2 High-Paying Online Writing Jobs

The title of this post is what I wrote about over at BloggingTip.com today. It really brought up an interesting point, ie, when was the last time you pushed yourself to learn a new skill as a freelance writer so that you can target higher-paying markets?

When I started SEO writing in the fall of 2007, I had no idea that I was entering a niche where I could position myself as an expert and earn more money. Internet marketing (SEO, online marketing) is one of the fastest growing freelance writing niches around. For proof, read SEO Investments Expected To Grow More Than 20%.

And because there aren't a lot of freelance writers who specialize in this niche, there is less competition for these writing jobs. In my experience, even clients don't know a lot about internet and online marketing. Many of my clients look to me for direction on which online marketing initiatives they need.

The internet marketing niche is wide open, which presents an absolute golden opportunity for freelance writers who take it upon themselves to learn what it's all about and position themselves as experts.

Sometimes to earn more, you have to go back to school -- just like in the corporate world. So, get your degree in IM (Internet Marketing). It'll pay great dividends for years to come.

Want to appear here? Submit a guest post.

Yuwanda (Wanna know what I'm up to? Check me out on Twitter)
Contact: info *at* InkwellEditorial.com
P.S.: Where are all the freelance writing jobs? Find out in the 2008-2009 Freelance Writing Jobs Report
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Freelance Success Stories! There are freelancers who make very good livings at what they love. Inkwell Editorial’s newsletter features these successful professionals who put to rest the phrase, “starving freelancer.” Current Issue: How to Make Money Using Constant-Content.com and by Writing Special Reports. Subscribe to read this, and all previous, issues.
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Copyright ©2009 InkwellEditorial.com. Except where noted, no part of this site may be reproduced in any manner without the express, written consent of the publisher. Violators will be prosecuted.

Making Money Online: The Secret Many Online Entrepreneurs Harbor

As I make my living completely online -- and do more than okay as a freelance writer -- it may come as a shock that I'm unmotivated most of the time. Many days I'm operating in "have to" mode, not "want to" mode.

Today over at BloggingTips.com, I talked about why this is -- and why I think many successful online entrepreneurs feel the same way. It's an inside peek at what really goes on in the minds of many who others may think "are so lucky." So why then are so many of us unmotivated?

Want to know what a typical day in the life of a busy SEO copywriter and new media marketing consultant is like? Follow me on Twitter.

Yuwanda
Contact: info *at* InkwellEditorial.com
P.S.: Where are all the freelance writing jobs? Find out in the 2008-2009 Freelance Writing Jobs Report

Hot Topics Around Here!
Freelance Writing Job: Write 4 Pages for $1,500

$100 for SEO Articles: How to Become a Highly Paid SEO Copywriter

How to Start a Freelance Writing Career in Less than 24 Hrs for $0
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Freelance Success Stories! There are freelancers who make very good livings at what they love. Inkwell Editorial’s newsletter features these successful professionals who put to rest the phrase, “starving freelancer.” Current Issue: How to Make the Most Money as a Freelance Writer. Subscribe to read this, and all previous, issues.
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Copyright © 2008 InkwellEditorial.com. Except where noted, no part of this site may be reproduced in any manner without the express, written consent of the publisher. Violators will be prosecuted.

How to Convince Clients That You’re the Right Writer for the Job

A running theme through a lot of the emails I receive from freelance writers – especially those who are just starting out – is a lack of confidence.

Whether it’s the, “I didn’t know what they meant by that,” in response to a client query, or “What should I charge for this job?” in putting together a proposal, the underlying problem is not a lack of knowledge or the price that should be charged, it’s the lack of confidence in the freelance writer.

If You Don’t Believe In Yourself, Why Should the Client?

Confidence is a must as a freelance writer. You’ll not only need it as far as your writing ability is concerned, but you’ll need it to price jobs, to go after assignments you may not be “qualified for”, to say NO to jobs that pay too little, to stand up to other freelance writers who wonder why you charge X. Read the rest here.

Most Recent Posts
Freelance Writers: How to Prioritize Your Schedule to Make More Money

What Is SEO Writing? What is SEO Copywriting?

SEO Copywriting Rates: How I Got to the $100/Article Mark & You Can Too!

$100 for SEO Articles: How to Become a Highly Paid SEO Copywriter

Sincerely,Yuwanda Black, Publisher
How to Start a Successful Freelance Writing Career Newsletter
Contact: info *at* InkwellEditorial.com
***********************************************
Freelance Success Stories! There are freelancers who make very good livings at what they love. Inkwell Editorial’s newsletter features these successful professionals who put to rest the phrase, “starving freelancer.”

