Digital technology has drastically altered the ways in which humans interact, from the gas station to the office and beyond. Increasingly, technological advancements are helping to create an employment landscape that looks vastly different than the workforce of the past. Today, workplace collaboration can be done on a remote basis, and the job search can be done from the comfort of one’s living room couch. Freelancers can even become entrepreneurs, taking charge of their own future on both a personal and professional level. [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…]
22 Websites That Pay Freelance Writers in 2015
There are several ways to find freelance writing gigs. Answering ads posted on job boards is one method, and you probably want to try more than one approach in your search for gigs. Another way to find work (and one that may lead to a steady gig in some cases) is to approach websites that freelance writers for contributions for guest posts.
Tips for Getting Your First Freelancing Gig
Most of the novices are simply not aware of the ways of hunting out their first gig. At the same time a number of freelancing advices simply assume that you have fair idea about finding your gigs but the fact is most of them don’t. Hence out of desperation a number of freelancers often end up responding to a number of murkier job listings for unpopular companies and people which could take them for a ride. Hence a number of freelancers simply stop pursuing for work as they become the victim of scams which is often due to their improper exposure. The below are some tips for getting your first freelancing gig. [Read more…]
Freelance Writing Jobs for July 8, 2010
Good morning FWJ friends! I have a bunch of blogging and freelance writing gigs for you today. After chasing up these leads, visit Susan’s post on what you want to read about here on FWJ.
Enjoy the rest of the week!
New Around the Freelance Writing Jobs Network
What Do You Want to Read About on Freelance Writing Jobs?
Freelance Writing Jobs
Content Writing Jobs
- Freelance Writer/Researcher for Web Projects (San Francisco)
- Web Content Writer (Glendale)
- Freelance Registered Dietitian & Nutritionist Health Writer
- Business Writer
Blogging Jobs
- Blogger/Article Writer for Healthcare/Dental Company
- Freelance Lifestyle Blogger (Ontario)
- Boston City Luxury Blogger
- Los Angeles City Luxury Blogger
- Blog Writer/Social Media (San Diego)
- Local Blogger Wanted (Las Vegas and surrounding areas)
- Blog Writer (Vancouver)
- Article and Blog Writer (Greater Vancouver)
Copy Writing Jobs
Proofreading/Editing Jobs
- Expert Proofreaders Needed
- Proofreader – Bilingual English/Spanish
- Freelance Proofreader (Springfield, VA)
Journalism Jobs
- Freelance Website Journalist (MI, OH, IL, FL, AZ, and CA)
Technical Writing Jobs
- Farsi-English Technical Writer/Editor (South Brunswick, NJ)
- Technical Writer – Infrastructure (Metro Detroit)
- Technical Writer/Desktop Publisher (Northridge, CA)
- Technical Writer (Ottawa)
Plan/Proposal/Grant Writing Jobs
- Grant Writer for LIFETIME (San Leandro)
- Grant Writer (RI)
Travel Writing Jobs
- Writer – Travel Advertising (Central Florida)
Sports Writing Jobs
Resume Writing Jobs
General/Misc. Freelance Writing Jobs
- Film Content Writers
- Writers Needed for Faith Based Web Site
- Online Blog, Twitter, Facebook Writing (Houston, TX)
- Seeking Writers with Vertical Expertise
- Freelance Writer for SocialJane.com
- Ghostwriter for Financial Services
- Teacher – Lesson Writer
- Article Writers
- Entry Level Freelance Writer
- Criminal Book Writer
- Experienced Real Estate Writers
Magazine Writing Gigs
Freelance Writing Jobs for July 5, 2010
Hi FWJ friends! I hope you are all enjoying the long weekend! For those who are looking for writing gigs today, here’s what I found on a Monday morning.
New Around the Freelance Writing Jobs Network
When a Client Doesn’t Want to Work with You Anymore….
Introducing the Writing Life of Susan Gunelius
Freelance Writing Jobs
Content Writing Jobs
- Content Writer/Editor (Novi/Detroit)
- Content Editor/Writer for LiftedLounge.com
- Paid Writing Job for Remezcla.com (Williamsburg)
- Business Writer Needed
Blogging Jobs
- Blog Writer
- Freelance Copywriter and Blogger (Markham)
- Freelance Blogger at DaBomb Media
- Bloggers for Inside Uni
- Writing/Editing/Blogging – Entry Level (Houston)
Copy Writing Jobs
Proofreading/Editing Jobs
- IT Blog Proofreader
- Freelance Proofreader (Chicago)
- Writer/Editor for a Book (San Francisco)
- Bilingual Proofreader
Journalism Jobs
Technical Writing Jobs
- Technical Writer (Denver)
Plan/Proposal/Grant Writing Jobs
- Grant Writer Consultant (VA)
- Grant Writer (Gold Country)
- Grant Writer (Kentucky)
- Grant Writer (DC)
Travel Writing Jobs
Sports Writing Jobs
- Sports Writer (Sacramento)
Resume Writing Jobs
General/Misc. Freelance Writing Jobs
- Economics Assessment Question Writer
- Math Assessment Question Writer
- Freelance Editorial Writer (Seattle)
Magazine Writing Gigs
b5Media Layoffs Are a Good Reminder to Spread Those Freelance Writing Eggs Around
If you hung out on Twitter for any amount of time today, you may have learned b5Media had yet another round of layoffs. This time both part time and full time freelance writers for that content site were locked out of their blogs and shown the door.
