I spend at least an hour each day visiting an assortment of freelance writing blogs. I find it important to network and show support for the bloggers and blog readers in the freelance writing community – and even other communities.

Though I know there are some people who feel other bloggers are competing against each other, I don’t find this to be the case at all. I harbor no animosity or bad will towards other freelance writing bloggers, and I hope they all do well. To me, the Internet is like one big networking event except without the catering. (Hopefully we can work on that part soon.)

Why do I feel it’s important to network with the “competition?”

1. Because they’re not competition: There’s room for everyone. I know writers all have their favorite blogs, but most bloggers can read more than one blog without feeling disloyal to their favorite bloggers. No one is taking traffic away from anyone else. No one is taking revenue from anyone. No one is taking business from anyone. If you’re a good blogger, if people like what you say, you can have it all, regardless of the other bloggers out there.

I like to think of other freelance bloggers as “opportunities” rather than “competition.”

There’s the:

• Opportunity to share ideas.
• Opportunity to reach another community.
• Opportunity to invite others to visit your own community.
• Opportunity to learn.
• Opportunity to share an opposing point of view or expand on another blogger’s point.

Even a negative situation or disagreement is an opportunity.

2. Because they have some good ideas: The freelance writing community is very creative. Visiting other blogs helps to inspire our own creativity. While I believe in the importance of giving credit where it’s due, there’s nothing wrong with admiring another blogger’s idea and even using it as the launching pad for our own awesomeness.  I’m not a fan of copying other bloggers posts and patterns, but I’m a big fan of using another person’s good idea to raise my own bar.

3. Because we should all support each other: Honestly, I don’t really understand why this freelance writing niche incites so much anger. People snipe at each other about rates or the types of jobs they should take. Does anyone stand outside the local McDonalds and yell at the cashier to find a better opportunity? No. Does everyone stand outside of the local Real Estate office and tell the receptionist she needs to earn over $9 an hour? No. Yet with creative jobs certain people find it a personal affront for writers to accept lower paying, entry level positions. It’s silliness. We should support each other instead of insulting each other or questioning another writer’s choices. Mutual respect goes a long way.

4. Because we can all complement each other: Yesterday a blogging buddy Skyped me because he was so excited about a domain name he reserved. He wasn’t quite sure what to do with it, but it was a very cool name. By the end of the ten minute Skype we brainstored at least a half dozen ideas of what types of sites and services will go well with that domain name. Sharing is amazing. Ideas leads to more ideas. Brainstorming sessions among creative people can lead to brilliance.

5. Because working together is always better than working apart: I don’t really think I need to elaborate here.

6. Healthy competition is good becase it lights a fire under our butts. Seeing other people do well or try their hardest is an important motivational tool. It reminds us of what we can do if we put our mind…and our hearts…into it.

What are your thoughts regarding the compeition?

Related posts:

1. Colleagues Not Competition
2. 5 Reasons You Need to Stop Worrying About Your Competition
3. What is Community and Why is it Important?

Client feedback is essential for freelance writing success. Even though we may not want to receive constructive criticism, not to do so could mean the end of our business. Look at it this way, even negative feedback offers the opportunity for improvement. Soliciting feedback from clients is just good customer service. Some freelancers aren’t sure how to take criticism, or what to say to a client who offers unsolicited advice. What follows are some tips for receiving feedback from your freelance writing clients.

1. Say “thank you”

When your clients offer feedback, say “thank you.” Don’t take issue, don’t take offense, and don’t fire off an angry email in return. Keep the relationship respectful, even if you disagree. Your client isn’t dropping you. He’s saying, “here’s a few things you could have done better.” That’s never a bad thing. It’s an opportunity waiting to happen.

2. Take everything into consideration

Both good and bad feedback should be given the same consideration. You want to think about the things you do right and how you can apply them to your business, and, also, what you can do to improve. Feedback is valuable because our clients tell us the things we may not see on our own. Thinking about negative feedback and making necessary adjustments might mean more business.

