In a perfect world, your personal and business lives would run smoothly and completely independently from each other. One of the benefits of working as a freelance writer is that you get to make your own schedule for the most part. As long as you turn in your assignments on time, your clients don’t really know (or care) whether you do your best work at the crack of dawn or you like to tackle it in the small hours of the night. What happens when a personal crisis crops up? How do you deal with it in a professional manner and keep your freelance writing clients?
[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.
Fix Your Toxic Writing Environment
There are two sides to the writer debate – those who require certain comforts and those who can write in the middle of a toxic dump. I’d argue both types are just as likely to have hazardous work environments. Your office could be making you sick, or at the very least, decreasing your productivity. The good news is there simple way to creating a safe and healthy work environment.
1. Trouble in the Air
The information is scary: according to the August 2000 EPA Indoor Environments Division, Indoor Air Quality and Student Performance report, “Indoor air quality can reduce a person’s ability to perform specific mental tasks requiring concentration, calculation, or memory.” While this specific report discusses students in school, the same can be said for those who require mental acrobatics to earn a paycheck. The solution? [Read more…]
Ahmed Bilal Joins the Freelance Writing Jobs Team
More great news this week for the Freelance Writing Jobs network! Ahmed Bilal is joining the team and will write about search engine optimization (one of his areas of expertise), writing for the web and a variety of other writing topics!
If you’re not already familiar with Ahmed, following is a brief introduction.
About Ahmed Bilal
Ahmed Bilal is an entrepreneur and business consultant who has worked as freelance copywriter and blogger for a wide variety of niches – from online marketing to health and fitness to relationships to financial markets and lots more. He has also worked (and still does) in the online marketing industry as a consultant for U.S. and U.K. based start-ups. In addition, Ahmed owns Football Media, an advertising network that works exclusively with football websites.
You can learn more about Ahmed on his website, AhmedBilal.com.
Please join me in welcoming Ahmed to Freelance Writing Jobs. I’m confident he’ll bring new perspectives that are sure to help writers as we navigate through the new landscape of the publishing world both online and offline.
Jonathan Bailey of PlagiarismToday.com Joins the Freelance Writing Jobs Team
I’m very happy to announce that Jonathan Bailey of PlagiarismToday is joining the Freelance Writing Jobs team! He will write about plagiarism, copyrights, content theft and related topics that affect writers on a daily basis. I know he’ll be able to provide a great deal of insight to help writers protect their work and thrive in the ever-changing world of publishing.
For those of you who haven’t already found Jonathan’s awesome PlagiarismToday blog or seen his posts on Splashpress Media’s BloggingPro blog, here’s an introduction:
About Jonathan Bailey
Jonathan Bailey has been building Web sites for 15 years and has been blogging actively since 2005. He is best known for PlagiarismToday, his blog about copyright and plagiarism issues, which is rooted in his own experiences fighting plagiarism. He also writes for BloggingPro, WhoIsHostingThis and Blogging Tips. Jonathan has also been a featured author on Blog Herald and the European Journalism Centre.
Jonathan has handled hundreds of plagiarism cases, but he’s quick to point out that he is constantly learning more, particularly from the people he connects with on his blogs and through his writing.
Please join me in welcoming Jonathan to Freelance Writing Jobs!
A Little Help from My Freelance Writing Friends…
Do you ever stop to wonder why you’re wasting so much time doing things that don’t put food in the fridge?
Why are you screwing around commenting on some joker’s blog while the fine folks at Discover are perfecting ways to stab you in the chest with an interest rate ice pick that barely avoids running afoul of the new CARD Act provisions.
You’re going to get old and when you do, you’re going to be staring at a pantry that contains little more than canned tuna and store brand mac and cheese if you don’t get your you-know-what together. So, why are you answering some question to help someone else on LinkedIn?
What’s with taking ten minutes out of your Thursday to IM back and forth with someone you’ll probably never meet face-to-face when you have deadlines and paying clients?
Why are you wasting midnight oil and adding to your sleep deficit just to write a guest post for someone?
Blah, blah, blah. Etc.
We talk about community in this amorphous Web 2.0 sense. We talk about the “freelance writing community”. All of that community comes with a price tag. Hours. Precious, precious hours, minutes and seconds. And time is money. Every moment spent being friendly and contributing is real life cash money you’re not making.
You could make the argument that having big virtual arms that hug the population of Writersville is good for business in the way it increases your recognition and credibility. You’d probably be at least a little right, too. But I think most of us could find more efficient ways of achieving those ends if we decided to pull the plug on making friends and participating.