Some of the laid off writers were with b5Media since its inception about five years ago. It’s a sad day for a company that once held such a great buzz and terrific vibe. I was a blogger for b5Media and the experience was valuable (blogging lessons from Darren Rowse, I mean, does it get any better than that?) and enjoyable. As you can imagine, my heart was heavy when I learned the news. b5Media closed its entertainment portal in order to make way for a brand new portal called Crushable.com
Now many b5media bloggers are looking for freelance writing work. Last year, a couple of of writers were hired for full time work at b5Media, after many of smaller blogs where shut down and those bloggers laid off. For the full time writers, today’s discussion regarding the egg/basket thing doesn’t necessarily apply. However. many of b5’s freelancers were also let go. Some of them did nothing but blog for b5. Now, they have to scramble.
As someone who has seen many web content sites and portals close shop leaving writers in the lurch, I have been advising writers not to put their faith in one client and one client only. No client whether it’s a magazine, a business, a private client or a blog network is ever a sure thing. Businesses dry up, magazines cease publication and, yes, content sites close doors. I’ve seen this happen to at least a half dozen sites over the past ten years.
I’ve had clients provide me with enough work to keep me fat and happy for months and then all of a sudden have to put a halt on things when times get tough. I worked for a publishing company where several magazines folded leaving both full time and freelance workers out of steady gigs. I know what it’s like to lose work when a client doesn’t have money for freelancers anymore. However, I always had another client or two (or three) in place so the cash continued to flow.
No job is forever. No client is forever. Spread your eggs around, folks. Now isn’t a good time to be out of work.
75 “Write for Us” Pages
When I first began freelancing, I found clients by searching for “Write for Us” pages of different websites. In fact, I found a couple of cushy gigs writing for websites that weren’t very well known. I’ve been wanting to compile a list of many of these types pages for some time, and since we’re talking about markets this week, it seemed to be as good a time as any. You’d be surprised at how many unadvertised opportunities are out there. Today’s offering is only part one.
Keep in mind that I did my best to find paying markets. If the “Write for Us” page clearly states it’s a non-payer, I didn’t include it. I also didn’t include those markets only paying a rev share. Some pages here didn’t indicate one way or another whether they pay. If I thought there was a chance, I dropped it on the list. If payment is indicated, it’s noted next to the link. In many cases, it’s noted there is pay, but the amount isn’t specified. Also, some of these are book publishers. Since many members of the Freelance Writing Jobs community are aspiring book authors, I felt it appropriate to add them here.
I hope you find something here that interests you!
75 Write for Us Pages
- About.com – Pays $675/month plus bonuses
- Adobe Press – Accepting book proposal.
- American Ceramics Society – $35/blog post – $350 – $900/article
- American School Board Journal – Payment varies
- American Speech – Language Hearing Association – Unspecified pay
- Archaeology Magazine – Payment varies.
- AskDeb.com – Unspecified pay. (no relation)
- AuctionBytes – $20/article
- Bilblio Buffet – Pays $10 – $30
- Brady Books – Textbook publisher accepts proposals
- BrothersFit – $20+/post
- The Business Edition – Unspecified pay
- Business Today – Unspecified pay
- Campus Nut – Unspecified pay
- The Change Agent – Pays $50
- Cisco Press – Looking for Book Proposals
- Code Gravity – Send rate quote with query.
- Complinet – Unspecified pay.
- Consumerist – Not sure about the pay.
- CraftBits – Unspecified pay.
- CrazyLeaf Design – Payment starts at $20/post
- DatabaseDev. – $30 – $50/article
- Developer Tutorials – $30 – $100
- Dollar Stretcher – Pays .10.word
- Dropzone.com – $100
- EclipseZone – Unspecified pay.
- Expat Daily News – Unspecified pay.
- Freelance Switch – Pays $60/guest post
- GoMediaZine – Pays up to $300/article
- Graphic Mania – Payment varies
- Green Options – Payment varies
- Green Prophet – Unspecified pay.
- HackNMod – $10 – $40/post
- Hand Cell Phone – Pays $8 – $15/cell phone review.
- Head First Book s– Accepting proposals
- Home School today – Payment varies. Averages .10/word
- The Humanist – Unspecified pay.
- IBM Press – Accepting book proposals.
- International Living – Pays $50
- ISHN – Contact for guidelines
- Jewish Daily Forward – Payment varies
- Killer Directory – $15/post
- LabMice – Pays $60 – $100
- Los Angeles Restaurants – Pays up to $40/article
- LoveToKnow– Pays $20 – $25 for a 650 word article.
- Lutheran Digest – $35/article
- MakeMeHeal – Pays $10 – $20
- Messaging Talk – Pays up to $100/article
- Michigan Metro Parents – Pays $30 – $250.
