Blogging offers writers great rewards. We get to share our words with others. We educate and entertain. If we’re really lucky, our blogs generate income or interest from book agents. To do any of this, however, you need readers, and in the early days of any blog, readers are hard to come by. [Read more…]
What Does it Take to be a Freelance Writer?
I’ve been a (more than) full-time writer for ten years. It takes talent, ambition and the ability to manage your time and money to be successful. Contrary to popular belief, you can be a successful freelance writer without starting your own business. However, if you have a habit of slacking or procrastinating, this probably isn’t the path for you.
My typical day includes writing for up to ten clients at a time. This includes everything from SEO-rich web content to brochures for international hotel chains. I scour job boards for new openings and apply daily, even if I have a full workload for the next few months. I’m also updating my resume, website and LinkedIn while learning new skills like SES qualifications as I accept new projects. [Read more…]
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: Picking the Best Freelance Job
I usually have about seven projects at a time, and they’re not all created equal. As a successful freelance writer, I’ve been on the wrong end of a bad job. However, there are some warning signs that are easy to miss. If a job posting requires numerous, generic forms, you’ll be drowning in paperwork and red tape for the entire project.
Trust your gut during a phone interview. If the client doesn’t know what they want, they’re not going to be happy with anything you produce. The most lucrative jobs are from either well-established corporations or start-ups with solid investors. Tread carefully if a job posting seems too broad or it requires you to sign up for an account. [Read more…]
Freelance Writing Jobs for March 8, 2012
Times flies and it’s Thursday already. Here then are our lists of freelance writing jobs that you might want to consider.
Freelance Writing Jobs
Content Writing
1. Non-English content translator (Home-based)
Blogging Jobs
1. Blogger (Mission District)
2. Freelance blogger for New York Knicks (NJ)
3. Dermatology blogger
Copywriting Jobs
1. Freelance copywriter (Hawaii)
2. Freelance copywriter (NY)
3. Freelance web copywriter (TX)
4. Copywriter for ecommerce (IL)
5. Freelance copywriter (CA)
Proofreading/Editing Jobs
1. Part-time editor (CA)
2. Freelance medical/pharma proofreader (NY)
3. Freelance proofreader (NY)
4. Senior editor (MA)
5. Freelance editor (NJ)
Technical Writing Jobs
1. Technical writer
2. Freelance fashion tech writer
Travel Writing Jobs
1. Travel and community writer (NY)
Resume Writing Jobs
1. Resume writer (NY)
General/Misc. Freelance Writing Jobs
1. Part-time writer (CA)
2. Freelance entertainment writer (Telecommute)
3. Experienced Spanish writer (Telecommute)
4. Freelance writer in the military fields
5. Research writer for food and beverage (Mexico City)
6. Writer assistant (NY)
7. Business/Financial writer (US nationwide)
Freelance Writing Jobs for March 7, 2012
It’s Wednesday now and hope you’re having a great week. Please find below freelance writing jobs that you might be interested in.
Freelance Writing Jobs
Content Writing
1. Freelance finance writers (Telecommute)
2. Freelance entertainment writers (Telecommute)
3. Freelance writer for Lawyers Weekly (MA)
4. Online newspaper writer (Telecommute)
Blogging Jobs
Copywriting Jobs
1. Freelance copywriter for digital marketing campaigns (CA)
2. Freelance copywriter (MA)
Proofreading/Editing Jobs
1. Freelance SEO editor (NY)
2. Editorial assistant (Washington, DC)
3. Copy editor (NH)
4. Editor (FL)
5. Part-time copy editor (TX)
6. Part-time test prep writer-proofreader (Telecommute)
7. Part-time editor (CA)
Journalism Jobs
1. Freelance correspondent (Washington, DC)
2. Experienced policy writer (NJ)
3. Freelance writers for online newspaper (Telecommute)
Technical Writing Jobs
1. Part-time technical writer (CA)
Resume Writing Jobs
1. Freelance resume writer (NY)
General/Misc. Freelance Writing Jobs
1. ebook/ecourse writer (Telecommute)
2. Lifestyle writer for online publication (Canada)
3. Senior writer (AL)
4. Research assistant (Washington, DC)
5. Business writer (FL)
6. Freelance writer (FL)
7. Part-time writer for a non-profit organization (Washington, DC)
8. Topic writers for About.com (NY)
How You, as a Writer, Can Find Your Creative Voice
Writing is a hobby that many enjoy. It allows us to contribute information through our words, touch people’s emotions and even vent our own. We can stir up passion for causes, help others improve their lives, or just pass on a story that has been simmering in our own minds that can be shared with others for their entertainment.
