Super excited - I just published my book, Marketing 365, on Smashwords! It was a lot of work, but I think I've pulled together some useful advice and strategies for you. Think of them as tip-a-day advice that you can apply right away. To snag your copy, head over to Smashwords.
Also, please visit me over at Sharon Hurley Hall's blog, Get Paid to Write Online, where I'm guest posting today.
What a waste of a day yesterday. It started with a dentist appointment, where I got good news. However, it went downhill after that. I came home knowing I had to fix two issues - an email problem and an antivirus problem. That's where it all unraveled.
And that's why I need a Things That Make My Head Explode post.
Clueless Internet providers. First, I called email support. My email service (through a client, not my own) had stopped working Wednesday. I wanted help getting it going again. Fine, but gee, she said, I can't help you because our server is down. Really? You? An ISP? Down? She gave me a case ID and told me to call back. Their servers were the problem. A few hours later, it was all back. Devon, it's your personal "favorite." I see what you mean - they live up to that lousy reputation.
Oversell and pushy people. Avast Internet Security stopped working. Errors all over the place, so I got on the phone. This time, I had to call through a company called iYogi. I'm thinking it's named that because it's the antithesis of a zen experience. This one took at least an hour. First I talked to Naveen (everyone's name gets written down), who walked me through what I thought was a ten-minute diagnosis. No, that was his sales pitch. See, Naveen took control of my desktop, ran a few scans, then showed me how many terrible, corrupt files I had on my computer and how desperately I needed his company to clean up my registry. Worse, he said it would cost $300 at Best Buy (his quote, though he doesn't work there?) to get it all cleaned. Or... he could help me out by offering a cleaning for $399. Wow, and that's $399 for three years of monthly jerking with my computer files remotely. Not only that, he was showing me these "critical" problems that were in my Temp folder. Really. How stupid do you think I am? Yet the hard sell continued. If you've never dealt with Indians selling you something, know that they're extremely pushy and enjoy challenging your common sense. Luckily I know plenty of Indians, so my monotone "No thank you" was repeated until he went away.
Not trusting the customer. When Naveen was done with me, he passed me on to Ajay. Ajay was my "chat" buddy, and he proceeded to take over the desktop and actually fix what I'd called for. However, as I watched, I realized the only fix needed was to uninstall/reinstall the program. And why couldn't I do that? Oh wait - because they didn't tell me that's what I needed until they were already controlling the desktop. Whatever. I had the furnace guy at the door and didn't have time to watch, so he's probably installed lord-knows-what on this. See, I don't trust them, either.
National Geographic. What did they do wrong? They have a website devoted to green living (called Green Living). Guess who's writing it for them? Our "best" friends at Demand Media. Time to boycott.
24-hour days. Not that they're too long. They're entirely too short. I've felt like I'm being yanked through a keyhole at 75 mph - and I'm wearing heavy boots. I could use about four more hours a day right now. If I weren't organized, I'd be in a real state.
But hey, the dentist appointment went really well. So there's that.
What's making your head go boom?
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Friday, January 27, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
The Résumé Debate
Yet another busy day yesterday. I tweaked an article, interviewed for another one, organized a few more details for another client, and started a template for an ongoing project. And I marketed. Always that.
I did have time to hit the forums and the blogs. I'm seeing this prevailing theme among writers - "You don't need a résumé." I've heard it four times this week, and it's only Thursday. Some writers state the case for why résumés don't matter anymore.
Too bad it's not true.
Okay, so when they say "résumé" they're referring to that chronological, dry nightmare of writing that makes no sense to any client's eye. That's not the only kind of résumé there is. There are several ways to put together a résumé that shows your talent, your successes, and highlights those skills that make you the perfect fit for their project.
Call it what you will - CV, portfolio, whatever - just don't think you can go without it entirely. There will always be a client out there who wants to see what you've done.
Let's start with what a résumé is:
According to Wikipedia - A résumé "is a document used by individuals to present their background and skillsets."
So taking that literally, your website is your résumé as much as any traditional resume. So is your brochure, if you've added your project successes to it.
But I'm a freelance writer, you say. Those things are for "employees." Why do I need one?
Because you want to show your clients a snapshot of your background. Without it, you've got nothing.
So if you're still with me and still think you want to put a résumé together, let's see how writers can do it.
A traditional "print" freelance résumés should be set up so that the skills you have are highlighted first, followed by a list of project successes that relate to your client's business area. For example, my résumé starts with a short summary of my career. This one is for technical writing:
Experienced, skilled specialist with proven results in both media and corporate communications venues. Trusted developer of media collateral and technical documents that advance client goals. Technical writing specialist widely published in risk management and commercial insurance areas.