3. Ask questions

Your client is reaching out to you and telling you he either liked something or that there was something about your service that was lacking. Ask questions about what you did right, what you did wrong, and what you can do to improve.

4. Poll a variety of clients

Sometimes a client can be a little difficult. If you’re not sure how to take your client’s feedback, poll a variety of clients to see if they have the same experiences. If they do, you’ll have a lot to think about and a lot of decisions to make.

5. It’s Nothing personal

If you have a good relationship with your client he’s not offering criticism because he wants to make you feel bad. It’s because he values your business and wants to keep you on. By offering suggestions for improvement he’s letting you know the steps you can take to keep him as a client. He’s giving you a second chance.

6. Take action

If you receive negative feedback, take action. Put your customer service skills to good use. Offer a discount or a freebie in order to get back into your client’s good graces. Make the necessary improvements.Your clients will appreciate your going the extra mile.

What do you do when a client gives feedback?

Related posts:

1. Flaky Clients and How to Deal with Them
2. Learn How to Say No To a Client The Right Way
3. Who is Right? The Customer or the Writer?

Bad content floods the web. It’s so bad that schools are giving out guidelines for sites to avoid when collecting information for reports. Many writers also use the web to research information, but how can we know if it’s someone else’s unreliable content rewritten ten times, or if it’s a realistic investigation or expose?

Perhaps these tips can help:

1. The article contains verifiable and checkable facts

Speculation isn’t fact, it’s speculation. Magazines and reputable websites have fact checkers on hand to check sources and content. Every important bit of information needs back up. If there is no basis for a statement or idea, move to an article written by someone who can put his money where his mouth is and back up his facts with proof. Look for studies, surveys, interviews  as the basis for an article.

2. The article presents a balance of the pros and cons

Even in depth investigations leading to a negative result will list the positive plus the negative. If an article is angry in tone or sounds like a perky sales pitch, you’re not receiving all sides of the story. A good writer will present ALL the facts and let the audience draw their own conclusions.

3. Sources are real people not initials or ” word on the street”

Citing vague sources such as “some people say” or “experts claim” doesn’t prove anything. Who are these people? Who are these experts? Look for specifics, “according a study at the Mayo Clinic…” or “freelance writing blogger Anne Wayman says…” These are sources you can check. You can make sure the facts are correct. Vague information only leads to more vague information. Testimonials by unnamed, anonymous sources only tell you they may not be true. Real names back up real facts.

4. Interviews are conducted with all parties involved

If an article presents interviews backing up one side of the story but glaringly omits interviews backing up the other side of the coin, you have to wonder if the author is stating all the facts. A good writer knows his story won’t be hurt by presenting both the pros and the cons.  In fact, a good writer knows if he leaves out important bits of information, his reputation is on the line.

5. The investigation contains actual information instead of handpicked letters from disgruntled sources

If an “investigation” consists of nothing but quotes or email excerpts from angry, no name people, consider the validity of the argument. A good writer isn’t afraid to interview all parties involved for an article, investigation or report. A good reporter doesn’t shape facts for his benefit. If you’re reading an investigative piece that isn’t fair and balanced, move on to the next article.

6. References are provided

As mentioned above, a reliable article includes references so the reader can verify facts and draw his own conclusion. Sources can include reputable university studies, reports and articles from government organizations, books and articles in well known magazines. Using vague web content on free article sites probably isn’t a good idea because many of these articles are written to create traffic for the writer’s website or blog. Always consider the source and check references before making a decision about whether or not an article contains reliable information.

7. Does the author have an agenda?

Does the article sound like an angry, bitter hate piece? It’s probably not a reliable article. Does it sound like the author is trying to drive traffic or promote a product or service? It’s probably not a reliable piece. If an article seems slanted in one direction or another, you’ll have to ask your self if the author has an agenda. Sometimes it’s so obvious you can spot the agenda a mile away. A good, reliable article will be even in tone without trying to sway the reader to one side or the other. Readers should always be left to make their own decisions.

