Freelance Writing Jobs » Writing Gigs

Pitch to the “Hidden” Places that Hire Freelance Writers

Deb — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:56:03 +0000

Have you ever done a search for “freelance writer” only to land on a gig that isn’t for a freelance writer at all? For example you may land on a job for an editor who has to “supervise freelance writers” or a managing editor who has to “hire freelance writers”. Don’t click away from these gigs yet. They’re actually offering valuable information — they’re telling you these businesses hire freelance writers. Even though they don’t have job ad requesting freelance writers, it doesn’t mean they’re not open to the idea of reading your pitch and, at the very least, keeping your details on file for future reference.

Here’s what to do:

Contact the business - Don’t necessarily ask if they hire freelance writers. Instead, ask for the name of the person who hires freelance writers or the name of the person who is the hiring agent or in charge of human resources. Unless you’d prefer to do a cold call, in which case you’d have to get past the receptionist and that’s not likely. I never cold call without sending a bit of information ahead anyway.
Research the business: Many ads list the company’s name and location. Learn as much about the business as you can to find out if you’re a good fit. For example if they’re a pharmaceutical company and you have no experience writing health, medical or pharmaceutical related material, you’ll want to pass. If it’s a business that manufactures sustainable materials and you’re a green living expert, you may have found a job for which you’re well-suited. Besides, it’s always a good idea to know everything you can about a business you want to work for in order to better make your pitch.
Send your pitch: Rather than a cookie cutter “please hire me or keep me on file” type of pitch, create a letter that touches on your experience and why you would like to work for this business. Let them know how you will benefit their business and their brand and offer bang for the buck. This is where your research comes in handy.
Include your resume: If your past experience will benefit you in landing a gig, by all means include it with your pitch. List past happy clients and let this potential client know you’re happy to provide references upon request.
Include testimonials: Having a list of glowing testimonials will only help your cause. Make sure each testimonial is from a check- able reference.
Include contact details: Don’t forget a business card or sheet listing your contact details.
Follow up: One to two weeks after sending your package, give a call to follow up. Ask for the person who you sent the package to. If this person doesn’t know who you are explain how you sent a package containing your details as a freelance writer. If you’re told the other party can’t come to the phone, do leave a message but also ask when for a good time to call back. Don’t be a nudge. If you don’t hear back in a few days call again. If you still can’t get through to someone ask the receptionist to leave a note saying you appreciate having your details kept on file in the event they’ll need to hire a freelancer. If you make a pest of yourself, they won’t want to work with you.

Even though they may not be advertising, plenty of businesses hire freelance writers. Finding ads for other writing and editorial professionals may help lead you to these “hidden” markets.

What have you got to lose?

I am a content thief. If you’re not reading this blog post through an RSS Feed you can pretty much assume I’m a slimy spam blogger and stealing content from someone else’s blog.

10 Ways to Get Your Freelance Writing Foot in the Door

Deb — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:11:53 +0000

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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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

Freelance Writing Experience: Does it Matter Where Your Clips Come From?

Deb — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:56:53 +0000

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?

Confidence vs. Arrogance

Deb — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:24:22 +0000

Confident people are very attractive. They have an air of self assurance about them. Arrogant people, on the other hand, can be a turn off. They’re not sure, they’re cocky. They use their arrogance to hide insecurity. Confidence can land you a gig, arrogance can cause you to lose out.

Here are a few more differences between people who are confident vs. people who are arrogant:

Confidence is knowing you’re up to the task. Confident people don’t have to wonder if they’re qualified to pitch for a job. They’re always sure about the job they can do and convey this to the potential client in an equally assured manner. They know why they’re a perfect fit for a gig and tell the client in a calm, clear manner. Their resumes show a long list of happy clients.

Arrogance is saying you’re up to the task. Arrogant people are abundant in bravado but lacking in substance. In a job interview an arrogant person won’t talk about why he’s best suited for the task. Instead, they talk about why the other people are wrong for the task. Arrogant people don’t know how to talk about themselves without insulting others.

