Freelance Writing Jobs | A Freelance Writing Community

Inspiration VS Imitation

Deb Ng — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:04:40 +0000

I have this little thing I like to do. When I visit a blog post, read an article or have a conversation that provides the inspiration for a blog post I post “Credit where it’s due” at the top of the post with the story behind my inspiration. I do this because I want readers to explore all sides of the story, form an opinion and participate in the discussion. The web provides so many areas for inspiration, it’s only fair to give props to all players. I also do it to hold myself accountable. I want to inspire without copying. If I know I’m sending readers to the original discussion, I’m going to be sure to provide a different take. The last thing I want is to be pointed out as a cheap imitation.

Inspiration is a funny thing, though. As I look around I realize, sometimes writers come awfully close to a full out copycat situation. They may have been inspired by another writer, but only succeeded in echoing the other person’s thoughts and ideas. Inspiration is terrific, imitation, well, it’s not very creative or original.

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, what do you think about that? It’s one thing to imitate a style of dress or even to lightly mimic a friend in jest. However, copying someone without giving credit or adding your own point of view is a whole other story.

How do you get from inspiration to final result without imitation?

Let’s work it out together.

If you’re drawing inspiration from another story, be sure it’s because you want to put a different spin on the topic. List the points you agree with, the items you’re not feeling, and how it relates to your readers. Why did this writing or situation inspire you? What did you take away from it? Do you think there’s an area the original writer or speaker missed? There’s a reason it caught your eye. This is what you want to talk about.

Read your article or blog post and compare it to your inspiration. Ask yourself if anything is different from the original. If you’re copying or echoing, you may want to reconsider publishing. What are you saying that hasn’t already been said?

Create an opposing point of view. You can be inspired yet disagree. See what happens when you explore the other side of the coin. Create a link-worthy cross discussion.

How do you keep inspiration from becoming imitation? What do you do to draw upon another source, yet remain fresh and original?

Discuss…

Please Welcome New Bloggers to the Freelance Writing Jobs Team

Deb Ng — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:13:39 +0000

Thank you to everyone who responded to last week’s call for bloggers. We received over 250 applications and I spent most of the weekend reading through them all. You’re all so talented it was very hard to choose. However, several applicants were no-brainers.

Please welcome three new bloggers to the Freelance Writing Jobs blogging team.

Carson Brackney: Carson is going to offer news you can use. He’s going to take a look at the freelance writing world and offer practical tips for getting the job done. Carson and I go way back, we both began writing blogs around the same time and even made the first ever “Top 10 Blogs for Writers” list. I’m sure you’ll appreciate Carson’s quick wit and outspoken insight.

Laura Spencer: Another long-time member of the Freelance Writing Jobs community, Laura will offer tips for landing corporate and technical writing gigs so you can find more lucrative opportunities. If you’re a regular reader of Freelance Folder, you’re probably a fan of Laura’s as well.

Andy Hayes: Andy has been published in a variety of online and print publications and will discuss pitches, queries and applications. Andy will help you learn what clients and editors are looking for and offer practical tips and so you can branch out beyond your comfort zone with ease.

Also expect to see contributions from PoeWar’s own John Hewitt. John will drop by from time to time to talk about different aspects of freelancing and contracting.

48 Celebrity Book Authors

Deb Ng — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:07:17 +0000

Let’s take a fun, but kind of related diversion.

Last week we explored some celebrity bloggers who pen noteworthy blogs. It got me thinking about other famous creative types. For example, celebrity book authors. Now, I’m not talking about gratuitous, ghost written books. I’m talking about celebrity novelists, biographers and children’s book authors. They seem to be everywhere, don’t they?

What’s discussion worthy about celebrity book authors is if they’re really writers (as in good writers) who arrived by their publishing contract through the same methods and channels as us little people, or if they were offered deals based on their famous names and little else. Many book authors are outraged at how easy it is for celebrities to become published authors. I’m very interested in your thoughts.

48 Celebrity Book Authors

You might find some surprises on this list.

Woody Allen : Author of multiple books including “Without Feathers, Getting Even”, and so many others.
Pamela Anderson: Penned” Star: A Novel“. I can’t tell you if it’s good or bad but you can find copies selling for a penny at Amazon.
Alan Arkin: Author of several titles including “Cassie Loves Beethoven”, “The Lemming Condition”, and quite a few other children’s stories.
Jimmy Buffett: I can wholeheartedly recommend Jimmy Buffett’s books. He’s a very entertaining storyteller. He’s the author several novels and childrens books.
Kim Catrall: Mostly writes sexual self help books. Author of “Being a Girl: Navigating the Ups and Downs of Teen Life” and “Kim Cattrall Sexual Intelligence“.

