I do my best to weed out the obvious scams before posting job links, but I don't contact or research every employer before including them in the daily job listings. I would love to be able to do that for my readers, but I simply don't have the time. For that reason, there are some questionable jobs that slip through -- like one I posted yesterday, titled "Web copywriters" that linked to a Raleigh Cragslist posting.

I sent a short email response to the ad simply asking for more information. This morning I received a lengthy email asking for a lot of information. As I glanced through the email, it raised several red flags for me, so I visited the website it contained. The claims made on the site seemed over-the-top, so I googled the first company name, "Internet Illuminations." Nothing but job listings. I searched "Google news" and came up with nothing. Then I tried searching the name of the owner along with the company, "Internet Illuminations" James Mitchell. Still nothing but job listings. Finally, I tried searching the owner's name and city "James Mitchell" Boston.

Bingo! There is a lot of interesting information out there on "James Mitchell" Boston, not the least of which is this article in Boston Magazine.

Now it's possible that this new company is legitimate and that James Mitchell has started a legitimate business, but are you willing to bet at least 20 hours of your workweek, every week on that?

I write all this so that freelance writers, especially those just starting out who are very hungry for their first jobs, will always be on the lookout for scams. There's no point in getting a gig if you're only going to be taken advantage of.

So how do you know if what looks like a good gig is really a scam? In most cases there's no way to be 100% sure until you've been taken for a ride. But there are some good ways to protect yourself. If you start getting even a slight inkling that not everything is on the up-and-up, it's time to either take a closer look, or walk away. Ten minutes of research can save you hours of unpaid work.

To help protect yourself, watch for these red flags:

• Overly high pay rates (You aren't going to make $50,000 a year writing 10 hours a week for a single company.)
  
• Vague descriptions of work
• Requiring substantial amounts of work completed before payment will be made
• Payment by check (unless it is a large company that you are sure is legitimate, and even then be careful. I did a lot of work for a well-known large company two years ago and to this day haven't received a cent. Even though I faxed and snail-mailed the payment documents they asked for five different times, they continued to claim they never received them, so I couldn't be paid. Strangely, they received the fax containing the work product on the first try.)
  
• Demanding a lot of personal information
• Refusing to use an escrow service for large jobs
• Asking for custom-written "samples" before hiring (100-200 word samples may be ok, but usually those asking for an entire article are just looking to take your work and run)
• Being overly demanding and picky (some clients are picky, but some are looking for an excuse to deny payment, as you become more experienced, you will be able to spot the difference. Typically, the scammer looking to avoid payment makes unreasonable demands and asks for contradicting re-writes.)
• Asking you to complete more work than agreed upon, but at the same price
• Asking you to invest significant time into a project without guarantee of payment
• Promises of "write for free now and you'll make money later"

If you see any red flags, or get that "is this a scam?" inkling, take a moment to research the person or company you are considering working for. You might be surprised what turns up when you search terms like "superduperpayingemployer complaints" or "superduperpayingemployer scam."

There are also several sites where you can check out potential employers to see if other writers have had complaints. My favorite of these is Writer Beware, maintained by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America organization. The site also has a fairly new blog that lets writers comment about scams.

Another good resource is the Protect Yourself page at Writer's Digest.

Have fun writing, but protect your work! It's ok to write for free -- if you know in advance that you're writing for free. :)

-- This post focuses on obtaining government records in the United States. For my readers outside of the states, I am unfamiliar with your public record laws, but would suggest that you contact a local school of journalism to find out what the laws are and how to find them. --

Even if you're not a journalist, at some point in your freelance career it's likely that you'll need to access government documents to complete a story. Whether you just need a few statistics, minutes of a meeting to verify someone's statement, or you're investigating wrong-doing, it's important to know how to obtain the documents you need.

Here's how:

First, understand that under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) most government documents are public record. Journalists don't have any special access to documents, they just know how to use the laws made for everyone to obtain those documents. Public records means just that, they are available to the public. Not every government document is a public record, but the law makes only specific exemptions. If you are denied a public record, note the reason for the denial, the person who made the denial and the date and time. Then contact your state attorney general's office for guidance. Remember that most court records are public record, and don't require a written request to be viewed. Court records are a great source of information that you might not be able to obtain anywhere else.

