Being a writer is not at all the glorious job that some people dream that it is. True there can be perks, for instance the fact that you can call yourself a writer. But aside from that, it's all about hard work and plenty of crap jobs. Don't get me wrong here, every job is a job that furthers your career and assists greatly in getting you the next job. But like in any career, you have to start from the bottom.
Starting out as a writer often means working hard for little pay. Clients have a tendency to assume that it's easy to be a writer and that it takes no real effort on our part. How sadly untrue that is. A bottom feeder is someone who offers you extremely little while asking for a fair amount of work. Sometimes there is no avoiding these projects. However, you need to know where to draw the line. Once you've successfully gained credibility and legitimate experience as a writer you have the freedom to choose your work and be a little picky doing it.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Persistance Pays Off In Writing
It takes a brave person to head boldly into the writing world without giving up. Many people when faced with the adversity and dedication it takes to get that first job just quit when it doesn't pan out the way they had pictured it. My first job was compiling information on various antique wares for a website that specialized in the sale of those items. Not only did it pay little, it was also pretty boring. However, it was my first paying job and true credit on my writing resume. And we all have to start somewhere.
Scour the writing job boards and then scour them again. Eventually the right job will grab your attention. Place ads in appropriate places advertising your services as well. Marketing yourself is essential as a writer. Hit up all of the job listing sites and bid sites that you can. Once you get that first client it really gets the ball rolling to the next one.
During those slow periods when you're in between regular clientele, try your hand at writing for www.AssociatedContent.com or www.Helium.com. They are pay per click sites but a good writer can make some extra cash there while improving their skills. Persistance is essential in landing that first, second and third job. It's all uphill from there.
Scour the writing job boards and then scour them again. Eventually the right job will grab your attention. Place ads in appropriate places advertising your services as well. Marketing yourself is essential as a writer. Hit up all of the job listing sites and bid sites that you can. Once you get that first client it really gets the ball rolling to the next one.
During those slow periods when you're in between regular clientele, try your hand at writing for www.AssociatedContent.com or www.Helium.com. They are pay per click sites but a good writer can make some extra cash there while improving their skills. Persistance is essential in landing that first, second and third job. It's all uphill from there.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Associated Content VS Helium
There are a few great sites that are just perfect for the new and developing writer. These sites are designed so that anyone can publish an article easily and earn viewers. After enough views on your article, you start to get paid. Some users of these sites will tell you that they make hundreds of dollars this way monthly, however I wouldn't hold your breath on that.
www.Helium.com and www.AssociatedContent.com are at the top of my list for pay per click type sites. Helium can be fun because it has a contest section as well as a marketplace for the potential of selling your work to magazines with specific article needs. I recently sold a piece there abour accessorizing your car for $30. I have yet to see payment though so don't be too quick to put all of your eggs in this basket.
My personal preference is for Associated Content. Even though they only offer larger payments to American citizens, others are still capable of working for the pay per click wage. Every one thousand views will earn you $1.50 which doesn't sound like much but if you can get fifty articles on the site over time and each of them earn this amount regularly, it can get you some extra cash in your pocket.
The main point to these sites though is your exposure as a writer and your ability to publish your work online. Don't invest all of your time in these sites but if you have a spare how to article or some fun facts, try posting it and see what happens.
www.Helium.com and www.AssociatedContent.com are at the top of my list for pay per click type sites. Helium can be fun because it has a contest section as well as a marketplace for the potential of selling your work to magazines with specific article needs. I recently sold a piece there abour accessorizing your car for $30. I have yet to see payment though so don't be too quick to put all of your eggs in this basket.
My personal preference is for Associated Content. Even though they only offer larger payments to American citizens, others are still capable of working for the pay per click wage. Every one thousand views will earn you $1.50 which doesn't sound like much but if you can get fifty articles on the site over time and each of them earn this amount regularly, it can get you some extra cash in your pocket.
The main point to these sites though is your exposure as a writer and your ability to publish your work online. Don't invest all of your time in these sites but if you have a spare how to article or some fun facts, try posting it and see what happens.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Don't Take On More Than You Can Handle
Every morning you start your day with a look at the latest job boards and listings on www.freelancewriting.com. If you apply to enough of them each day then you will certainly have a paying gig in no time. But be careful. It's easy to end up with too much work and then you will be forced to turn clients down.
Too much work may sound like a good thing but truth be told, it isn't. If enough clients reply to you and all have work they need done, you won't be able to meet the demands. Each job should be given special attention as if it's the most important job. This way no client will receive your work and feel that you did less than your best.
Knowing when to turn down work is vital. As much as you'd like to say yes to every offer, it's just not possible. And no matter what you should never let down a regular client. People that you work for often and regularly should always come first. After all, they're the ones keeping you employed. Don't make them regret it.
