Wow, flattering, to say the least!
A few months ago I made a new friend - Angie Dixon. She purchased my book about how to become a freelance writer (even if you're starting from scratch) just after I'd started using a new purchase system. It was a mess! My fault entirely due to my faulty Html skills.
Long story short, we had some conversations and become friends.
Angie's a writer on Elance, which of course fascinates me because I do my thing on Guru where job boards are concerned. She's done really well there and has built a very effective system, which is now in her brand new book. (I'll get you some info on how to get it soon.)
I told Angie about my second book (nearly done... I promise!) and we agreed it would be a good companion guide with hers. So I'm finishing up a little something something to go along with her book. Using Dragon NaturallySpeaking to write it, so that's been a fun challenge.
Will tell you more about all of that later.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Freelance writing struggles in an economic recession at bookpublishing???
I came across this post and it really gave me more questions than answers.
Seems tons of freelance writers build their businesses entirely from writing for content sites. I can probably only name two: E-How and Associated Content.
I gather the gist of the business is this: write articles, (maybe) get paid (a little) (eventually).
Obviously I'm pretty much in the dark about this. So if you've written for sites like this... and MADE MONEY... let me know. I'm always up for expansion, but would like to see some cold, hard numbers to know whether it's worthwhile.
This article talks about one of these sites cutting writers' pay - which must hurt. However, if you're writing for one of these sites and feeling the pinch, and wondering how you maybe could, I don't know... determine your own paycheck... I hope you'll check out other ways of making money from your writing.
What do you think about this?
Freelance writing struggles in an economic recession at bookpublishing
Seems tons of freelance writers build their businesses entirely from writing for content sites. I can probably only name two: E-How and Associated Content.
I gather the gist of the business is this: write articles, (maybe) get paid (a little) (eventually).
Obviously I'm pretty much in the dark about this. So if you've written for sites like this... and MADE MONEY... let me know. I'm always up for expansion, but would like to see some cold, hard numbers to know whether it's worthwhile.
This article talks about one of these sites cutting writers' pay - which must hurt. However, if you're writing for one of these sites and feeling the pinch, and wondering how you maybe could, I don't know... determine your own paycheck... I hope you'll check out other ways of making money from your writing.
What do you think about this?
Freelance writing struggles in an economic recession at bookpublishing
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Guru's new premium bids - good for freelance writers?
Guru.com seems to be on some sort of makeover kick. New ranking system (grrrrr!), new website appearance (sometimes? or is it my laptop acting up?), and now a new option for placing bids.
From my brief exposure to Elance, I'm thinking I saw this same option on Elance - where you could spend more of your bids (or, connects in that case) to make your proposal stand out a bit. A premium bid will be shown above the others (kind of like on eBay when you pay a little extra).
Guru's also doing something new as far as showing who else has bid on a project. Info shown includes how much they've made in the past 12 months and their customer acquisition rate.
My initial reaction is, "Well, Guru is privately held - it's their business, so whatever they want to do."
But I also wonder what's at the heart of all these changes on Guru.
One thing I always appreciated about Guru was that bids were "blind" - meaning you had no idea what other writers were bidding. While that's still technically true, you can certainly do a little bit of sleuthing to find out what a pro has charged in the past. (Not that I will -- I'm too busy for that! But the last thing many writers need is one more way to get hung up on the questions about pricing rather than just jumping in!)
For me, it was enough before to know how many other writers had bid on a project. I don't really want to know their names - and don't especially want them to see mine. Not that it's necessarily a private matter - but to me it kind of spurs on a sense of competition (and not in a good way).
I'm of the mind that there are MORE than enough writing gigs out there. What's required is a systematic and sustained effort to get them. In fact, my bidding system has gotten so easy that I don't even do all of my own bidding anymore - one of my assistants does it for me.
But, I'm picturing someone just starting out on Guru. They go to place a bid and once they see all these details about the other writers going for the gig, they get intimidated, go into panic mode, and spend all their bids on a very few jobs. They spend all their bids in a week or two (when under the old system, they would have lasted all month), and end up buying more --- if they don't get frustrated and quit first.
I've been asked whether using those premium bids is worth it.
In a word: possibly.
If you find a gig that seems to have been created just for you. It's the gig of your dreams, and you know you'll be great... then MAYBE it's worth a premium bid - just because yours will come up first on the list. But, be prepared to pay a hefty price (bid-wise), especially if your quality score (under the new ranking system) isn't super high. For instance, you could end up spending a whopping 12 bids on one gig. Do this a few times a day, and you'll be out of bids in a week.
