Your Website: http://www.patch.com/

Compensation: 50 per 500 word article

A new online local news publication, Historic Annapolis Patch, is seeking writers and columnists to contribute. The website is locally focused so we are specifically looking for contributors who live in or near the Annapolis area and know it well. Writers should have journalism experience. Columnists can come from all walks of life but should be interested in writing about a specific topic of interest, whether its food, wine, boating, arts, etc. Interested candidates should send writing samples and a resume to: marym@patch.com.

Layoffs in today’s business world are common and with it comes the fear and anxiety of finding another job. With this in mind, here is a list of techniques that a person can use to help manage their stresses and anxieties in finding a new writing job.

A technique that can be used to reduce the stress of finding another job is to divide the task into a series of smaller steps and then complete each of the smaller tasks one at a time. For instance, the first thing you should do is to determine what kind of job you want. Once you know what you are looking for, the next step is to update and prepare your resume. Once that is finished, you should then concentrate on finding the companies that interest you and send your resume to them. Once you submit your resume, the next step is to prepare for the job interview. By completing these smaller tasks, you will reduce your stress and anxiety and increase your chances of finding another job.

Sometimes you may get depressed during your job search. Another technique that is very helpful is to have a small notebook of positive statements that make us feel good. Whenever you come across an affirmation that makes you feel good, write it down in a small notebook that you can carry around with you in your pocket. Whenever you feel depressed, open up your small notebook and read those statements.

In addition, it also helps to write down a list of things you are thankful for in this world. For instance:  good health, a good marriage, lots of friends, being smart and resourceful, and a good education are things that any person can be thankful for. Whenever you get discouraged in finding another job, take out your list and focus on the things that make you happy. This technique will make you feel better and give you more encouragement to continue with the job search.

Sometimes, we may be nervous doing a certain task that may be scary. When this happens, visualize yourself doing the task in your mind. For instance, you have an interview in a few days. Before the big day comes, imagine that you are in the interview. Imagine that you are talking to the manager about your qualifications. By practicing the interview using your mind, you will be better prepared to perform for real when the time comes. Self-Visualization is a great way to reduce the fear and stress of a coming situation.

Finding a new job can be tough, however remember to take it one day at a time. While the consequences of a particular fear may seem real, there are usually other factors that can’t be anticipated and can affect the results of any situation. Focus on the present and do your best each day.

Our anxieties and stresses can be difficult to manage when finding a new job. Managing your stress during a job search takes practice. Be patient and in time you will become better in dealing with your anxieties.

About the Author

Stan Popovich is the author of “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods” – an easy to read book that presents a general overview of techniques that are effective in managing persistent fears and anxieties. For additional information go to: http://www.managingfear.com/

Your Website: http://www.bionicturtle.com

Compensation: .10/word (negotiable)

bionicturtle.com looking for educational writer (financial certifications) We are looking for a careful writer (i.e., blogger with pro research skills) to add content to our new Career Guide service. Your focus will be researching and blogging helpful information to visitors who are evaluating various certification/designation options (e.g., CFA, FRM, CFP). Interest in professional finance is desirable (deep experience/expertise not necessary, curiosity and diligence is more important). There is growth opportunity for the writer; e.g., opportunity to help develop leading edge video content and learning spreadsheets.

Please provide compensation requirements and writing sample(s).

Email for additional details! (suzanne@bionicturtle.com

Name (Full Name or Company Name): Jennifer Mattern

Your Website: http://FreeOnlineCourses.info

Compensation: $10 per 75-100 word post ($.10+ per word depending on description length)

This blog serves as a directory of free online courses. I need someone familiar with WordPress who can add language learning course profiles to the site.

The process is this:

1. You’ll be granted access to the WordPress admin area where you can create new posts.

2. You can use previous posts as templates.

3. Just enter the course name, school / organization, subject matter area, and link the course.

4. Then add a brief description of what the course offers / teaches. That should be between 75 and 100 words, making the per-word rate for these posts $.10 per word (or slightly higher). While you can’t use course descriptions from the course sites word-for-word, you may model the descriptions after ones I’ve already written for courses from the same site or school if applicable. You are NOT expected to actually take and review the courses. These are just descriptions.

This is for one course description in your subject area per week. We’ll discuss the regular day of the week for your posts via email, and I’ll send you links to the first few courses you should add so you’ll get a better idea of what I’m looking for.