Previous Issue. Spotlight on Newbie Freelancers. Want to learn how one freelancer landed enough clients to quit his job in just 12 hours? There are also some blog warning tips if you're looking to move your blog from one platform to another -- and more. Subscribe to read this, and all previous, issues.

Current Issue. Spotlight on YOU: Questions from Readers. Want to learn about ghostwriting, how cut to the chase and "get started" as a freelance writer, which instant download ebook software to use and concrete advice on how to land paid blogging gigs? I answer these questions, and a few more from readers who wrote in. Subscribe to read this, and all previous, issues.
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Copyright © 2008 InkwellEditorial.com. Except where noted, no part of this site may be reproduced in any manner without the express, written consent of the publisher. Violators will be prosecuted.

Freelance Writers: How to Prioritize Your Schedule to Make More Money

In order to live up to the title of this post, I’m going to tell you a story. I hope you find it interesting enough to stick around for the lesson – because there’s definitely one to heed.

Freelance Writers: What It’s Like to Live in Hell!

I was supposed to launch Inkwell Editorial’s affiliate program today, but unfortunately, I’m not ready yet. I need more time (until Tuesday, Sept. 9th).

To explain a bit, I’ve had a hell of a summer – from overseeing the blog design to equipment problems (all last week), nothing has gone right. And I realize, it’s due to success, which is a double-edged sword.

A sample of my hell? I had to rent a computer last week because mine had to be serviced. Do you know what it’s like NOT to have access to all of your files – especially if you have as many as I do? Remember, I’ve been freelancing since 1993. I have client files that go back to then, not to mention my own files (ebooks, financial records, idea files, etc.). It’s been a nightmare!

In the midst of all of this I’ve been keeping up with client work, trying to stay on an ebook publishing schedule (new ebook published), and trying desperately to finish the marketing material for affiliates. It’s just been overwhelming.

My sister said to me, “If Microsoft can delay their software rollouts, why can’t you delay your affiliate program rollout?” Aaaahhhhh, a moment of sanity in the madness. It hit me, “why couldn’t I?”

Freelance Writers: Is Your Personality Causing You to Lose Money?

Read the rest here.

Most Recent Posts

What Is SEO Writing? What is SEO Copywriting?

SEO Copywriting Rates: How I Got to the $100/Article Mark & You Can Too!

$100 for SEO Articles: How to Become a Highly Paid SEO Copywriter

Sincerely,
Yuwanda Black, Publisher
How to Start a Successful Freelance Writing Career Newsletter
Contact: info *at* InkwellEditorial.com
***********************************************
Freelance Success Stories! There are freelancers who make very good livings at what they love. Inkwell Editorial’s newsletter features these successful professionals who put to rest the phrase, “starving freelancer.”

Previous Issue. Spotlight on Newbie Freelancers. Want to learn how one freelancer landed enough clients to quit his job in just 12 hours? There are also some blog warning tips if you're looking to move your blog from one platform to another -- and more. Subscribe to read this, and all previous, issues.

Current Issue. Spotlight on YOU: Questions from Readers. Want to learn about ghostwriting, how cut to the chase and "get started" as a freelance writer, which instant download ebook software to use and concrete advice on how to land paid blogging gigs? I answer these questions, and a few more from readers who wrote in. Subscribe to read this, and all previous, issues.
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Copyright © 2008 InkwellEditorial.com. Except where noted, no part of this site may be reproduced in any manner without the express, written consent of the publisher. Violators will be prosecuted.

New Site for Freelance Writers to Make Money

Yesterday, I was conversing via email with fellow freelance writer Jacob Malewitz, and he brought up the subject of a relatively new site where freelance writers can make money.

DailyArticle.com: A Good Place for Freelance Writers to Sell Content?

I’d run across this site a few months ago in my web surfing, but dismissed it because as I wrote to Jacob, “I tend to stay away from those sites -- with what I charge [as an experienced freelance writer], it would be a waste of my time to compete with those who are willing to write 500-words for $8.00.”

But, Jacob opened my eyes and proved to me that this just might be a good site for freelance writers -- especially new ones who want to know what it feels like to actually sell something (it’s a grand, grand feeling I still get a kick out of).

Why New Freelance Writers May Want to Check Out DailyArticle.com

One of the most frustrating things when you are just starting out as a freelance writer is landing that first client, completing that first job and seeing funds hit your PayPal account (ie, getting paid).

Once you experience actually getting paid for your work as a freelance writer, you feel official -- it’s like, “Yeah, I CAN make a living doing this!” It’s an amazing feeling. Sites like DailyArticle can make you “official” long before you land repeat, specific clients. They can even lead to repeat clients.

