Archives for January 2010

Creative Content LLC is seeking talented educational writers for immediate hire

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Educational publisher based in New Mexico is looking for freelance writers to help create leveled reading passages. If you’re interested and can give us at least 25 hours per week, then please email resume and cover letter to: [email protected] If your education and skills match our needs, we’ll send more information immediately. This is a remote hire–with Internet access, you can work from wherever you choose.

The job itself:

Write leveled reading passages (Both fiction and non-fiction) to be used in ESL classes for foreign students of English. Successful candidates are paid by the passage—not by the hour. Speedy writers will do quite well.

Requirements:

· Availability of at least 20 hours per week

· Extremely strong writing skills

· A writing sample (to be specified by company) of 300 words will be required of all candidates.

· MS Word

Other information:

· Compensation—varies with level; all work is paid on a piece-rate basis.

· No recruiters, please

· No phone calls, please

· Entry level

Day 4: Technology, 5 Ways to Enhance Your Writing Skills

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Picture 5Freelance writing is one of the businesses people can start with little to no start up costs.  All you need is a computer, Internet connection, a phone and the writing talent with which you were born. This is one of the reasons why freelance writing is such an attractive career for so many. The danger is a simple start can lead to technological complacency. Day four’s tip is update your technology.

There are a variety of helpful techno gear and software that will save you time and increase your access to clients thereby increasing profits and success. The key is to realize you need them. Many writers don’t see a use for social networking sites like Facebook or microblogging tools like Twitter, but the truth is not utilizing these tools will cause you to miss out on a variety of clients and opportunity.

Let’s take a look at Twitter. The microblogging site is a great way to connect with readers, other writers, editors and publications. You can pass on your article links, discover new sources for articles and develop relationships with people who can point you toward gigs and new clients. When you increase your Twitter following, things you’re interested in become things your followers are interested in and that can be a great boost to a client whose release you’ve published links to or publications who you’ve written an article for and posted a link. If you have a blog, Twitter is essential to boosting your readers.

Many writers don’t see why they should promote their work, but when you get people interested in your articles it boosts your writing credibility and publications are always tracking which articles, departments, etc. get the most hits/readers. You can bet a client for whom you’ve written a release is going to appreciate the spike in clicks because you tweeted about it.

Facebook acts as another way to connect with others in you field. Creating a fan page for your site/company is a great way to boost its profile. Friending editors, clients, etc., is a way to keep your relationship moving in the right direction – as long as you use caution with posting. I suggest if you are worried about your Facebook posting and your clients’ reactions you might want to have one page for business and one for personal. Just remember everything you put on the web is likely to be there forever. Oh, and don’t poke clients a lot or brown nose, it’s annoying and transparent. Keep your relationship as professional and sincere as it would be if you saw each other often throughout the week.

Writers tend to get into a routine and are often the last ones to move on to the next great thing. Some of you clung tearfully to your typewriters and saw no problem with hanging onto dial-up Internet, after all it was cheaper right? It is vital to be flexible and indispensable to be a successful freelance writer during this season of downsizing or closing publications.

If your Internet goes down you may have to resort to typing out an article on your smart phone. Billing, invoice tracking and other business matters may have to take the next step beyond a stamp and word document. And that laptop you finally splurged and got six years ago – it’s probably time for an upgrade. Clients don’t understand why you can’t keep up with their technology and are usually very grateful when you can succinctly and knowledgeably hip them to the latest that will connect them to their audience or save them money like that Skype business.

Keeping up with technology isn’t about following trends and the latest fly-by-night whowhatsit, it’s about discovering what technology is changing business as it happens everyday, learning it and adopting it successfully to your own business.

Freelance Writing Isn't Brain Surgery, But….

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Recently in my online travels, I came across a comment on a message board that got me thinking. The commenter stated that freelance writing is “an open door that invites anyone in.” This person goes on to say that well-educated and informed writers have to prove themselves.

