How to Find the High Paying Freelance Writing Jobs
After our recent discussion about $3 writing jobs, I received a flurry of emails suggesting the $3 gigs are easy to find and the higher paying freelance writing jobs are being saved for the veteran freelance writers. I’m here to tell you this isn’t true. If all you’re finding is $3 jobs, you’re looking in the wrong places.
Let me tell you what worked for me.
Start Low if You Must, But Not Too Low
My first article sale paid ten cents per word, a $65 pay check. While I was looking for markets and freelance writing jobs I spied plenty of non-payers and $2 and $3 jobs but I didn’t even give them a second thought. Because I did my research and learned about the type of pay new freelance writers receive for their work, I was able to pass up the insulting offers and find some great places to begin.
But I’m Desperate!
No one was more desperate for work than Yours Truly! I quit my job after 20 years in Corporate America to buy a house, move to another state, and raise my baby. The loss of a decent paycheck was a serious blow to my husband and I. Especially since we now had to pay for a mortgage and baby expenses. We gave me a year to try and make it as a freelance writer. Don’t think I didn’t consider taking any scraps that came along. I knew if I did though, I’d get stuck in a low-paying rut. Besides, I didn’t want a reputation as someone who works for little money.
Set a Price and Stick With It
When I first began writing I knew I wasn’t going to command high prices. I also knew that if I set a reasonable rate and provided quality content, I could raise my rates later on down the line. For simple web articles I set a rate of $15 per. Not a lot of money, but reasonable for web content portals.
Meanwhile I was querying newspapers and magazines for higher paying work. Soon I landed a newspaper column and regular work with a high paying online parenting media organization. In between the higher paying gigs, I wrote $15-$50 web content for various online information portals.
Make the Job Hunt Part of the Job
From what I understand, work at homers like the $2 or $5 web writing gigs for two reasons. They’re easy to find and they pay right away via PayPal. I can understand both reasons, but they’re not enough to convince me I need to work for $2. All of my gigs pay once a month, but they pay enough that I don’t have to worry about living paycheck to paycheck and can budget accordingly. Moreover, the higher paying gigs are just as easy to find.
If anyone was to ask me what I feel is the most important task as a freelance writer I’d say it’s the job hunt. Yet many writers don’t want to take the time out to find quality gigs. The job hunt has to be part of the job. Writing is the easy part, finding the work takes effort. I scheduled a two hour job hunt into my daily ritual. That block of time doesn’t work for everyone, but find a rhythm that works for you. Take time out every day to look for work.
If You Want Quality Jobs Stay Away from Sources of Cheap Labor
If you’re at a job board or bidding site and all you can find are low paying jobs, you’re probably in the wrong place. Right now job boards and blogs are a dime a dozen, there are plenty of places to look for freelance writing and blogging jobs. Not all of them pay $2 either!
Just Say No to Cheap Labor
This post went on a bit longer than planned but I think it’s important for new writers to learn about their options. You can take a $3 gig if that’s your choice, or you can work harder to find jobs paying more. You don’t have to settle for low payers, even if you’re just starting out.
If you’re working more hours for a little money, something is seriously wrong. Let’s all vow to work smarter not harder in 2008!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Posted
on
Wednesday, January 2nd, 2008 at 9:02 pm under
My first freelance gig was low-paying. This was a keyword assignment ($5 for 250 words) At first, I didn’t see it as low-paying because I was able to write four or five articles within an hour. Besides, it was long-term and I liked the steady pay. However, my next long-term assignment paid $20 per 300 words (web content). After that, I set my eyes on better paying jobs.
January 2nd, 2008 at 9:28 pmI find both situations can bite you. In a pinch, I’ve taken low paying assignments and done well to bring in a quick paycheck. My highest paying gig lasted a year and I am now owned a hefty amount of money. The company sold in a quick multi-million dollar deal and I’ve been trying to hunt down someone to get the money I’m owed, but the rumors are that the the purchaser canned all of the original company’s staff and has shut down those offices. This puts me back on the drawing board. I have two other clients, but this was my highest paying and I was holding a contract that guaranteed me work through the summer that I need to find out if the purchasing company is responsible for meeting these terms or not. And if the contract is null and void, I have a game plan, if it isn’t there was a clause that I can’t work for any of their competition until a year after the contract ends which makes it more difficult. Even the high paying jobs can come with downfalls.
January 2nd, 2008 at 9:40 pmI, too, started out writing articles on the lower paying end ($5-$8 each). Let me tell you, I got burned out FAST. Even though I enjoyed the topics I was writing about, it felt like I was churning in mud because I wasn’t being paid enough. When I finally made the decision to pack it up and move on to bigger and better things, I can’t begin to tell you the relief I felt. Sure, it’s scary saying “no” when those low-paying jobs are sure money in your PayPal account. But when you think about how many hours you’re slaving away at it, it’s nowhere near comparable. Great post, Deb!