Stephen Colbert : Author of “I Am America (And So Can You!)“

Lauren Conrad : Author of “L.A. Candy” and “Sweet Little Lies: An L.A. Candy Novel.”
Bill Cosby: Author of many humor, parenting and self help books.
Katie Couric: Author of the children’s book, The Blue Ribbon Day
Wes Craven: As you would imagine, Wes Craven is the author of several horror stories including Fountain Society and Wes Craven’s New Nightmare: A Novel.
Billy Crystal: The author of a pair of wonderful children’s books written with his grandchildren in mind. The first time I read I Already Know I Love You I cried.
Jamie Lee Curtis: Author of several children’s books.
Dom Deluise: It will come as no surprise to many that Dom Deluise is a cookbook author, but did you know he wrote children’s stories too?
Amy Grant: Author of Amy Grant’s Heart to Heart Bible Stories.
Ethan Hawke: Novelist who authored of The Hottest State and Ash Wednesday.
Felicity Huffman: Wrote the epic titled A Practical Handbook for the Boyfriend: For Every Guy Who Wants to Be One, For Every Girl Who Wants to Build One.
Sarah Ferguson: Children’s author who wrote the “Budgie” series as well as other children’s books, and a book on weight loss.
Fannie Flagg: Fannie Flagg is probably better known as an author than an actress at this point in her career. Author of Multiple novels including Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistlestop Cafe.
Carrie Fisher: Author of Postcards from the Edge and The Best Awful.
Jerry Garcia: Author of the Children’s Story There Aint No Bugs on Me.
Whoopi Goldberg: Author of the Sugar Plum Ballerinas Series and Whoopi’s Big Book of Manners.
Mia Hamm: Author of “Go for the Gold: A Champion’s Guide to Winning at Soccer and Life.”
Hugh Laurie: Author of “The Gun Seller.”
Spike Lee: Author of “Please Baby Please” and “Please Puppy Please.”
Jay Leno: Author of “If Roast Beef Could Fly” and several other titles.
John Lithgow: Author of several children’s titles.
Madonna: Author of several children’s titles and a very grownup adult title.
Steve Martin: Author of “http://www.amazon.com/Pleasure-My-Company-Novella/dp/0786888016/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_2″ and “Shop Girl.“
Danica McKellar: The mathematics whiz wrote two books to help girls master math. “Math Doesn’t Suck” and “Kiss My Math“
Bette Midler: Author of “The Saga of Baby Divine.“
Julianne Moore: Author of two “Freckleface Strawberry” children’s books.
Leonard Nimoy: Authored a biography, a photo book, a book of poems and other assorted titles.
Deborah Norville: Author of “I Don’t Want to Sleep Tonight.”
Dolly Parton: Author of two colorful children’s titles, “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Am a Rainbow.”
Nicole Richie: Novelist who authored “The Truth About Diamonds.“
Jerry Seinfeld: Author of “Halloween.”
Jane Seymour: Author of “Splat! The Tale of a Colorful Cat, This one and That“
William Shatner: Author of 22 science fiction novels.
Ally Sheedy: Alexandra Elizabeth Sheedy wrote “She Was Nice to Mice” when she was twelve years old.
Maria Shriver: Author of several children’s stories geared towards helping children cope with Alzheimer’s and other confusing situations.
Will Smith: Author of “Just the Two of Us.”
Jada Pinkett Smith: Author of “Girls Hold Up this World“
Courtney Thorne- Smith: Author of “Outside In“.
John Stewart: Author of “America (the Book): A Citizen’s Guide to Democracy Inaction.”
Elizabeth Taylor: Author of “Nibbles & Me.” (I had no idea and the next entry is even more surprising. I must live in a cave or something.)
Shirley Temple: They’re difficult to find but Shirley Temple is the author of several collections children’s bedtime stories.
John Travolta: Author of “Propeller One Way Night Coach: A Story.”
Henry Winkler: Henry Winkler’s “Hank Zipzer” series echoes Winkler’s own experiences with learning challenges.

Is there anyone you would like to add to this list?

Full disclosure: Some of these are affiliate links, most aren’t though.

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Should You Trust Freelance Writing Clients with Personal Information?