And therein lies my greatest concern for you: getting writing gigs is often a numbers game as you start out. I recommend placing five bids a day, five days a week (assuming you find that many projects that are a good fit --- and I've always been able to). With those numbers, the 100 bid allotment lasts all month, and you'll have more work than you can even do on your own.
So, should you use premium bids? Maybe. But count the cost. And stay in constant, committed, forward motion - don't give up!
From my brief exposure to Elance, I'm thinking I saw this same option on Elance - where you could spend more of your bids (or, connects in that case) to make your proposal stand out a bit. A premium bid will be shown above the others (kind of like on eBay when you pay a little extra).
Guru's also doing something new as far as showing who else has bid on a project. Info shown includes how much they've made in the past 12 months and their customer acquisition rate.
My initial reaction is, "Well, Guru is privately held - it's their business, so whatever they want to do."
But I also wonder what's at the heart of all these changes on Guru.
One thing I always appreciated about Guru was that bids were "blind" - meaning you had no idea what other writers were bidding. While that's still technically true, you can certainly do a little bit of sleuthing to find out what a pro has charged in the past. (Not that I will -- I'm too busy for that! But the last thing many writers need is one more way to get hung up on the questions about pricing rather than just jumping in!)
For me, it was enough before to know how many other writers had bid on a project. I don't really want to know their names - and don't especially want them to see mine. Not that it's necessarily a private matter - but to me it kind of spurs on a sense of competition (and not in a good way).
I'm of the mind that there are MORE than enough writing gigs out there. What's required is a systematic and sustained effort to get them. In fact, my bidding system has gotten so easy that I don't even do all of my own bidding anymore - one of my assistants does it for me.
But, I'm picturing someone just starting out on Guru. They go to place a bid and once they see all these details about the other writers going for the gig, they get intimidated, go into panic mode, and spend all their bids on a very few jobs. They spend all their bids in a week or two (when under the old system, they would have lasted all month), and end up buying more --- if they don't get frustrated and quit first.
I've been asked whether using those premium bids is worth it.
In a word: possibly.
If you find a gig that seems to have been created just for you. It's the gig of your dreams, and you know you'll be great... then MAYBE it's worth a premium bid - just because yours will come up first on the list. But, be prepared to pay a hefty price (bid-wise), especially if your quality score (under the new ranking system) isn't super high. For instance, you could end up spending a whopping 12 bids on one gig. Do this a few times a day, and you'll be out of bids in a week.
And therein lies my greatest concern for you: getting writing gigs is often a numbers game as you start out. I recommend placing five bids a day, five days a week (assuming you find that many projects that are a good fit --- and I've always been able to). With those numbers, the 100 bid allotment lasts all month, and you'll have more work than you can even do on your own.
So, should you use premium bids? Maybe. But count the cost. And stay in constant, committed, forward motion - don't give up!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Another way freelance writers could use autoresponders
The travel idea from yesterday reminded me of one more use for autoresponders.
Of course I haven't had the guts to try this one, but it sounds pretty awesome:
It's from Timothy Ferriss' book (The 4-Hour Workweek).
Set an autoresponder to say something like:
======================
As I work, my goal is to provide absolute excellence. That requires concentration, of course, so I'm doing something a bit different.
Each day, I'll check email at 10:00 and 4:00. At those times, I'll respond to any emails that need responses. If you need to reach me otherwise, and it's urgent, please call me directly.
======================
Wow! Ever done that? What do you think about it? Would you try it?
Just think how much more you could get done if you basically shut down your email at times other than those. Then again, if you're in the middle of a project and can't be reached quickly, it might frustrate your colleagues - or they could call you. (That's another little notice: I think the recommendation was NOT to supply your phone number. If someone truly needs to reach you, they'll probably already have it.)
Hmmmm.... not sure about that one - what do you think?
Of course I haven't had the guts to try this one, but it sounds pretty awesome:
It's from Timothy Ferriss' book (The 4-Hour Workweek).
Set an autoresponder to say something like:
======================
As I work, my goal is to provide absolute excellence. That requires concentration, of course, so I'm doing something a bit different.
Each day, I'll check email at 10:00 and 4:00. At those times, I'll respond to any emails that need responses. If you need to reach me otherwise, and it's urgent, please call me directly.
======================
Wow! Ever done that? What do you think about it? Would you try it?
Just think how much more you could get done if you basically shut down your email at times other than those. Then again, if you're in the middle of a project and can't be reached quickly, it might frustrate your colleagues - or they could call you. (That's another little notice: I think the recommendation was NOT to supply your phone number. If someone truly needs to reach you, they'll probably already have it.)
Hmmmm.... not sure about that one - what do you think?
Monday, October 27, 2008
Preparing to write on the road
This one I got from Timothy Ferriss, sort of.