Second, fill out a written request form. Most government agencies require a written request. Some will supply their own forms, others will accept something as simple as, "I request (document requested) under the state and federal public record laws. Signed, (your name)." There is also a public record request letter generator available online at the Reporter's Committee for Freedom of the Press website. Click here to access it.

Third, be polite and patient. Try to ask for any public records as soon as you realize you might need them. Laws vary by state, but in general, government agencies are given anywhere from ten days to two weeks to respond to your request. Remember that the person you hand the form to is probably not the person who has control over granting your request. Many agencies have their legal counsel review all public information requests before fulfilling them, so it may take some time. Also, the staff responsible for researching your request is likely busy with many tasks, so try to remain patient and understanding. I can't stress enough how important it is to be polite. You will have much better luck obtaining the records you want if you build a positive relationship with the individuals responsible for handling your request. They may take the time to check just one more place, or fulfill your request before performing another task if they feel you are friendly and grateful for their help. Remember, even though you are dealing with a government agency, which can be frustrating, you are still dealing with people. Most of the time the people helping you have no control over the records request process and simply have to work within the guidelines, the same as you do.

Fourth, check your state's public record laws if you have any questions or run up against a brick wall. You can find them by either searching the internet, calling your state attorney general's office, or contacting a local chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Some states also have an office or person designated to assist citizens seeking public records, so check to see if such a position or office exists in your state.

Finally, be specific in your request. Determine exactly what you need before you ask for it. Do you really need a years' worth of records? Can you find what you want just by asking for a document from a specific month or day? Try to narrow your request down as much as you possibly can. This saves everyone time and money and reduces the chance that your request will be denied. Some courts have held that government agencies do not have to produce records for overly broad requests.

Good luck and have fun tracking down the information you need!

Just a quick follow-up to my post about Writers Who Are Also Photographers.

As I was processing my pictures this morning, I realized that I forgot to mention the importance of keeping some stock pictures on hand. If you're going to take the time to learn a little about photography and submit photos with your articles, you may as well start carrying the camera with you and take shots of different events, especially things that occur only occasionally or seasonally.

For example, I took a slew of fireworks photos last night. I really only need one, but I was already there, had the camera set up, and having a bunch to choose from may come in handy when I need a fireworks shot and there are no fireworks. I do the same for other events and activities. I always try and keep some seasonal photos on hand too, such as the leaves changing color in fall, and flowers poking through the snow in early spring.

Although I'm sure there are some that will remain unused, I've used many of these "stock" photos to supplement articles, and it's been worth the time to take them. Just remember if there are people in your photos who are recognizable to get them to sign a photo release so you can use the image commercially. (You can find a sample photo release form just by searching the term "photo release form".)

I'd encourage freelance writers to try and keep some photos on hand the same way they keep a notebook of story ideas on hand.

I'm not sure how many of you are also photographers. If you're not, it's a great skill to supplement your writing. Many editors prefer writers who can also provide photos to accompany their articles.

For those who already are, Amazon is offering instant Canon rebates right now. Some lenses are nearly half off, like a $2,400 telephoto lens on sale for $1,360, and another telephoto lens that's normally $970 and is on sale for $560. I would love to grab one of these lenses while they're on sale. hey also have some good deals on Canon digital SLR cameras.

Now if you haven't learned much about photography and feel intimidated by all there is to learn and the cost of equipment, stop right there. It's not as complicated or expensive as it seems. While a digital SLR is great, you can get great pictures perfectly suitable for online publications with a point and shoot that offers basic manual controls. You just need to learn a few basics. I highly recommend Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. It explains the basics of photography in a very simple way. I've worked through this book several times and learn something new every time.

If you're not quite ready to learn how to use manual settings, here are a few very basic tips for taking pictures to go along with your articles.

- Keep the sun to your back. When you shoot into the sun, you lose detail, so unless you are trying to capture just an outline, keep the sun behind you.

- Fill the frame. Better a little too close to your subject than a little too far away. Things look farther away in pictures, so get up nice and close and make sure the whole frame is filled with what you're trying to capture.

- Avoid shooting under fluorescent lights if at all possible. Fluorescent lights create poor colors and lots of shadows. Sometimes they can't be avoided, but when you can, do so.