Next, list your areas of expertise. Like this:
Insurance • Risk Management • Healthcare Management • Human Resources
Customer Relationship Management • Internet Security • Business • Finance
Technology • Security • Educational Writing • Real Estate • Energy • Life Settlements
Next comes your professional experience. Depending on the client, your list can change. For instance, when I'm reaching out to magazine clients, I start with a list of magazines where I've published. When working with Web clients, the list of Web projects goes first. And the same with corporate clients.
I typically list my education and additional training, mostly because I paid through the nose for it, but also because my degree is relevant to what I do. If I had a degree in say Archaeology, I wouldn't list it unless I'm pitching to do some writing in that field.
That's it.
Setting it up for the Web is a little different. I recommend a page dedicated to listing your services, such as ad writing or press releases, and then another page with specific projects (and links where you can).
On both the résumé and the Web portfolio, feel free to list any client kudos you've received (with their permission, of course). These are also great to add to your brochures and marketing copy.
How do you show clients your background? What has worked for you? Do you call it a résumé or something else?
I did have time to hit the forums and the blogs. I'm seeing this prevailing theme among writers - "You don't need a résumé." I've heard it four times this week, and it's only Thursday. Some writers state the case for why résumés don't matter anymore.
Too bad it's not true.
Okay, so when they say "résumé" they're referring to that chronological, dry nightmare of writing that makes no sense to any client's eye. That's not the only kind of résumé there is. There are several ways to put together a résumé that shows your talent, your successes, and highlights those skills that make you the perfect fit for their project.
Call it what you will - CV, portfolio, whatever - just don't think you can go without it entirely. There will always be a client out there who wants to see what you've done.
Let's start with what a résumé is:
According to Wikipedia - A résumé "is a document used by individuals to present their background and skillsets."
So taking that literally, your website is your résumé as much as any traditional resume. So is your brochure, if you've added your project successes to it.
But I'm a freelance writer, you say. Those things are for "employees." Why do I need one?
Because you want to show your clients a snapshot of your background. Without it, you've got nothing.
So if you're still with me and still think you want to put a résumé together, let's see how writers can do it.
A traditional "print" freelance résumés should be set up so that the skills you have are highlighted first, followed by a list of project successes that relate to your client's business area. For example, my résumé starts with a short summary of my career. This one is for technical writing:
Experienced, skilled specialist with proven results in both media and corporate communications venues. Trusted developer of media collateral and technical documents that advance client goals. Technical writing specialist widely published in risk management and commercial insurance areas.
Next, list your areas of expertise. Like this:
Insurance • Risk Management • Healthcare Management • Human Resources
Customer Relationship Management • Internet Security • Business • Finance
Technology • Security • Educational Writing • Real Estate • Energy • Life Settlements
Next comes your professional experience. Depending on the client, your list can change. For instance, when I'm reaching out to magazine clients, I start with a list of magazines where I've published. When working with Web clients, the list of Web projects goes first. And the same with corporate clients.
I typically list my education and additional training, mostly because I paid through the nose for it, but also because my degree is relevant to what I do. If I had a degree in say Archaeology, I wouldn't list it unless I'm pitching to do some writing in that field.
That's it.
Setting it up for the Web is a little different. I recommend a page dedicated to listing your services, such as ad writing or press releases, and then another page with specific projects (and links where you can).
On both the résumé and the Web portfolio, feel free to list any client kudos you've received (with their permission, of course). These are also great to add to your brochures and marketing copy.
How do you show clients your background? What has worked for you? Do you call it a résumé or something else?
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Your Unknown Compromises
Yesterday was full-tilt writing and coordinating for eight hours (with an hour off for lunch). What I accomplished -well, it seems minor for the amount of time I spent on everything, but let's just say I have many ducks in a neatly ordered row right now. It's a good place to be in if you're insane about organizing as I am. I couldn't face today knowing things were helter skelter as I sat down. Once I'm down, let it all explode, but don't make me think about it all night.
I'm busier than I've been in a long time. Part of that is the marketing I've done, but another part of it is I'm to a point now where I know what I won't compromise on. Negotiate, yes. Compromise, no.
It's a trap a lot of us writers fall into. Here are some ways you may be compromising without realizing it:
You accept what's beneath you. This one is ridiculously easy to spot and to cure. If you know what you need to earn per hour to survive, you accept nothing below it without good reason and better negotiation. If you don't know what you need, find out. Do the math and settle on your hourly rate. Then stick to it.
