Freelance Writing Jobs for Monday, July 20, 2009

Comments

1. Allison says:

   July 21, 2009 at 6:33 pm

   Kyo, not sure where you’re coming from with the gender stereotypes. How is this adding to the debate?

   Deb, thank you for pointing out the difference between newbies seeking high-paying, high-powered corporate gigs and simply wanting a decent starting salary.

   I don’t know about anyone else here, but I didn’t get into freelancing so I could make $5 article because I’m in “competition” with anyone else. We understand our worth and we set our rates accordingly. Those who are unrealistic will quickly realize it.

   Reply
2. Deb says:

   July 21, 2009 at 6:38 pm

   40 Freelance Writing Markets Paying $100 or More (Much More)…and yes, most of these are open to brand new writers.

   Good luck to you all. Remember, you can choose your own path regardless of where you are on the ladder. Just don’t let anyone convince you it’s not possible.

   Reply
3. Kyo says:

   July 21, 2009 at 7:17 pm

   TW, I just wanted to lol at your “hell on wheels” comment. That was priceless.

   Allison, it was just an observation.

   Deb, thanks for the list of higher paying markets.

   Ultimately, writing is a numbers game, isn’t it? You query until you’re crazy, and eventually someone writes you back. Fortunately, that someone is a high paying client. More often than not, it’s the lower markets that answer. Hey, I’m all about shooting for the stars, but I’m not resting all my hopes there, if you know what I mean.

   Reply
4. Lisa Rudy says:

   July 21, 2009 at 7:25 pm

   I guess it also depends on what your immediate and longterm goals are.

   When I taught “The Business of Freelance Writing” at Penn, I suggested that people go through a sort of personal quiz I created, aimed at helping to sort out priorities. It asked about personal style, financial and career goals, personal writing goals, etc.

   In the long run, I recommended that most people would do best by creating a sort of “portfolio” of project types — that is:

   bread and butter projects (easy to get, easy to do, reasonably well-paying)

   “reach” projects (hard to get, challenging to do, very well paying)

   spec projects (creative projects that are all about self-expression; VERY hard to sell, often poorly paying, but SO worthwhile in terms of self actualization)

   Your decision about which of these to stress is kind of like your decision about whether to buy stocks or bonds or nothing. Sometimes you can afford to take a lot of chances; sometimes you need security; sometimes you can shoot for the stars while ALSO going for bread and butter.

   Lisa

   Reply
5. Chris says:

   July 21, 2009 at 7:30 pm

   It’s amazing how someone can talk so much and say so little. T.W.–here’s a new rule you might want to think about: not everyone is you. We’ve all heard your life story so many different times that us regulars could probably recite it by heart. That’s great. For you. Not everyone lives in eastern Europe and has a $500/month standard of living. You more than anyone should appreciate the fact that you’re situation is a bit different than the average writer here. In other words, some people need higher-paying work and SHOULDN’T settle for low-paying jobs. Nor should any one of us dictate to them what they should or shouldn’t work toward.

   I find it telling how you’re so eager to point out how great you’ve done for yourself, but then in the same breadth, discourage writers from thinking that they can do better. It’s like: “you can be like me, but don’t ever expect to work outside my box and do better than me”. Talk about unbridled ego.

   Here’s how I look at it when it comes to low-paying work: on any given day, I could work from dawn till the wee hours of the morning churning out $2 articles “to put in my dues” and attempt to make ends meet or I could spend that same time searching for and applying for better work. Who the hell are you to dictate to a new writer what they can or cannot make. Your just a guy with your own story that we’ve heard way too many times that may or may not apply to someone else. More often than not, it doesn’t. I’m sorry but I find it highly offensive when someone thinks he knows everything and discourages writers from actively seeking a better rate.

   T.W. said:

   “For the reasons I’ve stated multiple times. You can’t walk into any career, even a writing career, and expect to become the editor of the New York Times with a 6 figure salary on day one. You are expected to put your time in while writing in the trenches, earning your way up the ladder until you have earned the right to command the respect and wages that such a lofty position brings along with it.”

   While this might be partially true, no one but the individual should decide what he can or cannot do. Who are we to dictate to someone else what they can realistically work toward. If they fail, that’s on them. Personally, I’d rather try for something great and fail then play it safe, like you suggest, and get nowhere. People do great, amazing things in life every day–where would they be if all they ever heard from was opinionated, small-minded pessimists that told them they’d never succeed. I also don’t see why the right person couldn’t become an editor that quickly. People take a fast track through the ranks all the time–look at Obama for a very real, visible example. He certainly didn’t have the age or experience of an average president. A man who didn’t even have a full term as senator and now he’s President. I’m sure according to your infinite wisdom there’s no way he could accomplish that and should have “worked in the trenches to earn his way up”.