- Keep your elbows at your side. To get a nice clear, steady shot, keep your elbows against your body instead of away from it.

- Shoot from different angles. One wonderful thing about digital photography is that you can take a ton of pictures and just erase the ones that didn't turn out so good. So take advantage and shoot your subject from several different angles. One trick many photographers use to make a common object or scene look different is to shoot it from an unusual angle. Don't be afraid to lay down, get on a ladder or turn the camera sideways to get a great shot.

- Watch the details. Photography is about details. The way the light falls or how the objects in the picture balance or contrast with each other are important elements. Even if you don't know a thing about exposure or the rule of thirds, you can make sure your shots don't have distracting elements. Before you snap, look at the scene or object. Is there a piece of trash on the grass? What's behind the heads of the individuals in the picture? If you change angles will you eliminate something distracting like a street sign?

- Have fun, be creative and practice. Try new things, keep a note of what did and didn't work and study photos in newspapers and magazines to get new ideas.

While learning photography isn't a requirement for a freelance writer, if you have any interest in photography at all I would highly recommend learning the basics. I've landed several jobs that required photos, and earned more from others that didn't by being able to provide good photos to go with whatever I'm writing about. Consider a digital camera an investment, and it will likely pay for itself.

A reader recently asked for advice on writing a successful query letter. It's almost impossible to b e a successful freelance writer without learning how to write an outstanding query letter. Although query letters are traditionally associated with print publications, more and more online publishers are requiring query letters. As profits from web publishing continue to increase, freelance writers should expect most serious employers to ask for query letters, whether they publish online or in print.

Writing a query letter isn't difficult. The format is simple, and you already have the information you need for the content. The hard part of writing a good query letter is finding the balance between being attention-getting and ridiculous.

Most editors receive hundreds, if not thousands, of query letters each month. Most will give each query only two or three seconds of attention before the first decision is made. The majority of query letters are almost immediately rejected, but a few will get further consideration. How do you make sure your query letter gets serious consideration? There are a few things you can do.

1. Match your topic closely to the publisher you are querying.

It doesn't matter if you have the most compelling, hottest story on the planet if you query it to the wrong publisher. All publications have a defined audience, style and series of topics. Before you even begin your query letter, research the publications thoroughly.

In your research, go to the publication's website and look at the writer's guidelines as well as the areas of the site designed for readers. If they publish complete stories online, read a few to get a feel for what they publish. Order a sample copy, or go to the store and browse through a few recent issues. Large used book stores and libraries are a great place to find back issues of magazines, newspapers and other publications you might be considering querying. Browsing through several issues will give you a better understanding of what a particular publisher prints, and also help you avoid querying about topics they have recently covered.

2. Give your topic a unique spin.

General topics have been covered over and over and over. How many "Save Money on Gas" articles have you seen lately that all offer the same information. Whatever your idea, try to give it a unique twist. This will not only help your query letter stand out, but greatly increases the chances of getting the green light to produce the article you've queried.

For example, instead of "How to Save Money on Gas," go a little deeper and consider a topic like, "How to Protect Yourself From Con Artists Promising Better Gas Mileage," or "Going To The Extreme for Better Gas Mileage."

3. Open your query letter with a hook.

The first line of your query letter should be so enticing and intriguing that the editor wants to learn more. One simple method is to use the most interesting fact you plan to include in your article. If the most interesting fact is not intriguing, then you should probably revise your topic. Another method is to say something shocking or surprising. It's important to remain professional and not cross the line into the ridiculous, but this is also your best chance to grab the editor's attention, so don't be afraid to push boundaries.

4. Follow the hook with a brief summary of your idea.

Limit this portion of your query letter to one paragraph. Include some basic facts or information, the angle from which you will approach the topic and the names of any individuals or sources you will be using.

5. Explain why you are the best writer for the project.

Mention your experience, your contacts, previous publications, anything that shows an editor that you are qualified, professional and capable of completing the work, and that you are the best person to do the work. Limit this portion to one paragraph as well.

Even if you haven't completed similar projects, mention any experience you have working with an editor. It is important for an editor to know that you can meet deadlines, accept constructive criticism, and work closely with the publication to complete requested revisions.

