Blogging & Web Writing Gigs for July 1, 2009
July 1, 2009 by Jennifer
Filed under Blogging Jobs
Welcome to July. Hopefully you can kick off the month with a fab new gig… Since there’s so many jobs today, no job tip other than get out there and apply, but I do have a good laugh for you today…
Ex N. Idaho Drug Kingpin Needs Writer - Nice! This guy “should be dead a hundred times over” sounds like someone you want to hang with no? I’m so there 
I love fake ads; such a good use of my time.
Anywhere gigs:
International Video Journalist
Care 2 blogger – NOTE: I’ve heard iffy things about working for them through the grapevine, although to be fair, I haven’t personally worked with them, but my sources are cool. Just be on your toes.
Videoart.net seeks Editorial/Copywriting paid Intern
Looking for Tech Moms! – tech bloggers – um, the gig itself has NOTHING to do with moms so because they’re actively looking for moms I’m guessing the pay is low (you know us moms – LAME wording) so yeah… but feel free to check it out.
I almost didn’t post this due to the obnoxious wording and requirements but it’s a gig so – Website Bloggers and Writers are needed.
WANTED: Freelance Writers / Video Game Reporters & Reviewers - (CheatCodes.com)
MNN green tech blogger – good company to work with, pays very well, and on time, but this seems like a blogger is hiring as assistant vs. the company hiring. I’d still check it out.
“How To” Writer for Online Dating
Location specific gigs:
Creative Writer For Our Tour Websites - (Charlestown)
Twitter- Facbook Person - (Las Vegas) – Low pay but FT
Copywriter, Wholesale Online Strategy & Marketing for Polo Ralph Lauren – NY
WRITER/CONTENT COORDINATOR/SEO/SEM - (West Los Angeles )
Morning Editor – Entertainment Celebrity Site – Santa Monica, CA
Seeking Witty, Fashionable, Celebrity/Pop-culture Obsessed Writer - (Beverly Hills)
Online Managing Editor – Pilates-Pro.com – NY
WANTED: (HYPERACTIVE) WEB NEWS WRITER - (Pasadena)
Writer/Editor – Girl Scouts of the USA – NY – this is like the fifth time I’ve seen this reposted, so get it now, because I’m so over with posting it as of today.
Staff Writer – ClickZ - (Manhattan)
Web Writer / Content Specialist – Roswell, GA
Social Media Ninja in Maynard, MA
New Media Writer - (minneapolis)
Web Content Manager – Cowboys & Indians magazine – Dallas, TX
Public Relations Manager – PR but writing heavy – Pleasant Grove, UT
INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER – voiceofsandiego.org – San Diego, California
Experienced website developer for contract assignment - (Washington, D.C. area only)
Social Media Manager – Charlotte, NC
Freelance writers & photographers for LGBT website - San Francisco might be ok pay IF pieces are super short.
Freelance Writer for New Finance Website - (inner sunset / UCSF)
Online Community Manager & Evangelist - (Chelsea, NY)
Austin Lifestyle Blogger – LandingPage Interactive – Austin
Computer Geek required with special skills - (San Francisco / san jose east)
Blogger + Interactive and Social Media Marketer – Crofton, MD
Scientific Writer – Berkeley, California
BuzzSugar Associate Editor - (San Francisco / downtown / civic / van ness)
Travel Web Content Writer Internships - (San Diego) – Lowish pay
Creative Writing / Bloggers - (Glendale, AZ)
Avoiding the temptation of easy to score but low paying gigs
Yesterday we looked at how to quit accepting low paying gigs and how to make a living wage as a writer. But what if you really can’t find a gig? Should you take a low paying job because it’s better than nothing?
As noted in the last post, a while ago I needed to pick up a couple new gigs. I applied for tons and didn’t hear back from any of them for a good long while. Frustration kicks in and those low paying gigs start to look better than nothing. Trust me, I do get the appeal of the low-pay, easy to score gig. However, when this happens the best thing you can do is hang in there and avoid temptation. It’s hard but you can do it. How do I avoid temptation?