Too much work may sound like a good thing but truth be told, it isn't. If enough clients reply to you and all have work they need done, you won't be able to meet the demands. Each job should be given special attention as if it's the most important job. This way no client will receive your work and feel that you did less than your best.
Knowing when to turn down work is vital. As much as you'd like to say yes to every offer, it's just not possible. And no matter what you should never let down a regular client. People that you work for often and regularly should always come first. After all, they're the ones keeping you employed. Don't make them regret it.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Virtual Assistants
Many people would like to work from home if they had the opportunity but seem to feel that they are limited in what they could be doing. There seems to be a mistaken assumption that only writers work at home. But that really isn't the case at all. Another great and fulfilling at home career is that of a virtual assistant.
All you need is a home office and the willingness to work. Employers all over the world are outsourcing administrative and clerical duties to employees stationed at home. By being an independent virtual assistant you will be responsible for many tasks including handling customer service phone calls and data entry. The beauty of a VA job is being your own boss and setting your own rates and hours.
There are many sites devoted to working as a VA from home. Check out places like:
www.virtualassistantjobs.com
www.mommysplace.net
www.2minutecommute.com
These links are a great place to get started and will link you through to more job postings and information. But remember, always stay on scam alert. Search for terms relevant to what you're seeking and try to stay away from keywords associated with work at home scams. And good luck!
All you need is a home office and the willingness to work. Employers all over the world are outsourcing administrative and clerical duties to employees stationed at home. By being an independent virtual assistant you will be responsible for many tasks including handling customer service phone calls and data entry. The beauty of a VA job is being your own boss and setting your own rates and hours.
There are many sites devoted to working as a VA from home. Check out places like:
www.virtualassistantjobs.com
www.mommysplace.net
www.2minutecommute.com
These links are a great place to get started and will link you through to more job postings and information. But remember, always stay on scam alert. Search for terms relevant to what you're seeking and try to stay away from keywords associated with work at home scams. And good luck!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Home Office Tips
Working from home can be a very rewarding and self satisfying career. Plenty of people dream of being their own boss and you can too, but there are some important things you need to get started.
A home office can be as simple as a desk and a computer or it can be a much more elaborate set up. To have a fully functional home office you need a good internet connection as well as phone and fax capabilities. Just this much equipment enables you to work as a virtual office assistant from the comfort of your own home. Even if that isn't the job for you, there are many others to choose from once you're set up.
Time is of the essence. Make sure you have a fair amount of time to devote to getting your home business off the ground. It will take plenty of dedication and hard work so make sure you're committed to your cause. And no matter what, don't let rejection get you down. If you're a writer or artist then you will have many experiences with rejection. However, that doesn't mean your no good, it means you keep at it until you connect with the right clientele. They're out there.
Scour job boards online and market yourself through your website and blog. Perseverance pays off so make it work for you.
A home office can be as simple as a desk and a computer or it can be a much more elaborate set up. To have a fully functional home office you need a good internet connection as well as phone and fax capabilities. Just this much equipment enables you to work as a virtual office assistant from the comfort of your own home. Even if that isn't the job for you, there are many others to choose from once you're set up.
Time is of the essence. Make sure you have a fair amount of time to devote to getting your home business off the ground. It will take plenty of dedication and hard work so make sure you're committed to your cause. And no matter what, don't let rejection get you down. If you're a writer or artist then you will have many experiences with rejection. However, that doesn't mean your no good, it means you keep at it until you connect with the right clientele. They're out there.
Scour job boards online and market yourself through your website and blog. Perseverance pays off so make it work for you.
Friday, December 28, 2007
No Shortage of Scams
It's no wonder that many of us writers are struggling to find steady, full time work. With all of the websites and ads that eventually lead nowhere, it's astounding that we get anything done. I think I spend as much time wading through the false and dead end links than I do on legitimate job boards.
My complaint is that these people continue to get away with this. Sites promising hundreds or thousands of dollars a day if you pay a membership fee and constant guarantees of success are driving me crazy. The only possibly positive thing resulting from this is that I can now identify those links before I click them. But the time it took was not an even trade.
Watch out for scam sites. And remember, never pay for work. How in the world does anyone think that makes any sense anyway?
My complaint is that these people continue to get away with this. Sites promising hundreds or thousands of dollars a day if you pay a membership fee and constant guarantees of success are driving me crazy. The only possibly positive thing resulting from this is that I can now identify those links before I click them. But the time it took was not an even trade.
Watch out for scam sites. And remember, never pay for work. How in the world does anyone think that makes any sense anyway?
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