Revenue Sharing
Demand Studios fell through for me and many other writers. I thought things were going fine. I had only one rewrite asking for another resource to be added. Keep in mind, these are only How- to articles. Its a simple process, but can get tedious and annoying. Most of the time you had to create your own titles, which is difficult to do when almost everything you know how to do is already has a corresponding article.
Then they hired new editors. Almost immediately, they began requesting rewrites to not only me, but many other writers that had no previous rewrites. The requests made by the editors were vague and rude. If you asked for clarification without changing your article, it would then be rejected.
A couple weeks went by and articles began to go through again without a hitch. Demand Studios then hired more editors and before you know it, I was let go, as were many other writers I speak with. I’m not offended in any way. Nor do I doubt my writing, because the explanation I requested as to my “firing” was riddled with grammar mistakes by a “supposed” editor.
I have now moved on to writing articles for myself. I’m going to begin submitting articles to revenue sharing sites like Triond. Not only does it boost the amount of articles I get published, but I continuously get paid for them. As long as they stay published, I continue to receive an income from them.
Many people do not know that when you write content for companies or private clients and you are only receiving a small one-time payment, you are getting the bad end of a deal. Those people take your article and then generate revenue in the same manner that revenue sharing sites do. They direct traffic to the article, place relevant ads around it and get paid everytime someone clicks on them. They make a lot more money than they spend paying people to write the content for them.
Wouldn’t it be more profitable if you just did it yourself? I understand some people prefer the upfront payment because they need it now, but I would highly recommend continuing to submit articles to these revenue sharing websites at the same time. Eventually you will build up a residual income and get paid more than you would if you had just taken the up-front payment. There are even websites that give you 100% of income generated from your articles.
This is just something to think about. Whatever you choose, keep writing.
Prevention Magazine Hiring Writers
I recently came across an ad for Prevention Magazine. They are hiring writers, basically to keep an updated blog about something health related. At first, I wasn’t sure if it would be a very good opportunity, but I kept it in the back of my mind.
Yesterday, I happened to come across a thread in forum that I frequent saying that a couple of writers there got accepted for the position and really enjoy writing for them. It makes me wonder why I was so sceptical.
I guess I’ve heard one too many horror stories about getting ripped off.
I requested an application and I’m debating on whether or not to apply. The ad states you can make up to a $100 a month, with would be a nice chunk of change if you ask me. The question is, will I be working like crazy just to get that $100 or will it really be a part-time gig?
Then again, I’m sure they’ve received many qualified applicants by now, and my application will be at the bottom of a very large pile. I guess I’ll never know until I try.
I’m very happy writing for Demand Studios, so I’m not sure I want to take on anymore work just yet. I’ve come to the realization that if I’m going to compete with some of the amazing writers I’ve seen up until now, I’m going to have to go back to school. I’ve said before a degree is not necessary, but in my case, it sure will help me out. I need a refresher course to brush up on grammar and sentence structure. I remember most of it, but it never hurts. I also would like to take other classes to give my brain some work to do. Its been pretty dormant learning certain kinds of information and loaded up on things concerning parenting.
Even though I’m not sure if I will apply, I encourage others to. Its is a very legit gig and here is the link to apply. Calling All Women- Become a Paid Prevention Contributor.
Update: I reviewed the application and the last day to submit is today (July 30).
Writing Sample Articles
Its important for every writer to have a collection of sample articles. In addition to a portfolio and resume, chances are good that you will be asked to show a couple sample articles.
Right now, I am in the process of writing sample articles. I’ve chosen 5 niches to write them over. I am writing two of each chosen niche. Its quite necessary to have a sample for everything you might want to write about. This way you don’t have to scramble to create a sample article when you are asked to present one.
When writing your sample articles, keep in mind that the person you are showing these to will be grading you based upon these samples. Sure, they will look at your portfolio and resume, but your samples will be a big part of that grade also. Take your time and write them to the best of your ability. Make sure you write them on varying niches so that you can show your versatility. Keep in mind that although they might take awhile to write up, you won’t have to write these again.
Happy writing!
Transitioning to Full-time
As most of you know, I write for Demand Studios. This is basically a part-time job. I’m debating whether or not to transition into writing full-time. I know of a couple companies I’d like to apply to, but I’m still not sure as to whether or not I have enough experience. I also am not sure if I can handle another writing job. It would take some serious time management and help from my fiance to organize my life. Taking care of two children, freelance writing, and trying to go back to school is a busy job. At this point, I’m not sure if I have the time to go back to school, even though that is a big goal of mine.
