Blog & Web Writing Gigs for August 19, 2009
August 19, 2009 by Jennifer
Filed under Blogging Jobs
A fair amount of decent paying gigs today, although I swear people are getting less and less clear when writing these things. It’s not that hard – Location? Pay? Hours? Duties? That works. I think maybe people are trying to be too fancy. In any case, no tip today but I do think this post is worth a read – Don’t Ignore the Hidden Job Market for Freelancers.
Anywhere gigs:
Established website seeks Editor in Chief - AND Blogger/Editor Needed for Pet Loving Startup - pay issues sounds super iffy on both gigs so approach with care
Intern for Green Social Website - some pay, not sure how much.
Blog Writer for Employment Website
Copyeditor for BlackDoctor.org
Editor w/ Internal Communications Exp.
Freelance Writer – Web Content and Printed Brochure (work from home) - (Orange County) – NOTE: Says work from home and also says location Orange County – um…
Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee business needs print and web writers
Need a writer to rewrite, edit and correct the content of a solar energy web site
Location specific gigs:
Are you a tech geek? Apply for Associate Tech Editor @ HuffPost - (NYC)
Coordinator, Digital Communications Fanscape – Los Angeles, CA
News reporter for web - near Austin TX
Junior Content Editor - (Bellevue, WA)
Real Estate writers – San Diego
Editor - (Vienna, VA)
UrbanDaddy Editorial Assistant - (Flatiron, NY)
ECONOMICS JOURNALIST – Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. – Washington, District of Columbia
Seeking News Editor – Hartford, CT area
Celebrity/Entertainment Writer – AOL – says NYC but might be telecommute friendly (?)
LA Celebrity News Bureau Chief For Online Site – HollywoodLife.com – L.A.
Fashion Editor and Beauty Editor for Celeb Site – HollywoodLife.com – NY
Sigma Chi Corporation – Seeking Enthusiastic Online Specialist – Evanston, Illinois
Seeking savvy Web producer in D.C. – The Washington Times
Managing Editor for Major New Site - San Francisco
News Editor - (Philadelphia)
Creative Circle: Web Editor/ writing skills: Long-term Freelance! - (San Gabriel Valley)
ManagingEditor, start up, local family travel website - this job says telecommute but also says L.A. only. Really?
To sum up the sponsor issues…
A lot of folks commented on the post; So, did I ever mention that I’m not Deb Ng? and I haven’t responded to everyone individually because of time, but to sum up…
Offering other choices doesn’t mean another place sucks for everyone:
When I say that I think you’re more likely to make living wages at one place over another it’s not a negative bash on Demand or any other site or venue. In my experience, I’ve made the most money in other ways via other clients who are not content sites so it makes sense I’d write accordingly.
I’ve heard from plenty of people who don’t want to make money off of content sites, and my posts, if you look back, offer ideas that reflect that. This was never supposed to be a site about JUST content site or JUST blog networks or JUST anything. It’s about HOW TO make actual living wages if you work as a writer/blogger. I write posts with this in mind. I post job leads with this in mind. How I do things as a working writer has worked for me – I’m able to pay all my bills doing things how I do them. The same things I do have also worked for other people who make a living writing so I try to share those tips here.
About new writers getting clips:
There are other places, besides content sites for new writers to earn clips. The post that this was all about did not simply say, “Don’t get clips from content sites” and fail to offer reasons why you shouldn’t or offer other alternative. I noted my issues with content site – which you’re free to take or leave. I also offered other alternatives and if that frustrates new writers then fine, but I’m here offering up my opinions and tips that work for me, not the opinions and tips of someone else.
About the ethics of choosing sponsors:
I don’t think it’s irony or in bad taste if Deb chooses a content site as a sponsor here. In fact in my opinion it’s a good business decision for both parties. There are readers here who have noted that they love working for these places so for them, the sponsor makes sense. No one sponsor or one blogger will make everyone happy all of the time. What the sponsors do accomplish is helping to keep this resource (FWJ) going for the readers who do appreciate it.