How DailyArticle.com Works

The site works very similar to Constant-Content ONLY. Jacob had the following to say about it, “They are much like Constant-Content, just newer, and you get a better rate for your articles. They accept just about everything, but unlike Constant-Content the articles are for ALL rights, not just USAGE or UNIQUE rights. That turns off some writers.”

What is this Usage and Unique rights? There are many different kinds of rights associated with freelance writing. In this case, what it basically means is that you sell all rights to the article when you post it to DailyArticle. Following is their official copyright policy.

“Upon verified purchase, full rights to the materials purchased are transferred to the purchaser. Upon purchase, the purchaser has the right to use the content in any way, including but not limited to publishing, distributing, reproducing, and amending the materials to suit the purchaser's needs. The content becomes the intellectual property of the purchaser.” [DailyArticle.com]

Read more on the various types of freelance writing rights/copyrights you should know about as it relates to freelancing.

Freelance Writers: Price Your Articles Right for Them to Sell

This is one reason I don’t like sites like this for freelance writers is because if you don’t set your price high enough, then you wind up selling a 500-word article (and all rights to it) for mere pennies. On the other hand, if you do set your price high enough, then it likely won’t sell. And by high, I’m not talking a whole bunch of money either.

$15-$30 Article?

So, why would I recommend DailyArticle? Jacob emailed me the following, and it gave me pause. He wrote, “Actually, while many articles just won't sell, and some are priced low, I have sold several pieces for upwards of $30. My highest sale was $35. But my average is around $15 an article . . .”

While this is certainly not a king’s ransom, it beats the $3 per article article writing gigs that many new freelance writers (especially SEO writers) get sucked into thinking that this is where they have to start.

Freelance Writers Can Get Paid Even When There are No “Clients”

DailyArticle and sites like it (eg, Constant-Content.com, AssociatedContent.com) are places for freelance writers to still get paid even when there are no “clients.” And, many times these can lead to more lucrative assignments? How?

Let’s say your specialty is insurance and you write a lot of insurance articles. Once a purchaser gets to know your work (your articles), they may request your services outside of the site. This is how relationships are born -- and freelance writing careers start.

So mosey on over to DailyArticle.com. While you’re sitting around waiting for “real clients,” you can start feeling official as a freelance writer before you even land your first one.

FREELANCE WRITER CAUTION: I just have to add that while I think sites like DailyArticle.com are great for newbies who want to get their feet wet and experience what it feels like to actually sell something, or for more experienced freelance writers who wants to pick up some extra cash during dry spells, it is NOT (in my opinion) the way to make a real living as a freelance writer.

To make good money as a freelance writer, you need to find your own clients. That means constantly marketing.

Thanks Jacob for the inside info on DailyArticle.com. Jacob can be found online at Smiles-Media.com and CoffeeAndHeroes.Wordpress.com.

Want to start a successful freelance writing blog? Get the latest ebook available in the Inkwell Editorial Freelance Writing Bookstore, How to Start a Profitable, Popular Freelance Writing Blog. If you enjoyed this post, subscribe to the newsletter.

Sincerely,
Yuwanda Black, Publisher
How to Start a Successful Freelance Writing Career Newsletter
Contact: info *at* InkwellEditorial.com
P.S.: Did you know that InkwellEditorial.com is the authority site on freelance writing? From article marketing to saving for retirement -- if it deals with freelance writing, you'll find info on it here. Pass it on!
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Freelance Success Stories! There are freelancers who make very good livings at what they love. Inkwell Editorial’s newsletter features these successful professionals who put to rest the phrase, “starving freelancer.”

Previous Issue. Spotlight on Newbie Freelancers. Want to learn how one freelancer landed enough clients to quit his job in just 12 hours? There are also some blog warning tips if you're looking to move your blog from one platform to another -- and more. Subscribe to read this, and all previous, issues.

Current Issue. Spotlight on YOU: Questions from Readers. Want to learn about ghostwriting, how cut to the chase and "get started" as a freelance writer, which instant download ebook software to use and concrete advice on how to land paid blogging gigs? I answer these questions, and a few more from readers who wrote in. Subscribe to read this, and all previous, issues.
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Copyright © 2008 InkwellEditorial.com. Except where noted, no part of this site may be reproduced in any manner without the express, written consent of the publisher. Violators will be prosecuted.

New York Times Exposure: Can you be the next freelance writer to be featured?

I wasn't supposed to post until Wednesday, but couldn't pass up this opportunity. I'll digress a bit to explain . . . Even though I’m southern by birth, I lived in what to me is the greatest city in the world for 18 years -- New York City. I bought a house in Atlanta four years ago, but still cling to my rent-stabilized apartment in Hell’s Kitchen, and go back to visit friends whenever I can.