So, why don’t we retreat into our individual cocoons and devise improved client-facing marketing strategies instead of setting aside time to share our thoughts about writing with other writers. Why are we bothering reaching out to newbies in the field to offer our perspectives? Why do we opt to be part of a community?
Ego? Maybe for some. Not for me. I’ve been just as full of myself while sleeping on a buddy’s sun porch on a fast-leaking air mattress without a dollar to my name as I am when I’m dispensing gems of wisdom from an online platform. I may have an ego, but I’ve had it since I was wee and history has proven that it’s unrelated to anything I actually do.
Companionship? Maybe that’s a big motivator for people. It’s not really my thing, though. I’m not a misanthrope, but I’m close enough. I could handle solitary confinement for a year or two if it wasn’t for the fact I have two adorable tiny tots and a bad-ass wife. I’m not the kind who needs a large number of amigos to survive.
A Genuine Desire to Help Others? This one does apply to me–at least a little. I like the idea that some of my participation could actually benefit someone. I try to be helpful. I really do. However, I don’t wake up in the morning hoping to find a way to better the lives of all freelance writers in a meaningful way. Some people do. Not me.
Somehow, though, all of those reasons and some that I didn’t mention sort of combine to create this pull toward being meaningful and at least somewhat actively involved. Try as I might, I’ve never been able to put my finger on why I feel that way, though.
Last week, I really figured it out.
A series of wacky events, unforeseen expenses and a history of spending like I am a Rockefeller and my wife is a DuPont mixed with my traditionally poor approach to cash flow management. Of course, these bits of nastiness hit right as our planned vacation date with the non-refundable airline tickets approached. In other words, I needed some dough until a chunk of my A/R paid up. Fast.
Shaking the usual trees landed me a few great projects–alas, none will pay until next month. Even the oft-dreaded content mills weren’t going to get the cash turned around fast enough.
I decided to send out a few emails to a handful of special clients with good connections and to a few of those writers who comprise part of the “community”. I didn’t pull punches. I explained my temporary predicament with those folks because I trusted them and because I wanted them to appreciate just how serious I was about making something work. The results were fantastic.
One of my virtual amigos was kind enough to send out a series of emails to people in his social circle who might be able to take advantage of specific things I do that he does not. That worked.
Another writer–someone I’d paid for work in the past–was just as cool sitting on the other side of the table as she was when I was writing her a check. She kicked a nice gig in my direction and paid me in a hurry.
Another writer who’s part of the “community” helped me out, landing a rush project for me.
You get the idea. Thanks again, folks.
When I needed something, other members of the “community” made sure it was there for me.
It was almost like–gulp–having friends.
And really, that’s why we should be doing all of this stuff.
The social media and social marketing worlds are rapidly becoming a numbers game for many people. People are trying to build these “connections” that consist of little more than one automated tool agreeing to befriend another automated tool. Bob’s mannequin is agreeing to be “friends” with Sheila’s robot. It’s a drag. And, to tell you the truth, it’s pretty damned stupid.
The whole idea of networking, communicating, collaborating and sharing really only works when it’s a sincere person-to-person thing.
I have a few thousand Twitter followers. I could’ve broadcast an SOS to that list every hour on the hour for three days. Do you know what would’ve happened? The same handful of people I emailed would’ve probably been the only ones to respond.
I guess I’m extending an invitation with this post. It’s an invitation to operate on a more sincere level than others might sometimes use. It’s an invitation to provide something of value to others–to really make human contact. That’s not just because you’ll have someone to hit up when you confront an issue. It’s also because you’ll be able to help other people when they need it.
In the end, that’s how we all get by, isn’t it?
Yeah, it’s a Lennon/McCartney Beatles song, but I think Joe did it better than anyone…
5 Things Freelance Writers Can Learn from the A-Team
As freelance writers, we can get inspiration and tips about how to conduct ourselves in business from just about anywhere. This list is a case in point. You might be stretching the point just a bit if you try to claim your admission and popcorn as a business expense by explaining to the Tax Man that watching the A-Team movie is a continuing education seminar, but here are some tips inspired by the Team that may help.
1. Creativity Counts
As fans of the TV show have learned, sometimes (OK in every episode), the best laid plans don’t always work out the way you had hoped. By being flexible and thinking on your feet, you can turn things around.