We put in a lot of time here posting job leads and posting tips that we think will help new writers, which I know helps many of you via comments and emails, and sponsors allow us to do that. Deb has criteria for choosing sponsors and I know that she tries to choose sponsors that make sense for at least some of the community here. And honestly, even if she didn’t have criteria, so what? Blogs are not free to run, especially a blog that’s popular. She’s paying the bills here so that people can use FWJ to get help, advice, job leads, and so on. If you know a better way than sponsors to make $ and keep a blog going that’s not more time intensive than this blog already is, let us know.
About me being honest in spite of sponsors:
I accept free products from companies for reviews at other blogs. I have sponsors and ads on my own personal blogs, and Deb has sponsors here, and while I appreciate that I get money or some useful products to review, and while I love that Deb finds sponsors to keep this blog going, if I lie and say oh I love so and so endlessly because I get a perk from them it makes me totally unreliable. I’ve seen bloggers who give kudos to each and every freebie or sponsor they get and I’ve read folks who never ever comment on the realities of a sponsor, and I don’t trust them. Nothing is ever all sunshine and rainbows, and if I write as if it is just to appease others that would make me a blogger not worth listening to.
Blogging is about honest opinions and while you may not agree with all of my opinions you can trust that I do always offer what I honestly think vs. what will make someone else happy. If you don’t like my opinions, tips, or the jobs I post here, you really don’t have to read my stuff. Deb posts here too, along with other bloggers, and their opinions differ from mine at times, so you can totally ignore me if you choose.
If you’re still miffed about my posts, if you hate that I won’t post lower paying job leads because you think I’m singling some sites out – find another blogger to read and look at other job leads. If you’re still miffed about sponsors but like this blog, read Deb’s new post about sponsors.
Speaking of job leads there should be some up later today, so if you are interested check back.
Blog & Web Writing Gigs for August 17, 2009
August 17, 2009 by Jennifer
Filed under Blogging Jobs
Jobs are back, although it does seem slim around the web re: anywhere gigs. Still, there’s some decent gigs today so check them out.
Job tip o’ the day: Now that I’m back we’ll be resuming our how to get a blogging job series. If you haven’t been following along, you can get up to speed by reading the following…
- How to get blogging jobs and web writing jobs – getting started
- Finding blog gigs – starting out with no clips
- How to get a blogging job – advice from b5media’s hiring editor
- How to get a blogging job – advice from Deb Ng of FWJ
- Maybe you’re not getting jobs because you just can’t write
- How to bomb out all the time when looking for work
Anywhere gigs:
Feature writer at voyage tv
Green Technical Writers and Editors Sought
Freelance blogger knowledgeable and interested in fashion, jewelry, accessories, etc.
Foodie/Writer/Designer/web savvy?
Location specific gigs:
Excellent writer/copy editor - (Raleigh)
Writer – Blogger, PR and Social Media Outreach – Shoreview, MN
Seeking savvy Web producer – D.C
SEO Creative Editor - (Santa Monica)
Social Media Contributor – Westlake Village, CA
New Media Assistant Editor position at Citysearch – West Hollywood
Communications Editor/Mac Technical Expert - (berkeley)
Front Page Producer – Yahoo Content Carousel – Sunnyvale, California
Web editor/manager – Chelsea Green Publishing, White River Junction, VT
Blog Herald is Hiring International Contributors -Priority will be given to applicants from Asian countries, the Middle East and Africa
Web Content Manager – La Jolla, CA
Free People Fashion Blogger/Communications Assistant and Free People Lifestyle Blogger/Communications Assistant – Philadelphia, PA
So, did I ever mention that I’m not Deb Ng?
First of all as noted before I’ve been moving, thus the lack of posts and job listings. I also missed the whole attack on Deb by this guy. From what I understand, Deb has a potential sponsorship with Demand Studios. The guy linked above, T.W. calls that irony, noting, “For months the owner of FWJ and her closest affiliates continued to call Demand Studios a “content mill”, and a “haven for low paying gigs”. Many writers from her side of the camp came on and verbally abused those of us writing for Demand Studios, claiming that we were “bastardizing” the industry by writing articles for 15 dollars a pop when we should be charging 50 or more per How To or About article.
Then, earlier this month, Demand Studios pops up as a sponsor of FWJ. Suddenly the owner, and her affiliates, are touting Demand Studios as one of the greatest content sites on the web, where writers can go make thousand of dollars.”
Then, maybe because he couldn’t find another post to link to, he showcased one of my posts as an example of said irony.