Knowing that there might be times (even days at a time) where my internet access is sketchy, I've learned to set up an autoresponder when I'm going to be traveling.
Just a little something: friendly and informative (but not too much info). Include a rough idea of where you're going, the fact that your internet access may be hit or miss, and a bit about when you're planning to be "back". I also mention that I'll plan to check email daily if possible, and that I'll respond ASAP.
A reminder for you (thanks, James!): disable the message once you're back home!
Knowing that there might be times (even days at a time) where my internet access is sketchy, I've learned to set up an autoresponder when I'm going to be traveling.
Just a little something: friendly and informative (but not too much info). Include a rough idea of where you're going, the fact that your internet access may be hit or miss, and a bit about when you're planning to be "back". I also mention that I'll plan to check email daily if possible, and that I'll respond ASAP.
A reminder for you (thanks, James!): disable the message once you're back home!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
26 Freelance Writing Gigs this Week
Work from Home
Freelance Writer - Saint Petersburg, FL +11 locations| way to a successful career as a freelance writer... There are all kinds of freelance writing jobs out... freelance writing career. Find thousands of freelance... From CollegeRecruiter.com - 6 hours ago - save job - block - email - more... |
Freelance Writer Author Work
Textbroker International LLC - Calabasas, CA| As a freelance author, you compose text for , the... need not be a trained journalist or professional writer. If you have a sound understanding of grammar, a... From CollegeRecruiter.com - 6 hours ago - save job - block - email - more... |
Senior Medical Writing Project Specialist - Part Time
UnitedHealth Group - Cary, NC| in-house and freelance writers to ensure production... development of project work of in-house writers, freelance writer, and others as needs are identified by... From Job.com - 6 hours ago - save job - block - email - more... |
Creative Freelance Writer
Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. - Oklahoma City, OK| is looking for a freelance writer who also possesses some hands-on crafting skills. This is a freelance... is offered. CREATIVE FREELANCE WRITER Function: This... From PR.com - 12 hours ago - save job - block - email - more... |
Creative Freelance Writer
HobbyLobby - Oklahoma City, OK| is looking for a freelance writer who also possesses some hands-on crafting skills. This is a freelance... is offered. CREATIVE FREELANCE WRITER Function: This... From PR.com - 12 hours ago - save job - block - email - more... |
Coordinating Producer
Discovery Communications, Inc. - Silver Spring, MD| to identify potential legal issues, rewriting scripts with EP or freelance writer and supervising off-line, on-line, narration record and mix sessions. 2. As... From Monster - 22 hours ago - save job - block - email - more... |
Freelance Writer Jobs - Earn a Full-Time Living Writing Onli...
Boston, MA| part-time and full-time writers to meet their needs... is a freelance writer's resource site designed to help new and unestablished freelance writers find paying... From backpage.com - 1 day ago - save job - block - email - more... |
Freelance Writer
Auburn, CA +4 locations| Wanted: Freelance writers to cover events and stories in the Rocklin, Roseville and Granite Bay areas. Please submit clips and resume to Susan Belknap... From Classifido.net - 1 day ago - save job - block - email - more... |
Technology Contributor
Examiner.com - New York, NY| and knowledgeable in the high tech industry we would love to have you as a freelance writer. You can provide useful information while promoting yourself or your... From Mass Media Jobs - 2 days ago - save job - block - email - more... |
Writer/Blogger Needed to Write About Apple/Mac Products
San Jose, CA and are passionate about their products we would love to have you as a freelance writer. You can provide useful information while promoting yourself or your...From Barefoot Student - 2 days ago - save job - block - email - more...