Deb Ng — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:34:59 +0000

How much information should you give to your freelance writing clients? This is a question popping up often as more freelance writers launch their careers. Specifically, freelancers are a little wary about giving clients their addresses or social security numbers. I find it interesting, because we have no hesitation when providing these details on a full time job application, doctor’s office form, or when applying for credit. We’re more suspicious of potential clients than we are someone at the mall requesting our details on a credit application in exchange for a free bottle of Pepsi.

Should you give a potential freelance writing client your Social Security Number?

It’s understandable. I don’t give out my social security number to just anyone either. However, clients will need your details in order to take the appropriate action when tax time comes along. Many clients prefer to get this information up front rather than have to scramble at the last minute. Honestly, it’s normal and usually there’s nothing unsavory going on. Still, before you rush over and give a client your first born, be sure the client and the gig are right for you. If your freelance writing client isn’t someone you’d trust with your personal details, he might not be someone you want to work with anyway.

Getting around the Social Security Number issue

Something to consider is to become a Sole Proprieter or LLC so your Social Security Number doesn’t even have to be a factor. You can use your EIN (Employer Identification Number) instead. Also, if you’re not sure if you want to stick with this particular client, or you’re not sure you’re feeling the gig, consider asking him if you can have a 30 or 90 day trial before submitting your private details.

Other considerations:

How much do you know about your client? Are they upfront with their own details? Before you give anyone your SSN or banking details, make sure you have names, addresses, phone numbers and even an EIN if you can get it. If the client leaves you with no way to get in touch if something bad happens, pass on the opportunity.
Does the potential client have a good reputation? Research using the web, the Better Business Bureau, past newspapers (in the client’s locale) and other methods. Find out if he or his business has been in the news for scams or fraud.
What do other writers say? Does this freelance writing client hire other freelance writers? If so, contact them and ask questions. See if you can find former writers and get their opinions as well.
What type of information does the client want, and why? For example, if the client wants you to fill out a W-9 form, that’s normal, especially if it’s a lucrative project. However, if they request your details in an email, that’s a bit more suspicious. Most clients won’t flat out request your Social. They’ll ask you to complete a @-9 form.

And another thing…

While it’s normal to want writers to provide addresses or SSNs for tax purposes. You shouldn’t have to provide your Driver’s License ID number, bank details (unless you’re being paid by Direct Deposit), names of the members of your family, school information, information regarding personal habits (unless it pertains to the gig) and any other personal information that is, in essence, none of your client’s business.

Questions to ask:

Why do you need my social security number (or other private information)?
Where will you keep this information?
Is this form encrypted? (hint when using an online form look for “https” rather than “http”.)
Who else will have access to my information?
How are you protecting my information?
What will happen if I don’t provide the required information?
Can I wait and give you my Social Security Number towards the end of the year after we’ve established a trusted relationship?

Giving a client a social security number does not give them access to your private Social Security records. It only allows them to report your taxes to the IRS. If you’re not sure if you should give up your personal details, ask questions and do your research. If things still smell fishy, pass on the opportunity. Your safety and peace of mind is worth more than a gig.

Know that it’s perfectly normal for a potential client to ask you to fill out forms containing your address and social security number. In most cases there’s nothing to worry about. Most of my clients request this information towards the end of the year, but it’s not unheard of to have a series of forms to fill out once the contract is signed. It’s important to be cautious, but keep in mind refusing to provide those details may mean you have to find a different job.

Keep in mind that if a client is paying by check he’ll need your address, and if he’s paying by Direct Deposit, he’ll need your bank details. As you can imagine, it’s essential to stick with clients you trust off the bat since you’re giving up such important information.

Good luck – and keep asking those important questions!

Have you ever had a request from a potential client that was a bit odd? Tell us about it in the comments.

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Your Turn: Freelance Writing Job Ad Frustrations

Deb Ng — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 13:42:52 +0000

Every day after we post our lists of freelance writing job leads blog , members of the FWJ community discuss the job hunt. We talk about scams, dream gigs and frustrations with the folks who place the ads.Which brings us to today’s open forum.

I’m frustrated by vague ads giving no information about the job and potential clients who feel they know how long a gig should take. I’m frustrated with the guys who want to pay $3 per article for 300 articles each week. I’m especially frustrated by the content sites that use RSS feeds to place their job ads at every single city in every single state at Monster and Career Builder, as if a few top cities and placement on the top job boards aren’t enough.

Now share, what are your freelance writing job ad frustrations? Which ads make your shake your head and groan?