I’m not here to start some back and fourth debate, but what pisses me off about these shenanigans is that…
First of all, my post is not a good example of irony. I haven’t written one post here noting that writers can make thousands of dollars at Demand because that’s not part of my experience. I’ve also never said anyone who works for them sucks because I know some writers like them and do move up to higher paying assignments there (also not part of my personal experience).
I’m here because if you’re a writer or blogger trying to make a living, I support that, and want to help you do this. I’m here trying to help you actually make money, pay your rent, buy food, and so on. I blog about what I feel will help you do that to the best of your ability based on my own experiences and the experiences of writer friends of mine. Part of what it means to make a living as a writer means working for fair wages – which I post about all the time. If you can get living wages at a content site that’s fine, but that has not been part of my personal experience so I don’t blog about it. I make money writing in other venues and so I know personally that you have other options. Which options you choose are up to you. All I can do is offer ideas, you can take them or leave them.
Secondly, since I guess some people haven’t noticed, I’m not Deb. I support her search for sponsors because I know that’s what helps to keep FWJ going, and I believe this site is a valuable resource for writers. That said, we don’t share a brain. I don’t ask her what I can post about, and she doesn’t go in and edit my posts to make sure they appeal to sponsors or readers or her own viewpoints. When we started Blogging For A Living, it wasn’t here at FWJ, it was elsewhere as partners. We both agreed to move the blog here because we felt it would be more useful for readers when combined with other FWJ content.
T.W. notes, “Please note that while this post was not written by Deb personally, it was sponsored and featured as one of the premier Blog Tip posts.” He also says, “While Deb did not necessarily write this piece, it should be noted because it was a Premier piece of content written by a contributor as a Feature Article in the Blog Tips section of the website, therefore supported by Deb as “acceptable” content for the FWJ website.”
Um, ‘Deb did not necessarily’ nothing, she didn’t at all write that post. That would be me. AND as much as I adore Deb the second she starts telling me what’s ‘acceptable content’ or not, or says I MUST be totally on board with a sponsor, I’m outta here – mainly because while we do agree on a lot, we don’t agree on everything, and also I don’t work for her. She’s not a client – I work with her, not for her, and here at Blogging For A Living I write what I want.
In any case, I felt like responding because I was singled out based on one post I wrote here and it’s lame when someone pairs me with Deb’s brain as if I have no opinions of my own.
I’ll be back Monday with new jobs and posts (moving has taken much more time then I thought it would – sorry folks).
There’s not one job today!
July 30, 2009 by Jennifer
Filed under Blogging Jobs
Just kidding. Actually there are likely plenty of gigs out there, you just won’t be hearing about them from me. I’m totally crazed trying to move (yeah, in two days and so far I’ve got about 5 boxes packed) and trying to post ahead at my own gigs so I can actually move.
That said, I have to bail here for about a week. I’m planning on being back around by the 6th or 7th of August. Until then, you can look for gigs via these helpful links…
23 Places to find freelance writing jobs and freelance blogging jobs
50 Places that Hire Freelance Writers
I’ll be back in about a week with jobs again three times a week and we’ll get back to our how to score a gig series. Until then stay cool (it topped 100 here in Oregon yesterday), keep writing, and have a great start of August.
How to bomb out all the time when looking for writing gigs
You apply for one or two gigs a month: There’s something to be said for the law of averages. If you’re applying for five or less blog or web writing gigs a month your odds of getting hired are slimmer than the odds of a blogger who gets out there and applies for 20, 30, or more gigs a month.
You apply for lots of gigs but most are totally inappropriate for you: While the above tip about applying for a lot of gigs is good advice, it’s also important to apply for gigs you actually might get. You’re not right for every gig out there. For example if there’s a Mac tech blog gig open and your knowledge base on that topic is minimal, it’s not a good fit. With 500+ applicants applying for that gig besides you, at least 100 of them will likely know more about the topic than you do. Apply for gigs that you’ve got a shot at.
You’ve never blogged or written for the web before: This seems like a given, but so many clients note that people apply for gigs when they’ve never even written their own blog before that I figured I’d mention it. You may be a rockin’ writer but that doesn’t make you a blogger and you’ll be far less likely to get a gig than one of those other applicants who has blogged before. This is easily fixed though – anyone can start a blog.
