6 Freelance Job Resources You Haven’t Thought Of

by Joe Wallace

Looking for freelance gigs? You’ve probably been all over the map in search of more steady work, but there are a few places that haven’t been beaten to death by the scraper sites..though they probably will be after we publish this. Best advice? Keep your BEST job resources to yourself as long as possible to avoid the bandwagon syndrome.

That said, here are a few that haven’t been ruined by scraper sites yet…and some that NEVER will be due to the nature of the job sourcing:

Reddit Jobs is pricey for editors to list gigs on–300 a day for 30 days–so you won’t be troubled by a bunch of spammy ads from the usual places offering you three bucks a post or “revenue sharing”. At press time, the problem with Reddit Jobs for freelancers is that some fields are underrepresented, but that obviously changes depending on supply and demand.

Artisan Creative. The reason why Artisan won’t be scraped out of usefulness for a busy freelancer? They have a screening process for candidates. This isn’t an “all-comers” source of freelance jobs, it’s a situation where talent actually matters. Artisan is a creative staffing agency that places writers, coders, designers, and many other freelance specialties. The jobs are heavy-hitting, too. Major companies, household names. I have personal experience with Artisan Creative and am very happy with them.
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The Problem With Job Boards

Freelance gigs are posted and reposted like crazy on your favorite writing sites. Even we have posted jobs here when the mood strikes us. While we enjoy doing it when there’s time, we fully recognize one overriding problem with getting leads from “the usual places”.

If 75 people who are all looking for freelance writing opportunities look at a single job post, the editor is likely to get 75 query letters or resumes. That’s some pretty stiff competition.

That’s not to say you shouldn’t use the freelance writing job boards, just be prepared for a lot of no-reply situations unless you can get on the bandwagon early and beat the rush.

I have a dirty little secret I use for just such purposes, and it involves looking at the freelance writing gig sites, taking a few notes, and then not responding to ANY of the items posted there. My secret? … Continue Reading

Freelance Career Stuff that Works For Me

There are plenty of writing blogs that advocate “best practices” or things that seem to be best practices…and enough of those things are similar enough that a newcomer might get the mistaken impression that the writing game has a set of rules or ways to “do it right” that, when used like a magic formula, equal success.

But the fantastic truth of the matter is, there’s no one right way to do this–freelancing is about what works for YOU. No formulas aside from a few professional courtesies and common-sense activities like spell-check and final draft revisions.

That said, here’s a list of things in no particular order, that I do on a regular basis that seem to work for me:

–I like to stay up late. Past midnight. I try not to work myself into the ground, but around 11PM, after Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, I do some shameless self promotion. … Continue Reading

Writing Jobs for Monday, September 21 2009

It’s time for another round of hand-picked writer and freelance writing jobs. Let those other sites scrape Craigslist, they’re doing a great job. We prefer to bring you our picks based on something more discriminating. We don’t always catch the goofy ones– sometimes a clown company slips under our radar and we thank you for pointing out when we’re found what looks like a promising freelance job that turns out to be something less than what it promises. Together, we’ll find the GOOD gigs. As always, thanks for reading.

There are lots of higher education writing gigs available lately. Want to go back to academia? Columbia University in New York needs a writer/researcher. You need a Bachelor’s and a background in PR or news writing. You’ll be working in the office of Columbia U’s president and there’s a lot of internal communication mentioned for this position. Apply online at Columbia via their Human Resources page.

St. John’s University needs a writer for the Office of Communications, Division of Institutional Advancement in Queens, NY. You’ll write for St. John’s University Magazine, plus internal communication, advertisements and create content for the St. John’s University Alumni and Friends official site, among other things.
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Freelance Jobs for Wednesday September 16 2009

Writing jobs are all over the map in this edition, but there’s something sure to bring a smile to at least some gig-seeking freelancers.

In spite of this job ad being shameless sign-up bait for ProductionHub.com, it does sound pretty tasty for the right applicant. Brandstar Entertainment needs a writer who can work on a high-level television program to be aired on the Lifetime network. Got television writing experience? This is for you, especially if you already live near Pompano Beach, FL.

Krop.com advertises a gig for a writer for VSA Partners–they seek someone who can do client communication writing–but this job is not about writing ad copy.