2. You Need More Than a Pretty Face to Succeed
Appearances count, and you want to present yourself well when you are communicating with current and potential clients. Being charming will only get you so far, though. You also need to have a good skill base to go with it or you won’t be able to deliver what you promised.
3. We (Freelance Writers) Are All on the Same Side
When someone introduces him or herself as a fellow freelance writer, you automatically have something in common with him or her. We can communicate in verbal writers’ shorthand because they “get” us. Ideally, we should all have each other’s backs, but as the A-Team know all too well, the people who appear to be on our side may not be as friendly as they appear.
4. You Need to be a Bit Crazy to do This Kind of Work
If I told you that you would someday be involved in a type of work where you would be hearing the word “No” more often than you got hired and that you would always have to be thinking about where your next gig was going to come from, would you think “sign me up right now”? You would probably respond that there must be easier ways to make a living.
You may be right, but I haven’t done anything else that was as much fun. If that makes me a little crazy, so be it.
5. Don’t Believe People Who Say it Can’t be Done
When you tell people that you want to be a writer, there will be plenty of naysayers. Don’t listen to them. When you pull it off and get your writing career going, those same people will be the first ones to step up and tell you that they knew all along that you could do it. (Just smile graciously when that happens and tell yourself how much you love it when a plan comes together.)
How Freelance Writers Can Save Money on Car Insurance
No, I’m not trying to get you to switch to Geico, but a 15-minute call to your car insurance agent really could save you money on car insurance if you are a full-time freelancer. Why? If you’ve abandoned the daily commute, you may be able to get your car reclassified as ä “pleasure use vehicle.”
One of the factors insurance adjustors take into consideration when issuing an insurance policy price quote is that your car will be speeding down the freeway in oh-so-dangerous rush hour traffic. Not to mention the fact that you will be wearing and tearing your vehicle day in and day out. But if you’ve made the switch from a daily commute to a stay at home job, those insurance premium-hikers disappear.
What is a Pleasure Use Vehicle?
- Pleasure vehicles are not used for daily commuting
- They are generally driven less than 5,000 miles per year
- They are not driven for business use
That last caveat can get tricky for freelance writers, who may use their cars for business intermittently. But if your household has more than one vehicle and only one of you is commuting, you have a high chance of having your second vehicle reclassified as a pleasure use vehicle. Further, even if for some reason you cannot get your car reclassified to “pleasure vehicle” status, many car insurers will offer low mileage discounts, so be sure to track your mileage for more than just tax purposes.
Give your insurance agent a call, tell him you heard about the pleasure use vehicle status, and explain your situation. I was able to reclassify my cute little Altima as a pleasure use vehicle last year, and I saved about $100 every six months on car insurance even while living in a dangerous metropolitan area. Depending on the safety of the area you live in and where your park your car at night, you may be able to save even more. Good luck!
Top 10 Things Freelance Writing Blogs Tell You That You Already Know
Originally this post was to have been called “Are the Freelance Writing Blogs Telling You Stuff You Already Know?” so we could have a big discussion about how redundant and unoriginal we all are. Let’s face it, every freelance writing blogger says the same thing, we just use different words. We all want to convince you we’re the best in order to get your traffic, but most of all have the same background, got the same sort of start and now we’re each competing to give you information you already know.
None of you are dumb. You don’t need hand holding and you don’t really need wake up calls. Bloggers like to be very dramatic with our headlines to suck you in and makes you feel as if you don’t know any better…but you do know better, don’t you?
Most things discussed on this and other freelance writing blogs are common sense. Perhaps our posts serve as reminders or nags, but deep in the back of your mind, you know this stuff. Maybe you don’t want to admit some of us are right on about things like rates and clients because you don’t want to step out of your comfort zones. Or maybe you’re just happy in your situation and think to youself, “ho hum, she’s going off about raising rates again.” In any event, I’m not bringing you anything new, and really, neither is anyone else.
This is no big reveal.
Behold:
Top 10 Things Freelance Writing Blogs Tell You That You Already Know
Check out this list and tell us if there’s anything here you didn’t already know.
1. Freelance Writing is a Business
Yawn. How many posts have you seen in the past year discussing how freelance writing is a business and you need to make grown up business decisions. You don’t need us to tell you to set your rates with things like taxes, overhead and medical expenses in mind, in addition to the cost of the project, because everyone knows this. Perhaps it’s not something everyone does, or even thinks about, but everyone knows to ensure the bottom line makes sense. Now, the one thing we can’t tell you is how to run your business because everyone’s situations are different. However, every decision a freelance writer makes is a business decision.