So, what does this have to do with the title of this post? Well, I still read the New York Times online. And today as I was perusing the Habitats section (I get a kick out of the travails of apartment hunting in the city), I ran across this article.

It features freelance writer/author Mohammed Naseehu Ali, my ex-cube mate. We worked side-by-side at a legal publishing firm in the city in the early 90s, and became really good friends. I haven’t seen Mohammed for at least five years. We’ve exchanged a few emails over those years, but that’s about it.

Getting Featured for the First Time in the New York Times

Mohammed had his first book published in 2005, a full 12+ years after I first met him. It was written up in the Times. I remember reading with surprise the email he sent to everyone letting us know about the book. You see, there were a group of us who used to party and hang out, obsess over deadlines at work and discuss our dreams all those years ago. Through it all, Mohammed always wrote, ie, he took active steps toward his dream. Now, he's living it.

A somewhat reserved person, he was never a braggart. Most of us didn't even know he'd gotten a publishing contract, never mind the fact that he'd actually finished a book and gotten major press behind it. Seeing him featured for the second time in the Times reminded me -- yet again -- to continue to take active steps toward my life goals.

Make Your Dreams a Reality via a Vision Board

The other two things it reminded me to do was: (i) visualize my life as I want it to be (I talk about this indepth in Inkwell's freelance writing e-course); and (ii) keep plugging away at the steps to get there. If you do these two things, can you be the next freelance writer to be featured in the Times?

Maybe you can if you create a vision board. Do you know what a vision board is? It was discussed on Oprah recently, and I thought, "This is a must. I'm going to make one and frame it for my office wall."

I normally don't get too much into this new agey stuff, but some goals I've just been carrying around in my head and putting minimal effort behind have come true lately. So I thought, what if I really put some muscle behind it -- consciously and unconsciously.

Congratulations my friend. Good to see you again . . . and thanks for the timely reminders.

Sincerely,
Yuwanda Black, Publisher
How to Start a Successful Freelance Writing Career Newsletter
Contact: info *at* InkwellEditorial.com
P.S.: Want the liberty of working from home as a freelance writer in your PJs, getting assignments via the internet? Click here for more on How to Make $250+/Day Writing Simple, 500-Word Articles. All you need is a computer and an internet connection to get started.
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Freelance Success Stories! There are freelancers who make very good livings at what they love. Inkwell Editorial’s newsletter features these successful professionals who put to rest the phrase, “starving freelancer.”

Previous Issue. Spotlight on Newbie Freelancers. Want to learn how one freelancer landed enough clients to quit his job in just 12 hours? There are also some blog warning tips if you're looking to move your blog from one platform to another -- and more. Subscribe to read this, and all previous, issues.

Current Issue. Spotlight on YOU: Questions from Readers. Wanna learn about ghostwriting, how cut to the chase and "get started" as a freelance writer, which instant download ebook software to use and concrete advice on how to land paid blogging gigs? I answer these questions, and a few more from readers who wrote in. Subscribe to read this, and all previous, issues.
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Copyright © 2008 InkwellEditorial.com: Freelance success stories, e-courses, advice on the business of freelancing, and more! Except where noted, no part of this site may be reproduced in any manner without the express, written consent of the publisher. Violators will be prosecuted.

How Writing Changed My Life

The end of the week has brought on some reflective feelings; namely, how writing has changed my life. It's a wonderful thing.

Enjoy!
Y. Black, Publisher
InkwellEditorial.com
InkwellEditorial.blogspot.com
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Some writers know in grade school that writing is what they want to do when they grow up. I was never like that. Even today, with close to 15 years under my belt as a freelance copywriter, I still don't consider myself a writer.

I think of myself as an editorial specialist. But, I do write and get paid for it, so I guess that makes me a writer. Following are three ways that writing has changed my life.

POST CONTINUED BELOW
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1. Freedom: As in, freedom from fear. When I started freelancing in the early 90s, I never dreamed it would turn into what it has.

I started out as a freelance copy editor, proofreader and editor. I didn't start taking on writing projects until a few years into my freelance career. But, once I realized that, "Hey, I can make a real living from this," it gave me a freedom I didn't realize I would come to cherish until years later.

Once you realize that your power to make a living lies totally and completely in your hands, you walk a little taller, believe in yourself a little deeper and work harder to keep it so.

I know that as long as my brain doesn't turn to mush (I have to work hard to keep this from happening some days!) and I have use of my hands, I can work. There's a comfort in that.

2. Interest: As in, interest in the world around me. I'm pretty curious by nature and I've always been an avid reader. When you write for a living though, it takes on a new kind of clarity.

