Thursday...

#Freelance Daily Post:


Today in Freelance Fingerprints
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Sleep On It!
by: Michael A. Verdicchio

What do you think about before you go to sleep? Does it really matter? What you think about could be very beneficial and profitable to your life. While your conscious mind takes a break as you sleep, your subconscious mind actually stays very active. Because of this, the thoughts that you think about before you drift off to sleep are vitally important.

To read more please go Freelance Fingerprints

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#Daily Writing Tip :
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Should Freelance Writers Have a Minimum Wage?
by Yuwanda Black

With election season here, raising the minimum wage is a hot topic. This got me to thinking about freelance writers - severely underpaid professionals, in my humble opinion.

Freelance writing is a profession where competition is fierce - so much so that many of us work for far below the minimum wage. So, I want to propose a minimum pay scale for web writing, as this is one of the most severely underpaid niches in freelancing.

While I recognize that we live in a free market society, as professionals, I think we should at least have MINIMUM guidelines in place to begin to raise the pay standard across the board.

Proposed Pay Scale for Web Writers

Following are minimums that I think web writers should accept for assignments. My hope is that a standard will begin to be developed for this field (and all freelance writing).

E-ZINE CONTENT: What is this? Content for online newsletters/e-zines. In the last 6-7 years, this form of marketing has really taken off. Some organizations have internal staff to handle this; many more outsource this job to freelance writers.

Many times you will find assignments like this posted on freelance bid sites. I'm astounded at how little some freelancers are willing to accept. I've seen bids as low as $2.50 for 500 words. Hence, I propose the following:

Proposed MINIMUM Pay Scale -- Up to 500 words: $10; 500-1,000 words: $17.50; 1,000-2,000 words: $25; $3,000+ words: $40.

SEO ARTICLES: What is this? SEO is the acronym for Search Engine Optimization. SEO articles are written to drive traffic to a website. How? By using certain key words and phrases to attract search engine spiders.

When a website is "spidered," it picks up on those key words and phrases so that when a web surfer is looking for something, that website will show up in the searched results.

As an example, say you wanted to search the web for copyediting jobs and you used Google as your search engine of choice (does anyone use any other search engine?). So, you go and type in "copyediting jobs."

In the list of results, InkwellEditorial.com is second out of over 1,100 sites.

The reason content is king on the Internet is that it drives visitors to a site - it gets you in front of potential customers. SEO articles are usually 250-400 words, and are "keyword rich." I've seen rates as low as $1.50 offered for these types of articles, which can be some obscure topic that you know nothing about and therefore have to research.

Even the best writer is going to spend at least 30 minutes on the simplest of articles that require no research. Doing two per hour is only $3.00. The minimum wage in this country is $5.15.

Taking this into account, why isn't there more of an outcry against the wages offered freelance writers?

Proposed MINIMUM Pay Scale -- $8.00 (If you're going to do an article, why not receive at least the newly proposed minimum wage ($8.00/hour)).

FORUM & BLOG POSTING: Now that blogs and interactive forums are so popular, many sites hire freelancers to monitor them and/or post content to keep it fresh. Fresh content is what drives traffic.

The word length of these postings is usually not stated. Most pay by the post. Eg, at least 5 posts a week.

Proposed MINIMUM Pay Scale -- $10/assignment (as this doesn't go on word count, why accept an assignment like this if they're not going to give you enough work that you can at least expect $10).

REVIEWS: Reviews come in many types, eg, restaurants, websites, movies, products, etc.. The pay can range from as little as 5 cents on up to $10 or $15. Most usually top out at a few dollars ($2-$3/per review). They are usually only a few paragraphs long.

However, you have to do the research (ie, eat at the restaurant, read the book, etc.) before you can write the review. This is time. Again, even if you only spend an hour between the writing and the research, how many do you have to do to make it worth your while?

Proposed MINIMUM Pay Scale -- $8.00/reviw (same argument as above).

Freelance Writers: The Education & Wage Gap

Consider this: According to the article, "Freelancers UNITE! Can writers get it together?", (Clamor Magazine, Author: Nick Mamatas), "The average member of the Authors Guild earns less than $25,000 [annually] and one has to sell work pretty regularly to top markets to even qualify for Guild membership."

The Author's Guild is a "Society of published authors, an advocate for fair compensation, free speech and copyright protection."

According to careeroverview.com, "most writing and editor jobs require one to have received a bachelor's degree . . ." And, according to The U.S. Census Bureau, workers 18 and over with bachelors degrees earn an average of $51,206 a year.

While I couldn't find stats that state exactly what percentage of freelance writers hold at least a 4-year degree, I know that when I ran my editorial staffing agency in New York, we REQUIRED that candidates hold at least a Bachelor's degree. Most employers wouldn't even consider candidates who didn't have a degree.