Confident people share details. They answer questions without a lot of “me,” “me,” “me.”

Arrogant people: Brag.

Confident writers hope potential clients recognize their ability.

Arrogant writers criticize anyone who doesn’t appreciate their greatness.

Confident people aren’t worried about competition and don’t mind sharing the tools and stories leading to their success.

Arrogant people use their skills to talk down to others.

Confident bloggers teach.

Arrogant bloggers condescend.

Confident people keep an eye on their fellow writers and bloggers but don’t consider themselves competition.

Arrogant people bad mouth others to prop themselves up.

Confidence: You walk.

Arrogance: You strut.

Confidence: People take notice.

Arrogance: People roll their eyes.

Confident writers offer respectful disagreement when their thoughts don’t jibe with that of another writer.

Arrogant writers point fingers and call names but never make a point.

Confident writers have the faith and the ability to meet their their clients’ needs.

Arrogant writers: It’s their way or the highway.

What are some of the difference you see between confidence and arrogance?

Discuss…

Top 10 Freelance Writing Job Ad Red Flags

Deb — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:01:34 +0000

When you troll the job boards every day you learn a little about the tactics many shady or very low paying employers use to find freelance writers. As someone who has been reading freelance writing job ads every day for over a decade, I can tell you some things haven’t change. The good news is that after all this time it’s easy to spot poor opportunities.

Perhaps you’ve come across these red flags:

Top 10 Freelance Writing Job Ad Red Flags

1. Perfect for Work at Home Moms, Retirees or College Students

Jobs are perfect for writers, not situations. The only reason a potential client will tell you something is “perfect” for someone else is usually to justify low rates. They’re saying because you’re retired, in school or work from home, you shouldn’t expect the same rates as higher paying companies.

2. Lots of Exclamation Points!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sometimes the people who write ads are enthusiastic and have a flair for the dramatic. I’ve never seen a “Work at Home!!!!!!!!” job that wasn’t scammy. If you come across one of these opportunities, ask why they’re working so hard to catch your eye. Sure, it can be a terrific opportunity, but it can also be a clunker. Proceed with caution.

3. Earn “Up To….”

I have news for you. It’s very rare you’ll make thousands of dollars a day working at home. You might earn thousands each month, and I know some bloggers who earn thousands each week, but to earn $15,000 a day isn’t happening. Not even for John Chow and Darren Rowse. Trust me, if it sounds to good to be true, it is.

4. Hundreds of Ads – Every Day

Some very legitimate and worthwhile companies advertise on all the different job boards each week. When they start hitting every city in every state, on every job board, every single day, one starts to wonder. It’s understandable that popular content sites are going to advertise often to find writers. When they start spamming it leads one to wonder. Is the turnover rate so high? Is the pay rate too low? Why are they so desperate for writers?

5. Different Names and Email Addresses for the Same Company

Sometimes a business is flagged so often on Craigslist everyone knows to stay away. We remember the business name and all the players. The business owners change tactics by using different email addresses and the parent company name instead of the name used in the original ad. Ask yourself, why are their ads always flagged, and why are they taking such pains to look like they’re another company altogether?

6. Asking for Money

You should never have to pay to work for someone. Ever. Period. Done.

P.S. There are job listing sites on the job boards they may request money. It’s one thing to pay to find a job on a membership-only job site and a whole other story to pay to work for a client. The client should be paying you to work for him and not the other way around.

7. Vague Ads

Ever wonder why certain employers don’t put any information in job ads? Because once you “inquire within” you learn you wasted your time. Again, not every vague ad means the client has something to hide. However, most employers will at least let you know a few details about what the job entails in order to attract the right type of writer.

8. Free Samples

We discuss free samples often. Again, this isn’t necessarily a sign that a client isn’t a good one. Some clients want to make sure you’re a good fit and don’t know it’s not quite ethical to ask someone to write a sample on spec (and not pay for it). Other clients want something for nothing and take your sample and use it without compensation. Before you submit a sample, find out what will happen if the sample is not accepted and paid for. Will he use it anyway? Or do you get to retain the rights and submit it elsewhere?