You think blogging sounds like an easy job to break into: It’s not. There is actually a skill set required to blog well. Blogging isn’t tough once you get the swing of it, but there are lots of little pieces that make up the whole of the gig. I’ve written for print, businesses, and the web; and web writing, in my opinion, is just as much work as other markets if not more so because the face of the market is frequently changing and you have to keep up.
You’re lackadaisical: Looking for writing work is not a passive activity. You can’t simply write a personal blog and expect clients to flock to you based on your brilliant prose. Trust me, in most cases your personal blog just won’t be popular enough to get you noticed. You have to look for gigs. You have to apply for gigs. You have to network. You have to pay attention to those email applications you send out.
You work for free or for pennies all the time: If you don’t think you’re worth paying; if all your resume shows is content sites or article mills that anyone can write for; then why on earth would a client think you’re worth giving a gig to? I’ve had clients ask why they should hire me when other people are willing to work for free and I always say, “You get what you pay for” and guess what – most clients agree. If you’re not confident enough to work for pay, why are you trying to get work as a blogger anyhow? Allow yourself and your time to be worth something or other people won’t take you seriously.
You’ve heard of Facebook, Twitter, Stumble Upon, and all of that, but you can’t be bothered to jump on board: Two years ago, when applying for gigs, I never had potential clients ask me about my background in social networking. Now almost all my potential clients ask about my networking experience. If you’re not on board with some of the major social networking arenas, and at least somewhat versed in the less popular ones, you won’t get jobs as easily.
You spend most of your time whining about the lack of gigs out there: Whining will get you nowhere. No matter how much you whine it won’t change the fact that there are plenty of places out there still hiring writers and bloggers. All you’re doing is wasting time.
You’re too niche specific OR you’re not niche specific enough: Because green is my fave topic, I’ve concentrated most of my efforts on eco-issues for the last five years or so. However, I also stay on top of a few other specialty topics in case I see a job pop open in one of them. I can just as easily write about pregnancy, money or architecture. So, I keep it open but not too open. I think it’s smart to have a somewhat specific niche that you cover a lot because it makes you look like an expert in at least one area. If you claim to be able to write on dozens of topics you don’t look quite as valuable. Most of us don’t have enough time to follow trends and news on five topics, let alone dozens of topics, and following trends and news is an important part of blogging. When I’ve applied for gigs lately most of the potential clients have asked me about current trends and issues in my pet topics – if I was following too many niches, it’d be hard to stay current.
You give up too soon: Most probloggers I know (who blog for clients) have been at it a while. They’ve had ups and downs in the job market and they deal instead of giving up. If blogging isn’t working out, they’ll diversify as they continue to apply for blogging gigs. It can take years to establish yourself in the web writing world, just like it can take years to establish yourself in another writing arena.
Can you think of any other good ways to bomb out when looking for blogging and web writing gigs?
[image via stock.xchng]
Blogging & Web Writing Gigs for July 25, 2009
July 25, 2009 by Jennifer
Filed under Blogging Jobs
First off sorry no jobs yesterday – what with packing to move and work, it’s a little nuts around here.
Secondly, congrats to Marye, who scored a KILLER gig via a job posting I listed here at Blogging For A Living AND actually tweeted to me about it so I knew. It’s double nice in this case because Marye’s a good friend, but even if I don’t personally know you, it feels much more productive when I hear someone gets a fly gig. So, if you score a gig from one of these lists leave a comment, tweet, or email and let me know. I like to hear about your successes. It makes it seem much more worth it when I’m lackadaisically browsing the job boards at 5am.
Anywhere gigs:
Blogger and online campaigner full time for the Global Campaign for Climate Action – oooooo! Cool!
Blogger/Social Media – Part Time
French Property & Lifestyle Newsletter Writer
Editor/Writer – Dowser
Looking for Guys to Blog About Dating
Business & Finance Bloggers Needed – low pay alert – I suppose if you work fast it might be okish.
Freelance Writer- Parenting – AOL
Origami and Paper Craft writer – Love To Know
Blogger on lux travel and goods
Social Networking/New Media Manager for Energy Services Firm - (TriBeCa) NOT sure if this is telecommute friendly or not.