2. You Can Charge More
You don’t need freelance writing bloggers to tell you can earn more money because you already know. You see it in the job ads and you read the heated exchanges on blogs and in discussion forums. You know you can charge more than what you earn now (whatever that is ) but whether you do so or not is entirely up to you.
3. By Charging More You Get to Work Less
Work smarter, not harder…isn’t that what we tell you? The more you charge, the less you work. You can work ten hours at $15 per hour or 6 hours at $50 per hour. Charging more can mean weekends off and nights free. Whether you’re starting low to get your foot in the door, or because you simply like the work you’re doing now, you know that when you’re ready you can request a raise or find higher paying clients.
4. There Are Plenty of People Who Would Like to Take Advantage of You
Blah, blah, blah. Don’t work for free, don’t work for $1, don’t pay someone for a job. Really, is this something you need us to tell you?
5. With Flexibility Comes Responsibility
We all enjoy being able to set our own hours and make our own rules. However, our businesses won’t succeed if we spend more time enjoying the flexibility part and not enough time handling the responsibility part. Every writer knows when they flake on a client it’s irresponsible, even if they used the best excuse in the world. We all know when we blow off deadlines or what will happen if we don’t work in favor of having fun. You don’t need me to tell you to be a responsible writer, you know you’ll lose work and damage your reputation if you don’t remember, first and foremost, this is a job.
6. Use Social Media
Blogs, Twitter, Facebook, forums and other social media tools all have purposes beyond the obvious. How can you not know this? It’s written everywhere–even the news and weather channels are getting involved. Social media helps to grow a business and client base. You may be resisting it for any number of reasons, but there is no way you don’t know that so many of us find social media useful.
7. Always Make a Good First Impression
I shouldn’t even have to blurb this puppy. Who lands the gig – the slovenly fool or the person who takes the time to research the business, know the subject matter and make the best presentation? Every time I talk about proofreading I get a handful of snarky remarks from the peanut gallery from folks who find typos on my blog posts. My blog isn’t looking for a job, people, you are…and you don’t need for me to tell you that it’s the first impression that matters the most.
8. If it Looks Too Good to Be True it Probably Is
You know those ads featuring lots of exclamation points promising $25,000 per month writing for the web just aren’t true. Even the people who apply for these gigs know they’re not true. If those claims were true, don’t you think more of us were doing it?
9. You’re Going to Be Rejected
There’s no way you can’t know writers are always rejected. You probably also know most of the time rejection doesn’t have as much to do with talent as it does fit. If you’re not the right fit for a magazine or website, they won’t accept your writing. It hurts, but seasoned writers brush themselves off and move on. But you don’t need me to tell you that, because you already know, right?
10. A Successful Freelance Writing Career Doesn’t Happen Overnight
Very few freelance writers land their first gigs or even earn enough to leave their day jobs in the first few months. It takes time for a career to develop and for clients to trust you enough to give steady work and referrals. Most aspiring freelance writers know this or else they would quit their jobs first and then find work, instead of the other way around.
What are some of the things you don’t need us to tell you? What did you already know before entering into freelance writing?
When Freelance Writers Need a Wake Up Call
In order to encourage the freelancer writers in this community, I like to keep the tone light and positive. Though I don’t take the “in your face” approach to blogging, I’ll agree that there are plenty of times when freelance writes need to have the truth laid out for them in order to view all sides of the picture. With that in mind, I’d like to discuss some of the things that aren’t so pleasant and hopefully inspire struggling freelancers to re-evaluate their career choices and goals.
To be perfectly blunt, there are times freelance writers need a wake up call. If they’re struggling all day, every day, and no money is coming in, there’s something wrong. This doesn’t always mean they’re not in the right career, but oftentimes it does.
Let’s explore some of the reasons freelancers may want to reconsider their career choice, or, at the very least, come up with a new business or marketing plan. Most of us chose freelancing to have a positive experience, if that’s not happening some self and business evaluation is necessary. Struggling freelance writers would do well to explore the reasons behind their lack of success and decide what they’re going to do about it.
Here are a few situations when freelance writers need to rethink their strategy – and maybe even their career choice.