For others it becomes more than a hobby and instead moves into a chosen career. Blogs and websites have made it easier than ever to get that writing out there and make money, where once few opportunities resided. But when it comes to being paid for your work, especially as a freelancer, it can be difficult to find that delicate balance between what you want to write and what you have to.
Creativity can be overshadowed by information, and suddenly, practical work becomes the main focus, where once you had the freedom to explore. This is a difficult time that comes and goes for every writer. It can make it hard to find a flow between paid and personal work. Even more difficult is using both for the same project.
You can get past this block, however. Just try these simple tips to get you back into your flow, so you can find your creative voice no matter what you are working on: [Read more…]
Five Simple Ways a Writer Can Improve His Impact
It’s something many people forget because freelance writing can be a self-defeating endeavor even for those with strong academic skills. It isn’t like completing a math problem where everything has a logical place and you’re guaranteed to do fine so long as the dots are properly connected.
Writing is the brooding cousin of painting. Whereas painters use brush strokes to convey an image, writers craft visions with words. The picture is framed by words designed to influence the reader’s perception of whatever is being conveyed. Word choice and flow are important in capturing and maintaining the reader’s interest.
In the course of more than a decade as a full-time writer – mostly for U.S. metropolitan daily newspapers – I have learned from extremely talented wordsmiths who passed on practical advice.
Their tips will help fine-tune your writing for maximum clarity and effect:
• Keep it simple, stupid! This design principle dictates use of sentences that are focused and clear. Any writer is more likely to get into trouble using long sentences with complex punctuation. Clunky sentences should be divided up so they are easier to read. Writing this way helps build and maintain momentum.
• What’s in it for me? It’s an old sales adage, but it applies equally well in writing. By the third or fourth paragraph at the latest, the writer must answer this question for the reader or risk losing their attention. In general, people want to be led and the writer must be firm in explaining why the article has value. This “nut graph” spells out, in one or two sentences, why the article is important and relevant to the reader.
• Word echoes are redundant. This one can be tricky, especially for those writing Search Engine Optimized content that relies on repetitive use of keywords. But even SEO has a limit. Generally speaking, an echo is when a writer uses the same word more than once in a sentence, or even paragraph. Repetitive use of words –except for search engine optimization – is boring and distracting. Avoid doing this at all costs.
• That “that” has got to go. In many cases, use of “that” is unnecessary and should be avoided. It may seem trivial, but “that” acts in a similar fashion as “umm” – overuse detracts from the author’s message. For example: “I hope that we go to the baseball game” should instead read, “I hope we go to the baseball game.”
• Read it out loud. Even after writing, editing and conducting a spelling and grammar check, it’s still not time to hit the send button. Read it out loud. This simple act is a perfect way to catch – with fresh ears – errors that may have been missed by fatigued mind and eyes. Reading every sentence out loud also helps identify awkward word arrangements that may slow the reader and cause them to veer off-course.
J.P. Cawyer is an east coast-based professional writer. When he isn’t mulling the dictums of the written word, he enjoys playing on his Galaxy S and the iPad.
Freelance Writing Jobs for June 25, 2010
Hello, FWJ Friends! It’s the end of the week, and here are your writing leads for today.
New Around the Freelance Writing Jobs Network
Three Things to Do When You Lose Your Editor
What is Outsourcing, and Does it Embarrass You?
Freelance Writing Jobs
Content Writing Jobs
- Green Real Estate Content Writer
- Rockstar Writer for New Company
- Web Content Writer
- Email Content Writer
- Federal Government HR App Expert Writers
- Finance Writer – NC
Blogging Jobs
- Blog About Drums and Drummers
- Poker Writer/Blogger Wanted
- Financial Blogger
- Self Improvement Blogger Wanted
Copy Writing Jobs
- Freelance Sr. Digital Copywriter – Chicago
- Direct Response Copywriter
- Ghost Writer Needed – Denver
- Copywriter
- Freelance Copywriter for Major Fast Food Brand – New York
- Freelance Copywriter – Washington, D.C.