8. The author of the article has a reputation for presenting fair and balanced information

Certain authors build trust among their readers. Good authors sell newspapers, magazines, books and drive traffic to websites. If an author has a reputation for presenting a fair, balanced and reasonable point of view, it’s easier to trust their articles as containing reliable information. (We’ll get into the different ways to trust a particular writer in an upcoming piece).

9. The article contains information not found on every single other article on the web

You can tell when an article is Googled and rewritten over and over again. The articles all sound the same and all contain the same information. Look for the articles that present new facts and arguments. Look for the articles that are written to inform rather than to bring in advertising revenue.

10. The article is hosted on a website or in a publication with a good reputation for providing quality content

Always consider the source. If the article is hosted on a website you haven’t heard of, research its hiring policies. Does it accept anyone without an audition, or do writers and editors have to submit to testing? Does the website or publication have a good reputation for presenting facts without a lot of spin? These are the sources to trust. Don’t blindly accept an article as fact, always consider the source.

Writers are smart people. We can tell if an article is written in five minutes or if the author has an agenda. We can spot rewritten content a mile away. Always use reliable sources for your research because it’s your reputation on the line. Just because it’s written, doesn’t make it so. Use your gut and get out your magnifying glass. If it smells rotten, it probably is.

Where do you go for your information – and how do you know it’s correct?

Related posts:

1. Should You Write What You Don’t Know?
2. What is a Blog…and How is Blogging Different from Article Writing?
3. Are You Writing or Rewriting? Research Tips for Freelance Writers

I take a lot of heat for defending certain content sites who hire writers for entry level opportunities. However, I have a pet peeve with many, and I’m sure you’ll share my sentiments.

I can’t stand when web content sites flood the job boards. Every city, every state, every town, and in some cases, every country.

Most writers look beyond their towns for finding freelance writing work. They look in the major cities and they check job search engines such as Indeed. There’s no need to flood the feeds. This only makes you look spammy. We see your ads, we simply don’t want to see them too much.

When content sites flood the feeds with job ads, people assume many things:

• You’re spammy.
• You have a high turnover rate.
• You can’t hire enough writers.
• You’re annoying.

None of these are good things. Please stop spamming the job boards. I can understand an ad in each major city and perhaps one on each different job board. But when you hit Monster, Yahoo! and others with an ad feeding into each different city, town, street, avenue or municipality, you’re wearning on my nearves. Enough with all the job ads already.

Related posts:

1. Why I Still Like Craigslist
2. Web Content Sites vs. Private Clients
3. Exploring Web Content and Web Content Sites

by James Hendicott

Working for yourself is great, isn’t it? You get an open schedule, a nice mixed bag of employers and plenty of creative freedom. Wait, nobody told you about the paperwork? Well, if you’re a casual freelancer with a small income, you might not have to worry too much (see how to pay, and how to calculate payments). If this is the start of something big, though, you’d better get on with registration… here’s a quick lowdown on freelance tax issues to get you started:

How to register with HMRC: So you’ve just received that first fulfilling payment as a freelancer? Well, you probably don’t want to deal with every tiny intricacy of the self-employed tax system right from the start, but there are a few things you simply have to do. First of all, you need to register immediately, as the UK tax authority can be pretty strict on punishing those who don’t. You can do that here, and find the information you’ll need on HMRC’s helpful PDF, here. You’re almost certainly a ‘solo trader’, unless you are part of some kind of writing partnership. If you want to keep hold of your national pension (and other – including to some extent NHS health) benefits, you’ll need to look into National Insurance Contributions, too. The simplest way to do this is by direct debit, which you can set up through this form – the fixed amount is currently £2.40 per week, so it’s certainly not something to be too concerned about. Remember to keep a thorough record of your business-related income and expenditure (with receipts, where possible, even if they’re just PayPal ones), too, as this is vital in calculating your final payments, and will save eons of time should the dreaded audit come along later.