When they’ve been doing this for years and still earning $5 an hour
Simply put, freelancers need to profit from their work. Most of us think it’s nonsensical to put in a full day’s work and only receive enough in return to pay the bare minimum bills, if that. Indeed, in the “real world” we expect cost of living increases and the ability to put at least a little bit into savings. If you’re trying to make a living as a freelance writer but only barely earning pocket change, you need to rethink your earning strategy. Some writers feel the flexibility and work at home lifestyle are perks that make up for extremely low pay. Consider that eight hours of work is eight hours of work -regardless of whether you’re home or in an office. Your time is worth something. In order for our clients to value our time, WE need to value our time. The beautiful thing about freelance writing is that we don’t have an employer telling us how much we can earn, or how much of an increase we may (or may not) receive. We make our own rules, and that includes the amount we wish to receive per gig.
Wake up call: You’re not earning enough money…why is this? Is it because you’re not choosing the right kinds of clients or setting the right amount for your rates? As freelancers we should always make the choices that are best for us and our situations. However, if your freelance writing lifestyle isn’t contributing to a better situation, you need to analyze why. Sometimes it’s a simple as raising your rates, other times, it’s because you’re only focusing on entry level opportunities. Take a deep breath and make the changes that will enable your bank account to grow with your career. This can include a client overhaul, a new specialty, a new business plan and especially, a raise in rates.
When they’re receiving nothing but rejection
Nothing is more frustrating and disheartening than rejection. Usually our stock answer to freelance writers regarding rejection is to consider themselves in good company and remember it’s a way of life for this career. However, we can learn a lot from rejection. Sometimes an editor will add a useful note to a rejection letter telling us why we’re not a good fit and offering tips for submitting or applying again. Sometimes a second pair of eyes on our cover letters and writing samples tell us what we need to know too. When we receive rejection every time we apply and absolutely no one is biting, it might be more than a typo or a bad fit. I’m not one to tell people to give up, but no gigs after five years of trying might be telling you something.
Wake up call: If no one wants to hire you, it doesn’t necessarily mean you might not be a very good writer, but that might well be the case. I know writers who have applied to hundreds of jobs over several years and only find work paying small residual change for places without a strict acceptance policy. If this is you, consider whether or not you’re cut out for writing, or if this is the result you’re looking to achieve. If you belong to a writing community, ask trusted members to critique some of your best writing. I know it’s hard to hear criticism, but it’s often necessary in order to know what we’re doing wrong (and right.)
When all their spare time is spent working
There are two main reasons writers spend all day working. The first is because they love what they do and lose track of time. The other is that they’re trying to earn enough to make ends meet and the only way to do that is work 15 hours a day.. .and even that’s not enough. So now we have a problem, we work at home in order to have freedom, but we’re chained to our desks 80 hours a week. Is it worth it?
Wake up call: If you’re working all day because you want to earn $60,000 a year, you may want to rethink your approach. It’s one thing to work four to eight hours each day to earn that much, it’s another to spend every waking hour with low paying gigs in order to pay the bills. It’s time to work smarter not harder. Instead of taking a $7 project, find a similar project paying, say $30. Now you’re earning quadruple the rate and you can reach your goal income in less time. Every six months to a year, reassess your situation and see if you need to increase your rates again.
When they’re not happy
Damn it, it’s not enough to be “boss free.” Your happiness counts for something too. If you hate your job and hate writing, why are you doing it? It’s funny how we fantasize about leaving our office jobs but we’re much more hesitant to leave a work at home lifestyle because we don’t want to give up the flexibility. To be honest, I had more time when I worked in an office job because I left my job at 5:00 each day and didn’t go near it on the weekends.
Wake up call: Um, hello? When did your happiness become so insignificant? If you’re not enjoying yourself, explore why. Is it a particular client? Decide whether or not he’s replaceable. Is it because you don’t enjoy writing? Decide whether or not this is the career for you or consider other types of work from home opportunities. Is it because you’re lonely? Make sure to find time for friends and family. Go to lunch with “the girls” or have a movie night with your friends.
Understanding the Reasons Behind Your Lack of Success
Maybe other freelance writers can weigh in her too, but for me examining why I’m not a success always helps me to achieve success. Every now and then when I have a dry period of potential clients aren’t so receptive to my queries, I do a little analysis to see why. I go over my writing samples, cover letters and resume. Every now and then things need updating, you know?
Something else I learned is that a second set of eyes helps us to see what we’re missing. Understanding the reasons behind our lack of success will help us to determine whether or not we’re doing the right thing or going about things the right way. The important thing to remember is you’re not a failure if you decide this life isn’t for you.
We’re freelancers because we want to enjoy life. When we’re not happy or not successful we’re not enjoying anything.
What are some of the wake up calls you received regarding freelance writing? What did they tell you and what action did you take next?