A Humble, Texas company seeks a telecommute copywriter. E-commerce, online or print catalog experience preferred. To apply, send samples, links to published work and a link to your online resume to info@catalog-copywriting.com. … Continue Reading

Writer Jobs for Tuesday September 8 2009

Here are the latest writing jobs…brace yourself for tons of specialty writing. What’s that? You aren’t specializing yet? Maybe this list will change your mind…

KForce Staffing wants a technical writer to apply for a Pittsburg, PA gig. Best advice when applying for a writing gig through a staffing agency–ask up front whether there is any kind of fee you must pay for landing the gig. Some agencies charge you, some don’t. Ask first.

EmployedOnline advertises a position for a cell phone writer/reviewer. This one is morning hours only and involves looking for headlines on cell phone topics. You may also have a chance to cover trade shows and industry conventions.
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Writing Jobs for Wednesday September 2, 2009

What recession? Northrup Gruman is apparently out to hire ALL the writers. Look at this massive list of writing jobs they advertise–openings in locations from San Antonio, TX to San Diego CA. There are a lot of technical writer jobs listed here, so if tech writing is your thing, here’s how you’ll spend a nice chunk of your day.

Denver TV station KMGH wants a writer who is also a skilled tape editor to put news packages together for its reporters in Denver. You’ll be writing scripts for broadcast.

Hearst seeks a freelance editor for GoodHousekeeping.com. This is a true editor position–you’ll manage junior writers and be responsible for site content each month. Drop your resume to kogorman@hearst.com. They need somebody ASAP and you must have three to five years of content management experience.

Asylum.com wants feature writers who know AP style like the back of their hand. Drop your resume, clips and story ideas to asylumapplicants@gmail.com.

Financial Times Group needs finance writers for DebtWire.com. Drop a resume on them with relevant clips, and be ready to talk about your two years of finance writing experience and a love for breaking news. Contact ken.meehan@debtwire.com

Freelance Writing Jobs Thursday 20 August 2009

We’ve waded through a giant pile of scam sites today while seeking freelance jobs to bring you.  We just can’t trust any site that lists page after page of freelance writing gigs and other freelance work of every description with the same salary–$30,000 a year–listed on every job opening. Looks like an e-mail farm to us.

But there are legit freelance writing jobs out there, including the Photography Blogger position for the Digital Photography School (advertised at Pro-Blogger), and the permanent technical writer/editor slot advertised by Links Media LLC. Drop them a line at jobs@linksmedia.net and don’t forget to include salary requirements and three or more clips such as “press documents, management report, article” according to the job ad.

The Advisory Board Company is still looking for a staff writer. This is a medical writing position, see The Advisory Board Company job website for all the details. Ultimate Software advertises a position open for a B2B freelance writer. This is a software marketing gig, so you’ll be writing copy and such.

Finally, MultiplayerGames.com advertises for a gaming blogger. The ad states this is perfect for people who want to earn money and play games but no mention of salary or pay scales makes us wonder if this isn’t a PPC residual thing. ***UPDATE*** Eric Friedman, poster of the job for MultiPlayerGames.com says this is indeed a paid gig, not a residual PPC deal, so this is definitely a worthy video gamer blog opportunity. Many thanks to Eric for setting the record straight!

Are You Spreading Your Freelance Writing Work Too Thin?

There are several ways to stress yourself right out of the game when it comes to freelance writing gigs. The first one is to get so worried about not getting any freelance writing assignments that you start coming across as desperate in your queries and other communication with potential clients. Just as bad? Taking on far too much work, spreading yourself too thin and running yoursef into the ground.

How can you tell when you’re doing too much?

First, take a good look at the amount of pay you’re getting versus the amount of time invested. That project you’ve got for $1000 is sweet–IF it’s a for a thousand dollars worth of work. But the ad I found the other day looking for a sucker, I mean, writer, who would write 1000 articles for a dollar each? JUST…SAY…NO.

Second, look at your deadlines. … Continue Reading

Freelance Writing Jobs Monday August 10, 2009

One of these days, we’re going to have to post an official guide to placing ads announcing freelance jobs. Two of today’s posts are a bit wacky; one could be in violation of EEO regulations, another gives absolutely no information whatsoever about the nature of the freelance writing job in question. I can’t imagine the stampede of folks rushing to fill that opening, but somebody out there will…in this economy, even the bare minimum information is better than no opening at all…

Buzz Communications is looking for a communication/technical writer to create brochures and sales copy, write business-to-business materials, white papers and more. If you’ve never written a white paper before, this one’s not for you–the application requirements include submitting two white papers. Send those, plus resume, three additional writing samples (for a total of five), plus your hourly pay requirements to julie@buzzcommunications.com.