Email me at info@freeonlinecourses.info if you’re interested. I’ll be recruiting an additional blogger or two in the near future for other course subjects, so if languages aren’t your thing, keep and eye on this marketplace for leads on other sections of that blog.

NOTE: All payments will be made via Paypal in USD. Please don’t apply unless you can accept Paypal payments.

The garbage gigs and the decent gigs really aren’t that difficult to separate. But just in case you’re still waiting for the good ones to come along, here are some signs you’ve hit the freelance writing jobs jackpot:

1. You’re being fairly compensated. — How much is that exactly? I don’t know. Nor do I care. The actual number will vary depending on where you live and what your cost of living is. But if you’re not being paid enough to cover all of your bills, pay your taxes, have something left to grow the business, and still have enough for your health insurance, retirement, and other benefits, you’re not there yet. Keep trying.
2. Your clients know how to communicate. — When you truly love your clients, that’s certainly a contributing factor to a great freelance writing gig (although it doesn’t make the job cut it by itself). If a client can tell you what they want rather than give you the “I’ll know it when I see it” speech, you’re on the right path.
3. You have few, if any, edit requests. — There is nothing wrong with getting edit requests from time to time. If you’re getting them constantly though, you’re doing something wrong (unless you’re in a niche like magazine writing where they’re more the norm). Maybe the client has communication issues about what they really want up front, you’re not asking them exactly what they want up front with the right questions about their target audience and such, or they’re just control freaks who will always think they could have done a better job, so your work will never be good enough. That last group can be scary, but they’re few and far between. Great clients and great gigs involve having all of the information up front so you know exactly what’s needed and you can turn it around with minimal edits needed. Anything else cuts into your potentially billable time elsewhere.
4. Your client respects you. — If the extent of your client’s communication is “write this and get it back to me,” you might not have the worst gig in the world, but it could be better. When your clients respect you enough for being a specialist in your niche or industry that they ask for your honest opinion, that means a lot. That’s not to say they should take advantage by asking for unpaid consulting all the time, but if they want your opinion once in a while go ahead and give it to them. You’ll remind them why they hired you in the first place, and when you see them truly value and consider your thoughts you’ll feel a level of appreciation not all freelance writers get to experience. Enjoy it when you have it.
5. Your client keeps coming back. — The only thing better than having a great freelance writing job is having a great long-term freelance writing job. If the client keeps ordering more work, or if they set up a long-term contract up front (and they satisfy the other elements like decent pay and no obsessive or excessive edit requests), you’ve got a great gig on your hands.

What other factors tell you that you have a great freelance writing job lined up?

I’m Alex Yoon, a member of the internal team here at Elance, and I came across your blog post discussing ElanceEnergy and felt that I should reach out and clarify a few things that would help answer questions that you and your readers may have.

As the commenter “Salma” mentioned, Elance Energy is an entrant into our The New Way To Work contest and does not have a formal relationship with Elance of any kind. Branding issues aside, if Wesley Asbell chooses to find his contractors or freelancers through Craigslist or other formats, that’s his choice and is completely independent to Elance, but we here at Elance stand by and use skilled professionals in our Provider Network on a daily basis to fulfill a wide variety of tasks, ranging from writing, programming, customer support, quality assurance, and more.

The article is based on the belief that Elance Energy and Elance are one in the same or is a part of our business when it’s not true. If you could please correct the article as soon as possible to reflect this, we here at Elance would greatly appreciate it.

—

As you all may or may not know, I post jobs here weekly. But I’m more than just a human version of Monster.com–I’ve got dreams and aspirations. I’ve got a sense of humor too. And I do a biweekly column in which I talk about humorous aspects of blogging, freelancing, and all that.

Yesterday, my dual capacity here on AFW ended up colliding. Let me show you this little ad I found on Craigslist. I’m copying the full text in case this is taken down.

Seeking a freelance writer or blogger to write content for our websites. We run and develop numerous websites to help promote existing companies. We are working to expand the content on our social profiles, websites, and create blogs for www.ElanceEnergy.com and ElanceTag (www.elancenergy.com/tag.html). More jobs will follow as we are rapidly growing. We need writer within the next week. Please send your resume, work examples, and rate. Feel free to add your info and content to our twitter page and facebook group. Looking for a telecommuter that is quick and has great writing skills. Compensation: $20 – $70 based on experience.

Did you see who that’s for? Elance.com, one of the biggest freelance bidding sites out there. What in the heck are they doing on Craigslist, trolling for people to create content? This is bad. This is potentially really bad. Maybe this is only some sort of promotional thing to do some branding for Elance, but I’m not convinced–the ad was only placed in the San Francisco Craigslist, and having been tricked by the bait-and-switch before, they usually don’t ask for samples.