I have great friends: For example, Deb in particular is handy when I’m frustrated because we think alike about wages. When I was whining about no jobs, she’d continually tell me, “Hang in there, you’ll score a good gig” and she was right. I can always count on Deb and a couple of other good pals to talk me out of a bad low paying job decision. Get some friends who think like you and who will hang in there with you when job hunting sucks. You’ll feel better.
Go back to your income goal: In the last post we looked at setting your income goal. You set your goal for a reason. Remind yourself that you’re worth it and keep on trucking.
Reassess your choices: If writing is never going to pay the bills, you may need to reassess your situation. When I was super frustrated at the lack of blogging and web writing jobs, I considered going back to print. In the back of my mind I knew that if print didn’t work out, my next step would have been to get a job in social work (what I used to do). Getting an out of the house job would make it hard to juggle my son’s schedule, but I’d do it before I’d accept low wages. It all goes back to what your time is worth and what you feel you’re worth. I love writing, but I’m not going to work for $10 an hour. It’s smart to realize that if you can’t live on your writing wages, then writing may not be your ideal career. It might be just a hobby.
How do you avoid the temptation of those super easy to score but low paying gigs?
Make living wages as a freelance writer – how to quit writing for low wages
Deb’s fabulous post last week, WAHMs: Make Sure the End Justifies the Means, was, as Deb noted, based on a thread or two from WAHM.com’s WAHMs Who Write board. Being a WAHM myself, I’ve been to the boards in the past but quit visiting a long time ago. I just got tired of some folks being so excited by monthly wages that wouldn’t even cover my monthly grocery bills. It’s too frustrating to read.
There are ups and downs big time in freelance writing, but one thing is always true, you never have to work for wages like the ones quoted in the WAHMs thread Deb references. Some of the income noted included 17 ehow articles worth $5.91 in three weeks and eight articles in one month worth $15. Right up front, I’ll grant that due to revenue, these folks could earn more in time, but personally, I don’t count possible revenue as income, not as a single mama with a son to support. It’s not just these boards either. If you hit up any of the major bid sites you’ll see all sorts of folks bidding a few bucks for pieces or projects that will take hours.
How not to work for low wages:
Well, of course the easiest answer is don’t. Don’t take a job that pays low and expects a lot in return. The more in-depth answer is…
Set an hourly income goal and stick to it. You can set a project income goal instead, but in most cases I think it’s smarter to calculate hourly earnings, because in the writing biz, time really is money. My own current low-end income goal for web writing and blogging is officially $18 an hour although if I see a job that really interests me I’ll go as low as $15. Of course, I have jobs that pay more than $18 an hour, this is just the number I use to keep myself in check. Your goal may be larger or smaller depending on where you live, your bills, and so on. Your goal also may be different if you do other sorts of writing. For example, I know that I can pay all my bills and support my son if I make $18 an hour and work 40 hours. When I lived in New Mexico my goal was lower because it cost less to live there. If I’m also taking print work, I pop my goal up to $25 an hour, because print pays more. If you’re not sure how to calculate your hourly income goal as a blogger click here.
Don’t use “paying your dues” as an excuse to work for low pay. When it comes to new writers, I’ve heard, “BUT my portfolio is too small, I can’t get gigs that pay well yet.” It is easier to get gigs the longer you’ve been writing, but overall, paying your dues in this business is pretty much what you make it. You can spend years working lower paying gigs, or you can jump right in and get decent jobs. Actual writing experience is not the only way to score gigs. For folks with a small portfolio (or NO freelance portfolio) you can use the following:
- Start your own blog to showcase your skills.
- Use what you have. If you’ve written anything for a job – brochures, care plans, other copy, etc. use that to showcase your skills. Even if your job title wasn’t writer, you can still show off your work.
- Past job experiences. I got three high paying gigs almost immediately when I started freelancing FT because I applied for gigs that related to my work and college experience. I didn’t have a huge portfolio, so I knew I’d need to look appealing in other ways.
- Your pals. As a new writer, it’s smart to network often with other writers. You may become close with someone who can hook you up with a gig.