9. Quantity Over Quality

Ads saying they’d rather you were prolific than talented are sure to be low payers. Anyone who doesn’t care about the writing, doesn’t care about the writer. He’s only interested in stocking his site with content to earn money.

10. May Lead to Paying Opportunity

Does this look familiar? “The job doesn’t pay now, but it may pay in the future.” My response to that is, “contact me when it pays.” Our landlords don’t allow us to maybe pay the rent. Our grocery stores don’t allow us to maybe pay for the grocieries. Writers shouldn’t maybe write for anyone.

Deb’s disclaimer: I’m not saying jobs with these red flags are always poor opportunities. Indeed there are some good jobs asking for free samples or using exclamation points. However, the spammy stuff tends to over sell in their ads or do their best to appeal to the people who are inclined to accept lower paying opportunities. Use what is posted here to proceed with caution. There’s nothing wrong further investigation. If a job appeals to you, by all means, apply. Always read the fine print and make sure the end justifies the means.

4 Tips for Approaching Freelance Writing With an Open Mind

Deb — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:53:26 +0000

Recently, I wrote about how times have changed for freelance writers. It’s not my place to say everyone has to embrace or even accept these changes. However, I feel I’m being realistic when I say things have changed drastically for writers in the past 20 years. We can waste a lot of time and energy fighting change, or we can figure out the ways to make it work to our benefit.

One thing that hasn’t changed in the past 20 years is how there are still poor, decent, good and really great opportunities. Holding out for one type of opportunity may mean you’re waiting around a long time in between gigs. Picking and choosing a variety of types of projects can end the famine.

I attribute some of my success to keeping an open mind and not holding out for one type of gig. Now, I’m not going to ever tell you that my way is the only way. My way works for me, it would be silly and condescending to suggest anyone who doesn’t do things my way is clueless or a moron. However, I can share some of what I learned over the years, and you, the reader with an open mind, can use what works best for you.

Here are my tips for approaching freelance writing with an open mind.

1. Sometimes lower paying work has many benefits:

I don’t believe in working for pennies or quarters. However there are many jobs that provide a livable (above minimum) wage, even though they’re below the rates many freelance writers are willing to accept. Before writing off a job as too low, look at the perks. For instance, do they offer regular bonuses for jobs well done? Do they offer tools for success? When I worked for b5Media, Darren Rowse regularly added to an online training manual of sorts. To me, this was a benefit of a lower paying network because I was learning about blogging from one of the best in the business.

There are other perks to consider as well. Working at home is a big plus. Flexibility with time is another. Other considerations include not having to pay for childcare, restaurant lunches, commuting fees or regular restaurant lunches. Not having to pay for all these items may make it easier to accept a gig paying a little less.

2. Having a base pay rate doesn’t mean you can’t make adjustments now and then

I believe in having a base pay rate. This is what I quote to clients who are inquiring about my fees. I find that by having a base rate, I don’t bid too high or too low. I stay within my comfort zone. However, there are times when I’m willing to work with a client and lower my rates a little depending on the amount of work, the client’s name or reputation and how badly I want the gig. This isn’t to say I would go from, say, $50 an hour to $5 an hour, but keeping an open mind about pay enables me to work with more clients.

3. Variety is the spice of life

Though my preference is for web writing, I’m not married to it. I enjoy a variety of projects. In this economy, purists might want to branch out of their genres and try something different. Web writers might try querying an editor now and then. Journalists may want to supplement their income with web content projects. The point is, there are plenty of options nowadays. Why put all the eggs in one basket?
4. Accept change

I’m old-fashioned about many different things, but not work. I know that I can’t do the same thing forever. I also know that times have changed. I don’t have to like every new type of opportunity that comes along, but I’m not necessarily going to fight them all either. It’s not 1982 anymore. We don’t have to embrace opportunities we don’t agree with, but we should accept the fact that times have changed. There are different types of writers, different types of budgets, and different types of opportunities. Approach the new way with an open mind rather than mourn the way things used to be.