January 2nd, 2008 at 9:52 pmWell written, Deb.
For every freelance writer working, there are ten others willing to step into the person’s shoes and take over.
But for every writer who is working, there are ten who think work will fall from the sky. They think they don’t have to look for work.
While it’s true that eventually, good writers have clients come to them and not the other way around, no one will reach that point until they put “JOB SEARCH” at the top of the priority list and make a name for themselves.
With search engines at hand and tons of resources and information right there with the click of a mouse, I’m amazed that many writers are still in the dark.
January 2nd, 2008 at 10:13 pmMy first gig paid about $0.025/word. I did go down a little from there, but I quickly decided that I would never work for $0.01/word or less. A little at a time since then, my minimum for what I’ll accept has risen.
I think I’m still on the cheaper end, but I’m no sweatshop. Lord willing, this year will mark an improvement in my business.
January 2nd, 2008 at 10:26 pmWhat bothers me is the idea that jobs are “reserved” for “veteran” writers. What the heck is a veteran writer anyway? Get some decent clips–whether that means working for free or writing on the cheap for as little time as possible–and then go for the bigger stuff. You don’t need a paper showing you have years of writing experience. You need to be able to sell yourself and sell the idea that you are capable of doing this job and deserving of the price you’re asking.
I don’t buy into this “veteran” business. Grr!
January 2nd, 2008 at 10:43 pmI agree with Rachel on the “veteran writers”. I’ve reviewed books for eight years now and have quote snippets inside books by Nicholas Sparks, Michael Connelly, and some other big names.
I’ve learned one thing about the “veteran writer” bit though. I don’t have a college degree. My parents had just finished putting my brother through four years and with rent and the likes, I knew there was no way I would be able to pay for college down the road. My nephew has a Vassar degree and still insists that it is kindergarden not kindergarten, so I have issues with the quality of college educations.
I’ve lost numerous job offers to the fact that I don’t have a degree. I never list my education the first time around and if I’m asked, I’ll be honest. I have had more than a dozen potential bosses tell me that in their experience writers with college degrees are more likely to meet deadlines and get the work done over someone who didn’t “apply themselves and complete another two or four years of college.”
January 2nd, 2008 at 10:56 pmMy problem is, being rather new to freelance writing; am I good enough?
I want to apply to higher paying gigs but fear looking like an idiot because I am not experienced enough or write well enough for their business.
Fear holds back quite a few writers and I am working on that issue this year. I need to read up on magazine writing and writing queries because I have absolutely no clue.
Thanks for the info, as usual, Deb!
January 2nd, 2008 at 11:01 pmNice discussion so far. Regarding veterans - here’s how I see it. No matter where you work and what you do, it’s how well you do the job - not how long you’ve been doing the job.
If you’re a good writer and your clients can count on you don’t worry about the “veterans.”
It can be intimidating to get a freelance career off the ground, but once you get that first great sale your confidence will soar!
January 2nd, 2008 at 11:05 pmAll good advice.
Ann G, does a degree matter after enough experience? Though I have a degree, people haven’t cared about that in several years.
I think Hope says what I’ve said in other threads — if you take on low-paying work, burnout can come quickly.
January 2nd, 2008 at 11:57 pmHi Deb,
First, thanks for your site!
Secondly, I have been freelancing for about three years. My very first job was as a local newspaper community columnist, writing 600 words for $30 (meaning 0.5 cents a word)! As a beginner being published for the first time, it didn’t matter. My work and my name were in print!!!
I’m not an advocate of working free or for peanuts, but I think there may be something to getting your name out there as a beginner, to build up your clips and/or your web presence. Again, it should be a strategic ploy, not a long lasting, continual thing.
The first thing I do every writing day is look for work. I’m not yet as successful as I would like to be, but all I can do is press forward. I am currently averaging about .10 cents a word, which I realize is on the low end of the scale.
I agree with Hope’s post, stating that saying no (to lower paying, yet steady jobs) can be scary, but you have to make a leap of faith at some point. To a great degree, this faith is in yourself, your abilities, and your worth as a writer.
January 2nd, 2008 at 11:58 pmI’ve found that it’s relatively easy to negotiate for higher rates. I have a set amount that I will write an article for and I stick to that. Low paying opportunities are an insult to the training, expertise, and years of experience writers bring to the table.
Paid blog posts offer a better pay rate for far less work, over a 500 word article that pays $2.00.