Discuss…

Valentine’s Day Gifts for Writers

Deb Ng — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 17:34:32 +0000

Mr. Ng isn’t a romantic man. He tries, bless his heart, but he tends to err on the practical side. He’s never done the candy and flowers thing for Valentine’s Day and has been known to put spatulas in my Christmas stocking and paper shredders under the tree. It wasn’t long before I realized that the key to my happiness was a long, loving list. As in, “honey….this is what I want for whatever gift giving holidays are coming up this year.”

Today’s list is for all the Mr. & Mrs. Ngs out there. Those of us who may have the best of intentions and love our spouses dearly but fall short in the gift-giving department.

Valentines Day Gifts for Writers

Typewriter Bracelet

The typewriter key bracelet always makes my lists of gifts for writers. You can’t go wrong with this one. I received two typewriter key bracelets last year and I love them. It’s a thoughtful gift and makes for an interesting conversation piece. If your wife or girlfriend is a writer, she will appreciate this gift like no other.

Lap Desk

One of the perks of freelancing is being able to work anywhere and that includes bed, the couch, or the back deck. This laptop desk, complete with handy dandy cup holder and side pocket, will enable your loved one to work on a solid surface with no jiggling and bumping.

Bunny Slippers

It’s no secret I’m not a fan of the bunny slipper stereotype. However, every time I write about my disapproval of the pajama lifestyle half the Freelance Writing Jobs community writes or comments to respectfully disagree. This is for you, oh bunny slippered freelance writers. May your feet always be toasty.

Fingerless GLOVES

Nothing says I love you like warm hands, especially when your spouse is chintzy with the heat. I keep a pair of fingerless gloves by my laptop and wear them all winter long. If the writer in your life has icy hands, he or she will appreciate typing gloves. Trust me, I know.

Starbucks basket

No explanation necessary.

A Writer’s Love Story

Share the romance by reading together.

What is your perfect Valentine’s Day Gift? Share in the comments

Full disclosure: All these are affiliate links. However, I found each product at Amazon.com so if you’re not interested in contributing to my son’s college fun, feel free to find these on your own without my affiliate. I won’t mind, I promise.

Find Your Blogging Voice: Confessions From a Master Imitator

Deb Ng — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:10:00 +0000

A guest post by Nacie Carson

Are you a unique voice in the blogosphere, or just a bargain basement knock off?

When it comes to finding success as a blogger, there is no doubt that having a distinct voice is an essential element. Yet instead of forging their own path, many new bloggers imitate the voice of popular bloggers in an attempt to gain an audience, a trick which can backfire severely.

How do I know this? Because I did it. And I did it a lot…

I first started blogging in the spring of 2008 as a chronicle of my effort to quit my rat race job and become a freelance writer. At that point in time, I wrote The Life Uncommon under a penname as I was petrified someone at my workplace would find out. In the early days of the site, I felt comfortable exploring my online voice because my name wasn’t really attached to it. Negative reaction (or lack of reaction) to posts was easy to swallow because the penname gave me a type of alter ego to displace the frustration or disappointment on.

Perhaps this sense of freedom is what gave me my initial success. By the fall of 2008 I had a solid following of readers who were not only active on the site but extremely supportive of my journey – so much so that I felt comfortable unveiling my identity as I started the next phase of the site: life after quitting my job.

Here is when the trouble started. Now that I was out in the open, exposed as being responsible for the content, I felt significant pressure to push the site to the next level. I figured to become a good blogger I should imitate the style and voice of already established and successful bloggers – they must know some magic secret to success that I can find by close observation.

So, I started doing my homework and exploring the tricks and techniques of the best in the blogosphere and incorporating them into my posts. First, I tried to be curt and busy-sounding like Tim Ferriss. Then I tried to be expansive and produce super long posts like Steve Pavlina. Then I tried to be approachable and knowledgeable like Deb Ng (hey Deb!). The list went on – every time I found a blogger who I perceived to be interesting and popular, I tried their voice on for size.

It took me a few months to realize the more I tried to sound like other bloggers, the less traffic my site got. Comments trickled down to a scant few and suddenly I felt like I was talking to an empty room.

My big realization came one day as I was studying a popular post on another blog for style and voice techniques: loyal readers are driven by a connection to the author. It is that complicated and that simple.

That connection is made up of several things like unique content, valuable information, trustworthiness, and voice. These four things are the foundations of successful blogs, and if one is weak or non-existent then the blog will not achieve its potential.

My site’s potential had been stifled by this misguided idea that imitating would lead to success. Instead, all it did was make me look (and feel!) like a foolish knock-off. As soon as I corrected course and started crafting an authentic blogging voice my traffic bounced back, and bounced much higher. However, this was the hardest and most important lesson I’ve had to learn as a blogger.