   @ Deb–As always thank you for standing up for the writer and offering positive, unbiased encouragement rather than totally slanted “if I can’t do it than no one else can either” point of view. I think writers (and anyone for that matter) should always work toward whatever goal they have in mind without being subject to opinionated naysayers. How many people do you figure told Charles Dickens or any other great writer he was crazy for thinking that he’d ever make it as a writer. Sometimes it pays to be a little “crazy” rather than just settle for what someone else tells you is the norm.

   Reply
6. Lisa K says:

   July 21, 2009 at 9:02 pm

   Personally, I’d love to know how T.W. Anderson gets around Demand Studios policy of not hiring writers outside of the US?

   Reply
7. T. W. Anderson says:

   July 22, 2009 at 1:57 pm

   Thank you Kyo for seeing the difference in my arguments and others Where I am simply pointing out the way the industry works, others such as Chris, Deb, and Julie attack me for my viewpoints and use derogatory terms and otherwise. My favorites so far have been being accused of “bitching to hear myself bitch”, when not once have complaining about the industry in any way, shape, or form. I’ve simply stated my opinion on the industry. Second on the list is individuals knowing exactly what my aspirations are, what my goals are, and how many editorial meetings I’ve sat in on. My third favorite is other individuals calling my posts nothing more than hot-air, and “talking so much to say so little”.

   I guess some people are just too good to agree to disagree, as I have done. Sad, really.

   It’s amusing how when you challenge someone’s comfort zone their natural knee-jerk reaction is to lash out, rather than responding in a cool, level-headed manner as appropriate for professionals.

   Lisa K: Demand Studios doesn’t have a policy against hiring writers outside of the US. The just don’t hire non-US citizens or people without a green card. I’m a tax-paying American citizen, born and raised. I just choose not to live in the States.

   At the end of the day I have never discouraged a single writer to not aspire to bigger and better things. The only thing I have done is encouraged people to have a more realistic view on the matter, rather than go into it with a sugar-coated view on things. It’s great to have dreams and aspirations…just so long as you know what is obtainable and what isn’t. A good writer many people are, but editors of the New York Times only a few people can really qualify for.

   Chris: if you are tired of hearing my examples, don’t read my posts. It’s that simple. I happen to like encouraging people to think outside of the box, and the LIP lifestyle is something I absolutely believe in, so I tell people about it all the time. There are a great many working professionals working in digital media who choose to work outside of the higher-costs-of-living Western countries while still enjoying all the same amenities. The lowered cost of living means you get to have your home paid for before you are 60 years old, you can take more than 1 or 2 vacations per year, and you can set your own pace rather than having your pace dictated by a 40 hour a week, 1 week’s paid vacation style of life that so many people have been brainwashed into thinking they have to live. I enjoy giving my own personal example because it shows people what can be obtained if you put your mind to it.

   I’m 29. Debt free. Apartment is 100% paid for. No mortgage. No car payments. Virtually no living expenses, yet we have the same amenities we had back in Colorado which were costing us 4500-5k a month. Am I stoked about that fact? Absofreakinglutely. Am I going to talk about it to everyone I meet? You bet I am, because I think everyone should get out from under the thumb of the whole “you have to work until you are 60 before you can afford to retire and enjoy your earnings”.

   Don’t like it? Don’t read it.

   You keep reading, folks. I’ll keep writing Don’t let the grumpy old betty’s get you down

   Reply
8. T. W. Anderson says:

   July 22, 2009 at 2:23 pm

   LOL @ Julie F.

   Again you make assumptions about who I am, and the reason I am discussing in this topic

   I am not complaining about the industry. I happen to LOVE my job! I love the pay, I love the jobs I’m getting, and I love every aspect of what it is I do.

   Not once have I complained in single one of these threads, other than perhaps complaining about your and Chris’s apparent vehement dislike for me with your vindictive and aggressive posts towards me because you happen to disagree with my viewpoint. Guess what? Don’t agree? Get used to it. I don’t agree with my parents on religion OR politics, but they are still my parents. My best friend in Seattle and I happen to have vastly different opinions on a great many topics, but that doesn’t stop us from being friends. You don’t have to agree with me. But if you can’t agree to disagree, then please refrain from attacking my posts with your drivel. If you would like to contribute to the debate about the industry in and of itself, that would be awesome! But attacking me and my viewpoints just shows your lack of professionalism. Please…let’s at least try and keep it on topic, k?

   Every single one of my posts is discussing the industry itself. I am not negative in any way, shape, or form. If you will read my posts I encourage writers in each and every one of them. I just happen to do so in a manner which warns them not to have unrealistic expectations.

   In the past six months I’ve gone on to personally help around a dozen writers get started in the industry, with one of my recent ones occurring just yesterday. I wouldn’t be doing that if I didn’t care about the people, the writers, and the industry as a whole. I just happen to have a vastly different take on it than Deb and some of the others on this website. Do I make personal attacks on those individuals because I happen to disagree with them? Absolutely not! Read my posts If I come to an impasse with an individual I simply say “agree to disagree” and I move on.