So, if we consider even the possibility that many freelancers tend to be educated beyond the high school level - why are so many of us willing to accept such low pay?

Chasing the Freelance Dream & Bracing for Change

How do we turn this around? I think that many of us have to stop chasing the dream of "maybe."

Maybe if I can get my foot in the door with this one assignment, then it will lead to others that will pay better; or

Maybe they won't go that high; or

Maybe because competition is so stiff, I shouldn't ask for that much; etc.

While there are circumstances under which all of these maybes can be justified, it should not be your norm. I discuss this in a past article entitled, Writing for Free: When & When Not to Do It.

We, the writers, are the only ones who can raise our pay standard. And, like voting, that means that we are individually responsible for casting our ballots; for just saying no to assignments that don't pay enough.

This starts with adhering to a minimum pay scale.

Author note: The figures mentioned are nowhere near what I think freelancer writers should be paid. I stress that these are minimums I think we should begin to adhere to.

About the Author

Yuwanda Black is the publisher of InkwellEditorial.com: THE business portal for and about the editorial and creative industries. First-hand freelance success stories, e-courses, job postings, resume tips, advice on the business of freelancing, and more! Launch a Profitable Freelance Writing Career

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#Freelance Writing jobs :
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Freelance Entertainment Writers Needed - US

Riptown.com Media needs celebrity news articles that include interviews with musicians, actors, writers, agents or anyone with knowledge of the happenings in Hollywood. Pay will reflect how difficult and extremely rare celebrity-focused articles are to come by. Articles will be published in a fast-growing online magazine that Riptown produces.

For further information or to make a pitch, email Editorial@riptown.com with “Freelance Entertainment Writer” in the subject line. Include a resume or bio.

To apply view the job in Journalism Jobs

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Freelance Poker and Casino Writers Needed - US

Riptown.com Media needs news articles on poker and casino lifestyle for a fast-growing online magazine. These articles should include interviews with industry experts, players, and gambling authorities. Pay for all articles is negotiable, based on exclusive nature of the content. Compensation is also available for original photography that complements the editorial copy.

For further information or to make a pitch, email Editorial@riptown.com with “Freelance Poker/Casino Writer” in the subject line. Include a resume or bio.

To apply view the job in Journalism Jobs

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Freelance business journalist (home based) - US

CompanyNewsletters.com, a growing newsletter-publishing company, seeks an experienced business journalist to write freelance articles for high-quality corporate newsletters. You will need to interview article sources over the phone during normal business hours, write stories for customer or employee newsletters, and e-mail us the completed articles. These would be part-time, freelance assignments, with a typical assignment requiring the writing of 4-10 articles, each with one or two interviewees, to be completed in a week. Assignments would come in sporadically ... you may have none for several weeks, and then several in one week.

You must be an excellent business writer and be able to express complex, technical -- and sometimes mundane -- business concepts in an easy-to-understand, entertaining way.

You must be readily available on short notice to complete these assignments. Because the freelancer must be available to discuss assignments, conduct phone interviews and work on last-minute revisions during regular business hours, only full-time freelance writers will be considered (no moonlighting freelancers, please).

A journalism or English degree is required, and you must have at least three years of experience writing business-related articles for newspapers or magazines.

You must have dozens of business-related article writing samples that you can share with us, if requested, and you must have several satisfied freelance clients who we can talk to for references. Also, only those who live in the U.S. or Canada will be considered.

Please apply only if you meet ALL of the above requirements. If you do, please e-mail your resume to *********.

Also, be sure to include your minimum pay requirements, either by the hour or by the word. Only those who list a minimum pay requirement will be considered ... please do not list it as “open” or “negotiable.”

We will then contact those candidates who offer the most business writing experience and expertise at the best rates.

Due to the hundreds of applicants that we typically get for these types of telecommuting freelance positions, we regret that we cannot give personalized feedback to each applicant.

No calls, please.

To apply view the job in Journalism jobs

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Freelance Web Producer - A&E Television Networks - Stamford, CT

DESCRIPTION: The Producer’s primary responsibilities are to assist the Site Manager in the daily and long-term upkeep and viability of Aetv.com. This includes everything from making minor content changes, to producing high profile mini-sites. Daily tasks include managing internal marketing client expectations, maintaining dynamic homepage areas and managing 3rd party interactive video development. The Producer must also assist the Site Manager in larger initiatives, including project management, documentation (wireframes, site flows), and general site development strategy.