If you don't have any professional experience, don't say so. This is an opportunity to show off your strengths, so don't point out your weaknesses. Don't lie or stretch the truth, but use any experience you have that is relevant to the project you're proposing. Don't talk mention the opinion of friends and relatives, but do include any positive professional reviews of your work.

End your query letter as you would any other business letter, by signing it "Sincerely, Your Name, Your Contact Information."

Here's a few additional things to keep in mind for writing a great query letter:

* Query letters should be brief and never longer than one page. Give the editor all the information they need to make a decision, but no more than that. Don't include your resume, personal history or interests or references in a query letter. If an editor wants that information, they'll ask.

* Be polite. This should be obvious, but some writers make the mistake of being pretentious, overly confident and rude. A query letter is the equivalent of a cover letter for a resume. While you might tell a prospective employer that you could make a positive impact on the organization, you would not tell them that their IT department is a disaster, and only you can fix it. The same goes for query letters. Let the editor know you'll deliver quality writing, on time, that will interest readers and increase revenue, but don't bash their other writers or previous articles.

* Wait for the editor to respond. Don't tell them, "I'm sending you an article." In the first place, you shouldn't write the article until the query is accepted, because the editor is likely to have specific suggestions or requirements and assuming that they will want your article as-is, without being tailored to their publication, is obnoxious. In the second place, most editors don't want your article unless they ask for it.

* Be creative. Have fun writing your query letter. Keep it professional, but not dry. Follow the rules of grammar and punctuation, but don't worry too much about keeping the query letter in a business format. An interesting query letter will let an editor know that you can also write an interesting article.

* Don't call. Editors and their staff don't have time to answer questions about whether or not they received your query letter, or whether or not they're interested. If an editor wants to talk to you, they'll call you.


I hope these suggestions help. My favorite resource, as I've mentioned before, for learning more about query letters is Writer's Market. The beginning of each book includes an entire section on query letters, including examples of actual query letters that show what to do, what not to do, and notes from actual editors explaining why they did or didn't respond to a query letter.

Now get out there and write a successful query letter!

I am so excited to announce the winner of our first mini-contest! There were some great entries! Thank you everyone for your participation! You guys give some great freelance writing advice.

And the winner is...

Courtney Latham! You can view her writing blog, which has some great writing insights, at rarebirdfreelancer.blogspot.com

Congrats Courtney! And thanks for the great tips!

The first bit of advice touches on what Stephen King refers to as "letting the boys in the basement do the work." Sometimes, even under pressing deadlines, it's better to stop forcing the writing and let your subconscious have a little time to pull it all together. When I'm really struggling with an article, I find that focusing on something else, even if it's only for five minutes helps me get past any stumbling blocks.

One of my favorite authors, Diana Gabaldon, has a great method for keeping up productivity while allowing whatever you're struggling with to "marinate" a little while. She simply works on more than one project/piece at a time by having several windows or tabs open on the computer. If she gets to a sticking point on one, she simply switches to the next window and starts working on a different project or portion of the story. Personally, I have trouble switching writing gears like that, but I am able to set aside something I'm struggling to write, switch to another window and work on researching something else. I've found her method has really helped me keep working rather than wandering away and getting distracted by the million things that need done around the house. (It's also helped keep me out of the fridge, which is a double-bonus!)

Anyway, here's Courtney's advice #1.

Mind Wandering

Maybe you’ve been here—you have a project due to your editor tomorrow morning and you’ve dabbled at it here and there for a week but now that it’s due tomorrow, it’s crunch time so you spend the entire day forcing words out, backspacing, forcing more words and it’s just not working. You start with a blank document thinking it will help you refocus your thoughts. Nothing. Eventually, in the middle of the night you end up with some semblance of an article that you turn in the next day, not necessarily happy with your work, but just happy to have it done. I’ve so been there. What I found as a remedy surprised me (and stressed me out until I got used to it). When you are trying to focus you are narrowing your mind, forcing it into a box that’s limited by your subject matter.