Content Writer- eco-vacation topic
Blogging job for techie mommies – As always be leery of pay at places advertising for “mommies” – just obnoxious; although, in this case, it does look like they really are looking for a mama’s perspective.
Freelance Technology Marketing Writer
SEO Content Writers (Freelancers)
Location specific gigs:
New Media Operations Manager – Aflac, Columbus, GA
Fashion Website Content Writer/Blogger/Facebook Promoter - (East San Diego)
geeksugar Associate Editor — Sugar Inc. - (downtown SF / civic / van ness)
Healthy Living Blogger – Santa Ana
Community Manager – SelectMinds – NY
Communications Coordinator – Canopy, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Grassroots Communications Coordinator – RESULTS Educational Fund – DC
Professional Communications Writer - (McLean, VA)
Digital Editor, Martha Stewart Weddings – Martha Stewart Living Omnimeida – NY – wow – bling position!
Maybe you’re not getting jobs because you just can’t write
In a post a good long while ago, Do you need to be a good writer to be a good blogger, Deb points out that yes, it helps a great deal to know how to write if you’re a blogger.
I agree. Knowing how to write is important. However, I know plenty of excellent writers who don’t get blogging and web writing gigs – writers who are likely better than me. I can write sure, but I’m not one of those genius born to write or die type writers, yet I still get plenty of work.
So, how do I and lots of other writers get blogging and web writing jobs, when many amazing writers are passed over? The people I know who get these jobs (self included) tend to follow some general web writing rules. If a client checks out your work and you’re NOT following these rules you may be passed over for someone who does play by the rules.
Write for the web: Writing for the web is totally different then writing for magazines, college paper, print ad copy, and other writing mediums. The best way to learn how to write for the web is to write for the web – i.e. start a blog. Another good way to learn is to read popular blogs and check out their style. Blog readers aren’t looking for the next great American novel, they’re looking for information, entertainment, newsy clips, and so fourth.
Write casual and personable text: Big fancy words, pages of text (within one post), and a dictating rather than conversational tone sets you apart as someone who doesn’t know how to write for the web. You can connect with readers better when you speak to them, or with them, rather than at them. Plus creating text peppered with jargon, smarty pants research paper college speak, or poetic nonsense is just plain annoying. There’s a place for stuff like this, but a blog isn’t that place. Use words that people understand ALL the time.
Write with a purpose: When you’re writing for the web it can feel a little more slack but you should still write with purpose. I always ask myself the ‘So What’ question and most of the time it makes me a better blogger.
Write with a style that’s all you: Not all bloggers and web writers have a completely unique style, but most have some sort of voice that comes through in their work. Say you have a cooking blog – so what? There are dozens and dozens of cooking blogs out there. What the heck sets you apart from the rest? A good example of a blog with a clear voice is Garden Rant – a typical garden blog, of which there are many, but this blog has a distinct voice. Another blog with a very clear voice is Tremendous News, which is really unfocused topic wise, but you just keep reading because it’s so damn hilarious and the blogger’s voice shines through each post.
Write in a blog or web readable style: The best writing in the world won’t get you a gig if you can’t produce web copy that’s readable. And by readable I mean easy to scan, useful, and somewhat attention grabbing. Bullets are good. Snappy titles rock. Bold print in moderation is good. Hitting enter is super excellent. Clients like to see that you can pull these simple tasks off.
Write with an honest opinion: When blogging for clients it’s typical to cover products and press releases but it’s important to be honest and opinionated. Anyone can write about global warming or a sofa that’s on sale or offer parenting tips. What’s key is your opinion on the topic. What’s your slant? What’s your real take? A good example are blogs where you’ll see 50 product reviews and they all rock. There’s no way that 50 products all rock. If you’re just spitting out what PR folks are selling, without developing your own opinions, it looks fake, seems lame, and people won’t trust that you’re telling the truth.
It’s great if you know how to write, it’s cool if you have a writing degree, but keep in mind that web writing is different. Cultivate your skills as it pertains to this medium if you want to snag gigs.
Coming up soon… why your lack of confidence might be messing with your ability to get gigs, more tips from clients, what bloggers are making money wise, and more.
You tell me – have you adjusted your writing style so that it works for the web?