How to pay, and how to calculate payments: The best way of completing your annual tax return is probably online, as it allows you to complete it over time, and gives an additional three months to do so on top of the paper application deadline (online deadlines are the 31^st of January). It also calculates your taxes automatically, and will provide you with complete details on how to pay them. You can find a step-by-step guide here. If your total earnings are less than £5075 (this figure changes year on year), you may be exempt from certain charges altogether, though you’ll still need to register here. You don’t have to worry about registering for VAT unless your turnover exceeds a certain amount for the year (currently £68,000). Further information on all these steps can also be found in PDF form here.

Account keeping and Tax Breaks: Aside from just noting down your income, there’s another side to account keeping for freelance writers. You’re entitled to claim a range of business related expenses against your income, which can include anything from the computer you use to business cards, and even the utility bills for any part of your house that you use for your business, though you’ll need to keep receipts for all of these claims (so claiming on an old computer’s unlikely to make the cut). All of these factors can be added easily to your online tax return, though you should be careful about exactly what you claim, as you could end up with a penalty. A detailed explanation on what can be claimed (and what can’t) can be found here. When it comes to tax breaks, you might benefit from being part of a cohabiting couple, having children or having been out of work for sometime before embarking on your freelance quest. The benefits can be substantial, so that’s always worth checking out, too.

Employing Someone Else: Wow, you are doing well, aren’t you! In truth, most of the time you’re better off sub-contracting work to other writers should it come to that, and letting them deal with their own tax issues. If you do need to become an employer, though, you’ll need to register for PAYE (employee Pay As You Earn), as well as contributing to your employees National Insurance Contributions. As most of us will be in dreamland should we ever reach this level of success, we’ll leave you lucky people to find out more for yourselves, here.

Most of us fall well within the simpler parts of the UK tax system, but should you need to look at things in an altogether more complex way, there are regular open days, and advice is available by phone, too. Fortunately, the government wants you to get your tax right almost as much as you want to avoid being audited, so there’s usually a way to sort out more complex issues. A good place to start is in calling business link on 0845 600 9006 (in England – slightly differing regulations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland mean they have their own numbers, which can be found on page 29 of this PDF). Tax can be a complex world, but being able to hold your head high and say you run your own business is a worthy reward, right? Best of luck.

Related posts:

1. 9 Things Freelancers Should Do Before the End of the Year
2. What Every Freelance Writer Needs To Know About Taxes
3. Freelance Writers Have Health Insurance Options – But You May Not Like Your Choices

We’re talking about freelance writing experience today. Many writers mention how hard it is to get their proverbial feet in the door without having to take entry level web opportunities. It’s true, these jobs are the simplest to get, but there are other ways to get started as a freelance writer. They may not take the easy way out, but they’re tried and true. Continue some of these ways for getting started as a freelance writer.

Ten Ways to Get Your Freelance Writing Foot in the Door

1. Work pro bono – Though I don’t recommend writing for free, I have been known to do so for a good cause (and sometimes a few relatives). For example, few years ago a friend approached me about writing a brochure for a Habitat for Humanity event. Though they offered to pay, I didn’t accept. It was for a good cause and I felt the clip to be a resume booster. It was and still is. Charity work pays in more ways than money. Since then, I’ve more than a few pieces for charity and even some for local businesses that needed a boost.
2. Contact local newspapers and magazines - Many small newspapers, magazines and “Pennysavers” don’t pay much, but offer good opportunities for getting started as a freelance writer. Local newspapers often look for articles of interest to the community. Pitch public interest pieces or offer to cover town meetings and events.
3. Contact local businesses: Who writes the paragraphs for real estate in the real estate magazines? Call Realtors to find out. Who handles brochures or web copy for businesses in your area? Contact them to find out. Businesses always need writing but they don’t always have the time to look for a good, affordable writer. Make a list of the place that might have a need for writers, and give them a jingle.
4. Talk to friends, family and neighbors: Let everyone know you’re open for business. In their travels they might find someone who needs a writer and recommend you.
5. Advertise: If you don’t mind putting out a little money you can advertise in the newspaper, local business publications, the church newsletter, and on community bulletin boards. You might also create a writer’s website and use keywords to direct local businesses to your site.
6. Network: Join clubs, especially those geared towards the community or small businesses. I had a few very good gigs come from being the president of a local women’s organization that I originally joined for recreation. Attend conferences and seminars and even non-business-y events like local dances or lectures.
7. Join a professional organization: Why not join your local Chamber of Commerce or a small business owners group? How about a freelance writing organization, The Society of Professional Journalists or the National Organization of Women Business Owners? The people who are members of these different organizations like to hire within.
8. Write for the web: Web writing opportunities are plentiful and profitable. They range in all levels of pay and will help to build up clips and experience.
9. Start a blog: Start a blog in a topic you know well. Not only can this help establish as an expert, but it will also catch the attention of potential clients. For example, say you’re a former wedding planner and you decide to start a wedding planning blog. Someone looking for a wedding writer might come across your blog and contact you. You will also have several posts to use in querying for wedding writing opportunities.
10. Create your own clips: If you need some clips to land work and don’t have any, write a few in your areas of expertise. Run them through a second pair of eyes to be sure they read well – and then use those clips when you apply for available opportunities.