Cut-N-Scoot offers a fun-sounding opportunity with unusual application requirements. This Spring, Texas-based company needs a freelancer with a Texas motorcycle license who can take day trips with scooters and mopeds to review them for a new magazine both in print and on video. Could evolve into a full-time opportunity, but is part time at present. A word of warning to the Cut-N-Scoot ad writer–posting test in your ad stating “ We would like an applicant that is attractive looking, male or female” COULD be in violation of EEO laws. We’re no experts here, but as the poet says, check yourself before you wreck yourself. Apply in person for this gig but call to make an appointment first. (281) 355-9131.

InvestigativeVoice.com needs freelance reporters who specialize in investigative journalism. They aren’t kidding around–if you’re comfortable investigating corrupt politicos, unsolved murders and other investigative topics, this is the gig for you. Send your resume and cover letter to sjanis@investigativevoice.com.

MRI Facilities seeks a Downers Grove, Illinois-based writer, but won’t say what the gig is for or how much the pay is…too bad for the detail oriented. Contact DELETED@DELETED.com to pry some additional details out of them. **IMPORTANT UPDATE** This MRI Facilities gig has fallen into disrepute. We did a bit of homework on this thanks to an alert by Sandra Potter (thank you!) and this job advertiser has made quite a splash with dodgy “jobs” according to the published reports we’ve read. Sorry, folks!

Freelance Writer Jobs Weds. August 05 2009

Here’s the latest collection of hand picked freelance writer jobs. As always, we scour the web looking for good gigs. No scrapers! If you know of a gig that sounds like a winner, please feel free to share in the comments section. We welcome your freelance writing job leads.

National Wildlife Federation is still looking for a freelance writer to do opinion pieces about federal policy. E-mail your resume and three writing samples to garnettp@nwf.org and put “freelance writer” in the subject line.

LLE Homes seeks a copywriter for telecommute work. This freelance writing job includes writing real estate copy and direct mail. This freelance job description includes proofreading, so be prepared to answer questions on your proofreading skills. Send your resume, references and a 200 word minimum writing sample on a real estate topic to careers@llehomes.com.

PizzaMarketplace.com has a challenge for you. They’re looking for an editor/writer who can deliver (heh) must-read content for “the modern pizza executive”. This gig could include video productions and definitely needs someone who is SEO savvy. If you’re already covering related restaurant topics in another area, they definitely want to talk to you. Send resumes and related info to executive director Joseph Grove josephg@networldalliance.com.

The New York Press Club seeks freelance fact checkers, but this one has a Friday deadline, so get to it, freelancers! This is for the NYPC’s Byline magazine. Send resumes and cover letters to BylineMag@gmail.com. No, it’s not a writing gig, but if you’re struggling for cash this would be a nice stop-gap and a good way to make contacts and network.

Freelance Writing Jobs

Today’s sweet collection of freelance writing jobs is brought to you by the letter “N”. As in, “NOT found on freelance job sites that rely on scrapers.” These freelance writing jobs are all hand-picked and hot off the presses, all active at press time and needing YOU.

There’s nothing wrong with freelance job sites that utilize scrapers–we’ve relied on them ourselves in the past (the sites, not the scrapers).

But we wanted to give you something a little extra–other sites have the Craigslist.com, Demand Studios, and HubPages job ads down pat, so why should we reinvent what they already do so well? Here’s the latest and please don’t hesitate to share your own leads with us in the comments section–that goes for you editors, too! Spread the word if you have freelance jobs to share.

Pain Solutions Magazine needs a freelance editor for a part-time permanent telecommute position. PainSolutionsMagazine.com relaunches soon and the gig requires you to do community building, social media networking, all the usual online media stuff. This job requires three years of online publishing experience , working with daily and weekly deadlines, and you should be familiar with using a CMS. Send your resume, cover letter and online clips to lparch@painsolutionsmagazine.com

Stevenson Inc. needs a freelance writer to contribute pieces for use in newsletters. This ad specifies a journalism degree (!) and requests all replies to come via snail mail. You should be familiar with non-profit issues including fund raising and managing volunteers. Mail resume, clips, and references to Scott Stevenson, PO Box 4528 Sioux City Iowa 51104.