Use the law of averages: In that WAHM thread someone said something like, “Not all writers have time to apply for 100s of gigs so low paying gigs are better than nothing.” Ahhhhhhh! Ok, here’s the deal. If you’re going to freelance FT for a living wage, you have to apply for gigs and apply for gigs often. Although as a seasoned writer you sometimes are offered gigs without applying, it’s not an everyday thing so there’s really no way around applying. A while back I needed to pick up a couple new gigs. I’ve been writing for years but it’s not like I just sauntered in and got the first two gigs I applied for. I had to apply a lot, just like everyone else. I think I applied for 40 or so gigs and was eventually offered 6 of them. If you’re not willing to put in the time to search for decent gigs and apply, you won’t make a living wage.
Coming up next, how to avoid the temptation of low-paying gigs when you can’t find a job.
What tips do you have for making a living wage as a blogger or web writer?
Blogging & Web Writing Gigs for June 24, 2009
June 24, 2009 by Jennifer
Filed under Blogging Jobs
A decent group of gigs today, although people might take the time to write better job ads…
And on that note, your job tip’ o the day is: Location specific gigs might be suitable for telecommuters, but if you don’t ask you won’t know. I posted at least 5 gigs today that were super vague about location. These are jobs that could be done remotely, but maybe they want on site. Sometimes, jobs that state a location may not find someone they like and could be willing to take on a telecommuter. In my opinion, it never hurts to contact a location specific gig and see if they’d hire a telecommuter. UNLESS the job states one of the following:
- Must be able to attend meetings.
- Must supervise/work with the on-site team.
- So and so candidates ONLY!
- Needs to interview local sources in person.
When gigs state the above, it’s a good bet they’re not up for remote writers. But otherwise it never hurts to ask.
Anywhere gigs:
Seeking Enthusiastic Writers for your Local Area – TownMe
green blogger/social networking writer
Customer Support Content Writer/Strategist (contract) - (san jose west) – MIGHT be telecommute friendly? Not sure.
Communications Associate – Public Interest GRFX, Boston, MA (Boston, MA or Philadelphia, PA)- NOT sure if this is on site or telecommute friendly.
Copywriters and Bloggers w/ knowledge of SEO
Freelance Public Relations Writer
Experienced Part-Time Web Content Writer Needed!
Freelance Writer – Flexible hours and work remotely
TheVogueCity.com is looking for contributors
Contract Editor – Blogger - MIGHT be in Portland OR might be telecommute friendly.
Automotive/Transportation Writers Wanted (no exp req’d) - NOTE: “No exp req’d” usually means low pay, but check it out maybe.
Location specific gigs:
redtagcrazy.com looking for a ROCKSTAR writer/editor! - (San Marcos, CA) – low pay, but sounds kind of fun.
mountain bike editor – Competitor Group (publisher of VeloNews) – sounds like some web writing and some print – Boulder, CO
Editor/Writer-Entertainment - (Scottsdale, AZ)
Freelance Copywriter! - (New York, NY)
Production editor - (Costa Mesa, CA)
Creative, Web Savvy Editor Wanted (oakland downtown)
Marketing & Communications Specialist - (Folsom, CA)
Features Editor – The Forward (Features Editor) – NY
Online Editor – AOL – NY
Online Editor – ConsumerSearch.com – Consumersearch, Inc (home & garden) – NY
Writer/Editor – Girl Scouts of the USA – NY
CONTENT WRITER - (LAS VEGAS, NV)
Web Marketing – work with CMO on PR, Copy, SEM, PPA and Social Media - (Los Angeles)
Managing Editor – TVGuide.com – part editor, part social media – NY
VIVASWAG.COM IS LOOKING FOR CREATIVE WRITING/PR INTERNS - (Glendale, CA) – LOW pay, but low hours too.
New Media Producer-Comcast SportsNet MidAtlantic-Bethesda, MD – Comcast Sports Group – Bethesda, MD
Web Editor / Producer - (Boston)
Blogging & Web Writing Gigs for June 22, 2009
June 22, 2009 by Jennifer
Filed under Blogging Jobs
I hope everyone had a nice weekend and Father’s Day. A semi-ok group of gigs today, although, I’m betting we’ll see more mid-week.