- Microsoft TechNet -Unspecified pay. Writers who are employed by Microsoft aren’t eligible for paying opportunities.
- Miller-McCune – Unspecified pay.
- MobiForge – Paying market but unspecified pay.
- MyInkBlog.com
- Neutral Existence – $20 – $30
- PeachPit Press – Accepting book proposals.
- Pervasive Computing – Unspecified pay
- Philadelphia Restaurants – $5 – $40
- Port Iris – $10 per short story.
- ProBlogDesign – Pays $125/post
- PS Deluxe – $50/tutorial
- Qatar Vistor – $75/article
- Rough Guides – Accepting proposals.
- SAPCookbook – Unspecified pay.
- Seattle Dining – Pays $50 – $60
- Sex, etc. – $75/article
- Simple Talk – Unspecified pay.
- SitePoint – Pays $100 + bonuses
- SmallBizLink – Makes no mention of pay, but owned by Monster.com.
- SQL Server Performance – Pays $25 – $200
- Strategy Page – Pays $20/article
- Trazzler – Pays $1000/month
- Tutorial Reports – Unspecified pay – only pays contributors in India and U.S.
- Web Services Architect – Unspecified pay.
- The Woman’s Media Center – Unspecified pay.
- Youth Specialties – $40+
…To be continued. There are plenty more where these come from and I’ll be posting them here!
Please let us know if you successfully pitched one of these markets and how you did it! Also, don’t miss our lists of greeting card markets, poetry markets and our regular Monday writing markets….plus be sure to check out this list of writing markets paying over $100.
Good luck!
Image via stock.xchnge
15 Greeting Card Markets
UPDATED FEBRUARY 2016
When you are thinking about freelance writing markets, how many of you think about writing greeting cards to make money? Greeting card markets often get overlooked in favor of writing for the web, copywriting, submitting queries to magazines and other ways to generate income.
5 Suggestions for Moving Away from the Easy Gigs to the More Lucrative Freelance Opportunities
Regardless of how you feel about low pay vs. high pay, you can’t deny there are plenty of “easy” writing gigs out there. I call them “easy” because they’re easy to land, easy to write and they pay like clockwork. After time, we have to make a decision: Do we stick with the easy gigs or try and branch out to gigs that are a little tougher to land but pay much better money. Perhaps a mixture of both?
The choice is up to each individual writer. However, if you’re considering a move away from the easy gigs to more lucrative freelance writing opportunities, these suggestions might help.
Call
We’ve talked about cold calling here before, and even cold emailing. There are so many places that hire writers but don’t advertise because they receive word of mouth recommendations or queries via phone or email. For some reason the idea of calling for work terrifies freelancers or makes them feel as if they’re on telemarketing territory. I can tell you the first few times are the hardest. After a while you begin discovering ways to schmooze the receptionist for information or getting past her to the people doing the hiring. Freelancing is all about sales, to be a success, you can’t be shy about selling yourself.
Hint: rather than navigating a phone menu to nowhere or leaving a message that won’t be returned, press “0” to speak with a real live person, or see if you can be put through to human resources or editorial. At the very least, try and get the name of the person who hires freelance writers so you can send him a letter and some samples of your stuff.
Ask
Do your friends’ clients have extra work? Are your friends outsourcing during the holidays? Do other bloggers and web masters hire writers? Does your brother’s firm hire freelancers? Does your aunt’s real estate business need someone to write captions for websites and local guides? How will you know if you don’t ask? Everyone has the potential to become a client, even friends, family and neighbors.
Hint: Keep business cards at the ready so you can hand it to potential clients to keep on file.
Educate
Take control of your own destiny by establishing your expertise and teaching others. Create ebooks and courses and apply for speaking engagements. These will put you on the radar and get your name out there. It will help to build your brand. It will help you to generate a residual income while between gigs. People looking for expert writers will land upon your courses or blogs and want to hire you to help them out. Those with a true expertise command very high paychecks.
Hint: Give sample copies of ebooks and courses to influential people to review. Their recommendations will help create new readers and new clients.
Network
Network online and off. Build relationships with potential clients, other writers and influential personalities. When folks know your name, they’ll think about you for their projects. They’re more likely to hire someone they trust over someone they don’t know at all.
Hint: It’s all about relationships. Don’t just spam people with your stuff, create conversations. Talk with them. Build trust.
Think Outside the Box
Don’t only count on the job boards. There’s a whole, big world out there and it’s yours for the taking. Think about all the people who can hire writers and plan a strategy for approaching all these people and businesses. See what you can do to make yourself stand out. Why would this company want to hire you, a freelance writer they never heard of, over reaching into their pool of freelancers for writing projects? Don’t send a cover letter and resume. Tailor a creative pitch to show them you’re worth the money.
Hint: Make it your mission to thoroughly research each business before you reach out. What are their strengths and weaknesses? What can you do generate more sales or build up their clientele? How can you build up their products or draw interest to their websites?
What are some of your suggestions for moving away from the easy gigs.