How did you get your foot in the door?

Also see: 30 Types of Freelance Writing Jobs and How to Get Them

Related posts:

1. Networking in Your Community: Finding the Freelance Writing Jobs in Your Area
2. Between Gigs? 20 Things Freelance Writers Can Do to Keep Busy When There’s No Work
3. 5 Ways to Step Away from the Freelance Job Boards and Create Your Own Freelance Writing Opportunities

Credit where it’s due: A few days Jodee Redmond wrote: “Will Taking a Low Paying Hurt Your Career.” Jodee’s post is the inspiration for this one.

Disclaimer: This post isn’t encouraging writers to accept low pay, it’s merely a discussion of whether or not your low paying past will hurt you when you apply for other gigs.This discussion isn’t about low pay or whether or not writers should accept entry level opportunities. It’s whether or not these opportunities will cause you to lose work.

When I was younger it was my dream to become a newspaper columnist. I couldn’t wait to see my little picture and byline at the top of a column. Several years ago I found my chance when a new newspaper opening in a nearby major city, advertised for journalists and editors.  Even though they weren’t hiring columnists, I didn’t think it could hurt to query. Taking a deep breath, I pitched anyway, for a column about saving money. All I had to show my style were a bunch of clips from entry level freelance writing jobs. I sent them, pitched and landed a regular gig as newspaper columnist. No one ever came back and said, “Sorry. You wrote for low pay. We don’t want you or your stinking clips.”

Good Writing Matters More Than Pay…or Even Experience

When a potential client asks for clips, they want to get an idea of your writing style.They want to know you can handle the material. Many times clips that are related to the potential client’s niche are fine, even if they come from a low paying market. Many times your client has no idea what the other places pay. I often recommend writers who have no experience write up a few articles and use these to apply for jobs, and more than a few have been able to land jobs using unpublished clips. Good writing stands out. You can be the most experienced writer in the world but if you send in bad clips you won’t get the gig.

To be fair, if you’re applying for a high paying journalism job and only have certain types of clips, an editor might be inclined to pass you over in favor of someone who has actual journalism experience or has written for well-known magazines. However, those same clips might land you a higher paying gig in a niche topic, if this is something you write about often.

Every career has entry level openings and positions and none of these positions hurt, they only lead to valuable experience. I believe this to be the case with low paying opportunities as well. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t set your goals higher, but taking entry level gigs for the experience isn’t a terrible thing.

Who is Really Looking Down On You?

There’s a lot of speculation on the web that writers who accept entry level gigs are seen as “laughingstocks” or have “no self respect.” However, I don’t see many hiring editors say this. It’s only from anonymous commenters and  freelance bloggers who don’t approve of entry level opportunities. Again, when I was first freelancing, not a single editor or client told me I couldn’t have the job because I wrote for low pay in the past. When I worked in publishing, we never looked a writer’s past pay, or even experience when considering freelancers for our magazines. We put more value into the pitch and the clips. We didn’t look down on anyone who wrote for free or earned very little money. One more time because people tend to misquote: I don’t believe every writer should only work for low payers and not aspire to do better, and that’s not what this piece is about. My point is that entry level opportunities won’t hurt your career.