Job tip o’ the day: During the summer it seems like it’s harder to concentrate on work. Especially if you work at home, and can break whenever you like. Change up your routine so you stay on track. During the summer, it’s hot which zaps my concentration, so I tend to work more in the evenings. You might also try getting out; blogging at the park or coffee shop in the early morning.
Anywhere gigs:
Babybumpshops.com is looking for mommy bloggers and writers to create articles for their site. First of all, “Mommy bloggers” Egad (cringe). Secondly, only pays $15 per piece, so make sure they’re short.
Writers Needed for Health, Fitness, & Beauty Magazine – no mention of pay (???) ask.
Cheeky Writers Needed for Sexy Nightlife Publication
Hiring Writer / Editor to Write Blogs on Luxury Website
Senior Writer – freelance - (Portland area) – possible telecommute.
Location specific gigs:
Web Editor/Communications Associate – Brennan Center for Justice – NY
Communications Manager – San Francisco
Digital Editor, Martha Stewart Weddings – bling gig in NY
Web Copywriter Needed (Chicago ONLY)
Public Web Editor – Federal Reserve Board of Governors – DC
Website and Advertising Content Writer – (danville / san ramon, CA)
Seeking city/online editor – The Daily Sentinel – Nacogdoches, Texas
Communications Director – Products (AOL) – AOL – partially marketing, but also writing – Sterling, VA
Editor/Writer – Bongarde Media – Greenwich, CT
Content Director for B2B Marketing Agency - (Downtown Portland, OR)
Multimedia Journalist – LocalEdge Media – Buffalo, NY
Deputy Web Editor – The Daily Transcript – San Diego
Virgin Mobile USA’s thriving Corporate Communications department seeks a whip smart social media expert – Warren, NJ
Managing Editor, WebMD Newsletters – WebMD – Atlanta
Social Media Manager – Cincinnati, Ohio
Social Media Marketing Expert in Boca Raton, FL
Technical/Web Writer – Start-up company - (san jose downtown)
Blogging & Web Writing Gigs for June 19, 2009
June 19, 2009 by Jennifer
Filed under Blogging Jobs
So in bad news I’ve seen almost zero decent anywhere gigs this week, however, if you’re lucky enough to live in the right areas, you may find a good job below. For you anywhere writers, you can also check out Deb’s latest job listings (not totally blog-web specific).
Job tip o’ the day: Do you have a contact me page at your personal blog? You should if you’re looking to score jobs. If people can’t contact you, they can’t hire you. You’d be surprised at how many blogs I come across that contain zip contact info; don’t be one of them.
Anywhere gigs:
Freelance Writers/Bloggers : Mosquito Control
health/eco/lifestyle writers (Santa Monica) – says SM, but looks like an anywhere gig to me (ask)
Location specific gigs:
FoodNetwork.com Online Site Director – Food Network – NY
Staff Writer/Editor – PHI – Bronx, NY
Web Content Producer – WebMD – San Clemente, CA
Online Editor/Producer- Autos – 4 Month Contract – U.S. News & World Report – DC
Education Writer/Reporter – LRP Publications – Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Sr Content Strategist – Web Editor – General Mills – Minneapolis, MN
Social Media Paid Intern – Reser’s Fine Foods – Beaverton, OR
SOCIAL NETWORKING ON SOCIAL SITES - (HENDERSON)
Online Copywriter - danville / san ramon, CA
Entry Level: Web Writer/Marketing Copywriter - (Fort Lee near Washington Heights)
Associate Web Editor – BowTie Inc – Lexington, Kentucky
Web Content Writer/Blogger - Lynnwood, WA
Writer/Editor for CoverAwards.com - (New York)
Web content/copy writer - (Los Angeles)
Wiki Editor - mountain view, CA
SEM Specialist & Social Media Coordinator – Chicago, IL
Writer/Editor - (Seattle)
Writer/Assistant Editor - (Alexandria)
Blogging & Online Writing Gigs for June 16, 2009
June 17, 2009 by Jennifer
Filed under Blogging Jobs
Sorry about the lack of gigs posted the last few days. My son was home from school before camp kicked in, and since I work at home, that was less than ideal working conditions. This should be a busy week too, but I’m looking to get at least three job posts up for you all this week. Today’s listings kick ass btw; lots and lots of gigs to browse. I’m kind of surprised, as I haven’t seen too many great blog and online writing jobs lately.