Freelance writing in 2009 requires an open mind. Those who remember this will do well. Those who end up clinging to ghosts of media’s past may find themselves without work. In today’s economy that’s not the best option. Approach freelance writing with an open mind. Find the pay and opportunity formulas working best for you. Above all, try not to dismiss something you know nothing about, it might be the way of the future.

I’d love to learn your thoughts, so please speak up in the comments.

Postcards from LAX: More Notes from the Demand Studios Creator Conference

Deb — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 16:18:31 +0000

Lunch at the Demand Studios Offices

I’m sitting at LAX right now with roughly an hour left to wait before I fly. As I go through my email I’m blown away by how many Demand Studios contributors and community members are eager for news from this week’s Creator Conference. At first I wondered if it would seem too spammy to blog about the details of this very unique event. However, in the past I’ve blogged from The BlogWorld and New Media Expo and South by Southwest. It seems only fitting I cover the Demand Studios event as well.

I’m not going to go into too much detail now as the laptop is getting hot on my legs and I’m going to have to hunt down a rest room soon. I’ll throw out some bullets to answer some of the questions sent.

The Demand Studios Creator Conference included:

Details of the inner workings of Demand Studios. We learned about the sites they own and their partner sites. We met editors, managers and Vice Presidents. We learned of their growth and their future plans.
Breakout sessions with Demand Studios editors. We discussed the writing process with them and offered suggestions for making the experience more user friendly and beneficial to their writers.
Breakout sessions with the Product Development team: Again we offered our thoughts for making the process easier for all involved.

The conference lasted two days and when we weren’t watching presentations given by editors and other members of the team, we were put in situations where we had access to the folks who make Demand tick. Whether at meal time, party time or walking to the john, we talked about Demand and how to best serve the needs of the contributors.

Demand Studios Contributors on the shuttle bus - we're returning to our hotel after the Mixer.

That the Demand Studios team took so much time out of their schedules to meet with their writers and editors and discuss the Demand Studios experience spoke volumes to me. They know the key to their success is their community’s happiness. Instead of lowering rates like other content sites, they’re looking for ways to pay more and offer more benefits. One thing that came up often is how they hope their writers will move on to bigger things and will do everything they can to make that happen.

We also had some fun. We enjoyed a nice dinner and a mixer to meet up with some Demand Studios contributors from Los Angeles. The music was loud, the beer was cold and we probably stayed out later than we should have, but a good time was had by all.

In addition to receiving a positive response to my attendance at the Demand Studios Creator Conference, I’ve also received some negative attention. I’d like these writers to know your concerns are being heard. I’ve discussed all of your concerns with members of the Demand Studios team including pay, hiring writers outside of the U.S., the D.S. editors and more. They’re all very approachable and open to suggestion.

In closing, I’d like to say once again that this was a very positive experience and I’m so honored to have been a part of it.

How to Turn a Full Time Job Into a Freelance Opportunity

Deb — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:21:09 +0000

Have you ever come across a full time job that’s perfect for you – except you don’t want to work full time? You might be surprised to learn that some employers are open to the idea of hiring a freelance writer in place of a full time, staff writer. The open minded don’t mind the power of suggestion, as long as you offer a coherent, intelligent proposal.

Make a List

Before you write up a proposal, make a list of the things about the job that appeal to you. Also, make up a list of reasons you should be hired instead of a full time candidate. Think about your areas of expertise and how they will benefit this employer and the job. Make a list of everything that will cause this potential client to take notice. Don’t go over the top, but give him a reason to consider your proposal over throwing it in the trash bin.