Granted….

Many schools won’t accept certain content sites as sources for reports and articles. However, this has nothing to do with freelance writing jobs. In my experience, it doesn’t necessarily matter where you have worked in the past as long as you put forth a good effort. It’s sort of like an audition for a television show or movie. Sure, big names have a better chance of getting the job, but that doesn’t mean the C-list or Indy star won’t land a role in a major movie. Always put forth your best effort no matter who you write for and soon the sky will be the limit.

What is your experience? Has using clips from entry level opportunities helped or hurt your career?

Related posts:

1. The Times I Wrote for Free
2. Good Writing is Good Writing Regardless of Price
3. 10 Ways to Get Your Freelance Writing Foot in the Door

By Matthew Lubin

While our elected officials squabble over the future of our health insurance, millions are living without any coverage. We can only speculate how new legislation will affect our coverage (if we’re fortunate enough to have any). If all goes well, the government will bring down the cost of health insurance through employers and make policies for freelancers more affordable (please, don’t laugh too hard at the thought of the government really helping out the working class).

There are some things we can do to keep ourselves healthy: eat better and exercise instead of snacking in front of the computer all day. But, a healthy lifestyle can only go so far—we still need preventive medical coverage. We should all see a doctor for regular check-ups. And we need some insurance to ensure that seeing a doctor in case of an emergency won’t cost us an arm and a leg (which the hospital will gladly amputate for an excessive fee).

For some of us, health insurance isn’t a great concern as we may be covered by our spouses’ policies. Let this be the first lesson to all freelancers: marry someone with a stable job and health insurance. Unfortunately, even coverage through a spouse’s policy can be expensive—my wife’s insurance bill more than doubles when I am added to it (and it wasn’t cheap to begin with).

For the freelancers who aren’t covered by spouses, there is still hope. You don’t have to work a full-time job to purchase health insurance—the insurers are more than happy to take your money no matter what your employment status is. If your freelance career doesn’t depend on you living in a certain area, you may want to consider moving to town that has lower insurance premiums (such as outside the New York/New Jersey area).

The quickest way to check on health insurance quotes is to go to eHealthInsurance.com. All you need to do is type in your ZIP code, date of birth, gender, student status, and whether or not you’re a smoker. The site will bring you some quotes from major health insurers in your area. You can choose the kind of coverage you’d like as well. For example, a full-coverage policy for a healthy 30-year-old male in New Jersey would cost almost $200 per month (plus $30 co-pay). However, you need to realize that the price quoted on the site may not be the actual cost—you may still need to go through more screening for a policy, which may involve a physical exam. (Note: GoHealthInsurance.com will just take you to quotes on the eHealthInsurance site.)

Another option to individual private insurance is to join a freelancers organization that offers insurance plans to its members. You have to apply to join these organizations and pay annual dues before you can join the health plans. Be sure to research the organizations to find which one suits you best; don’t just look at the health insurance as a selling point.

• The Editorial Freelancers Association offers a few health insurance options depending on your needs and location. The plans start at $400 per month. There is also a discount medical plan (not insurance) for $242 per year for a household.

• The National Writers Union currently only has a HIP plan for New York residents, but is looking to expand coverage across the U.S. with two prospective plans in the works.

• The National Writers Association has insurance plans through Health Choice One with various carriers around the country, and the cost of the plans depends on your location, age, and current health condition.

Freelancers can contact the organizations for more detailed information on health insurance policies for individual needs.

Matthew Lubin writes The Waiguoren Critic of South China and publishes Terracotta Typewriter, the only literary journal with Chinese characteristics.

Related posts:

1. Freelance Health Care Writer
2. Writer Wanted for St. Mary’s Bank Story
3. How much attention do you pay to your health?