While low paying articles may help you to get your foot in the door, there are enough legitimate opportunities out there for serious writers.
January 3rd, 2008 at 12:05 amRegarding college degree VS. experience…I applied for a position earlier this year (locally), despite not having a degree and being a nervous wreck, I went for it anyway. I created a resume and highlighted all my writing, editing, and publishing experience. When I went in for the interview, I flat out said to the editor, “I almost didn’t apply, just because I don’t have a college degree.” You know what her response was? She laughed and said, “Well, sometimes experience goes a whole lot further than any degree you could hold. You’d be surprised at how many applicants with college degrees I see that don’t have a clue about how things work!” So don’t let that stop you. Of course, you need to have relevant work experience. Don’t just apply for a job and think you’ll get it without some kind of experience. But don’t let that hold you back, if you think you’re qualified otherwise.
January 3rd, 2008 at 12:09 am@Laura: When I was starting out, the number one thing that kept me from going for the high-paying stuff was assuming I wasn’t good enough. I think it’s the kind of thing where you just have to get that one good gig to get over it. I actually read a bunch of articles in the same market as a high paying job that I didn’t go for, and said to myself “I can do that.” Experience is important, but it isn’t everything. Deb said (quite inspirationally) a while back that she used to apply jobs that she wasn’t sure she was qualified for. Why not? You never really know what someone who’s hiring is looking for.
A while back when we had another discussion about this, someone said to put things in terms of hourly wage when the pay is low. If I get paid $30 for 500 words, that’s not very much. But if it is on a topic that I know a lot about, and I can write an article that I’m comfortable with in two hours, I don’t see the harm in it. And once I establish myself at that rate, I can only go up from there.
January 3rd, 2008 at 12:15 amI also think educating oneself about “average rates” for a particular type of work will propel a writer miles towards their goal of “decent pay.” I saw a job on the list today offering $20 per hour to write a math teacher’s manual. On the surface, this looks decent enough. However, if you are aware of the average rates for this type of work, you would realize right away that $20 per hour is less than 1/2 the normal rate. Knowing what is average or normal enables the writer to make an educated decision - do I take this job despite the low rates to gain experience and credits or do I hold off and look for a better paying opportunity? Awareness of industry rates won’t make every decision black and white, but it will cause each of us to make more thoughful decisions. Thanks Debby for repeating this message as often as you do.
January 3rd, 2008 at 12:22 amThe problem stems from the freelance job market being glutted with writers, many of whom don’t have the talent to write really good, original works, but who will work for low wages. A lot of publications are reducing their budgets to stay afloat. Everyone knows about the serious problems the newspaper industry is currently experiencing with the loss of advertisers and readers; and newspapers aren’t alone.
I have been doing this for a number of years and have repeatedly been told by my editors how talented I am, how well I respect deadlines, and that I always turn in clean copy; but in spite of all of this, when a publication folds and leaves me out of work, I don’t always find suitable employment right away even with great credentials.
What has worked for me is to have several assignments that I juggle at one time. This mean working many hours, but my bills are covered, and I make a good living.
January 3rd, 2008 at 12:26 amInspirational post - let’s make the best of this new year!
To those feeling you’ll look like a fool: you most likely won’t. I know that seems easy to say, but you’ll never know what you can do until you try
I was afraid (and I still am a little shy), so I researched my bum off. Unfortunately, there comes a time when you just have to go seize the day, or else you’ll be researching forever. I encountered failure before landing my first job, but I did have work in the end.
If you’re at this blog, you’re already making steps in the right direction. Give yourselves your due credit! You can make it out there
January 3rd, 2008 at 12:45 amThere are some newbies who are commanding high rates - even higher ones than veteran writers. It takes guts to place value on your work and stick to it. And the more guts you have, the sooner you’ll get the payout you want. For me, it depends on how quickly I write. Some projects may look low paying on the surface. But if it’s $5 an article, and I can write six in an hour, the hourly rate is not bad. (And there are some articles where I can write six an hour depending on the topic and amount of keywords that need to go in.)
January 3rd, 2008 at 1:37 amSuper post! I know that you and I were colleagues at one of those $15 web content jobs, Deb. That’s how I started and I never got into the low payers after that. I’ve often seen them but simply couldn’t do it personally.
I’m still doing my freelancing but I’m now working in music, too. I’ve added a lyricist and publisher hat to my headwear collection.
