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Writing articles?
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Just wanted to add my comments...
I'm a fully qualified and experiened journalist (degree and NCTJ), and used to do freelancing.
It is a highly competitive industry with many people willing to work for free (as above) to get into the industry. You should also remember that you are up against qualified and experienced journalists and creative writers.
My advice - build a portfolio, without this, people won't consider you because you can't provide any examples of your work. Mine has a combination of different genres and styles to show all my skills.
Another point - attention to details and consistency is VERY important. If you don't have perfect grammar and punctuation, then you're not going to get very far.
When I was freelancing, I used bidding websites during quiet periods to get easy work. This maybe a good starting place for you, as it will give you examples for your portfolio, as well as some money. Please remember, some of the projects pay silly low amounts, but it's better than nothing to get started
I recommend www.elance.com and www.getafreelancer.com.
Good luck.0 -
There is an online writers forum at http://www.accentuateservices.com/xmb/index.php which is full of friendly people and lots of advice. It also discusses various sites where you can find work writing articles (like odesk, elance, etc).
If you are prepared to accept fairly low rates you may find work writing short articles for website content."The happiest of people don't necessarily have the
best of everything; they just make the best
of everything that comes along their way."
-- Author Unknown --0 -
Sazzyukrafc wrote: »
Another point - attention to details and consistency is VERY important. If you don't have perfect grammar and punctuation, then you're not going to get very far.
Good luck.
This is worth repeating. I also attempt to use good grammar, punctuation and style even on boards like this. After all, every time I use my name (either username, which I use widely, or my real name) I am putting myself 'out there' as it were.
It takes no more time to write properly than it does to write carelessly.
With all due respect, Lauren, I wouldn't commission you to write for me on the basis of your posts here. With just a little more effort, you'd have been more convincing as a potential professional writer.
Cheers
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Although article writing can be lucrative once you become established, freelancing through specialist websites can be very difficult as you will often find yourself competing with overseas bidders.
For example, somebody in India or China can make a living off a lot less than us in the UK (think call centres!) and can bid accordingly. Granted, there may be spelling/grammar issues, but even those in South Africa or New Zealand for example have a much lower cost of living and minimal practical barriers to our market.
I believe the going rate for a 500 word article is between $5-$10. If you are doing a good job that involves some research as well as writing, you will likely be putting in enough time to make this the equivalent of below minimum wage.
As mentioned above, the real benefit can be in the writing practice and portfolio building but don't expect to make a reasonable wage.0 -
I am a freelance writer who doesn't use the bidding websites as that estimate is probably about right. On the occasions that I've used bidding websites, my bids of $20-30 per 500 word article have been rejected, which is quite depressing! However, if you can break out of those type of websites (as I have managed to now), you can make a better living. Generally speaking, I will not write for less than £30 per 500 word article and this must be on a topic that I am familiar with (and don't need to spend hours on). Otherwise, it will basically amount to less than the minimum wage, as Gav points out.
I make the bulk of my freelance living from writing for websites and magazines. Pitching can be a soul-destroying process, but landing one or two commissions from these types of places is much more lucrative than churning out work for bidding sites and the like. If you are a good writer, you don't necessarily need to settle for peanuts.
I don't have a journalism background and have had to work my way up using my portfolio. As others have said, a portfolio is absolutely essential to prove your writing skills. Freelance writing is becoming more and more popular as people look to increase their income or repllace a lost income. Obviously this makes it a lot more competitive. Many of my clients are also cutting budgets and reducing the available work so I am finding that my income is very hit and miss at the moment. I expect this to carry on for quite some time too.ISA savings: £25,139 Other Savings: £1750 (tied up in bond)0 -
I post the odd article on 'Associated Content'. I have had 4 published so far, but I have also had 1 rejected, mainly because of the article content. According to their email, it was rejected because 'You may not submit or publish content related to/about or containing links to sites with content related to programs offering incentives to click links or ads, read emails, or surf other websites. This would include, for instance, auto-surf sites, pay-to-read email networks, and sites comparing various pay-to-click programs'.
Funny thing is, the article contained no actual links, just references to the companies within the text.
If you use sites like this, it pays to make sure you keep a copy on your PC just in case it gets rejected. I didn't, and lost about 7 hours work.
I had a look at 'Qype' but it seems to be based around London.Never Knowingly Understood.
Member #1 of £1,000 challenge - £13.74/ £1000 (that's 1.374%)
3-6 month EF £0/£3600 (that's 0 days worth)0 -
just been reading this thread, thanks to all who have posted useful advice
i've just been having a look at getafreelancer.com, am i right in thinking you have to pay $12 per month to sign up for work?
or is there a free version?0
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