I agree that the Internet has opened up many possibilities for freelance writers. There are opportunities available online that simply weren’t offered a few years ago. And yes, many people think that they want to “get into” writing. It’s a situation of many being called, and few having what it takes to stick to it, build their skills and develop the contacts they need to make money from it.

It may seem like the doors are open and everyone is welcome, that’s not really the case. Some clients are very open to giving new writers a chance to work for them, but rest assured that if you submit work that is subpar, riddled with errors or you simply don’t follow instructions properly, you won’t be given more assignments.

I do agree that freelance writing isn’t brain surgery, or even rocket science, but that doesn’t mean everyone can do it. I used to have a gig where I reviewed aerospace research sites with educational content and the basic principles of rocket science are relatively simple to understand. It doesn’t mean that I can go out and build my own X-plane, though.

Freelance writing is part art and part skill. Even if someone has the skill part down, i.e. they can put a sentence together correctly, it doesn’t necessarily follow that they have a talent for choosing the right word patterns to effectively convey an idea or evoke a feeling in the reader. I used to get criticized when I was in school for not pumping up my work with a lot of flowery language; my writing was relatively short and to the point. Who knew that this style would be what works best online?

The second comment about how well-educated and informed writers have to prove themselves applies to any field of endeavor. Someone hiring you wants to know what you can do for them moreso than what you have done in the past. You will get a lot further by showing up, getting your hands dirty (figuratively speaking) and doing the work than trying to impress someone with your background.

And the brain surgeon I mentioned earlier? Part of their training involved reading texts, which were written by someone who at that moment at least, was a writer. We may not be brain surgeons, but the work that we do educates, informs, entertains and persuades people to buy a product or support a cause. Pretty cool stuff, if you ask me.

Setting a Freelance Writing Rate Equal to the Task

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dollarToday’s freelance writing clients are looking for a lot more bang for their buck, especially those looking for web writing.  Many aren’t looking for a mere writer, they want someone who uses SEO, builds traffic, moderates and responds to comments and more.  Before accepting a project and setting a rate, always find out what the job entails and set a freelance writing rate equal to the task.

Straight writing is one thing, but if your client is adding bells and whistles, make it clear the rates are going up. We all know interviews, research, mileage and expenses are often added into rates. However, there are other considerations as well:

  • SEO: Are you expected to research keywords, use them a certain amount of times in an article, and, in general, write an entire article around keywords or phrases? This is extra work and should be figured into your rate.
  • Promotion: Are you expected to create a social media presence and visit blogs and forums to promote your blog or website and bring in traffic? If so, this adds additional time to the project and should be included in your rate quote.
  • Community: Are you expected to moderate and respond to a community? If so,  this is additional work and should be negotiated into your contract.

The above-referenced items are all things that will add more time to each project. Your time is worth money and it’s up to you to make sure you’re adequately compensated.

What are some of the extra items that your clients tack on to a project? Do you raise your rates to reflect the increase in work?

Tip: Use the Freelance Switch Hourly Rate Calculator to help determine a rate for your project.

Writer for Website on Clean Energy & Green Movement

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Looking for a freelance writer who can crank out snappy, upbeat copy on the topic of energy efficiency in the home. Familiarity with home energy is preferred but not required. Experience writing web copy for SEO is a must.
Initial deliverable is due around Feb. 5 and consists of 20 short posts, of approximately 100 words each. Similar to the following example: http://blog.wattzy.com/2010/01/what-is-pace.html A list of topic and bulleted points for each post will be provided.
There will be additional work including maintaining a blog, for the right person. Compensation in the $300 range for initial Feb. 5 deliverable.
Apply via email to jobs at wattzy dot com. Applicants without writing samples will not be considered.

Freelance Writing Jobs Presents: 19 Parenting Markets

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mom

Today we’re offering up some parenting markets.