January 3rd, 2008 at 1:59 amGreat post, and great comments. I’m starting out as a freelance writer and have volunteered my time to write for some organizations so I can get clips. Personally, I’d much rather do that than write for a couple bucks an hour. And I’m steadily applying for paying gigs as well. The more you apply for, the more chance that some will work out…
Ann G: Sorry, just have to defend Vassar, as an alum! Any self-respecting Vassar graduate should know it’s “kindergarten,” for Pete’s sake. There’s even one on campus. Sheesh.
January 3rd, 2008 at 3:03 amYou’ve made excellent points, here, Deb. With the world at our fingertips, all we have to do is search online and pass up those $2 offers.
January 3rd, 2008 at 4:39 amI posted my response on the team blog Mama Needs a Book Contract. Here’s WAHM’s and Low Pay.
http://mamaneedsabookcontract.blogspot.com/2008/01/wahms-and-low-pay.html
January 3rd, 2008 at 8:16 amIn the very beginning, I did take lower paying jobs - I want to say in the $10 range - they were fairly easy keyword articles and I had the freedom to choose what I wanted to write about- it worked for awhile. However, I wanted to succeed in writing - I never gave up, I hunted and kept at finding my niche - sometimes you can have more than one niche too - Also, you must have confidence in your ability to get the job done. Sure, there all are times when you want to shut down the computer and never write again, but you do. I guess what I am trying to say is don’t undersell yourself - use the lower paying jobs if you must but build up your clips. Don’t be afraid to ask for a job - show your confidence in yourself!
January 3rd, 2008 at 8:51 amGreat post Deb!
Hello
I just wanted to say thank you for all of your selfless information. It is great that you are being so kind as to freely help out other people that you don’t even know. I have just found your site and I have only read through a few posts so far, but I am planning on camping out here for a while.
I am just getting started on establishing my own work at home business, although I have been working from home for over 6 years. I am also breaking into freelance writing and I am discovering the abundance of low paying clients. I am taking this post to heart because, yes, it is hard to struggle and take such low pay at times. I fear I am getting into the low paying rut you are talking about. This was actually brought to my attention by another freelance writer recently.
Well I don’t want to take up too much space but I did want to thank you so much for posting sites to find higher paying clients.
You are very much appreciated,
January 3rd, 2008 at 12:23 pmCivita Dyer
www.cdvirtualservices.com
While I understand very well the need to produce income to pay bills, I learned very early on not to discount the value of my work to do so.
I learned this not as a writer, but as a weaver at professional fine craft shows around the country. My first debut year on the circuit, I priced my work slightly below the competition. My work sold, not because of the price but because of my gorgeous colors (tooting my own horn here, Deb)and the hand-tied fringe that took additional time to do. The result? While my business grew in terms of orders and sales, my income struggled because I never really charged enough for the time and energy invested in each handwoven scarf or throw.
Our fears of not being good enough or that others’ incomes are as limited as ours keep us struggling whether we weave or write.
Sure we want to charge what is reasonable and maybe even a little lower when we are new on the scene but we need to ask for equal value in return for what we put out.
$3 isn’t enough value for even 10 of our wonderful words!
January 3rd, 2008 at 9:05 pmFantastic article!
But, I don’t know, I’ve scoured the internet and I really battle to find places that will pay even $10.00 per article. $10.00 would be great for me right now - I’ve been freelancing for 6 months. But the most I’ve been able to get is 7.5 per 500 words (.15 per word) and these articles are incredibly exhausting to write.
I know there’s associated content and constant content - but you’re lucky if you sell an article there. The market is fairly flooded!
Where is all this high paying work you guys are talking about? Every time I apply for work, I’m told my prices are too high.
My other issue may be that I’m not a US resident. I’ve just gone to Write For Cash and found out that they only pay US writers. Being in South Africa, my options are limited, and I really can’t continue with $5.00 an article (the average rate I can get… if I’m lucky…)
January 3rd, 2008 at 11:34 pmThis is a great discussion and right up my alley. One of my New Years writing goals is to increase the minimum I’ll write for. I have a few clips and feel I’m on my way, but it seems a huge leap to go from the lower end $25 - $50 an article) to a higher amount. This post is really encouraging though. I think I can…I think I can…~Karen
January 4th, 2008 at 3:21 amI too acknowledge how difficult it is to find good paying jobs these days. This morning, I was offered a content writing gig for 30 posts per month (250-300 words) at the rate of $1 per post. Yep, you did not read wrongly. $1 per post!!!
I can understand budgets can be limited and that this is a new site but it is really an insult to us writers who have been writing for years. However, I have yet to give up on finding a good paid writing gig. As the cartoon Meet The Robinsons emphasized on, KEEP MOVING FORWARD *grins*
January 5th, 2008 at 1:19 pm[…] Places to find freelance writing jobs and freelance blogging jobsHow to Find the High Paying Freelance Writing JobsBlog Less, Work Less, & Still Make MoneyFreelance Writing Jobs for Friday, December 28, 2007A Little […]
January 6th, 2008 at 12:23 am“While I understand very well the need to produce income to pay bills, I learned very early on not to discount the value of my work to do so.”