   I am extremely passionate about my job. I love it. I’ve continually moved up the ladder since I started doing this a year and a half ago, and I’m continuing to land higher and higher paying gigs as I work my way up. I value the lower paying gigs and the ones that got me started because I honestly believe that the only way you can really appreciate being on top of the world is if you actually had to work a little bit to get there in the first place. I also happen to have a world view that is a bit more realistic. I’m not trying to drive up my hits on my website to make my blog pay the bills, as other writers do, by offering unrealistic advice. I give down-to-earth, realistic tips to help writers get going in the industry.

   My wife has actually suggest I start a consultation business on the side, because I’ve helped over a dozen writers in the last 6 months get started on their own career. Each one came to me, discouraged that the veteran writers out there don’t offer any realistic advice, but instead only say things like “query query query and you’ll get lucky one day!”. I say this not to toot my own horn (ok, maybe a little), but to give a reference point that there are *many* different ways to help people get started in the industry. I have my way, which I consider to be a realistic approach to things.

   You don’t have to agree with my views. It’s your prerogative. But let’s keep the feminist stuff to a minimum, k? Agree to disagree and move on.

   This will be my last comment in this particular thread, as I feel I’ve already made my point multiple times in previous other comments, but I’m sure I’ll pipe in again when I see something that sparks my interest. In the meantime, I’m busy working, loving my job, and having an incredible amount of success at what I do. I’ve done it all through hard work and a realistic approach to the industry that saw me go from a fresh face to a full time freelancer without a college degree or a high school diploma. Along the way I’ve managed to help a few other writers get jobs, I’ve inspired others, and I’ve irked a few others off in the process. I guess you can’t please everyone.

   To all those who feel they need to make derogatory comments in regards to me personally…please keep those out of these areas. And to Deb…just because I don’t agree with you on your views on the industry doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate what you are doing for the people at this site. I have congratulated you a half dozen times in the past few months and I will say so again…you do a great service to a great many people. I just respectfully disagree with you on what is and isn’t realistic

   To Julie F: I don’t know what else I can really say. You seem to have far too much stress in your life. Might I suggest a vacation?

   Chris: Everyone’s a critic. I might just clear 50k this year. If I work longer hours. Which isn’t likely, because I enjoy 4-5 hour days and lots of vacations. Not a bad wage for a nobody who talks too much to say so little.

   Reply
9. Deb says:

   July 22, 2009 at 2:31 pm

   TW – I didn’t attack you, I offered a difference of opinion.

   I have spoken privately to several of the people who posted comments here to please keep their passion and anger in check. There are plenty of other people who visit this blog and the negativity is making them uncomfortable.

   Now, I have reminded everyone, on many occasions of FWJ’s comment policy. I’ve been lenient as many of these comments (yours included, TW) don’t follow our comment policy.

   Finally, TW, I’d like to remind you that while you’re welcome to comment any time you want,and this space is for offering comments, it isn’t your personal blog. It’s my blog, and I’m the one who makes the rules here. “Don’t like it, don’t read it” attitudes don’t fly and I would appreciate if you wouldn’t talk to the FWJ community this way.

   From this point on, any comment NOT adhering to the FWJ comment policy will be removed.

   Reply
10. JulieF says:

    July 22, 2009 at 3:54 pm

    “Finally, TW, I’d like to remind you that while you’re welcome to comment any time you want,and this space is for offering comments, it isn’t your personal blog. It’s my blog, and I’m the one who makes the rules here. “Don’t like it, don’t read it” attitudes don’t fly and I would appreciate if you wouldn’t talk to the FWJ community this way.”

    I was wondering when you were going to say that

    If my choice of B* over ‘complain’ offended anyone…sorry.

    As for continuing the conversation, I can’t see how debating and getting offended over a difference in view will help anyone. So…I’ll be going to ‘de-stress’ now.

    LOL

    Reply
11. Another Lisa says:

    July 22, 2009 at 4:32 pm

    Hi:

    I think there are two valid points being made by everyone here. One: it is possible to succeed right out of the gate. Two: That may not happen for everyone.

    I do think that people with any liberal arts education already have quite a bit of writing experience by the time they graduate. Ditto for corporate drones. In nearly every job, you must write every day and get it right. My first day, at my first job, I spelled the chairman’s name wrong on a memo. Did I learn about proofing and fact checking my work? You betcha!

    If you’re coming out of college or a corporate job, you already have some of the skills necessary to work as a writer. So some of those who have mentioned their “overnight success” were not starting as uneducated bricklayers with ESL. Some people can’t become successful writers overnight. Some will never be no matter what. Not everyone has the proclivity for it.

    My first paid gig (after college) was for a print magazine. It didn’t pay much, but it was the clip that led to other gigs.

    This thread has definitely done one thing for me: inspired me to pitch more and charge more!

    I wish any newbies here the best of luck. It can be done!

    Lisa

    Reply
12. Chris says:

    July 24, 2009 at 6:31 am

    “Please…let’s at least try and keep it on topic, k?”

    Simply priceless.

    Reply

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