Have you happened to notice so many of the best ideas come when you’re in the shower? Your body goes on autopilot and your mind is left free to go anywhere it wants. Start out by thinking casually about the subject you are writing about and just let go. The mind may go off here and there to other subjects but often there can be some connection there and can produce some amazing results that likely never would have come about by focusing.
The shower is one of my favorite place to cure writer’s block. I let myself fall into my shower routine so that my hands have something to do, then I start out thinking about my subject, then somehow I start holding conversations in my head about it, going back and forth and sometimes getting off topic a little but usually coming back until suddenly I’m writing paragraphs in my head. This can be also one of the most frustrating places to let your mind wander as you sometimes have to jump out at any given moment with suds dropping off of you as you race to your computer or at least a pen and paper. You can’t let it go, it’s like a dream…if you don’t tend to it when you first wake up you likely won’t remember it 10 minutes later. But it’s by far one of the best for me.

Another mind-wandering task that works well for me is dish washing. Again, I just go on autopilot and let go. Sometimes people will walk in and see my lips moving because I’m sort of talking to myself but I really don’t care at all because the sentences I’m composing in my mind are worth far more than any judgment from them…and it’s something many people do whether they admit it or not.

And my absolute favorite…and yet another inconvenient tactic…mind-wandering while driving. I have certain routines I like to maintain and driving the same routes over and over to places I go regularly (like work or Taco Bueno) lets me go on autopilot. Some people think this is a bit scary but my body seems to be a better driver than my mind so it’s better to just turn it over and let it take control—my reflexes are awesome on autopilot. I’ve never been in an accident and never come close when I’m mind-wandering so I’m convinced it’s fine. The problem comes when I’m trying to write the ideas down while driving—not the best idea I ever had—and it’s also hard to drive in the dark. So what do you do? Buy a tape recorder and talk to it, talk freely, say whatever is happening in your mind, and if you don’t want to do that then call your own voicemail and leave a message. A few years ago I drove halfway across the country from Arkansas to Colorado and then down to Arizona just me and my dog and I found this method extremely helpful because all I did the entire trip was write in my mind and narrate everything that was going on. Somehow my brain can come up with great metaphors I’d never have thought of while actually trying. It makes some really satisfying connections most times and mind-wandering is one of the most gratifying things about being a writer.

When you’re on a deadline it can be nerve-wracking to try and move away from your computer. Many of us were taught that daydreaming was a waste of time, my name was written on the board at least 500 times throughout grade-school for daydreaming, but it’s actually one of the most efficient things you can do for your writing. There’s a little bit of genius in all of us and mind-wandering just allows that genius to come out and play.


I like this second bit of advice because so often as freelancers we become so concerned with the writing aspect that we forget to properly market ourselves. I've heard different opinions, but generally, you should be spending between 30 and 50 percent of your time on marketing. It's wonderful fun to write, but if you're hoping to make a living at it, or even just get paid for it, you've got to take the time to market yourself.

Courtney's advice #2:

Pretending you are Robert Scoble simply means you should run your freelance writing as a marketing firm. Businesses often have several different departments, as should your freelance business. You sell your own product, you do your own accounting, you perform all administrative tasks, you are your customer service representative and perhaps most importantly, you are your own marketing department.
In theory, your actual billable hours should be about 50% of your time and your marketing should be the other 50% with the rest as overtime…does any freelancer actually only work 40 hours a week? I have a day job as a marketing manager and I’m still putting in over 40 in all the tasks that must be done as a freelancer.
So here are three ideas you should consider about your freelance writing marketing efforts:
1) Market yourself as if your job is marketing associate at a firm. At a marketing firm you will put all the resources you have available into your best clients. When I was in marketing at a publishing company in Colorado we pulled out all the stops for our customers on our “A” list—those who would bring in the most money and the ROI was always high. So learn marketing, read books, look at what other companies do, not just freelancers but companies in general. Don’t just get a book on marketing for freelancers, just get a book on marketing because there are tons of ideas that you can take and modify for your own purposes as a freelancer that a more specialized book may not give you. Also, there’s often useful information to help you become a specialized marketing writer which is one of the more lucrative niches of writing. I recommend for amazing marketing reading The New Rules of Marketing and PR by David Meerman Scott. Marketing is one of those things that changes rapidly and this book is useful for what’s “cool” in the marketing realm right now.
2) Brand yourself. Figure out what your clients are seeing and how you want them to see you and your business. It’s hard to cater to every demographic out there so look at your niches and analyze who your clients are and create your materials accordingly. Check out this site: www.thirdrailcreative.com, to me their site conveys an urban, professional and…witty feel. My kind of company. Ultimately branding should help you appear more professional but can also say more about who you and your niches are.
Then, apply your logo to everything. Your website, your letterhead, your invoices, your email signature, go ahead and get it embroidered on your laptop case…cheap marketing! But whatever you do, be very sure you like your branding (your logo, your colors etc.) and do not change them. When you become a household-named-conglomerate complete with golden arches you can change it and send out a press release. Until then, make sure you love it.