We’ve been listing magazine markets and other writing guidelines this week and many valid questions are being raised. For example, how do I know these markets accept freelancers, and also, how do I know the pay rate is what they say it is?

It’s simple, I did some research. Research that’s easy enough for every single freelance writer to do if he or she wishes to write for certain markets. I looked up many markets on the web and, also, backed them up with a copy of the Writer’s Market – the 2010 edition. If some of the markets were still a little fuzzy with the details, I emailed or called to verify. If the market accepts freelance pitches, they’re more than happy to email current guidelines.

If you query any of these parenting markets and learn my details aren’t correct, please let me know so I can make any necessary adjustments. However, as of January 2010, these markets appear to be accurate.

When researching markets online, always consider how long ago each market may have been posted. If you’re unsure of whether or not they’re current, go to the library and confirm by checking the current Writer’s Market or contact the editors for up to date guidelines. If you’re reading this two years from now, the parenting markets listed here will offer a starting point.

As always, familiarize yourself with several back issues before querying any market.

19 Parenting Markets

  1. BabyCorner.com – Parenting Web Magazine – Pays .02 – .04 per word. Online guidelines.
  2. Bay State Parent – . Pays $60 – $100. Hyperlocal market only. Query: [email protected] or [email protected] at least two published clips.
  3. Brain Child – Pays a “modest” fee. Please see online guidelines.
  4. Charlotte Parent – Pays $15 – $75. Freelance contributions welcome. Please see online guidelines.
  5. Chicago Parent – Pays $25 – $300. 60% freelance written. Query for current guidelines at [email protected]
  6. Children’s Advocate – Pays $225 – $450 for assigned articles. 60% freelance written. Contact for complete guidelines.
  7. Dabbling Mum – Pays up to $120.00
  8. Family – Pays $10 – $200. For Central NJ parents. 75% freelance written.  Contact for full guidelines.
  9. Hudson Valley Parent – Pays $25 – $120. 75% freelance written.  Please see online guidelines.
  10. Island Parent – Pays $35. 98% freelance written. For Vancouver parents, please see online guidelines.
  11. Kid’s Life Magazine – Pays $20 – $25. Query for guidelines at [email protected]
  12. Indy’s Child – Pays .10 – .12/word. Please see online guidelines.
  13. Mothering – Pays $200 – $500. Please see online guidelines. Accepts unsolicited submissions.
  14. Parent Guide – Pays $25 – $150. Please see online guidelines.
  15. Plum Magazine – Pregnancy publication for women over 35. Pays .75 – $1.00/word. 90% freelance written.
  16. San Diego Parent – Pays $22 – $90. Query for full guidelines. 100% freelance written.
  17. Sonoma Family Life – Pays .08.word. Please see online guidelines.
  18. Today’s Parent: Pregnancy & Birth – Pays up to $1/word. 100% freelance written.  Please see online guidelines.
  19. Working Mother – The only guidelines I can find are from 2009, with no mention of pay. I’m still waiting to hear back from the editors, but you can try on your own using the online guidelines in the mean time.

As always, let us know if you successfully pitched any of these markets. If you have any tips for the FWJ community, please post them in the comments. If you like these markets, maybe you’ll also enjoy some of this week’s other offerings:

Image via stock xchnge

Freelance Writing Jobs and Links for January 29, 2010

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So? One month into 2010 and how are all doing? Sticking with your goals? Landing cool freelance writing jobs? Dish!

Your Daily Lists

Enjoy today’s good stuff.