RESPONSIBILITIES: Daily/Weekly tasks/Projects:

* Produce / Project Manage mini-sites, including creating production schedules, wireframes, research for content, write creative brief, manage 3rd party developers/designers/copywriters.
* Maintain and update aetv.com websites including homepages, interior pages, minisites, content databases.
* Work with Internal clients to produce a range of online product per spec, and on budget
* Work with Teamsite Interwoven to update content.
* Liase with internal departments like IT, production , design , PR and programming to create compelling website promotional content .
* Work with email marketing to make sure Network promotions are clearly communicated
* Interact with show producers, marketing, legal, ad sales and video encoders on a day-to-day basis.

REQUIREMENTS:

· College degree. Minimum 3 years experience as online producer, with at least 1 year in a web publishing environment.

· Agency experience is a plus! Must be able to juggle multiple projects and perform various production tasks quickly, efficiently and accurately.

· Must be organized, able to work independently, understand basic principles of project management. Must be flexible and able to adapt to a fast-paced, rapidly changing work environment.

To apply view the job in Monster

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Proofreader - The BOSS Group - Columbia, MD

An agency that collects consumer media information located in Columbia, MD, is seeking to build a relationship with a thorough and detail-oriented freelance Proofreader for project support. In this position your duties will include proofing and light edits for a range of custom studies. You will work with very text-heavy, academic publications, with lots of charts and tables.

The BOSS Group offers an attractive compensation package including competitive salary, 401(k) plan with company match, weekly paychecks, holiday pay, bonus pay and a health benefits program.

Named one of the 2006 Best Places to Work (WBJ), The BOSS Group specializes in matching highly qualified creative, marketing, proposals, advertising and web talent with top temporary and permanent assignments throughout the Washington, DC; Philadelphia, PA; Richmond, VA; Baltimore, MD; NJ/NYC; and Dallas-Fort Worth metro areas, and is an equal opportunity employer.

To be considered for this position, complete our online application, select the Metro Baltimore office, and reference job #23772DB

The BOSS Group - where talent and opportunity meet
www.thebossgroup.com

To apply view the job in Monster

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Freelance Editors Allen Press - Lawrence, KS

Publisher of scientific, medical, and technical journals is seeking freelance editors to edit manuscripts for journals in the fields of business economics, chemistry, computer science, electrical engineering, geology, medical sciences, and physics. Only applicants with degrees in these areas will be considered. A typical assignment requires editing of 60-100 pages within 5 or 6 days. Paid bimonthly training in editing standards is offered by the company and is strongly encouraged. A screening process will be conducted to assess editing skills. A resume and cover letter are required before the screening process can be conducted.

REQUIREMENTS
Requirements:

* Bachelor’s degree or higher in the applicable field; a minor in technical writing or English is preferred.
* At least 3 years of proven success editing in the applicable field.
* Ability to edit tables and math.
* Thorough knowledge of one or more of the following style manuals: AMA, ASM, CSE, Math Into Type, IEEE Standards Style Manual.
* Ability to edit in Microsoft Word 2003, including use of track change functions.
* Ability to access the Internet through a high-speed connection.

To apply view the job in Career Builder

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Academic Freelance Writers Needed to Start Immediately ...

Freelance writers with a Bachelors Degree needed immediately for academic research projects, research papers, proposals and thesis work. Our company produces top quality academic research projects to be used as models for further research. Applicants must have Microsoft Word, a valid e-mail address, working telephone number, access to a major university library and willing to start immediately. Must be familiar with MLA and APA writing standards and have the ability to write research and term papers at the collegiate level. All projects submitted must be of the quality and integrity of collegiate academic work and be capable of submission to anti-plagiarism screening.

Rate of pay is between $8 and $15 per page (Approximately 235 words per page). Steady, lucrative work is available for those willing to start immediately and produce quality, well-written research papers.

Please send resume pasted in the body of an e-mail (NOT as an attachment) to the following address: **********

To apply view the job in Online writing Jobs

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The Healing Project Seeks TRUE, Inspiring Sto ...

Hello fellow writers,

LaChance Publishing is seeking TRUE stories of literary merit about experiences with breast cancer and multiple sclerosis (MS) for publication in its “Voices Of” series, the net profits of which will be donated to The Healing Project, a non-profit organization that serves as the editor of the series. If you or someone you know is a victim, care giver, friend or family member that has been touched by these diseases and have a story to inspire and inform, please visit ****** for submission guidelines.

Writers whose stories are selected for these nationally-distributed anthologies will be paid $200+. Please note we are currently seeking stories on breast cancer and MS only, though additional diseases will be covered in future anthologies. See website for details.

Regards to all,
Richard Day Gore
LaChance Publishing/The Healing Project

To apply view the job in Online Writing Jobs

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Seeking paintball writer About.com New York, Telecommute

You're the passionate paintball authority that other people turn to for advice, and you wouldn't have it any other way. You know about the history of the game, drills and strategies to become a better player, how to find the best equipment, how to explain the rules to a beginner and how to find places to play.