Blogging & Web Writing Gigs for July 22, 2009
July 22, 2009 by Jennifer
Filed under Blogging Jobs
Well, it looks like I was wrong about gigs picking up mid-week. Still not much out there. However, just because it’s not on a job board doesn’t make a gig invisible. Deb has put together two new excellent resources…
You can get a gig – you just need to keep your chin up and keep on truckin’.
Anywhere gigs:
Parent community blogger – too low of pay IMO BUT also super PT
2 positions – Article Writer/Web Content Writer
Environmental Website writer – I’ve seen this job posted WAY too much, it’s making me think they pay for crap or don’t pay. Get it now because it’s the last time I’ll be posting it unless I hear from some folks who have been hired and paid by them.
Quiz Writers Wanted: Part-Time
Bloggers needed - low pay if they really want a ‘page’ but I think they might be looking for ‘posts’ not full pages.
Website Content Writer Needed ASAP-Project
Seeking writer with a passion for food
Location specific gigs:
Producer, Internet Media – Travelzoo – L.A.
Social Media Coordinator for Houston Press
Medical Writer – Marketing Communications - (San Diego)
Social media/marketing manager for Dell – Austin, TX
Writer wanted - (Toronto)
Reporter/Blogger- Organic Healthy Living – Santa Ana (this job looks cool!)
Social Media Manager – Confidential, Santa Ana, CA
Web Editor – Jet Propulsion Laboratory – Pasadena, CA
Marketing writer/Ghostwriter for Blog (SOMA / south beach)
Social Media Manager – EMC Corporation, Pleasanton, CA
New Media Marketing Specialist – UBM International Media – Princeton
Freelance Travel Writers Needed - (London)
Web Editor – Dolan Media Company – Portland, OR
Writer With Investigative Skills Needed – Website for Multinational Software Vendor – Ardmore, PA
Web Producer – RadarOnline.com – L.A.
Host Needed for Green TV Show - (Los Angeles) – it is a writing gig btw
Consumer Marketing Manager – Food Network – NY
Web Writer - (Central London)
Community Manager - (Santa Monica)
BEAUTY WRITER - (Los Angeles, CA)
Writer for web articles needed - (Vancouver, BC)
I didn’t check my email all day… AND the world didn’t end!
I’m detouring from our get a job series today to gloat. If you want to review the current series check out…
- How to get blogging jobs and web writing jobs – getting started
- Finding blog gigs – starting out with no clips
- How to get a blogging job – advice from b5media’s hiring editor
- How to get a blogging job – advice from Deb Ng of FWJ
Now on with the gloat – I didn’t check my email and survived to tell you about it!
I’m super frustrated right now because I’m moving August 1st, which means I need to post ahead for a few days so I can take said days off to move. PLUS have I even packed (ha) – not even one box. I’m busy and tired and looking for ways to cut out distractions. I can’t cut out the typical distractions like Twitter or Facebook because it’s part of my job (for some clients) to visit those types of spots.
However, email is not technically a requirement. I tend to check mine a lot anyhow because I get so much email. It’s scary to think if I don’t check it, I’ll open it up ten hours later to pages of stuff to sort. I check my email during the day and while I do check it on a schedule, it always distracts me for longer than it should. I start answering emails, bookmarking PR stuff, get mean reader email and have to find a friend to rant to, and so on. It’s a time waster, but I didn’t know how much until today.
Yesterday I was sorting email and I just had it. I got one lame email too many and decided to NOT check my email for a whole day and see what happens.
I checked my email in the evening on Sunday and then didn’t even allow myself to open it all day Monday. It was nerve wracking. I kept thinking “Who is trying to get in touch, maybe I missed some key press release, maybe there’s some life-changing email in there…. ahhhhhhhh!” But I stood strong and left the email alone and low and behold I got a ton more work than usual done.
Cutting out scheduled email checks during my day saved me an estimated two hours. It was cool and sort of freeing plus with two extra hours I got more work done.
What about when I finally did check it – how crazy was it?
Honestly, not that bad. I found it was actually easier to wiz through all the email at once, deleting a ton of junk, category marking others, then I spent a little time answering people. All in all it took about an hour. Go me.
If you’re looking for a way to gain some time I highly suggest holding off on email time – in fact I may try only checking it every other day! Well, that would require more will-power so we’ll see…
What’s your email schedule look like? Is it distracting you too? For more advice read: Are you too distracted at work.