I agree wholeheartedly with this statement. I have only recently started freelance writing to make additional income to pay off my student loans ($40K in debt…eek!). I have been pretty amazed to see the pay rates offered for the type of writing I do for my full-time job (medical writing, medical literature reviews and manuscripts, grant writing). I make $30/hour at my regular job, yet most freelance assignments work-out to $10-20 for the same type of work. I just recently saw one person wanting a CDC grant designed and written for $250. That’s…maybe…$5/hour. It’s astounding.
Despite the few reasonably-paying jobs in my field, I don’t bid on the low-paying ones. It’s not worth my time and I figure that anyone who disrespects a writer by paying them peanuts will not be a pleasure to work for. Plus, if a cbuyer is fine ending up with a paper written from Google searches, rather than actual expertise, it’s not my problem. They’re getting what they paid for.
January 8th, 2008 at 1:03 am[…] Places to find freelance writing jobs and freelance blogging jobsHow to Find the High Paying Freelance Writing JobsFreelance Writing Jobs for Friday, December 28, 2007Blog Less, Work Less, & Still Make […]
January 9th, 2008 at 11:38 pmI agree with all the above:-) And, when I am approached, being a “veteran” and all, for insulting money, I tell them in a very nice way, just how to find quality. Most haveno budget and no ability to string together three words and make a literate sentence.
My advice is this: do what you have to do, and then be selective if you can. Sometimes, the combination will keep you humble and the heater on.
January 21st, 2008 at 10:59 pmThanks for this amazing article. I’m new at blogging and I havent been able to find a high paying job. I took a very low paying one though. I don’t regret it because I’m new and I need the practise. And for what I can see I’m not the only one doing the same mistake. I hope that this kind of article helps us freelance writers to value our abilities, our time, our work. I try to read this article as many times as possible, at least one a day, to remind me that I CAN and DESERVE better. I’m doing my best every day to improve my skills, to apply to as many opportunities as possible, and to plan my blog/network idea better, for when an interested person comes, I’ll be able to sell a good inspiring idea. I’m really glad I came to this and some other few sites. And I hope to find more jobs opportunities and friends here. I do consider other freelance bloggers as friends, never as a competition.
January 22nd, 2008 at 4:18 pmI’m really loving this place, specially now that I found the courage to comment on my favorite articles.
January 23rd, 2008 at 12:57 amthanks for all the amazing tips!
For some reason I’m experiencing some problems when clicking in my name that it’s supposed to take me to my blog.
January 23rd, 2008 at 1:06 amSince I live in China, all blogs with the extension .blogspot.com are banned. I can add posts but can’t read them. I know it sounds weird, but if any of you lives in China, you know what I mean.
However I’m also trying to blog from a chinese language blog host and it’s exhausting, i tried to write it here on the website option but for some reason it just keeps directing me to another chinese search engine.
Anyways, if any of you have any idea so as why is this happening, i’ll love to hear it. you can send me an email at: micorazon2007@gmail.com
my two recent blogs are:
www.blog.sina.com.cn/strongwomen
www.strongwomenblog.blogspot.com
they are both in English language.
I thank you Deb for the great artcle, which gives me a new perspective towards working.
I’ve 10 yrs exp. in copywriting, where can I find these copywriting gigs, which I feel may pay me more and which kick up my adrenaline to work better. Pls. suggest me.
Regards
February 10th, 2008 at 6:52 pmSolomon
I agree with all points. My first job was $50 per article of 400-700 words. Rarely did any of them take more than an hour. If I could find a first job that paid that well, anyone can. Like you said, it just requires putting in appropriate amounts of time hunting.
February 13th, 2008 at 7:54 pmThis may have nothing to do with this site, but maybe someone can answer this.. Why is a quary letter so important? I mean why are good and great books rejected just because of a letter that does not say the right thing. All books say that the first few words are the thing that gets attention. Agency wants to make money. There are so many publishers out there, that one of them are looking for the material. Why does an agent reject a book because of a quary letter? I am not afraid of rejection, but come on, give me and others a chance..
April 12th, 2008 at 8:27 pmA Good Writer, ROBERT PHILLIPS
Oh, by the way, I have Three Novels - Self-Published - that are selling very well…
[…] How to Find the High Paying Freelance Writing Jobs […]
April 16th, 2008 at 3:42 pm