You agree to what doesn't fit. If it looks like a fish, smells like a fish, feels like a fish, and swims like a fish, you're probably looking at a fish. Still, you don't trust your gut and walk away from bad projects or clients that don't match your style. The result: Struggles, too much work for the pay, resentment, clash.
You wish for it, but don't try for it. It's like that person I heard saying "I aspire to write." He was wishing for it. Instead, he should have been doing it. The only way to get what you wish for is to build a plan of attack and go for it.
You say "I can't" when in fact, you can. When was the last time you said, "I'd love to write press releases/white papers/articles(etc), but..." Simple fix - remove the "but." None of us start out knowing exactly how to write whatever it is we're writing. We learn it by trial-and-error, research, courses, or shadowing. Apply some action and discipline and the "buts" will disappear from your vocabulary.
What compromises were once part of your life? How have you removed them?
I'm busier than I've been in a long time. Part of that is the marketing I've done, but another part of it is I'm to a point now where I know what I won't compromise on. Negotiate, yes. Compromise, no.
It's a trap a lot of us writers fall into. Here are some ways you may be compromising without realizing it:
You accept what's beneath you. This one is ridiculously easy to spot and to cure. If you know what you need to earn per hour to survive, you accept nothing below it without good reason and better negotiation. If you don't know what you need, find out. Do the math and settle on your hourly rate. Then stick to it.
You agree to what doesn't fit. If it looks like a fish, smells like a fish, feels like a fish, and swims like a fish, you're probably looking at a fish. Still, you don't trust your gut and walk away from bad projects or clients that don't match your style. The result: Struggles, too much work for the pay, resentment, clash.
You wish for it, but don't try for it. It's like that person I heard saying "I aspire to write." He was wishing for it. Instead, he should have been doing it. The only way to get what you wish for is to build a plan of attack and go for it.
You say "I can't" when in fact, you can. When was the last time you said, "I'd love to write press releases/white papers/articles(etc), but..." Simple fix - remove the "but." None of us start out knowing exactly how to write whatever it is we're writing. We learn it by trial-and-error, research, courses, or shadowing. Apply some action and discipline and the "buts" will disappear from your vocabulary.
What compromises were once part of your life? How have you removed them?
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Double-Duty Marketing
Good enough day yesterday. For some reason, I couldn't focus until sometime after lunch, but I did manage to get some client work done and some marketing completed. Today, reviewing the article and out the door with it. I'm pleased with it on first blush, so we'll see.
I've been reading about the blogosphere various opinions on marketing. Michelle Rafter has a neat post up about cutting costs from your business (a good read). Her first point made me pause - twice. She says "Do as little marketing as possible."
Once I quelled my initial reaction, which was to say "I disagree" I realized she's on to something. So now I have to agree because it's something I do, too. Here's what I mean:
Michelle says to market smartly by securing markets within your specialty - she has a handful she writes for regularly. And she's right. That's the smart way to do it.
Even if you don't specialize, you will write for magazines whose editors will get to know you. Or you'll write for clients who really like your results. Those should be the foundation of your marketing strategy. That's not to say you shouldn't market at all (and I don't believe Michelle says that at all). It means you should do as the sales people have always done - put the most effort into current clients and extend your marketing into other areas from there.
There are other ways to market that make it easier for you to increase your earnings with minimal effort. Here are a few:
Send multiple ideas. I have done this a few times. Most recently I sent two ideas to an editor. She responded with two more ideas. Four assignments in one note - pretty good odds.
Dangle a carrot. When talking with a current client, mention other projects, such as blogs, newsletters, etc. that you're doing for other clients. Sometimes just the suggestion that they could have similar projects is enough to get one more project from them.
Remind them of your background. If they hire you for profile pieces, remind them that you've published exposes, investigative pieces, how-to articles, etc. I had a colleague tell me he was surprised to learn I did marketing and communications writing. As he put it, "I didn't know you did anything beyond journalism."
Ask. I've had several projects come from a simple email stating "How are you? Are you working on anything where I might be able to help?"
How do you increase the impact of your marketing efforts?
I've been reading about the blogosphere various opinions on marketing. Michelle Rafter has a neat post up about cutting costs from your business (a good read). Her first point made me pause - twice. She says "Do as little marketing as possible."