Get a Name

Do your best not to send a generic email. You want your mail to land on the desk of the person doing the hiring. Unless the name is listed on the job ad, you’ll have to call the business to find out who should receive your proposal. You don’t have to offer an explanation to the person answering the phone beyond, “May I please have the name of the person hiring for the writing job so I can send a personal note.” Now, this may not get you a name, but having one is better than sending a generic “Hi!” if you can swing it.

Research the Company

Learn as much as you can about the company you wish to freelance for. Find out if they’ve hired freelance writers or teleworkers in the past. Do they have a reputation for thinking outside of the box? Are they up on the current trends? Are they experiencing layoffs? These are all things you can use to your advantage when creating your proposal.

Send a Proposal

Ok, so you have a list and maybe a name. It’s time to create a proposal. Make sure it’s professional and clean. If you feel the need to send it to some writing friends to proofread, please do so. If you send a proposal filled with typos you won’t stand a chance. Include:

An introductory letter
A resume
Testimonials from past clients
A convincing argument – including the reasons why you’re the best person to do this job, how hiring a freelancer can benefit his company, and what you will bring to the job.
Your proposed rates

Send it in

Email and snail mail your proposal. This gives the potential client two opportunities to read your proposal. At first, he might not even consider your application and delete the email. However, once he receives your package he might be more inclined to give it a glance.

Follow up

Wait a week or so and call to follow up. Don’t make a pest of yourself but call and ask for the recipient of your proposal. If you can’t get past the receptionist, let her know you are calling to follow up on a package sent. If no one returns your call, try back again in a couple of days. Even if you hear nothing back, this potential client may keep your information on file for a future project.

Keep in mind…

Many employers don’t wish to receive proposals from freelance writers. If an ad states the job isn’t open to freelance writers, you won’t want to push your luck. He might remember your name and not hire you if there comes a time when he is accepting applications for freelance writers. Don’t be pushy. Send your information, make that follow up call and leave it. It’s a longshot and if you push it, you’ll ruin your chances for good.

The next time you see a full time opportunity that you wish was freelance, do a little research. You might be able to turn that situation around to your favor.

10 Important Things to Consider When Applying to Freelance Writing Jobs

Deb — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 22:59:31 +0000

Though I have no regrets, I know I made quite a few mistakes as a freelance writer, especially when first starting out. I like to use these experiences as opportunities to do better. As far as I’m concerned negative situations can be used as reminders and tools to aid us in seeking positive opportunities. I think I made most of my mistakes because I was so gung-ho to get started. When I began, freelance writing blogs weren’t a dime a dozen like they are now. I did read a few books and articles but most of it was trial and error. Fortunately, brand new freelancers have more free resources available than ever. Before you rush into a freelance writing job, take these things into consideration:

Rates: Most newcomers expect they’ll have to start out low. However, there’s low and there’s slave wages. If you wouldn’t accept work below minimum wage in the real world, why would you accept this while working as a writer? Something else to consider is that your knowledge in various topics might pull you out of the “beginner” stage and enable you to start out with a better rate of pay than you think. Remember, no one should have to work for free and no one should feel an insultingly low wage is necessary for starting out. Find the jobs that fit your level of expertise and take it from there, you may be surprised by how much money is in that first paycheck.
Deductions and expenses - No, you don’t have to commute or buy fancy clothes but there are still deductions and expenses to consider. For example, taxes. Before deciding whether or not a job is a good opportunity figure out how much will have to be deducted for your taxes. Also, will you be paying for healthcare? Childcare? If there’s no money left after paying for all these items, you’re probably not finding the right kind of work. Figure it all out before signing the dotted line so you don’t do a whole lot of work for nothing.
Research: Before you accept any project, work out a research stragey. If you’re being paid for original content, the Google and rewrite method doesn’t cover that. So if you’re expect to interview experts and read a lot of books, ten bucks probably isn’t a good enough wage.
Time: Those twenty articles about silkworms look easy enough, and the pay is decent, but is really worth it? The client wants those articles in two days. Do you know, without hesitation, that you can really write twenty articles in two day? Be realistic about how your time is spent and what your time is worth. Sure, some projects don’t take long to write, but many take longer than you think.
Perks: What are the hidden perks? Working at home is a perk, of course. Not having to pay the babysitter or deal with commute are definitely icing. There may be other perks too, for instance, maybe the client has a reputation for giving bonuses for jobs completed ahead of time requiring no edits. Think about the perks and decide whether or not they make the gig a worthwhile opportunity.
Reputation: Some clients or websites don’t have a very good reputation and this may not work out in your favor. For example, I know one editor who automatically rejects writers who only lists a certain content site for a client. She feels that because this place hires anyone without even seeing samples, there are some poor writers there. Consider whether or not your client is giving you a good place for your byline. The pay may be nice but the hit to your reputation might do some damage.
Subject matter: Come on. Can you really promise to write 20 blog posts a month about peat moss? It may seem like an easy gig but after a few weeks you’ll be bored. Trust me, unless you absolutely and truly love your topic, you’ll burn out writing about the same thing day in and day out. If you don’t know the subject matter, don’t apply for the gig. People are researching that topic for real information, not recycled content. If you don’t know a thing about the subject matter, it will show.
Location: If you live in New York and have a client in California, the web will close the gap. However, that client won’t be around when you want to work at 9:00 a.m. You may have to wait a few hours to receive answers to your questions. Also, that client may have questions at 4:00 his time, just as you’re sitting down to dinner with your family. Having clients in another part of the country isn’t a bad thing as long as you make sure you establish guidelines regarding your time.
The Client: You can tell a lot about a client by his job ad. For example if his job ad is nothing but an angry sounding laundry list of unreasonable demands, you just know this person will be worse in real life. Consider whether or not you have the personality to take on a difficult client and still love your job.
You can always do better: If you’re a good writer, you can always do better. Yes, you can start out for $15 an hour, but there are jobs paying $30 an hour too. You can get your start writing for websites, but private clients can be very lucrative. Always remember you can do better. Even if you don’t have the time or inclination to research the better opportunities now, know they’re there. Keep telling yourself you can always do better.

What are some of the things you consider before applying for freelance writing jobs?

43 Places to Find Freelance Writing Jobs

Deb — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 13:43:05 +0000

It’s that time of the year again.

Every year at about this time, I let you in on my daily routine – the places I search to find freelance writing jobs. I update this list every year because it changes so much. Some of the places on my first list of 23 Places to Find Freelance Writing Jobs are no longer in existence. We also have some new sites to search since last year’s 22 Places to Find Freelance Writing Jobs list.

Here’s your 2009 Version. Please note this list is only for job lists or search engines. It doesn’t list individual content sites or bidding sites. However, there are a few sites that require a fee.