There is no doubt that developing an online voice is a scary endeavor. In a way, it feels like middle school all over again: you want to be liked for who you are but are afraid of being rejected, so you imitate the popular kids or make a big show over rebelling against the system to get attention. But like the real world (hopefully), who you pretend to be in your formative blogging years needs to eventually fall away as you discover and gain confidence in your blogging voice.

All bloggers must believe in the worthiness of their unique voice. It takes time to find it; you may try on a few personalities before identifying a style that works. It takes courage to use it; not everyone will like you. But the rewards it provides are worth the struggle: after trying to be everyone else, I have found the greatest success just being me.

So I ask you again: are you a unique voice in the blogosphere?

Nacie Carson is a personal development specialist who explores authenticity, entrepreneurialism, and the keys to success at The Life Uncommon (www.thelifeuncommon.net).

Freelance Writing Jobs Presents 11 Cooking, Food & Drink Markets

Deb Ng — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:39:39 +0000

We’re sharing cooking and food markets for you at Freelance Writing Jobs today. I researched each market to the best of my ability and as of February 2010, these are accurate and current. If I found a link to current guidelines, I included them. Otherwise, I listed contact information so you could request current submission guidelines from the market. I only posted a market if it was indicated that they’re accepting freelance submissions at this time.

Please be sure to familiarize yourself with back copies of the various markets and read all guidelines thoroughly to be sure you’re a good fit for the market and you can provide the right voice and slant.

Bon Appetit: Pays $100+. 50% freelance written. Query editors for full guidelines.
Chile Pepper - Pays $600 (minimum). 70% freelance written. The focus is on spicy foods. Contact editor@chilepepper.com for complete guidelines.
Food Safety Magazine - Unspecified pay. Please see online guidelines.
Fresh Magazine – Supermarket chain-based magazine. Payment varies and stories are assigned four to six months in advance. Please see online guidelines.
QSR Magazine – A magazine for those in the quick service restaurant (read: fast food) industry. Unspecified pay. Please see online gudielines.
Relish Magazine – Food magazine insert found in newspapers. Payment varies. Please see online guidelines.
Sauce Magazine – Looking for food-related essays. Unspecified pay. Please see online guidelines.
Southern Food Magazine – Unspecified pay. Please see online guidelines.
Tea A. Magazine - Pay is negotiable. 75% freelance written. Query for complete guidelines.
Wine Enthusiast – Pays $750 – $2500. 40% freelance written. Please see online guidelines and editorial calendar.
Wine Press Northwest – Pays $300. 50% freelance written. Contact Managing Editor Eric Degerman at edegerman@winepressnw.com for complete guidelines.

If you successfully query any of these markets or wish to share pitching or querying tips, please sharein the comments. Don’t miss our other posted markets:

Lots of good luck to you!

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Some Quick Tips for Balancing a Full Time Job While Building Your Freelance Writing Business

Deb Ng — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:17:47 +0000

If I had to pick one of the most difficult aspects of freelancing, it would have to be building a freelance writing business while still working full time at my day job. I did this for two years, from 2000 to 2002, and also in 2008 and 2009 when I had a full time social media job. As much as I love to write, sometimes the last thing I wanted to do after a full day of work was to come home and work again. Plus, many clients want to talk on the phone during business hours, something I couldn’t always give them. I had to find some balance and a way to make it work, especially if I wanted to freelance full time.

You can freelance and work full time and still make it work. Maybe some of these tips will help you achieve some balance too:

Only take as many clients as you can handle

You might be tempted to take as many opportunities as you can in order to build up a client base and save enough money to leave your day job for good. Before you do, make sure you can handle the work load. Also consider how all your spare time will be spent writing. No TV. No reading. No family game night…just work. However, if you take one opportunity at a time until you know how many hours of your time you can devote each evening or weekend, you might find a more doable solution for you and your family. Try one client at a time to start and adjust as necessary.

Set aside time to communicate with clients

Not everyone can call freelance writing clients or handle emails from their days jobs. You might have to handle communication during your lunch hour. You might even have to make those calls from your cell phone from the local deli. The last thing you want is for your moonlighting to interfere with your day job but you can find a workable solution. Not all clients come from 9 to 5 businesses either. Find out whether or not they can talk to you in the evenings or on weekends. You’ll find many are flexible and willing to work with you.