You're a seasoned writer with publication experience in the topic, an engaging voice and an infectious enthusiasm for the topic. You're not necessarily a techie, but you know HTML.

If all of the above is true, perhaps you have what it takes to be an About.com Guide!

About.com is the Web's leading provider of practical solutions to everyday problems. Our expert Guides offer advice and tutorials on hundreds of topics, ranging from asthma to action movies, from home repair to home cooking, from gadgets to getaways.

As a Guide you'll build and maintain a GuideSite, a topical section of About.com which contains:

* Original content (articles, reviews, FAQs, tutorials) written by you
* A blog featuring your unique voice and personality
* A directory of the best content in your topic, whether it be your own work or links to other sites
* A discussion forum where you serve as community leader
* All About.com Guides are freelancers who work online and set their own schedules, giving them the flexibility to log on from anywhere in the world whenever they have the time. With no timesheets to fill out and no timecards to punch, working for About.com gives you the flexibility to write when you want, even if you have a full-time day job. More information about salary can be found on our application site.

Think you have what it takes to be the About.com Paintball Guide? Apply online today!

To apply view the job in Journalism Jobs

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Seeking US labor issues writer About.com New York, Telecommute

You're the passionate labor issues authority that other people turn to for advice, and you wouldn't have it any other way. You know about the history of the labor movement, particularly in the United States, the state of labor today and have experience writing about everything from management/labor negotiations to how to go about unionizing a shop.

You're a seasoned writer with publication experience in the topic, an engaging voice and an infectious enthusiasm for the topic. You're not necessarily a techie, but you know HTML.

If all of the above is true, perhaps you have what it takes to be an About.com Guide!

About.com is the Web's leading provider of practical solutions to everyday problems. Our expert Guides offer advice and tutorials on hundreds of topics, ranging from asthma to action movies, from home repair to home cooking, from gadgets to getaways.

As a Guide you'll build and maintain a GuideSite, a topical section of About.com which contains:

* Original content (articles, reviews, FAQs, tutorials) written by you
* A blog featuring your unique voice and personality
* A directory of the best content in your topic, whether it be your own work or links to other sites
* A discussion forum where you serve as community leader
* All About.com Guides are freelancers who work online and set their own schedules, giving them the flexibility to log on from anywhere in the world whenever they have the time. With no timesheets to fill out and no timecards to punch, working for About.com gives you the flexibility to write when you want, even if you have a full-time day job. More information about salary can be found on our application site.

Think you have what it takes to be the About.com Labor Issues Guide? Apply online today!

To apply view the job in Journalism Jobs

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Seeking customizing cars writer
About.com New York, Telecommute

You're the passionate customizing cars authority that other people turn to for advice, and you wouldn't have it any other way. You not only know about all of the ways to tweak that extra piece of performance out of a car (and give it sweet look both inside and out while doing so), but the best cars to modify, the best parts to buy and how make the hundreds of possible customizations a person create.

You're a seasoned writer with publication experience in the topic, an engaging voice and an infectious enthusiasm for the topic. You're not necessarily a techie, but you know HTML.

If all of the above is true, perhaps you have what it takes to be an About.com Guide!

About.com is the Web's leading provider of practical solutions to everyday problems. Our expert Guides offer advice and tutorials on hundreds of topics, ranging from asthma to action movies, from home repair to home cooking, from gadgets to getaways.

As a Guide you'll build and maintain a GuideSite, a topical section of About.com which contains:

* Original content (articles, reviews, FAQs, tutorials) written by you
* A blog featuring your unique voice and personality
* A directory of the best content in your topic, whether it be your own work or links to other sites
* A discussion forum where you serve as community leader
* All About.com Guides are freelancers who work online and set their own schedules, giving them the flexibility to log on from anywhere in the world whenever they have the time. With no timesheets to fill out and no timecards to punch, working for About.com gives you the flexibility to write when you want, even if you have a full-time day job. More information about salary can be found on our application site.

Think you have what it takes to be the About.com Customizing Cars Guide? Apply online today!

To apply view the job in Journalism Jobs

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Freelance Writers

The Daily Press, located in Victorville, Ca is looking for freelance writers to write feature profiles and news stories. The idea candidate will work as an independent contractor, covering a variety of subjects. Were looking for fresh, innovative writers who thrive in a fast-paced atmosphere. Send resume, cover letter, references, and 4 writing samples to Don Holland, Editor ******* or Daily Press, P.O. Box 1389 Victorville, CA 92393. www.VVDailyPress.com. Please view us online at www.highdesert.com
or www.freedom.com

To apply view the job in adquist3d

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