To summarize: Elance is not even using their own service to find writers.

To illustrate my point a little better, let’s think of what this would be like in other industries:

• Ford executives driving Toyotas
• Coca-Cola employees drinking Pepsi
• A temp agency using another temp agency to staff their receptionist position
• Eating fried chicken with Jillian Michaels
• Philip Morris executives not smoking (oh wait)

Again, to summarize: Elance is using Craigslist to find a writer rather than using their own site–which they talk about being really super awesome–to find one. On top of THAT, they misspelled the URL of the site they want you to write for. And now, gentle readers, I am going to lay down with a wet cloth on my head. I officially have a headache from trying to figure out what the hell they were thinking.

General Freelance Writing Jobs

• Medical Writer for Conference Coverage – Boston – $100 per story
• Web AppStorm Blogger / Writer / Editor – $400 per week
• Write Search Results Pages for Mahalo – $10-12 per hour
• Business Reporter for Weekly Community Newspaper – San Diego
• Bilingual Web Copywriter – Ashville, NC
• Freelance PR Writer
• Technical Writer Needed – SF Bay Area
• Freelance Copywriter – Portland, OR
• Real Estate Industry Writers and Editors – FL
• Freelance Turkish Copywriters
• Legislative Freelance Writer
• Freelance Writer for Web Design Company
• On-site Fashion Copywriter – Miami / Dade
• Freelance News Writer (for TV)
• Article Writer and Submitter
• FT Product Description Writer – Brooklyn – $9 – 10 per hour
• Creative Copywriter – SF Bay Area
• Media Bistro Seeks Recipe Writing Instructor – NYC
• Music, Film, Arts, and Food Writers – Austin – $25 per week
• Press Release Writer – Palm Springs
• Get Paid to Review Software Online
• Internet Marketing Sales Letter Writer
• Business Plan Writer – $35 per hour – DC
• Looking for Clues Seeks Writers – $10 – 20 per article
• Speech Outline Needed – $20+
• Web Content Writer Needed
• Beauty / Spa Industry Copywriter – NYC
• Financial Writer / Analyst for Weekly Column
• CPA / Business Plan Writer – NYC
• Write for eHow.com
• SEO Copywriter – $12 per hour – CA
• Business Plan Writer – Long Beach, CA
• Web Content Writing for Vacation Site

Blogging Jobs

• Freelance Blogger for PlanetGreen.com
• Design Blog Writers – $50 – 75 per article
• L.A. Metro Seeks Transportation Blogger – LA
• Freelance Writers for BN’s SparkLife Blog
• Expert Blogger for Architecture and Design Blog
• FreelanceSwitch Seeks Contributors
• Online Brand Evangelist and Blogger – SF Bay Area
• Copywriter / Blogger – El Segundo, CA
• UK Legal Blogger (Law degree needed) – Bakersfield
• Blogger / Freelance Writer for Mobile Tech Company – SF Bay Area 
• Blogger Needed for Fashion Product Articles
• Blog / Ezine Creative Writer for Ongoing Work – LA
• Immigration Blog Content Needed
• Health Technology Writer for CNET Blog Network
• Care2, Inc Seeks “Passionate” Bloggers
• Blogger for Short Tech News Stories

Editing & Proofreading Jobs

• Managing Editor for Online Magazine for Professional Women – Atlanta
• Freelance Newsletter Editor
• Freelance Nightlife Editor – NYC
• Gilt Groupe Mens Seeks Editorial Director - NYC
• Freelance Web Editor for Spa Magazine – San Francisco
• Electronic Copyeditors
• Editor Needed for E-book on Freelancing