3) Blog. Small and large businesses everywhere are using blogs and you should too. I once saw a question on www.therenegadewriter.com site that went like this:
“in some ways, I just don’t “get” all this freelancer blogging. How much time can one spend blogging about writing, or reading blogs about writing, or blogging about reading writing blogs? When is there time left for, well, the actual writing… Is there a point when all of this busy-ness hurts, rather than helps, a career?”
Well, yes, there is a point when it hurts your career, and you have to be careful not to get addicted to reading blogs and updating yours all the time. Everything in moderation, right? But here’s what it does for marketing: a) it increases your visibility on search engines, b) helps your networking, c) helps your branding, and d) establishes you as knowledgeable in your field therefore increasing your credibility—if you have other niche blogs apart from freelancing you establish yourself in those arenas as well which helps you to be a “specialized writer” and specialized writers tend to make more money per assignment than general writers do. If you specialize, your credibility goes way up, the time it takes to write an assignment goes way down and you will definitely be more in demand than a generalist writer.

All in all my marketing background is proving to be the most useful tool I have available to my freelance career. I still have things I’m working to launch, but what I’ve done so far, according to the above, has driven some great leads to my door. I hope you find it does for you as well.

I know I've already mentioned Writer's Market a few times. In fact, an online subscription is the grand prize in our first monthly writing contest. But I don't think I've really taken the time to explain why I think it's *the best* resource for freelance writers. (Maybe even better than this blog ???)

Here are the five reasons why I think every freelance writer who wants regular work should always have an up-to-date copy of Writer's Market.

1. Comprehensive listings.
Writer's Market has the most comprehensive freelance market listings I have ever seen anywhere. Period.

You can find out just about anything you need to know about any freelance writing lead, including what type of content they're looking for, how they pay, how much they pay, when they pay, how many new authors they accept each year, how often they publish, how long they've been in business, and so much, much more. The listings also include short bits of advice from editors at the publication to let you know what to do, and sometimes more importantly, what not to do.

2. They've been around the block.
Writer's Market has been published for decades. The editors are good at weeding out scams, finding out who you should really be contacting at a particular publication and pointing out things you should watch out for when considering whether or not to deal with certain agent or publishing company.

3. The information is well-researched.
With a staff dedicated to nothing but making sure the information is correct, you know you're getting the best information possible. With the new edition in hand, you know exactly when the information was updated. If you also sign up for the online edition, you'll receive automatic updates any time information changes. They also list complete contact information so you don't have to spend time searching for addresses, zip codes or email addresses.

4. Listings for all types of markets.
It doesn't matter what type of freelance writer you are. You can find the markets that fit you in Writer's Market. Fiction, non-fiction, juvenile, greeting cards, childrens magazines, trade publications -- you name it, they've got it. They also list paying contests if you decide you want to enter your work in a contest.

5. Everything you need to know to submit a query, cover letter, resume or clip.
Besides all the great listings, the front section of Writer's Market is always packed with great advice and information on what to include in query letters, how to format manuscripts, how to submit your work either electronically or by snail mail. And the best part is, the advice and information they give comes straight from the acquiring editors themselves, so it's not just someone guessing at what an editor wants to see. The tips and information at the front of the book are worth the purchase price alone. It's almost a bonus that you get thousands of job leads as well.

If you purchase the book, I also recommend signing up for the online service. You can keep track of all your queries and submissions, quickly search publishers and receive free updates to the listings in the book.