43 Places to Find Freelance Writing Jobs

Craigslist - Craigslist is my number one place to find freelance writing jobs. Say what you want about them, but I’ve found more legitimate, high paying opportunities on Craigslist than any other job search site. It has a bad reputation for being a haven for scammers, but they also have plenty of terrific gigs listed each day.
About Freelance Writing - Many of you know Anne Wayman as About.com’s original Guide to Freelance Writing. I know her as a friend and colleague. When it comes to providing job lists, Anne and I have been doing this the longest. She posts abundant lists three times each week, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
ProBlogger – Ok. So you’re probably sick of hearing about my friends by now, but yes, ProBlogger Darren Rowse is a friend too. His job listing service features blogging gigs from around the world.
Freelance Job Openings - A new entry for our list this year. Freelance Job Openings has some good stuff and some clunkers. It features freelance jobs from around the world and is not writing specific.
Poe War – John Hewitt uses the Indeed search tool to find jobs to post on his informative blog for writers.
Blogger Jobs - This blog used to feature a lot more jobs. The pickings are slim but they have something good every now and then.
Media Bistro - If the big mags or media organizations are hiring, they’ll post it here.
Journalism Jobs - Features several new jobs daily, mostly for newspapers around the U.S. They also list foreign jobs on occasion.
Freelance Switch – You can have access to some awesome freelance writing opportunities at Freelance Switch but it’s no longer free. Pay $7 a month to have access.
Flex Jobs - Also subscription based, Flex Jobs provides access to tons of telecommute and flexible opportunities. It’s not cheap – About $15 per month or $50 per year. Those who subscribe tell me it’s worth it.
Online Writing Jobs – Mostly aggregates jobs from Craigslist. Posts many of the same opportunities we have here, plus some lower paying stuff.
WAHM.com - Posts telecommuting and work at home jobs. Not writing specific, but plenty of writing jobs are listed each day. The writing forum also has a few opportunities posted each week, usually overflow from other writers.
Writer Find - A good source for international jobs. Posts a few a week.
Canadian Freelance Writing Jobs- Posts leads for our friends in the Great White North.
Morning Coffee – Subscribe to receive loads of leads every Tuesday morning.
Indeed.com – A job search engine. Do your own Indeed freelance writing search here at FWJ.
Absolute Write – The Paying Jobs section of the Absolute Write forum yields several new leads a week. Some are low paying, but there’s some pretty good stuff there. Participate in the forum and discuss freelance writing with others.
Media Job Board – Features media jobs, mostly full time. Occasionally there’s a freelance writing gig.
The Write Jobs – Lists both freelance and full time writing opportunities. Some are kind of old.
Twitter - Keep your Tweet deck or Seesmic open to a freelance writing jobs search, or use Twitter Search or Twitter Job Search to view tweeted job opportunities. Some are from bidding sites, but Twitter has many awesome opportunities that aren’t listed on job boards.
Sun Oasis Jobs – Updates on a regular basis.
Jobster - Job search engine. Lists many of the same jobs as Indeed.com.
Startuply – A job site featuring listings for startups. It’s not all freelance and not all writing, but you might find one or two cool gigs each month.
Authority Blogger - Yes. Another friend. Chris Garrett runs this forum. While many of the opportunities are for guest bloggers, there are occasional paying opportunities.
Work to Live – The newest job listing blog on the block. Lists many of the same opportunities we post here, but also singles out the best of the bunch.
Blogger and Freelance Job Source – Posts one or two opportunities each day, usually from one of the sources listed here.
Funds for Writers – Hope C. Clark doesn’t only list magazine markets. She advises writers where to find fellowships, grants, scholarships and more.
Simply Hired – Job search engine.
Freelance Avenue – A web site for freelancers, features freelance writing jobs now and then.
BlogHer - Posts the occasional freelance writing or blogging job in their jobs forum. I found a terrific gig with Oxygen Media at the BlogHer forum.
Job Monkey – A place to finds all sorts of jobs and read some informative articles too.
American Society of Business Publication Editors – Posts occasional freelance writing opportunities.
Freelance BBS – Posts a few good leads now and then.
Creative Hotlists – Lists jobs for all sorts of creative types, some of them freelance writers.
Poets & Writers – Lately all I can find are unpaid internships, but occasionally some good leads.
Telecommuting Jobs - Subscription/Paying site for telecommuters. I used TJobs years ago before it was a paying site.
Accentuate Writers Forum – Lists both low and high paying opportunities.
Freelance Pulse – Lists jobs from Craigslist.
Beyond.com - Job search engine.
Digital Point - The Digital Point forums feature plenty of webmasters looking to hire writers. Be careful for the low payers though.
Kijiji – Features local jobs, some of them for freelance writers.
Monster.com, Career Builder, Hot Jobs, Flip Dog - The usual corporate job search sites also feature freelance writing, editing, copywriting and other jobs. Lately they seem to only contain freelance writing jobs from Examiner though.
Freelance Writing Jobs for Web and Print – Don’t forget our own awesome resource! I hope now that you have this list, you’ll still come by for leads and conversation!

Did I miss any? Post your favorites in the comments!