Experience is great to show employers. In fact, most won’t hire you without it, but a degree would really help. I do know many people who have a degree, however, and cannot get hired because they have no experience in their field. Because of this, I’m glad I’m getting experience first. I really just want to be able to say, “Yes, I have a degree,” just because it looks good and it can take you places that you may not be able to go without one.
Now for the sharing part of my blog!
If you are somewhat established as a writer, I would suggest applying to Suite101.com. They require an overview of your resume and two samples to look over. You should probably have a specific niche in mind that you know a good amount of information about.
Another website is Lovetoknow.com. They seem to be a little more strict on hiring writers. You should probably have a decent amout of experience before applying here.
There is a site called Textbroker.com. You fill out initial information, and then from what I’ve been told you write a sample paper that gets graded. From your grade you can choose assignments to write for them. You get paid according to the grade you received.
Today.com is a website where you can start a blog and get paid $1 for every post. You can only post once ad day. You do have to apply here also.
Here are some websites that are helpful in finding writing gigs: www.WAHM.com/forum, click on the Mom’s that Write section; www.freelancewritinggigs.com; www.craigslist.com; and www.journalismjobs.com.
These are only a few sites to go to. Writing forums are a great place to meet other writers and discuss companies that are hiring or places to find clients.
Good luck!
I’ve Done It
It has been an awfully long time since I’ve written. I have some really great news! I belong to a forum called WAHM.com and through there I caught wind of a website called Demand Studios. I had not heard of it before, or maybe I had but dismissed it because it required a resume and samples to apply. So I got up the courage and created a resume, put a link to some sample articles and applied for a writing job. Two days later I was accepted!
The rates are $15 per article. I was accepted as an eHow writer and so articles are very straightforward. I am able to choose 10 articles at a time either from a compiled list of titles needed or titles I have submitted and gotten approved for. Articles are really no more than 500 words unless you choose to write an article over a very elaborate How-to subject. Most are a lot less than that. I could not believe that I was accepted.
This job was a perfect fit for me. I can write when I want over pretty much what I want and I do not have to come up with subject myself. I do not get measely pennies for time spent. Its great, and this is reason why I haven’t written in so long. I encourage everyone else to continue on their path, because hard work can only lead to success in the end!
I am a writer!
Update on Digital Point
I still haven’t been a member for 2 weeks yet, nor have I posted 25 posts, but I did discover that you do not need to meet this criteria to post replies to the Buy, Sell, Trade categories. You only need to meet this criteria before you post a new topic or thread. Basically this is in place so you don’t sign up just to advertise your services before contributing anything valid to the discussions on this site. So hopefully I will find some jobs that fit my expertise, or fit the type of work I know I can accomplish.
I also found another site that is quite popular. Online-writing-jobs.com is a job bank/forum type website where people can post jobs that they need filled. Its almost like an online newspaper with ads that have contact information so that you can send them an email asking for more information, or to apply for that job listed. They have different sections like high-paying, low-paying, or no pay jobs. They also have a section where you can post an ad for your services or what you are offering. At this site, you can sign up for free and immediately create an ad. I just did this today and my ad, like all of them, must go through approval before they will be publicly posted. I’m hoping I’ll be able to get some people to email with interest in me writing something for them. I’d love to give it a try no matter what the subject.
I’m just thrilled to finally feel like I’m getting somewhere with my writing. I love that slowly but surely I’m on my way to writing for pay and not just submitting articles in hopes that people read them and get paid pennies for page views. The idea that I’ve made it this far so fast is enlightening. All I need now is someone to show interest in my ad after it posts, or find a request for work that fits what I can do and then do the work. I know that not everyone who shows interest will like my style, and not every person I respond to for their request will accept my services, but the fact that I’m actually entering into freelancing is crazy. I really don’t even have that much experience yet, but you have to get it somewhere. I know I can write, and I’m a serious perfectionist when it comes to writing for someone. I’m obsessed with making people happy and although I know I can’t please everyone, I sure like trying.