Editorial Associate
QuinStreet Media - Reno, NV| and turn it into a concrete brief for a freelance writer? Can you give and take constructive criticism... giving feedback to freelance writers, and ensuring... From WorkReno.com - 3 days ago - save job - block - email - more... |
Freelance Writer - Tech Website
BrightHub.com - US| Freelance Writers - Telecommute BrightHub.com is actively seeking new writers to join their Small Business... writers/index.asp?s… ** We are also seeking writers... From Ars Technica - 3 days ago - save job - block - email - more... |
Seeking Freelance Writer
Houston, TX| Our freelance writing network maintains a list of qualified writers for regular article writing and... client projects. Writers can reply to the clients... From backpage.com - 4 days ago - save job - block - email - more... |
Domestic Services/ Media Relations/ Freelance Writer
Manhattan, NY| Sdn. Bhd... Sept 2005 – March 6th 2008 Feature Writer for Le Prestige magazine, CR Media (Catcha Sdn... Wong, Female, Fashion Writer - +6012 291 6348 3... From backpage.com - 4 days ago - save job - block - email - more... |
Creative Freelance Writer
Oklahoma City, OK| Click To View CREATIVE FREELANCE WRITER Our Art/Creative... as well as inform. We're looking for a freelance writer who has a flair for both writing and crafting... From Jobsok.com - 4 days ago - save job - block - email - more... |
Atlanta Examiner
Examiner.com - Atlanta, GA| Become the voice of your community. Become a freelance writer for Examiner.com. Are you someone who is... This is similar to a freelance opportunity - but you... From AtlantaJobPost.com - 6 days ago - save job - block - email - more... |
Freelance Writers, Automotive
HowStuffWorks - Atlanta, GA| Freelance Writer - Automotive Job Status: Freelance HowStuffWorks is looking for freelance writers who... the e-mail "Freelance Writer: [Area of Expertise... From JournalismJobs.com - 6 days ago - save job - block - email - more... |
Freelance Writer - Metromix
WUSA-TV (Washington, DC) - Washington, DC| Washington, DC is looking for experienced freelance writers to help launch a new local entertainment site aimed at 21-to-34-year-olds. Writers will visit and... From sologig - 7 days ago - save job - block - email - more... |
Writer/Producer
Entertainment Marketing Agency - Los Angeles, CA| Funny, Dramatic & Smart Freelance Writer/Producer EMMY-NOMINATED, AWARD-WINNING LA-BASED ENTERTAINMENT MARKETING AGENCY If you love the thrill of staring at a... From Mandy.com - 7 days ago - save job - block - email - more... |
Freelance Contributor for Hockey at U of M
Minneapolis, MN and are passionate about hockey information we would love to have you as a freelance writer. You can provide useful information while promoting yourself or your...From Barefoot Student - 7 days ago - save job - block - email - more...
Funny, Dramatic & Smart Freelance Writer/Producer
Confidential - Los Angeles, CA| EMMY-NOMINATED, AWARD-WINNING LA-BASED ENTERTAINMENT MARKETING AGENCY SEEKS FREELANCE WRITER/PRODUCERS If you love the thrill of staring at a blank page and filling... From EntertainmentCareers.Net - 7 days ago - save job - block - email - more... |
Freelance Writer
Mintel - US| now seek to hire a Freelance Writer... Last year... expertise of our writers. Our most urgent need currently is for researchers/writers with expertise in... From Mintel - 8 days ago - save job - block - email - more... |
FREELANCE WRITERS The Desert Sun in Palm Springs is lookin...
Not Specified - Palm Springs, CA| FREELANCE WRITERS The Desert Sun in Palm Springs is looking for experienced freelance writers to help... as a staff or freelance writer, preferably both in... From CareerBuilder - 8 days ago - save job - block - email - more... |
Freelance Writer Wanted
Dallas, TX +4 locations| Our freelance writing network maintains a list of qualified writers for regular article writing and... client projects. Writers can reply to the clients... From backpage.com - 8 days ago - save job - block - email - more... |
Editorial Director
Northwestern University - Evanston, IL| writers, self, and the occasional freelance writer... freelance and staff writers) and disciplining two full-time staff writers and numerous freelance writers... From HigherEdJobs.com - 9 days ago - save job - block - email - more... |
Military Space Writer
KMI Media Group - Huntsville, AL| Writer Dynamic Washington-based defense publishing company seeks a knowledgeable freelance writer to... other programs. Writer would work on assignments as... From al.com - 9 days ago - save job - block - email - more... |
Friday, October 24, 2008
Portability and freelance writing IV
Another thing you should take into account as you take your freelance writing business on the road is any time difference between where you live and where you go.
Sometimes this won't be a big deal - but other times, depending on where your clients are, it could be a bit of a challenge.
For example, I've got some clients in Australia, Africa, and Europe. When I'm home, I've pretty much got it down as far as when I can reach them - but put me on the road and I'm lucky to remember whether it's a good time to call home, much less what time it is where my clients are.
If you work with a team of writers, it's the same deal. Is it too early to call? Too late? Will they see my emails?
Not a huge problem, but one you'll want to be prepared for.
And that's a huge key to being portable: being prepared.
More on some steps you can take in your preparedness next.
Sometimes this won't be a big deal - but other times, depending on where your clients are, it could be a bit of a challenge.
For example, I've got some clients in Australia, Africa, and Europe. When I'm home, I've pretty much got it down as far as when I can reach them - but put me on the road and I'm lucky to remember whether it's a good time to call home, much less what time it is where my clients are.
If you work with a team of writers, it's the same deal. Is it too early to call? Too late? Will they see my emails?
Not a huge problem, but one you'll want to be prepared for.
And that's a huge key to being portable: being prepared.
More on some steps you can take in your preparedness next.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