Medical/Pharmaceutical writers needed for an hourly-rate gig in Nashville. Send an e-mail with resume, relevant clips and cover letter to techwriter1@hotmail.com.

And finally, a TreeHugger.com job board post lists a position for a freelance writer who specializes in green topics. This was listed on the TreeHugger.com job board and the client is not named–unlikely you’re applying to work directly for TreeHugger. Use the online job form to apply for this one.

Writer Jobs

The latest round of writing  jobs includes some more tasty full time action from Yahoo! If you’re looking to relocate to sunny-but-economically-troubled California, that could be the gig for you.

It’s not easy sifting through all the Demand Studios, HubPages, and TextBroker stuff, we can tell you now, but the rewards for finding the decent gigs? Well worth the effort. Here’s the latest freelance jobs dirt:

InDepthLearning.org seeks a freelance writer for telecommute medical science writing on a contract basis. This work includes video game writing aimed at youth audiences, so it is an excellent way to break into a new genre and do medical writing at the same time. Contact rmidgley@indepthlearning.org

Yahoo! seeks an editor/writer for its’ entertainment section. If you’re well-versed in mainstream entertainment acts like the Jonas Brothers, Megan Fox, movies including Harry Potter and etc, this is the gig for you. It’s a full-time position located in Santa Monica, CA. Send three online work examples and a resume to fp_role@yahoo.com with FP Entertainment Programmer in the subject line

Nightly Business Report seeks a “How the Economy Works” blogger, but this gig is only for those who have at least 10 years experience in media and/or substantial business or academic experience. They seem flexible on the combo of business acumen and media experience, but the last word on this freelance writing / freelance blogging job is that newcomers need not apply. If you have the chops, send a resume and three writing samples to jaime_danielson@nbr.com and put How the Economy Works blogger” in the subject line.

The Great Experiment

by Joe Wallace

The world of freelance blogs is completely saturated with jobs and market listings. But recent developments at Freelance Writing Gigs proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that in spite of the overwhelming amount of job and market info out there, the demand for news about writing jobs and freelance markets is huge.

There was a tempest in a teapot over at Freelance Writing Gigs over Deb Ng’s post on The Freelance Writing Jobs Network titled 50 Places That Hire Freelance Writers. Someone posted a needlessly bitter comment about Deb’s post and a flurry of replies later, it’s clear people want more, more, more market and job info–even with all the sites out there hurling job data and contact info day to day.

At Freelance-Zone.com, we like a challenge. And so we join the fray. Watch this space for information on freelance gigs, markets and much more. We’ll be looking for strong, relevant writing gigs and market information. Not all of the posts will be freelance gigs–some are permanent writing positions, some are contract, some might start off being contract/temporary with the potential to go full time.

One thing I can promise you right now–our information will be much different. We DO NOT use RSS feeds or site scrapers to dig up our job information. Freelance-Zone will present HAND-PICKED JOBS and freelance writing gigs.

In our view it is far too easy to offer up a daily list of Craigslist posts and leave it at that. Will the OCCASIONAL Craigslist freelance writing job make it into these pages? MAYBE. But only if it meets my strict criteria for a quality freelance writing job or project. By and large, there will be no Craigslist ads here. Everybody else is already running them.

Besides, I have my own sources and contacts. Keep watching this space, friends.

What California’s Proposed Marijuana Tax Means To Freelancers

by Joe Wallace

You think I’ve lost my mind now, right? What in the WORLD does POT have to do with freelance writing? Besides the obvious, I mean.

Whether you agree with marijuana use or not, take a long look at California’s new marijuana tax legislation–proposed by San Francisco Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, but not yet passed. Can you find a freelance writing or freelance jobs tie-in here? Think hard.

California is sinking under its own weight. It can’t pay its bills, is issuing IOUs to state contractors and is desperately looking for any way to cut spending. The state is in grave danger from a financial perspective. But here is a cash crop grown in the state–legally or not. If California were to legalize the cultivation, sale, and posession of pot, it could raise more than a billion in tax money from it. It’s a solution that’s right under the noses of everyone in the state, pun intended.

Taxing the sale of a plant that’s in and of itself no more harmful than tobacco makes perfect sense, whatever your feelings about getting high. But what has all this got to do with freelance jobs and growing (hah) your career as a freelance writer?
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