Many freelance writers aspire to break into print, particularly magazines. Magazine markets and guidelines offer tips for pitching and querying, payment details and editorial contact information. The problem with magazine markets is how often they change. Editors move on, guidelines are updated, payments go up and down.

The Writer’s Market, which updates annually and lists editor information and guidelines for querying, is an important resource for anyone wishing to break into print. Not all websites with magazine market lists update as often. However, that doesn’t mean they’re a wash.  What follows is a list of places to find markets online. Though some aren’t regularly updated, they might offer good information for researching your favorite markets.

15 Places to Find Magazine Markets Online

1. Writer’s Market – The online version of the popular market listing reference, Writer’s Market boasts hundrds of markets that are regularly updated. It’s not only magazines, either. The Writer’s Market also lists book publishers, literary agents, poetry markets and so much more. Well worth the subscription price.
2. Funds for Writers – Hope C. Clark has been championing for writers for years. Her Funds for Writers offers grants, contests and writing markets every week. Sign up for her newsletter to receive markets right to your door.
3. Absolute Write - The Absolute Write Water Cooler has a nice list of markets in their “Mastheads” section. Absolute Write also has a list of markets but it’s in desperate need of updating.
4. Market List - A very long alphabetical list of markets. Not sure how often it’s updated and some listings don’t have much in the way of information.
5. Writing for Dollars – A searchable database of magazine markets. Not updated often but still useful.
6. Writer’s Write – Lists over 600 markets, both online and offline. Also has a searchable database.
7. About Freelance Writing – Anne Wayman lists a few markets with a thrice-weekly job listings.
8. Peter’s Place of Freelance Journalism - A FreeWeb hosted site lists many American markets.
9. Freelance Writing – An extensive lists of magazine markets. Not updated very often.
10. Random House – Not a list of guidelines, but a list of literary magazines that accept submissions.
11. Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America – Links to guidelines for Science Fiction and Fantasy magazines.
12. Sunoasis - Lists magazine markets and freelance writing leads on a regular basis.
13. Utmost Christian Writers - Features a list of Christian markets.
14. Kid Magazine Writers – Offers a list of children’s markets.
15. The Writer’s Federation of Nova Scotia – Lists Canadian and international markets.

Related posts:

1. Monday Writers Markets
2. 20 Places to Find Online Courses for Writers
3. Ten Great Resources for Writers

Deb’s note: This interview is part one in a series featuring content sites. As there have been much speculation and a few rather lopsided “investigations” regarding content sites, I thought it would be fair to talk to the people behind the content sites and let them tell the FWJ community a little about what they do, the benefits to their writers and why their sites are unique. Please note, these interviews aren’t endorsements, freelancers are always encouraged to make the decisions that work out best for them.

In 1999, when I first began looking for freelance writing work, I came across a series of ads by a writer inviting freelancers to write for Suite101. I was accepted and wrote my column, Everyday Humor for three years. At the time “The Suite” paid a flat month fee for three posts per month. I enjoyed working for Suite101 but moved on because of higher paying opportunities. I’m pleased to bring you an interview with Editor in Chief Colin Smith.

First, tell us a little about who you are and what you do

My name is Colin Smith. I am the Editor-in-Chief for Suite101.com and I manage the editorial department for the English-language division of Suite101.com Media Inc. I am a veteran journalist and publisher with 25 years of experience in print and online operations. I love being the EiC at Suite101; it’s an honour and a privilege to help support the ambitions of freelance writers-journalists around the world.

What is Suite101?

Suite101 is an online magazine written by over 4,000 freelancer writers. Some people call us a writers network; others consider us to be one of the most respected sites in the category of “how-to” articles. We’ve been publishing freelance writing for thirteen years and we also operate sites in Germany, France and Spain. It’s our mission to create opportunities for writers.

How is Suite101 different from other writing and blogging sites?

Here are five key things that set Suite101 apart from other sites:

1. We have the best revenue-share program online: averaging $3.90 per 1000 pageviews, and writers’ earnings get paid-out forever, there’s no time limit.

