslist here in the Philippines always advertise $1 to $4 per 400-500 article ;/ I’ve always heard of these things as ‘slave rates’, like the last comment I got in my blog, but then I guess it’s always a writer’s choice. If a $3/article is a livable wage for him, then he could take it – especially if he’s starting out. He could learn a lot, build on his portfolio, improve his writing skills and everything else. I started low too, at around $1.25 for a 500-word article, but I struggled and tried going for offshore clients – and I did.

Your posts really help me a lot to become a better freelance writer. At 21, and with less than 3 months into freelance writing, you’ve simply helped me to be where I am now.

By: Camesha

Camesha — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 01:21:07 +0000

@Deb. Very inspirational post:) Due to the fact that content sites arent exactly praised, I find myself spending more time looking for higher-paying work and neglecting the content sites that value me dearly. In the meantime, im broke. Although I enjoy writing, the low wages discourage me.

@Cheryl. Trust in your research;). If you are looking for more options I would suggest BrightHub.com. Although the pay isnt at the top of the charts, they do offer a flat rate fee in addition to revenue earnings. Check it out:)

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:38:11 +0000

Deb,

Thank you for this. I’m literally starving to death right now as a writer. Your encouragement means a lot to me.

Speaking of content sites, does anybody know anything about Helium.com? I was approached by them not too long ago, but my research indicates it wouldn’t be a lucrative venture.

By: Victoria

Victoria — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:18:57 +0000

Yes, just as Deb has said, I also write for Suite101 and I agree. It’s a lot of work for only a few dollars a month. I would apply for wisegeek.

I am currently in the process of their application process, so I hope my articles are accepted. They pay a flat fee of $10 per article, and although they have you sign a paper where you sign over your copyrights to your work they do allow you to take credit for your work, which is nice.

By: Phyl

Phyl — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:42:10 +0000

Thanks, Deb. I’m currently doing piles of article ghost-writing through something I got from your job postings. They pay badly, but it’s very steady, and has helped keep me alive for several months. So I don’t knock this sort of thing at all. Naturally I still hope to parlay this into something better (and actually I’m an editor and want to do more of that work), but this has kept me going.

By: Deb

Deb — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:38:37 +0000

Hi Frank,

Suite101 and Examiner pay on a residual basis. Less than $1 per 1,000 page views. I don’t recommend them as being a good opportunity. Try starting with Wisegeek, LoveToKnow, Demand Studios, Bright Hub or another content site paying a flat fee.

By: Christi S.

Christi S. — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:34:41 +0000

Deb, thanks for another encouraging post. As a relatively newbie freelancer, I always appreciate the positive perspective. You always mix solid advice with sound encouragement. That’s very much appreciated!

By: Amber

Amber — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:58:29 +0000

As a new writer I’m finding your posts about web content sites very interesting. Would you be able to post a list of the best “web content sites” to write for or something of the like?

Thanks,
Amber

By: Guy Wade

Guy Wade — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:39:26 +0000

Deb, thanks for the great post. It is very balanced. I’m reading “Secrets of a Freelance Writer” by Robert Bly right now, and he seems to agree with this strategy. Of course, if you _can_ get a higher-paying job, don’t turn it down just because you’re a beginner. That’s my situation and I hope it works out.

By: Angie

Angie — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:57:30 +0000

Great post, Deb. I must say that I am very impressed by how you handle those who criticize you. Your responses are always classy and gracious.

By: Frank Gilroy

Frank Gilroy — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:45:06 +0000

Hi again Deb. I’m interested in learning more about these “web content sites” you’re referring to. A colleague suggested I consider applying to write for suite101.com and/or examiner.com. Do these sites fall into that category? Can you give examples of others? Or perhaps point me to a reference? I’d appreciate it.