by Candidate #11

What’s the best way to find a job or a gig? That’s what we all ask ourselves, even if we’ve been at this for a while. The great thing about communities is the opportunity to share so we can learn from each others’ successes - and failures.
Network - no, really - NETWORKI

I’ve gotten a few jobs as an unknown entity, but it’s much more difficult when you don’t know who you’re dealing with. You need to research the company or person you’re pitching so you can tailor your ideas for them (that goes for business writing, blogging, fiction, magazines, et al). By letting my friends and acquaintances know that I’m available - and listening when they casually mention they need something - I’ve garnered several gigs. (more…)

*At least not until you’ve completed your prep work!

By Candidate #3

The first thing freelance writers want to know is “Where do I/How can I find work?” the second thing is “When can I quit my day job?” What many writers fail to do is complete the necessary prep work that will not only aid in getting a writing gig; it’ll help you keep your freelance writing career afloat.

Know Your Role
Before you start scanning the job boards and devouring Deb’s 23 Places to Find Work list, decide on what type of work supports your platform. Are you trying to define yourself as a niche writer? If you’re a business writer, what types of projects fall under your area of experience? Or if you don’t have a specific platform, have a goal – i.e. working for clips and project work that will lend weight to your resume. Are you trying to break into a new area, for example, a magazine writer moving toward the blogging realm or vice versa?
Defining what you are looking for before hand will help you find a sweet gig that meets your criteria. Not defining your search wastes your time as you chase every gig with a paycheck. (more…)

by Candidate #8

1.) Get a part-time job that has nothing to do with writing. Now hear me out. I’m not saying give up your dream of being a full-time writer. I’m instead suggesting a small job for a few hours a week that gets you away from your desk (and yes, away from writing) and lets your mind drift. Doing this will bring in some money on a steady basis so you won’t be tempted to jump into a job that doesn’t pay more than a candy bar and coffee a month for all your hard work. (Not that candy and coffee aren’t part of a balanced diet for freelancers.) (more…)

by Candidate #6

Remember the popular children’s game show, Where in the World is Carmen San Diego? It was an educational sensation – the perfect marriage of learning and fun.

Well, luckily Carmen has a cousin – one who can educate us writers just as Carmen educated a generation of children.

Who is this favored family member, and how can she help build your writing career?

Her name is Alexa Pareto, and she’s a Marketing Specialist’s best friend.

(more…)

…would you listen?

Ever since I started working at BlogTalkRadio and listening to some of the great programs, I’ve been wondering about have an FWJ radio show. We can discuss freelance writing tips and have guests, interviews and listeners can call in with questions.

So…if we were to launch FWJ Radio, would you listen?

Thanks!

Good morning FWJ Friends! I’ve got leads for those of you looking for blogging jobs, technical writing contract positions, and copywriting work today. There are some editing opps, and one employer is looking for a Chinese translator. There are jobs here for people interested in medical writing, sharing their expertise about cars, and the wonderful world of mathematics. Is your dream job listed here? Let us know!

I hope all of our American readers have a wonderful holiday tomorrow for Independence Day. Have a great long weekend, folks! (more…)

By Candidate #1

The Internet has provided us with a vast amount of freelance writing jobs to choose from, but we shouldn’t neglect our local community. If you’d like to increase your freelance writing income, your local community is another place to search for writing jobs.

Through this post, you’ll learn how to find work in your local community, how to apply and how to follow up. What do you say, are you reading to increase your freelance writing income with freelance writing jobs from local clients? (more…)

Since its launch in June 2006, Orato.com has given more than 4200 correspondents worldwide a platform in which to tell their stories. Recently recognized as one of the top 12 news websites in the world by the 2008 Webby Awards (which have been called the Oscars of the Internet by the New York Times), Orato.com has attracted up to 100,000 visitors in one day.

Experience has taught us that the most compelling stories are written in the words of those who experience or witness an event. And so Orato.com is now paying for true, timely stories written through the eyes of those who were ‘there’! It’s our aim to become the world’s leader in unprejudiced, 1^st person story-telling. Building on an annual audience of nearly 4 million visitors, we are taking Orato.com to a whole new level by paying for 1^st person, human interest stories – stories which grip the emotions, challenge reality, and celebrate the resilience of the human spirit. (more…)

by Candidate # 12

Creative endeavors, much like songs, need a rhythm. In the music world, the person providing that rhythm is often the rhythm guitarist. That rhythm becomes the foundation on which the entire song is built, and if the foundation is strong enough and clear enough, it allows the other band members to play around a bit with melody and other creative elements without harming the overall sound.

As the rhythm guitarist of the freelance world, the writer creates that indispensable pulse for each project. While the job is oftentimes not as glamorous (or respected) as the role of art director, graphic designer, flash developer, etc., good writing is essential to a successful end product, and as a writer—especially as a freelance writer—it pays to be the rhythm guitarists of the market.

So, how do you become a rhythm guitarist of the writing world? Just follow these basic guidelines: (more…)

by Deborah Ng

Freelance writers are paid by various methods. Many writers nowadays prefer to be paid via PayPal because it’s so quick and easy, it’s not my preference though and you’ll soon learn why. Below I’d like to throw out some of the various methods of payment and offer up some of the pros and cons.

Checks - Ah yes. The check is in the mail. But is it? Many times I’m told payment is sent out at the end of the month, only to receive it at the end of the following month. Checks are slow. First you have to wait for someone to approve them then you have to wait for someone to send them. And if you’re like me, they sit around on your dresser for months until you remember to deposit them. Did I mention checks bounce? Still, they’re not easily spent. Depositing your checks directly into your bank account rather than opting for cash guarantees you’ll save a little and maybe even build up some interest. I actually prefer a check to PayPal.

(more…)