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Topic: I don't understand
| Author | Message |
| writerandeditor | Posted – 7/22/2008 9:33:14 PM | show profile I've been trolling the Internet, trying to find some freelance writing and editing gigs, and I keep coming across these unbelievably low-paying jobs. We're talking rates that sometimes a penny a word or even less. Are people really taking these jobs? |
| jcpatterson | Posted – 7/23/2008 10:00:23 AM | show profile There are many threads on this board about low payment/no payment/what is the correct payment that you may wish to search for. But what you are finding isn't uncommon, and it is due in part to several factors: 1. Publications will pay as little as they can get away with (as will customers in all fields of endeavor). There are enough wannabe writers, however, that someone will probably take the job. 2. Some jobs are worth doing pro bono for the clip, for the experience, for getting into a new market, for keeping the resume fresh. Only you can decide when you need to take a no- or low-paying job. 3. Most jobs that pay anything worthwhile will require some degree of networking, even if that is just reading the mag, crafting a pitch or introduction, and sending it to the right editor. I find that few magazines put out meaningful amounts of job ads for freelancers, because writers already seek them out. 4. Most corporate jobs require networking as well; while you may find some legit ads for freelance corporate writing and editing, often you need to tap what is sometimes called "the hidden job market" and network your way into a position that will never be advertised. |
| fourfold | Posted – 7/23/2008 11:16:00 AM | show profile | email poster Part of the problem is where you're looking. People offering jobs at competitive rates don't need to advertise on the Internet. They've already got stacks of resumes from applicants who have sought them out. The crappy little "$100 honorarium" jobs you often see on Craig's list (and on this board) are being offered by people who've never or rarely worked with writers and have no idea what the market rate for a professional is...or maybe they do and are hoping to get some sucker to take the bait. |
| candylilacs | Posted – 7/23/2008 1:35:17 PM | show profile The $100 honorarium is actually not that bad. I get tired of reading the ads that say "great exposure" as being your only payment. c. ------ Dealing with being laid off, so you don't have to! www.laidoffjournal.com |
