Before beginning your freelancing journey, you might think you need a special education to land a gig. The truth is, all you really need is the ability to write well and the research skills to fill your articles with helpful information. [Read more…]
Worker’s Compensation for the Freelance Writing Business: The Rights and the Risks
A lot of businesses in the US employ freelance writers for the completion of short term projects so that they do not have to hire permanent employees. In current times, a large portion of the US workforce is working independently. According to a survey, more than 32% of the entire working population works independently and contributes more than $1.3 trillion to the country’s economy. [Read more…]
5 Companies That Hire Freelance Writers
While you love the flexibility that comes with a freelance writing career, you don’t necessarily love having to always look for a job, either. If only there were a way to secure a semi-permanent freelance writing position, you’d have the perfect work-life balance. There are companies that do hire remote writers on a more consistent basis than others, which allows you to do what you do best: write.
Here are just five companies that hire freelance writers.
One of the largest companies to offer freelance writing jobs, About.com is one of the biggest sites on the Internet. A plethora of people (aptly called “Guides”) write the content for About.com, to the tune of 2.8 million articles on over 70,000 subjects—and growing. This company is constantly expanding its topics lists, which provides steady work for scribes everywhere.
Current Flexible Jobs at About.com:
Guide—Wedding Style; Guide—New York Giants; Guide—Baby’s First Year
LoveToKnow understands that the Internet is loaded with information, but much of it can be useless or incorrect. The goal of this online media giant is to provide accurate, targeted, high quality information to Internet users in an easy-to-understand format. LoveToKnow consistently hires freelance writers and editors as it continues to grow.
Current Flexible Jobs at LoveToKnow Corp.:
Blogger Recruiter-Telecommuting; Writer-Editor; Hair Writer
One of the top publishers in the health and wellness arena, Rodale publishes well-known lifestyle magazines and books—all with a health-oriented slant. For example, Rodale publishes Women’s Health, Prevention, and Men’s Health, in addition to popular books like Eat This, Not That and The Flat Belly Diet.
Current Flexible Jobs at Rodale:
Food/Health Freelance Writer; Editorial Aide; Online Editor
Founded in 2008, Shmoop’s mission is a noble one. With a goal “to make you a better lover (of literature, poetry, US history, writing, and more),” Shmoop helps students and regular folks alike better understand literature and culture in a fun way. The organization also focuses on college readiness and believes that education can be fun. Shmoop offers freelance jobs, part-time jobs, and telecommuting jobs.
Current Flexible Jobs at Shmoop:
Project-Based Curriculum Writer Art History; Curriculum Writer: Computer Programming; Content Writer: Culinary Arts
A New York City-based organization and website, Thrillist boasts the best in entertainment, clubs, food, and other must-visit venues in major cities throughout the United States. Each week, The Thrill List gives its readers recommendations for hotspots that many people may not know about…yet. The company continuously hires freelance writers to provide content for its ever-growing website.
Current Flexible Jobs at Thrillist:
Freelance Writer, Portland; Freelance Expert Bachelor Party Journalist; Writer, NYC
Sure, it’s important to get new clients even if you have enough regular work. But just because you want a job as a freelance writer doesn’t mean that you will always have to hunt for work. Creating a connection with a company that consistently hires freelance writers is one of the best ways to ensure steady work—and to write your way to better work-life balance.
This post was written by Jenifer Blais who works at Flexjobs.com as Partnerships Coordinator.
Article Quickie: Freelance Writing Jargon
Deadline
These are those all important dates that you never miss. It’s when an article is due, when the editor wants it in and when excuses will be tough to take.
Dek
A quickie summary of what an article is about, it usually is placed in the table of contents or under the article headline.
Editorial Calendar
The theme and publishing calendar for a publication. Most print publications have calendars set far in advance, some as far as six months which is important to remember when sending queries. Writers also use an editorial calendar to schedule their work and organized deadlines, blog posts, etc.
Feature
The yummy, meaty articles that are ‘featured’ in the main part of the magazine. These articles are longer and are an impressive feather in the cap of any writer.
FOB (Front of Book)
Newbie writers are always told to aim for the smaller front of the book (magazine). These articles are shorter pieces designed to get a writer’s feet wet with the publication. Front of the book is sometimes used interchangeably with filler which are short pieces, but they can be located throughout the magazine.
Ghostwriter
The silent voice that gives the zing to a piece without byline credit, but earns the income. Often writers sign a confidentiality agreement with their clients and the terms vary from project to project.