Once I quelled my initial reaction, which was to say "I disagree" I realized she's on to something. So now I have to agree because it's something I do, too. Here's what I mean:
Michelle says to market smartly by securing markets within your specialty - she has a handful she writes for regularly. And she's right. That's the smart way to do it.
Even if you don't specialize, you will write for magazines whose editors will get to know you. Or you'll write for clients who really like your results. Those should be the foundation of your marketing strategy. That's not to say you shouldn't market at all (and I don't believe Michelle says that at all). It means you should do as the sales people have always done - put the most effort into current clients and extend your marketing into other areas from there.
There are other ways to market that make it easier for you to increase your earnings with minimal effort. Here are a few:
Send multiple ideas. I have done this a few times. Most recently I sent two ideas to an editor. She responded with two more ideas. Four assignments in one note - pretty good odds.
Dangle a carrot. When talking with a current client, mention other projects, such as blogs, newsletters, etc. that you're doing for other clients. Sometimes just the suggestion that they could have similar projects is enough to get one more project from them.
Remind them of your background. If they hire you for profile pieces, remind them that you've published exposes, investigative pieces, how-to articles, etc. I had a colleague tell me he was surprised to learn I did marketing and communications writing. As he put it, "I didn't know you did anything beyond journalism."
Ask. I've had several projects come from a simple email stating "How are you? Are you working on anything where I might be able to help?"
How do you increase the impact of your marketing efforts?
Monday, January 23, 2012
Snow, Fog, and Kilts
Thanks to everyone who signed up for the newsletter! Those who registered before midnight on January 21 have been listed in order of their signup time, and I've used a random number generator to choose the winner. And the winner of the $20 Amazon card is.....
Suzan Kelley!
Congrats, Suzan! Drop me a note on which email you'd like me to use to send your prize to you!
The weekend started early - Friday around 6 we were kilted and on our way to the first of what will be several Robert Burns Suppers. This one was at a local brewery, and there were kilt contests for men and women (husband came in third, as did I), a band, bagpipes, and yes, even haggis.
Saturday was a little quieter, and I managed to get some wood in before the snow, so we had a fire in the fireplace as the snow came down. I did make it out to get some tea - I was completely out and there's no living with me if I'm not caffeinated. By noon the roads were cleaner, so we headed to New Jersey for our meditation group.
Yesterday was the search for the real cup of tea (my local grocery did not have any decent substitutes), so we headed to the Indian grocery. I stocked up. No way I want to run out again, and now I have enough to get me through until July. I stopped by Barnes & Noble, got a chai (of course) and then husband took me out for brunch. We then visited an open house just to see the decorating, then home again (across the street, literally) to plan the library and other projects. A hockey win later, and it was a good weekend.
Today I'm finishing an article project, scheduling interviews for another article, working on yet another client project, and marketing. I sent a proposal out to a client a week ago, and it's time to follow up to see if he has questions. It's also foggy out and about to go from yesterday's high of 27 to 51.
How was your weekend? What are you up to this week?
Suzan Kelley!
Congrats, Suzan! Drop me a note on which email you'd like me to use to send your prize to you!
The weekend started early - Friday around 6 we were kilted and on our way to the first of what will be several Robert Burns Suppers. This one was at a local brewery, and there were kilt contests for men and women (husband came in third, as did I), a band, bagpipes, and yes, even haggis.
Saturday was a little quieter, and I managed to get some wood in before the snow, so we had a fire in the fireplace as the snow came down. I did make it out to get some tea - I was completely out and there's no living with me if I'm not caffeinated. By noon the roads were cleaner, so we headed to New Jersey for our meditation group.
Yesterday was the search for the real cup of tea (my local grocery did not have any decent substitutes), so we headed to the Indian grocery. I stocked up. No way I want to run out again, and now I have enough to get me through until July. I stopped by Barnes & Noble, got a chai (of course) and then husband took me out for brunch. We then visited an open house just to see the decorating, then home again (across the street, literally) to plan the library and other projects. A hockey win later, and it was a good weekend.
Today I'm finishing an article project, scheduling interviews for another article, working on yet another client project, and marketing. I sent a proposal out to a client a week ago, and it's time to follow up to see if he has questions. It's also foggy out and about to go from yesterday's high of 27 to 51.
How was your weekend? What are you up to this week?
Friday, January 20, 2012
Worthy Advice: Show Your Stuff
Just two more days to score your chance at some free Amazon swag: Sign up to receive my occasional newsletter and you're entered to win a $20 Amazon card! Make sure you're all signed up by Saturday, January 21st (that's tomorrow) before midnight. If you sign up January 22nd, you still get the newsletter, but you miss out on the card drawing. I don't spam, nor do I pester.