Question o’ the day: So, are your kids home for the summer? Or have you made other arrangements so you can work?
Anywhere gigs:
entertainment – modeling – photography – Fashion Blogger
Freelance Health, Diet Blogger
Professional Blogger for Web design/development blog
Experienced Bloggers at Everyday Christian Media Corp.
Copywriting Expert – web based
Online News Writers for Community Related News
Location specific gigs:
Freelance Web Copywriter - (SOMA / south beach)
Writers – FLEX Magazine web & print – Woodland Hills, CA
Organizer / writer – Clean Water Action- Ann Arbor, MI (East Lansing)
Sports/Education Reporter I – online and print – San Angelo, TX
Web copywriter/blogger/marketing assistant needed - (westchester/nyc)
Weekend News Writer/Editor/Producer – AOL – NY
Senior Editor and Director of Content – GreatSchools – San Francisco
Copy Editor – WebMD – NY
Research & Web Content Associate - (palo alto)
Online Producer / Web Editor – Classical TV (www.classicaltv.com) – NY
Our Growing Company Needs A Great Blogger/Press Release Manager - (Irvine)
Lead Online Marketing Manager – Social Media: AT&T - Atlanta
Interactive Media Copywriter - (Irvine)
Online Content Administrator - (Washington, DC)
Website Content Writer - (Aventura Florida)
Content Writer Needed - (San Marcos)
Part time Summer Producer needed for GREEN Radio Show - (San Diego & Orange Counties) – not really online, but cool, so I’m posting it.
SEO Copywriter - (Flatiron)
Freelance Writer for Light Green Website - (Chicago)
Blogging & Online Writing Gigs for June 13, 2009
June 13, 2009 by Jennifer
Filed under Blogging Jobs
Not too many how-to pieces this week here at Blogging for a Living – it’s been crazy busy! Next week we’ll look at a better combo of jobs and tips, but for today, just some gigs. Some pretty good looking jobs today too.
Job tip o’ the day: Use the law of averages to your advantage. When I first started freelancing I was worried about landing work because in the past I had mainly written for companies I already worked for – i.e no job search involved. When I actually had to apply for work, I figured it would take forever to land a piece. However, during my first month of freelancing I sent out something like 60 queries (maybe more) and landed some gigs, including a feature article and a mid-sized feature, both in national glossies.
Maybe I was just lucky, but I like to think that one, by sending out so many apps and queries I increased my odds of landing work considerably, and two, it’s good practice. That first month it seriously took me an hour at first to get a query written out, 60 some odd queries later, I was turning them out like clockwork. The only way to get gigs is to apply, and if you apply a lot, all the better. NOTE: by apply, I do mean for gigs that’s you’re qualified for, and also if you’re sending queries, you still need to think them through, even if you’re chucking out a ton.
Anywhere gigs:
Green blogger – says in NY, but looks like an anywhere gig to me.
Simply Good Media is looking to hire 2 to 3 established bloggers to write articles/posts on the following topics; Home, Mom, Green, Women’s Fashion, Men’s Fashion.
Renewable Energy Technology Correspondent
Online Organizer – Center for Biological Diversity – kind of community management.
Freelance Writer – Harley Davidson Enthusiast
Location specific gigs:
Extraordinary summer internship in NYC — entrepreneurial, web. Paid and may lead to FT.