2. We hire internationally: you can live anywhere and still write for us.

3. Direct contact and guidance with professional editorial staff: writers get valuable feedback and communicate with editors directly.

4. Writers keep their rights! Copyright remains with the writer, always.

5. Quality focus: we’re selective about the writers we accept and all articles are well-researched pieces. Writers must submit at least two articles to join.

Tell us a little about the history of Suite101

Suite101 was created by writers for writers thirteen years ago, and this fact continues to shape our mission. (We’re here to help writers be successful, not to amass owned content.) As a Canadian company, we also have the freedom to hire writers from any location in the world, so this attracts a lot of interested parties. Last year, we launched a site in Germany and this year, we launched sites in France and Spain.

Perhaps the most significant part of our history happened in 2005, when we realized that to succeed we needed to live and breathe the value of “writers first.” Not only has this philosophy attracted writers, but we have more than doubled our readership each year since then. We grew from two million unique visitors a month in 2005, to 24 million a month today.

How many active writers are with Suite101 now?

Over 4,000 internationally, mostly in the US but from a range of different countries.

What does Suite101 offer as incentive and pay for their freelance writers?Daily revenue share for all articles published on the site, averaging $3.90US per 1000 pageviews. (Note: A writer’s revenue share is ongoing, it lasts forever. There is no limit to a writer’s earning potential.)

* Daily revenue share for all articles published on the site, averaging $3.90US per 1000 pageviews. (Note: A writer’s revenue share is ongoing, it lasts forever. There is no limit to a writer’s earning potential.)
* Bonuses based on levels of writing experience
* Seasonal and theme-based writing contests with cash prizes

What does the average Suite101 columnist earn in a given month? What do the highest earners earn?

It’s fairly common to earn $200-$300 a month, with a large group of writers earning $1500-$2000 month, and our highest monthly earning was just under $5,000.

We have a group of writers too who say Suite101 pays their mortgages every month – even if they don’t write another article for us!

What sort of traffic does Suite101 receive on a regular basis?

24 million unique visitors a month

What are some of the more popular articles?

* It’s quite balanced across the site with 20 sections and 400 topics to read
* Lifestyle sections do very well: Parents & Partners, Home and Garden, Travel
* We attract less of an audience for History, Politics and Sports

What would you like to say to the people who criticize Suite101 for being a low-paying content mill?

Firstly, I would introduce them to Lena Gott. Lena is a part-time writer who has published 228 articles after two years of writing for Suite. Lena earned $5,000 for her articles in July. On average, she earns around $2,000 a month.

Secondly, I would point out there is no limit as to how much you can make on Suite101. There is also no baseline guarantee. For new writers just starting out, the latter fact can be discouraging. We see their experience change as they add more articles and continue writing here for three months, or six months.

For writers who actively engage with our site and work with our editors, Suite101 quickly produces a significant income stream. For people who give it little time and effort, they will likely not enjoy as much success. As is the case with any job, the more effort you put into it, the more reward you earn!

For people who learn, understand and practice the key concepts for great online writing, Suite101 is the best site to generate ongoing, revenue share income over the long term.

What are your thoughts about all the other content sites? Room for everyone? Too much competition?

Competition means more visibility, which is good for all sites. Just as people choose a college based on the school’s reputation and standards, writers choose online publishers with an eye for quality. We believe Suite101 is synonymous with editorial integrity and professionalism. Suite101 writers are proud to display their articles on our site; they relish the opportunity to engage other writers as part of our supportive community, plus they have a direct link with a high caliber editorial team. And of course, Suite101 writers appreciate the fact they own the copyright to their work too.

What are some of the things we can expect from Suite101 in the future?

o More features that make it even easier for writers to work with, and get feedback from, our editorial team.
o More tools and ideas focused on helping writers become successful online.
o A cleaner “look” to the website designed to make it even easier for readers to find what they’re looking for.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

We’ve built our reputation around a commitment to editorial quality and we plan to continue on this track. We invite all writers who are confident of their writing skills to apply at Suite101. If accepted, get ready to write! We look forward to meeting you.

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