Nice day yesterday. I got a little client work done throughout the day, and I managed to devote the rest of the day to both book projects. The fiction work is starting to sing. I'm taking my time with it, thinking through each word and making sure the phrases are exactly how I want to present the story. So far, I'm pleased with how it's going. The story is coming out the way I'd hoped.
I was talking with one of my client contacts yesterday when I realized he didn't know how well-versed I was in his industry. Not entirely odd as he's a contact and not a client, but I took the opportunity to let him know I understood the topic he was speaking of, and I sent him a link to an article I'd written on that very topic. That opened up a nice conversation, which left him feeling maybe a little more confident that I could take his report and actually make sense of it. I showed him my stuff. How often do you do that?
Chances are you're working with clients right now who aren't completely aware of your skills beyond what you're doing for them. I scored more work with an editor last year when I told her that I'd written on other topics, then I pitched those ideas. She loved them and assigned four articles I wouldn't have gotten had I not spoken up. So yes, I know you've got something you're not sharing, too.
How to tell them, though? Here are some ideas:
Offer it up. Look at their business or their article needs. Then pitch to them. Don't wait for them to realize you're the renowned writer of ink cartridge technology - send them pitches and your clips showing it.
Ask for more. Sometimes they're giving you newsletter work when you could be solving their press release problems, as well. Ask them if they have any need for the skill you're currently not using. That means researching their site and business a bit, but you should be doing that anyway.
Send your portfolio. Get back in touch with your clients by thanking them for the previous projects, and by sending them your CV, resume, portfolio (whatever you want to call it). In your note, call out the skills you think they'd benefit from.
Tweet it. Maybe your client isn't advertising that he's looking for someone to write white papers, so how can you know to tell him? Try tweeting current or past projects - "Working on a white paper project this week" coupled with hash tags that speak to their industry (#inktechnology, for example) can get those tweets right in front of them when they need you most.
Market that skill. Maybe it's time you rolled out a postcard or brochure targeting those white paper skills. Send it to current and prospective clients. Don't think they already know if they've already hired you. Remind them with paper.
How do you show your stuff?
Nice day yesterday. I got a little client work done throughout the day, and I managed to devote the rest of the day to both book projects. The fiction work is starting to sing. I'm taking my time with it, thinking through each word and making sure the phrases are exactly how I want to present the story. So far, I'm pleased with how it's going. The story is coming out the way I'd hoped.
I was talking with one of my client contacts yesterday when I realized he didn't know how well-versed I was in his industry. Not entirely odd as he's a contact and not a client, but I took the opportunity to let him know I understood the topic he was speaking of, and I sent him a link to an article I'd written on that very topic. That opened up a nice conversation, which left him feeling maybe a little more confident that I could take his report and actually make sense of it. I showed him my stuff. How often do you do that?
Chances are you're working with clients right now who aren't completely aware of your skills beyond what you're doing for them. I scored more work with an editor last year when I told her that I'd written on other topics, then I pitched those ideas. She loved them and assigned four articles I wouldn't have gotten had I not spoken up. So yes, I know you've got something you're not sharing, too.
How to tell them, though? Here are some ideas:
Offer it up. Look at their business or their article needs. Then pitch to them. Don't wait for them to realize you're the renowned writer of ink cartridge technology - send them pitches and your clips showing it.
Ask for more. Sometimes they're giving you newsletter work when you could be solving their press release problems, as well. Ask them if they have any need for the skill you're currently not using. That means researching their site and business a bit, but you should be doing that anyway.
Send your portfolio. Get back in touch with your clients by thanking them for the previous projects, and by sending them your CV, resume, portfolio (whatever you want to call it). In your note, call out the skills you think they'd benefit from.
Tweet it. Maybe your client isn't advertising that he's looking for someone to write white papers, so how can you know to tell him? Try tweeting current or past projects - "Working on a white paper project this week" coupled with hash tags that speak to their industry (#inktechnology, for example) can get those tweets right in front of them when they need you most.
Market that skill. Maybe it's time you rolled out a postcard or brochure targeting those white paper skills. Send it to current and prospective clients. Don't think they already know if they've already hired you. Remind them with paper.
How do you show your stuff?
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Worthy Stuff: This Job, Not That Job
Two things - first, don't forget to sign up for my occasional newsletter. One of you who signs up before January 21st at midnight will win a $20 Amazon gift card! And I don't spam, so there's that.