Set a realistic schedule

Working late into the night or rising early in the morning is how many of us found the time to write when we were still working full time. I can’t speak for all the other writers who did this, but I can tell you I was always tired and cranky from rising at 4:00 a.m. If you’re dead tired throughout the day, you won’t be able to focus on your work at night. Set a realistic schedule and don’t let your desire to freelance full time get in the way of everything else you do.

It’s possible

Having a full time job while building a freelance writing business is absolutely doable, but try not to make the mistake of biting off more than you can chew. A common mistake among aspiring freelancers is to keep accepting gigs even if it means sacrificing precious sleeping time. Be careful not to over do it. Start out small and grow as you go.

FAQs Answering Your Questions About the Gigs Posted at Freelance Writing Jobs

Deb Ng — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:42:56 +0000

We receive questions every day about the jobs we post at Freelance Writing Jobs. Since many of them are the same, I thought I might put together some FAQ’s for you. I think I covered most of the usual questions but if you would like to know anything else regarding the jobs posted here, please feel free to ask in the comments.

Enough with the small talk:

The FAQs

Where do you search for the jobs at Freelance Writing jobs?

Jobs come from a variety of sources. Please see 43 Places to Find Freelance Writing Jobs for the places we search daily and weekly for gigs.

Why do you post so many location specific jobs? Can’t you post more jobs that are open to everyone?

It’s not that I don’t look for jobs that are open to everyone. The truth is, there are a lot of location-specific freelance writing gigs and I don’t wish to ignore them. I realize they don’t apply to everyone but if some people can apply and they turn out to lucrative, I’m down with that. My goal is to find the universal gigs but high-paying, virtual gigs aren’t as easy to find.

Why do most of the gigs come from Craigslist?

Because that’s where most of the gigs are? Seriously, I troll five to ten job boards a day. Most boards have a job or two worth posting, Craigslist has more. Many writers write off a job as “Oh. It’s from Craigslist. I won’t even look at it.” Unfortunately, they’re missing out. While Craigslist does tend to attract unsavory types, there are also very lucrative opportunities posted there, with legitimate businesses. I posted a couple of gigs from major businesses that appeared on Craigslist, even from a Fortune 500 company.

Why do you post such low paying gigs?

My policy is to post jobs paying $10 and above. No, $10 isn’t a lot but in some areas of the country it’s an OK minimum hourly wage. Do I prefer jobs with higher pay? Absolutely and those are the jobs I look for the most, and encourage the FWJ community to look for the most. If post a long list of jobs paying hundreds of dollars each day, that’s what I would do. When I first started FWJ I posted all the freelance writing jobs, but the dollar jobs bugged me. So I raised it to a $10 minimum. There were plenty of times I offered to raise the minimum even higher but the FWJ community spoke up and asked me to post $10 gigs, so I do. Really, it’s the community who decides what jobs are posted here.

Why do you post so many content site jobs?

I only post jobs for certain content sites. I don’t post the sites paying under $10, profit share, or residual sites, for example. However, it would be hypocritical for me not to. I used content sites quite a bit in the past with good results. I’m not going to pretend I don’t like them or don’t feel them to be a good opportunity. The key is to choose wisely and make sure the ends justify the means. I wrote for content sites at the same time I was writing for a newspaper, and businesses and I know what goes into that type of writing. I used content site clips to land lucrative gigs. If I didn’t feel certain sites to be worthwhile opportunities, you wouldn’t see them here.

How long does it take you to post the jobs each day?

It takes about two to three hours to find and post all the gigs. I try and start at night so I don’t have to spend my entire morning looking for leads. I also strive to have a minimum – say 40 to 50 jobs each day at least – but I won’t post a gig for the sake of getting it on the list if I don’t feel it to be a worthwhile opportunity. I tend to go for quality over quantity.

What jobs make the cut?

Again, I look for jobs that appear to be worthwhile opportunities. Jobs that pay enough to justify the work put into each article. I once came across a gig paying $20 per article (higher than $10, obviously) but the client wanted 300 articles per week and I felt it to be unrealistic. I don’t post gigs for term paper mills, jobs that don’t pay, jobs paying anything other than money, residual site gigs and profit shares. I guess if I wouldn’t do it myself, I won’t post it.

You posted a scam last week. How could you possibly say you look for the best jobs.

I don’t intentionally post scams but every now and then a scammy type gets through. I apologize for the inconvenience.

So? Did I answer all of your questions? If so, let me know your thoughts about the jobs posted here and if you’ve had luck landing any of the opportunities. If I didn’t answer all your questions, here’s your open forum. Ask away…

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