I listen to the news for story ideas; I listen to tales from my friends for different twists on ordinary topics; I take note of my surroundings with eyes open for the next great article.

3. Question: As in, question the world around you. Because I write a lot, I also research a lot. I know that the twist of one phrase can give a whole new meaning to a story, an article, a definition.

Take the war going on in Iraq. When we hear that over 3,000 soldiers have been killed since it began, you might think, in Vietnam, over 58,000 died -- this war's not as bad.

But, when you hear that over 10,000 have been wounded - many seriously, that implies a different kind of war; a different view of what's going on.

So, I question a lot of what I hear, read and view. Is this the whole story? Were there some facts left out? Some "half-facts" put in?

The written word, especially in our technologically advanced world, is a powerful medium. Indeed, the pen [keyboard] is mightier than the sword - and all writers would do well to remember that the next time they sit down to write.

How has writing changed your life? Chime in!
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Copyright Notice: May be reprinted with the following, in full: 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 in 30 Days or Less -- Guaranteed! Log on to InkwellEditorial.com to learn how.
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A Day in the Life of a Busy Commercial Freelance Writer

I'm often asked what my day is like - in a roundabout way. I will receive emails like, "Do you have employees - you seem to do a lot." Or, "Who did your website, I love it." When I respond, "I did it," I usually receive a response like, "YOU did it yourself - where do you find the time?"

So, following is a typical day for me - a busy commercial freelance writer.

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Routine: Although I stick somewhat to a routine, I don't have a set schedule. If I have to run out to the cleaners or go to the grocery store, I usually do this during the day, because it's less crowded and I try not to work most weekends - at least not on client projects.

AM: In the morning, I usually log on and surf for thirty minutes or so before I get down to work.
Marketing: I try to always do my marketing tasks in the morning when I'm freshest and the most invigorated. The sad truth of it is, I would never give a client project less than my best effort, but I will shortchange myself in a minute.

How? By putting off marketing altogether, or doing less than what I should be doing. It took me years to recognize this as a pattern. So, I try to do at least one marketing thing a day. And, that usually means writing, as one of my favorite marketing tactics is article marketing.

Getting down to work means updating my blog, churning out some marketing articles and turning my attention to client projects. By the time I finish my marketing tasks, it's usually early afternoon, at which time I turn my time to client projects.

PM: Client projects can be anything from cleaning up web copy to creating a newsletter to writing a press release. I'm usually working on two or three projects at one time, and most are due within a week or so.

I'm pretty regimented in that I like to finish one project before I move on to another. BUT, this is usually not possible.

When I take on a project, I usually build in an extra day or two, where possible, because even though I know I can design and write a brochure newsletter in 8 hours, I'm also experienced enough to know that I may get a rush project from another client that will prevent me from sitting down to do it all at once.

So, instead of telling a client a 24-hour turnaround, I will tell them 2-3 business days, and that if they want it back before then, then I can do it - for a rush fee.

You may be thinking - eight hours, for a brochure. Yes. Because if you're creating it from scratch, you're going to have to take the time to find out about all the services they offer, how they offer them, how the competition stacks up, etc.

NOTE: Any time you're creating sales materials for a client -- I don't care if it's a simple postcard, or a complicated sales letter -- you are creating the piece that will "talk" to prospects when they're not around.

So, a brochure is not simply listing the services offered, it's what tells a prospect why to pick this client's firm, as opposed to another company. Writing copy that sells is a skill - and that's what clients hire you for. If they simply wanted someone to create a brochure to list their services, they could have their secretary type it up.

Keep the above in mind as you market.

After I pack away client projects, I will spend time answering emails sent in from readers. This is usually around 5 or 6pm. I usually only spend half an hour or so on this. I usually only respond to new questions, not those I've answered frequently or those that can be easily found on this blog.

After answering questions, I usually jot down what I want to accomplish the next day -- articles I want to tackle, follow-up questions for clients and billing/account management (arrggghhhh!).

I do so much more during the day because each one is different.

How many hours/day do I work? I usually put in 9-11, sometimes more if I'm developing a product of my own (an e-course, e-book, etc.).

And that, folks, is a basic rundown of what happens before I log off, usually around 8 or 9 pm.
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Copyright Notice: May be reprinted with the following, in full: 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 in 30 Days or Less -- Guaranteed! Log on to InkwellEditorial.com to learn how.
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Like what you read here? Find the content useful and informative? Subscribe to the Inkwell Editorial feed (under the LINKS section to your right) to receive new content immediately upon publishing. OR, email your address to subscribe and receive job listings -- immediately!