Freelance Writing
“Write what disturbs you, what you fear, what you have not been willing to speak about. Be willing to be split open.” – Natalie Goldberg
This quote pretty much sums up why I started this blog. I know I’ve covered this before here, but when I found this quote, (and I love me a great quote) I had to use it. When I look back over my posts I notice that one day I will do exactly this…write what disturbs me, what I fear, what I have not been willing to speak about, what splits me open. Then the next time I write, I have to pull back. I can’t keep that raw nerve open for too long. I have to write about some nonsense or something lighthearted. It allows me to recover from the dread I inevitably feel about spilling my deepest darkest thoughts and faults.
Having said that, as I’ve also mentioned here before, I love to write. I have been actively pursuing freelance writing jobs. I don’t care if they are short term, long term or whatever. I have some preferences on subject matter but I would also relish an assignment that requires me to research and plan an article about something which I am not currently familiar.
In my pursuit of said writing assignments I came across a site on which folks looking for freelancers post a description of what they are looking for. The freelancers, in turn, bid on the projects that interest them. Sounds great, right?
Not so much.
To my utter amazement and dismay, the vast majority of folks looking for actual articles, manuals, blog posts, etc. are paying between $1.00-$5.00 for 500-750 word articles. Huh?! Is there some sweatshop in some third world country filled with four-year-olds who can write that I’m not aware of? If not, who in their right mind would accept a project that pays so little? What kind of quality are these folks actually getting for their $1.00? I’d love to read one of these articles.
Clearly, this is not the right site for me to find a writing gig. Even if I were to write an article about a subject on which I am already well-versed and that did not require much research on my part, I would never sell it for $1.00 or $5.00 or even $10.00!
I’ll keep on searching for serious assignments and, of course, writing here. I may not be getting paid for this, but I have complete freedom to be split open, without also having to accept pennies from someone else for doing so.
Thanks for stopping by!
Great advice from Goldberg.
That quote really hit me, it’s so strong and at the same time so true. Split open isn’t easy, I always feel like an elastic, when I write and split open soon after I can’t go on on that note and I have to recollect myself and write some ordinary non-sense just like you.
For what concerns that freelancer job: it’s ridicolous, how can they pay just $5.00??? It’s not charity, it’s a job!
Thanks again for sharing that quote, I really liked it and made me think.
http://www.nadia888.wordpress.com
the problem with paid writing is that everyone thinks that they can do it. Much like flickr has turned everyone into a digital photographer, blogging has democratised the writing format. And as such, no-one is willing to pay for it anymore. Even newspapers, the bastion of on-demand writing, are struggling for survival.
it’s a wild wild world out there for the creative person. The internet makes things accessible, free, and open. But it also means the skilled craftsman struggles to maintain his place.
I guess one can only keep striving; build up one’s own audience.
ggw
I’m glad to read this. I’m transitioning from the academic world, to the writing world and have been startled by what I see people accept as payment for their work. How can this be? I suppose I’ve been using Creative Commons licensing so long I’ve never really considered selling my creations for money like that. It doesn’t make sense to me. People can’t possibly be making a living this way. How does that affect self-esteem? Your sweatshop comparison is accurate and disturbing.
Excellent post! Sounds like you have natural gifts/talents in expressing yourself well. Good luck with your writing pursuits, and remain true to expecting fair and just compensation for your efforts. Have a great weekend.
Wow, that is insanely cheap. I’ve done some freelance writing before, and I charge by the word (.10c or .15c) so my articles, depending on size, usually awarded me $75-$150. I’ve researched around and found that the big dog freelancers actually get $1-5 per WORD. Big difference!
I have the utmost confidence that your writing will take off. Just hang in there & keep looking. There’s got to be some legit sites that actually pay you what you and your words are worth. And heck, who knows?? Many people these days get breaks in the writing field because of their blogs. You just never know who will stumble across this lil’ slice of the internet that you’ve claimed as your own:)
That’s ridiculous that someone would offer to pay that little! Like you said I’d like to see how good those stories are!
This is exploitation brought to a fine art. Pick your brain for all it’s worth for a pittance!
I can’t believe that people would pay so little for something that essentially is a piece of you. Crazy! Your sweat shop metaphor is quite accurate.
it’s timing.. and hiting the editor at the right time with the right-write.. keep submitting
Cute site! I love your style and will visit again soon.
Legitimate writing gigs must be out there somewhere . . . I’ll let you know if I stumble upon any.
Lynn
http://www.lynnslink.com
Aww…thank you Jess!
Thank you very much!
Thanks for your encouragement!
Thanks very much!