Proofreading/Editing Jobs
Journalism Jobs
- Freelance Reporters – Chappaqua-Mount Kisco Patch
Technical Writing Jobs
Plan/Proposal/Grant Writing Jobs
- Federal Government Proposal Writer
- Business Plan Needed – Milwaukee
- Business Plan – New York
- Finish Our Restaurant Business Plan
- Experienced Federal Grant Writer Needed
Travel Writing Jobs
Sports Writing Jobs
Resume Writing Jobs
General/Misc. Freelance Writing Jobs
- Ghost Writer/Editor Needed
- Medical Writer for Corporate Gig
- College Personal Statement Writer
- Screenwriter Wanted – Dayton, OH
- Writer for Sci Fi Fantasy Game
Magazine Writing Gigs
Freelance Writing Jobs for June 22, 2010
Good morning FWJ Friends! Here are your leads for today.
New Around the Freelance Writing Jobs Network
Copyright 101 for Freelance Writers at the Writer’s Success Resource Center
4 Questions that Can Reduce the Workload on the Road
Freelance Writing Jobs
Content Writing Jobs
- Freelance Political/Finance Writer
- Can You Write?
- Local Quality Freelance Writers Wanted – Raleigh
- Freelance Search Marketing Copywriter
- I Need a Writer for my Website
- Independent Writers
Blogging Jobs
- Australian Mum Bloggers Wanted
- Mom Bloggers for Weekly Posts
- Accounting, Tax, IT – Multiple Bloggers Needed
- Bloggers @ SHFT.com – Several Topics Available
Copy Writing Jobs
- Interactive Copywriter
- Copywriter – Renton, WA
- Creative Writer – Toronto
- Copywriter for Real Estate Web Site
- Freelance Copywriter Needed
- Freelance Copywriter – Chicago
- Freelance SEO-Aware Online Copywriters – Sydney
- Copy Writer – Palo Alto
- Copywriter for Boutique Agency
- Copywriter -Bothell
Proofreading/Editing Jobs
- Writer/Editor Wanted – Houston
- Book Editor – Jacksonville
- Proofreader – Boca Raton
- Agency Proofreader – Manhattan
Journalism Jobs
Technical Writing Jobs
- Tech Writer – Madcap Flare – Hopkington
- Technical Writer – Web Based Tools -Manhttan
- Technical Writer for Software Manual
Plan/Proposal/Grant Writing Jobs
- College Student to Write Business Plan
- Experienced and Affordable Business Plan Writer
- Grant Writer – Durham, NC
Travel Writing Jobs
Sports Writing Jobs
Resume Writing Jobs
General/Misc. Freelance Writing Jobs
- Writing Tutor – Philadelphia
- Head Content Angler – Sydney
Magazine Writing Gigs
- Magazine Feature Writers – Manhattan Beach/Hermosa Beach’
- BG&H Publishing Seeks Writers for B2B Magazines
Freelance Writing Jobs for June 21, 2010
Good Monday morning freelance writing friends! It’s the start of a new week. What are you doing to make it a positive and productive one?
New Around the Freelance Writing Jobs Network
How to Show Your Freelance Writing Prospects that You Mean Business
How to Become an Effective Freelance Writing Editor
5 Things Freelance Writers can Learn from the A-Team
Freelance Writing Jobs
Content Writing Jobs
- Creative Freelance Writers
- Content Writer/Accuracy Checker in the Social Sciences
- Educational Writers
- Article Writers to Write About Celebrities
Blogging Jobs
Copy Writing Jobs
Proofreading/Editing Jobs
- Freelance Fashion Editor – New York
- Financial Text Editor – Denver
- Parenting Book Editor
- Freelance Copywriter Needed- Las Vegas
- Proofreader/Copy Editor – Boca Raton
- Book Editor
Journalism Jobs
- Freelance Writers @ The Hunterdon County Democrat
- Freelance Writer/Reporter – Naples, FL
- Investigative Reporters Wanted – Austin
- Contract Writer/Journalist – Sacramento
- Freelance Writers/Reporters – San Diego News Room
Technical Writing Jobs
- Technical Writer/Communicator
- Technical Writer with Automotive Experience – Austin
- Technical Writer – San Jose
- Senior Technical Writer – Sunnyvale
Plan/Proposal/Grant Writing Jobs
Travel Writing Jobs
Sports Writing Jobs
Resume Writing Jobs
General/Misc. Freelance Writing Jobs
- General Article Writer for Test Preparation Topics
- Medical Practice Test Writer
- Writers Needed for Social Networking
- Spanish Translator Needed
- German Translator – Historical World War II Project – Marina Del Ray
- Corporate Law Freelance Writer -Washington, D.C.
Magazine Writing Gigs
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