WANTED: Skin Care Writer, experienced in SEO - (Montrose, CA)
Seeking copy editor/web editor – Roseburg, Oregon
Nike/YouthNoise Play City Blogger - (Los Angeles)
Must Love Dogs – Content Writer - (Los Angeles)
Online Communications Assistant – National LGBT/HIV advocacy org – NY
Online Editor – The Knot, Inc – NY
UrbanEntertainment Writers for Urban Publication - (las vegas )
Arts and entertainment writer needed for new media company - (Chicago)
Editor/Writer – Bongarde Media – Greenwich, CT
Web Page Writer - (las vegas )
Restaurant Critic – Village Voice Media - Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
eCommerce Product Description Writer - (Anaheim)
Residential green technology leader needs web writer and business copy writer – Chicago
Social Media Marketing Manager – NY Daily News – NY
Writer & Social Media – (Newport Beach) CA
Lifestyle Editor & Writer – P/T - (Lower Fairfield County) NY
Electronics Product Description Writer – B&H Photo Video – NY
Web Communications Administrator - (Philadelphia)
Reporter – RadarOnline.com – Los Angeles
Blogging & Online Gigs for June 10, 2009
June 10, 2009 by Jennifer
Filed under Blogging Jobs
It seems like anywhere gigs are so slim lately; maybe we should all move to NYC! Just kidding – not for all the money in the world. I like the Pacific NW. In fact, instead of a job tip today, why not tell me where you’re from and if you feel your location is helping or hindering your writing career.
I’ll go first – I’m in Oregon; Portland to be exact and that’s to my benefit I think. It’s super charged green here, and since green is what I write, that works out in my favor. I’ve had eco-clients who really like that I’m from here. Plus, it helps that I live here because it makes it easy to come up with story ideas (I see a lot of green stuff happening).
Your turn – head to the comments and say hello.
Anywhere gigs:
Cell Phone Blogger – low pay, but could be ok if you blog fast.
Managing Editor – BettyConfidential.com
Content Writers for Cosmetic Surgery and Obesity Surgery Websites
Freelance Food Writers - (LA, LB, OC, SD, SFO, SB) – not a word about pay in this ad, but who knows…
Local specific gigs:
Associate Online Editor/Producer – Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia – NY
Internet Merchandising Content Associate - (Burnsville, Mn)
Assistant Web Editor, Pew Research Center – Pew Research Center – Wash DC
Financial Blogger - (Flatiron) – NY
Opening for a Talented Social Media / Search Engine Optimizer - (Libertyville-IL)
Writer/Editor – online and print writing; Girl Scouts of the USA – NY
Writer/Wish Referral Specialist - (Holiday, FL)
Content Writer/ Editor - (Miami- Biscayne)
Editor, Web sometimes writer- (Reston, VA)
News magazine web internship - (Portland, OR) – says paid, but not how much.
Web Content Manager - (La Jolla) – CA
Associate Editor – Big Think (www.bigthink.com) – NY
Writer/ Editor Needed - (Old Town Alexandria)
Blogging & Online Writing Gigs for June 7, 2009
Oddly there are a semi-decent amount of jobs this weekend. No time for a job tip today though so how about you read up on how to take your blog to the next level with video.
Anywhere gigs:
Flyhub is looking for a Blogger for its travel related site – might be too much work for too little pay unless you’re quick with social networking.
Writter for Blog (Assisted Living) - (Phoenix, Arizona)
Experienced Freelance Writers for Web Publishing Company
Online Freelance Writer – Conjecture Corporation
Location specific gigs:
CONTENT WRITER WANTED - (Atlanta)
Web Writer Needed - (Scottsdale, AZ)
Seeking “Mobile Journalist” in DC region – Bisnow Media
Community Manager – SunSentinel.com – Fort Lauderdale
Online Community Coordinator - (Seattle)
Staff Writer – online writing – (Houston, TX (Midtown))
SEO Copywriter Wanted! - (Montreal)
MANAGER, Online Marketing & Analytics – PLANNED PARENTHOOD FEDERATION OF AMERICA – NY
Director of Communications - (oakland downtown)
Website Content Wrtiter – Gamer – (Bellevue)
Content Development Manager - (Washington, DC Area)
Seeking 2 Web/Editorial Interns – Teachermagazine.org- paid intern – Bethesda, Maryland
Social media blogger – Redwood City, CA