And here's one extra reason that I love Writer's Market -- the writing jobs typically pay far more than any jobs you'll find online! Now, they do take longer to get, and it's a longer wait to get paid, but you can typically make between $800 and $1,200 for a well-written, well-researched article, much more than the typical online freelance writing job. Definitely worth the extra work!

Writer's Market also makes specialty editions for Children's Markets and Novel & Short Story Markets.

Follow the links below to get your own copy, pick one up at your local bookstore, or sign up for the online service. However you get it, be sure to get a copy of Writer's Market. It really is a freelance writer's best friend.

2008 Writer's Market

Pre-order 2009 Writer's Market Deluxe (Writer's Market Online)

2008 Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market (Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market)

Pre-order 2009 Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market (Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market)

2008 Novel & Short Story Writer's Market (Novel and Short Story Writer's Market)

Pre-order 2009 Novel & Short Story Writer's Market (Novel and Short Story Writer's Market)

This is obviously not a financial advice blog, but if you're writing for money, or a trying to make a living as a freelance writer, you have to spend a certain amount of time thinking about the money.

One concern I always have when I sign up at a new site is the security of my personal information. More and more sites are requesting bank account information to make payments. This makes me nervous. I don't really want just anyone having access to my bank account. I was also burned once with a site removing double payments from my account. It took the better part of a year to get my money back. So my advice to all freelance writers, and anyone conducting regular business online, is to never grant any site access to your regular checking account.

So how do you still work within their request for an account number? The solution I have found is a prepaid debit card.

I don't know if all companies do this the same way, but the All Access Visa re-loadable card gives you a personalized card as well as a checking account number and routing number that you can use to have deposits made directly into your account. You can use these numbers anywhere that a site asks you for a bank account number and it works just like a checking account, but without the paper checks. Paypal will also make direct transfers to the account if you like.

The other alternative is to set up a separate checking account specifically for use with sites that require it. It really is a matter of personal preference, but for me, it's easier to keep track of the prepaid debit card than than to keep track of another regular checking account and deal with the bank. Also, All Access will send alerts to my cell phone any time there are any transactions in the account. I really like this service. I can also send a short text to check my balance at any time.

I keep limited funds in the account so that if anyone did try to access the account the amount of damage they could do is limited. The same applies if someone tried to use the card to make a purchase.

So, no matter whether you choose to use a prepaid debit card or a separate checking account, I **strongly** urge all freelance writers to protect themselves and never use their regular checking account to send or receive writing payments online.

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Happy writing!

What is your motivation for writing?

I've been thinking about all the talk going on about sites like Associated Content and whether or not they are ripping off writers by using their articles to generate lots ad revenue. There's also the distinction some are trying to make between what they term "legitimate" writers, who write only on assignment, or only for print, and those who write for sites like AC, Helium and Suite101.

To me it seems simple. A writer is someone who writes. As a writer, you should never work on a project, submit an article, take an assignment, etc., without knowing the terms up front. If the terms are acceptable to *you*, then it's all good. Who cares what other writers think, right? How much money the publisher makes from your writing is irrelevant. Everyone who pays you to write will be trying, in some way or another, to make money off your writing. What you should consider is whether the amount they offer to you is acceptable or not. Either it is or it isn't.

Deciding what terms are acceptable to *you*, or whether you should write for certain websites or clients, depends on two main things, motivation and situation.

Motivation: Why are you writing? Is it strictly for money? Money and enjoyment? Or purely enjoyment, with any money being a bonus?

Situation: Are you an established writer? Are you trying to break into a particular market, or maybe any market at all? Do you have a regular job or are you relying on freelance work to support yourself?

Honestly answering these questions for yourself will help you decide whether *you* want to write for sites that rely on user-generated content, or other similar projects.

Personally, I am fortunate to have a steady job that pays me to write. I can pick and choose what I want to write. Sometimes I decline jobs because they don't pay enough and I know I wouldn't enjoy them. Sometimes I take low-paying assignments or write for sites like eHow because I like it. Associated Content, for me, is a place to write about anything I want at all. If I'm fascinated with a certain flower and want to write about, I can do it, get a little pay for it, and have the satisfaction of sharing it with others.

At first, I worried a little about the "illegitimacy" of some of the sites. But in the end, who cares? It's my writing, I can do what I want with it. And that, I think, is the key.

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