Digital Point
Awhile back I had posted about other sites that are good for getting freelance writing jobs. The Digital Point forum was one of them. At the time, I wasn’t sure if I was ready to try freelancing jobs yet and since then I have gained some confidence. I realize that as long as I pick a request that I am confident I can do, then there is nothing to be nervous about. I signed up for a bidding freelance site and the going rates are ridiculous. Usually by the time I’ve looked around and found a job I believe I can do, I’ll look at the bids put in and there will be at least 10 all for much cheaper rates than I think quality work is worth.
So, I’d heard from a fellow freelance writer about how she had earned the majority of her money and jobs (almost all to be exact) from the Digital Point forum. There is no bidding involved. You can just comment in the forum or send the requester a PM with your information, questions, rate, and samples of work. The downside is you must become a member (for free), be a member for 14 days, and make 25 posts before you can post in the Buy, Sell, and Trade forum. I thinks it well worth the wait.
I have heard that many people are wary of going there to get a job done because of so many non-English speaking people offering to write for cheap, but I figure since I am as English speaking as you can get (born and raised in the midwest) I might have a slight advantage. I have seen some quite a few requests that I’m sure I could accomplish.
However, I have only been a member for 3 days so I cannot attest first hand to how great this site really is. I will update the second I am able to get a job. Oh, and another great thing is you can advertise your services there if you don’t want to wait around for a request to fit your expertise. I will probably take full advantage of that.
Happy writing!
Writing an Ebook.
This whole concept interests me a lot. Not that I am interested in writing one. Well, maybe a little interested. I am more interested in the idea behind it. I cannot tell you how many times when I was stuck in the house as a kid with no books and I just searched my little heart out online looking for a book to read for free. I was obsessed with reading and when I couldn’t get to the library, it was like torture. Sometimes I would even resort to reading school books that I never would have read otherwise. Maybe that’s why I did so well? Anyways, the idea of an Ebook is amazing. For someone to be able to just hop online and get quick resourceful information right then and there is beyond me. As of right now, most ebooks are usually for learning something. They more of a how-to for information that changes often, because if you were to write a paper book about information that is time-sensitve, by the time it makes it to print, that information might be completely outdated. However, I have a feeling that ebooks will become the new future of reading and learning.
I think its entirely possible that ebooks will replace paper books the way that the DVD replaced VHS. Now I do not think paper books will ever go away just because they are much smaller to carry around than a lap top, but with most people starting to take their laptops everywhere, why wouldn’t they want to just be able to access their books online? Schools might even transition to putting all text books online. Then again, not every student can afford a computer, but there are many programs available to help students get one. I really do not know how popular they will become, but this is my idea of the possible future with ebooks.
Because of this, I’m wondering if I shouldn’t just go ahead and write one. It would be time consuming, but once done, with proper marketing, it would more than likely be well worth the time put in. The trick is finding something worth writing a book about that people would be willing to buy at the drop of a hat. It has to be something that they couldn’t find anywhere else for free online, unless your ebook is free. This is something I’m really contemplating. It would really look good for a writing career, that’s for sure.
Maybe its something some of you would be interested in. I would highly suggest researching this.
Oh, and for a further update on my new goals for my future, check out my updated pages.
Another Small Setback
Unfortunately, because of some money issues (which I’m sure many people are having because of the economy) I am not going to be able to afford to take the grant writing course I’ve been looking forward to. When washing our car today, I noticed two small bulges in the sidewall of our tire, which means instead of taking the class I wanted, we have to spend the money on a new tire. As sad as I am, I’m okay with it, because safety is much more important than a class I can take whenever I want. I’m going back to school this fall anyway, so its possible I’ll be able to take it then. It does not count towards a degree, but it’s still something I’m extremely interested in learning about. I should probably focus more on my college degree at the moment, because I definitely want and need that. If take 4 classes a semester, I should be able to graduate by the end of 2010 with an associate’s degree. I will then decide if I would like to pursue a BA or not. With my life as a stay at home mom, it would be extremely hard to go to the local university and take classes. I’m hoping to find a program that will allow me to get the BA at home in English, but so far, I’m not having much luck.
On the other hand, I did sign up for 3 freelance websites. I was not going to do them thinking no one would choose me over an experienced writer, but I cannot say that unless I’ve tried. Two of the sites I signed up for, do not seem very updated with job postings, but one in particular is very good. Since I am inexperienced, I chose a site where jobs go for cheaper. I figured this would be the best for me just starting out and all. I hope when I find that specific job that I feel comfortable doing, I will be able to bid and win.
Wish me luck.