Also, I have an informal poll on the left side of this blog. Just for fun, I thought I'd add that feature. Feel free to take part, and if you have suggestions for questions to ask, drop me a note!
Had a good day yesterday. I finished all my interviews for Article #1 and had time to field a client call and get some work done on two books. Plus I got some LOIs out to some companies. I noticed it's also time to follow up with a few more, so that will be today's job.
Then I made dinner. Kung Pao Sliders, miso soup, and lo mein. We were stuffed.
It's time once again for our This Job, Not That Job, where I compare seemingly similar gigs side by side and we tear apart the imposter.
Here's a job that's pretty typical of a smelly, slimy little attempt to get work for nothing:
Writers for a Global Travel Destination Guide
I am looking for multiple writers that are interested in getting some travel writing experience. This is a great opportunity.The articles are short. You can do just one and get the byline for it, or do one per week and be able to put on your resume that you are an associate editor for the site. Bylines are given for all articles.Please let me know if you are interested.
Compensation: bylines and resume experience.
Oh, where to begin? How about the "multiple writers" wording, since that's listed first? It should be your first red flag, for any client looking for "multiple" anything and not offering "multiple" assignments isn't serious about finding a professional writer.
Here's another fun phrase: "This is a great opportunity." That's probably true, but it's not great for anyone but the person getting all the free writing. Red flag #2.
Ooo, did you see the third red flag? "...be able to put on your resume that you are an associate editor for the site." Right. That and a slice of bread will get you, er, a slice of bread. While this may sound appealing to new writers, know that if that site isn't impeccably edited or even marketed with any sense of business savvy, you're going to look like the same kind of rank amateur that this job poster obviously is.
You get a byline. Be still my freaking heart. If I had a nickel for every time I heard that line, I would make more money than this clown intends to ever fork over. Bylines attached to worthless sites are just that. Worthless.
Instead, try something like this:
TRAVEL SMART
Monthly travel-related newsletter focusing on travel values.
Pays $150 maximum for 100-1,500 words.
Seriously, it's not a ton of money, but it's not free. My suggestion would be to aim much higher up the food chain, but if you're starting out, this is a legitimate market.
Do you know of better markets than this one? Share it here.
What bad stuff have you seen lately?
Also, I have an informal poll on the left side of this blog. Just for fun, I thought I'd add that feature. Feel free to take part, and if you have suggestions for questions to ask, drop me a note!
Had a good day yesterday. I finished all my interviews for Article #1 and had time to field a client call and get some work done on two books. Plus I got some LOIs out to some companies. I noticed it's also time to follow up with a few more, so that will be today's job.
Then I made dinner. Kung Pao Sliders, miso soup, and lo mein. We were stuffed.
It's time once again for our This Job, Not That Job, where I compare seemingly similar gigs side by side and we tear apart the imposter.
Here's a job that's pretty typical of a smelly, slimy little attempt to get work for nothing:
Writers for a Global Travel Destination Guide
I am looking for multiple writers that are interested in getting some travel writing experience. This is a great opportunity.The articles are short. You can do just one and get the byline for it, or do one per week and be able to put on your resume that you are an associate editor for the site. Bylines are given for all articles.Please let me know if you are interested.
Compensation: bylines and resume experience.
Oh, where to begin? How about the "multiple writers" wording, since that's listed first? It should be your first red flag, for any client looking for "multiple" anything and not offering "multiple" assignments isn't serious about finding a professional writer.
Here's another fun phrase: "This is a great opportunity." That's probably true, but it's not great for anyone but the person getting all the free writing. Red flag #2.
Ooo, did you see the third red flag? "...be able to put on your resume that you are an associate editor for the site." Right. That and a slice of bread will get you, er, a slice of bread. While this may sound appealing to new writers, know that if that site isn't impeccably edited or even marketed with any sense of business savvy, you're going to look like the same kind of rank amateur that this job poster obviously is.
You get a byline. Be still my freaking heart. If I had a nickel for every time I heard that line, I would make more money than this clown intends to ever fork over. Bylines attached to worthless sites are just that. Worthless.
Instead, try something like this:
TRAVEL SMART
Monthly travel-related newsletter focusing on travel values.
Pays $150 maximum for 100-1,500 words.
Seriously, it's not a ton of money, but it's not free. My suggestion would be to aim much higher up the food chain, but if you're starting out, this is a legitimate market.
Do you know of better markets than this one? Share it here.
What bad stuff have you seen lately?
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