New around the Freelance Writing Jobs network

Recommended reading from around the blogosphere

Freelance Writing Jobs

Content Writing Jobs

  1. Content writer for Online Shopping Site – Appears to be full time, with bennies, but they allow telecommuting.
  2. Contribute to Online Education
  3. Writers/Editors – Waterfront Property
  4. Writer for Website
  5. Writer for TheToneKing.com
  6. MMA Writers
  7. Writer for New Site – NYC – $50 – $75/150 words
  8. Text for Website – $5000
  9. Web Marketing/SEO – Hillsboro/Portland
  10. Web Writers – Baltimore

Blogger Jobs

  1. UK Property Blogger
  2. Gadget Blogger – $10/post
  3. Business Bloggers for BNET
  4. Blogger for AV Industry – Springfield

Proofreading/Editing Jobs

  1. Coding Education Project Editor
  2. Editor/Researcher for Finance Book Project
  3. Editor for Fantasy Novel
  4. Document Proofer – Tampa

Copywriting Jobs

  1. Freelance Advertising Copywriter
  2. Copywriter – Dallas
  3. Freelance Copywriter – San Francisco
  4. Freelance Copywriter – San Francisco
  5. Freelance Proofreaders – Chicago
  6. Witty Copywriter for Awesome New Website
  7. Copywriter – SFV
  8. Freelance Copywriter – NYC

Journalism Jobs

  1. Journalists Wanted – Long Island
  2. Journalists/Writers/Fact Checkers – Chicago

Technical Writing Jobs

  1. Contract Technical Writer – Charlottesville

Business Plan/Proposal/Grant Writing Jobs

  1. Grant Writer Needed
  2. Grant Writer – NJ
  3. Music Tour Sponsorship Proposal
  4. Grant Writer Needed – DC

General/Misc. Freelance Writing Jobs

  1. Creative Writer for 3 Month Project NYC
  2. Freelance Writers and Editors Wanted
  3. Part Time Freelance Writer -Dallas
  4. Freelance Writers Watned – Baltimore
  5. Comedic Writers Needed – Michigan – $300 – $400
  6. Fashion Writer
  7. Freelance Technology Writer
  8. Bergen Country Writer
  9. Freelance Writers Wanted
  10. Freelance Writer – Central NJ
  11. Writer Wanted – Richmond
  12. Cover Letter Writer – $50 – $200

I found today’s opportunities by searching:

Today’s leads are sponsored by

White Paper Success Summit 2010


Search for jobs in your area on SnagAJob

Talk to Deb about seeing your ad here….

Grant Writer Needed

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The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta

Community Partnerships
Communications Consultant
The Communications Consultant will develop written communications for the Foundation’s Community Partnerships Department as assigned. Specific responsibilities include drafting grant recommendations for the Foundation’s competitive grantmaking programs; drafting reports on local, national or international nonprofit organizations; drafting reports on social, human service, cultural and other issues; and assisting with the drafting of publications. Documents will be developed for both internal and external audiences.

Click here for a full description of the position.

Submit resume to: [email protected]; Application deadline: Friday, February 12, 2010

Freelance Writers and Editors Wanted

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Send rate quote.

Akoya, a Pittsburgh-based communications firm, is looking for motivated and reliable freelance writers and editors to work on a variety of projects, often for the federal government. Ideal candidates are self-starters who have experience in technical and policy writing. Akoya pays competitive rates for professional writers and editors. Please send a cover letter, resume, and writing samples to:

Allison Schlesinger
Akoya
2325 E. Carson Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203

Or

[email protected]

For more information about Akoya, visit www.akoyaonline.com.

WANTED: writer/editor to produce content related to buying, selling and living in waterfront properties

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allaboutwaterfront.com (a blog yet to be published)  is looking for a writer/editor to produce content related to buying, selling and living in waterfront properties. The writer/editor will be responsible for creating 15-20x 400-word articles per week offering how-tos, top 10s, lists, trends and advice for a North American audience. Readers are either living waterfront lifestyles or interested in buying or selling waterfront properties. Topics will be provided ( http://bit.ly/7XCZqh ) and based on search engine keywords. SEO experience is a must.
Please send a CV and links to a portfolio or clips, as well as any experience you have writing for this field.
Contact: georgie,  [email protected]
Payment: writer to make offer per 400-word story (i accept and will pay within the noted fwj payment terms)
Location: Telecommute

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