Content Networks

• LoveToKnow Seeks Cake Decorating Writer – $20+ per article
• Demand Studios Seeks Online Copy Editors – $20-25 per hour
• Demand Studios Seeks Outdoors and Sports Writers
• Demand Studios Seeks Health & Fitness Writers – Avg. $20 per 400 word article
• Demand Studios Seeks Freelance Golf Writers
• About.com Seeks a Bowling Guide – $675 per month min to start
• About.com Seeks a Coffee / Tea Guide – $675 per month min to start
• About.com Seeks a Country Music Guide – $675 per month min to start
• About.com Seeks Dallas Guide – $675 per month min to start
• About.com Seeks a Entrepreneurs Guide – $675 per month min to start
• About.com Seeks Financial Software Guide – $675 per month min to start
• About.com Seeks a Freebies Guide – $675 per month min to start
• About.com Seeks a Greek Food Guide – $675 per month min to start
• About.com Seeks Las Vegas Guide – $675 per month min to start
• About.com Seeks a Mobile Office Technology Guide – $675 per month min to start
• About.com Seeks Online Business / Hosting Guide – $675 per month min to start
• About.com Seeks Personal Organizing Guide – $675 per month min to start
• About.com Seeks a Soap Operas Guide – $675 per month min to start
• About.com Seeks a Special Education Guide – $675 per month min to start
• About.com Seeks a Stamps Guide – $675 per month min to start
• About.com Seeks a Theater Guide – $675 per month min to start

Bid for Writing Gigs

• Sports Memorabilia Blogger
• Ghostwriter Needed for Book on Entrepreneurship – Budget between $5000-10,000
• Writers for Daily Horoscopes and Psychic Advice – $10-15 per hour 
• Editor / Writer for New Audio Training Company – Budget of more than $1000
• Writer to Cover History of Poker – Budget of more than $1000
• eCommerce Copywriter for SimonPearce.com – Budget of more than $1000
• Business Research Writers – $10-15 per hour
• Financial Services Writer – Budget between $1000 – 5000
• Writer with Civil Engineering Background- Budget between $500 – 1000
• Diet and Fitness E-book Writer – Budget between $500 – 1000
• Mobile Phone Related Articles
• Article Writer for Online Dating Network
• Mortgage Industry SEO Writer
• Real Estate Article Writer
• Electric Guitar Making E-book
• Mortgage E-book Writer / Editor
• Ghostblogger – Investing & Entrepreneurship
• Sports Betting Blogger
• Blogger for Hair Extensions / Hair Tools Company
• Public Speaking Blogger
• Write a Grant for Child Obesity
• IT Business Plan Writer
• Writer Needed for 20 E-classes
• Articles / Press Releases
• Writer Needed for Ongoing Press Release Writing

Are these freelance writing gigs not what you’re looking for? Search for more freelance writing jobs or blogging jobs, or find more regular freelance writing jobs posted by Anne Wayman.

Note: If a location is listed next to a job posted above, it means the company is looking for local or on-site candidates.

Key:

Blogging Job
Web Writing Job
Print Writing Job
Business / Medical / Technical Writing Job
Free Membership Required to Apply
Paid Membership Required to Apply
Bidding Site
High Paying Gig

• Web Content Writer for Internet Startup – $15 – 25 per hour
• Online Men’s Lifestyle Magazine Seeks Bloggers
• Contributing Health & Beauty Writers for Magazine
• U.S. Writers Needed to Write in British English – $5 – 60 per piece
• Writer Needed for Comedy Blog – $50 – 75 monthly stipend
• Adult Entertainment Writers Needed – $50 per 1000 word article
• Nonprofit Startup Seeks Business Plan Writer
• Online Hip-hop Culture Magazine Seeks Freelance Writers – $50 – 100+ per article – Phoenix Metro Area
• Long-term Press Release Writer Needed
• Bar / Club Writer – Toronto
• Local Cafe Blogger / Reviewer

Are these freelance writing gigs not what you’re looking for? Search for more freelance writing jobs or blogging jobs, or find more regular freelance writing jobs posted by Anne Wayman.

Note: If a location is listed next to a job posted above, it means the company is looking for local or on-site candidates.

Key:

Blogging Job
Web Writing Job
Print Writing Job
Business / Medical / Technical Writing Job
Free Membership Required to Apply
Paid Membership Required to Apply
Bidding Site
High Paying Gig

We talk about writer platforms. We talk about networking. We talk about marketing and PR. But still writers want a magic pill (or magic place in this case) that will solve their problems. Today I’d like to explore those unadvertised writing jobs, and three ways you can land those high paying gigs you won’t find posted on your favorite job board.

Why High Paying Freelance Writing Jobs Are Often Unadvertised

As a writer, unadvertised jobs can be frustrating. Wouldn’t it be great if they were all available on your favorite job boards or job search engines? Actually, there are some serious perks to keeping them private. For example, you don’t face competition from the masses if they aren’t aware of the jobs. But let’s look at it from the client’s perspective. Why don’t they post an ad? It could be for several reasons, including:

1. They don’t want a huge number of queries coming in from an ad. They would rather solicit writers through their own search to find a good match.
2. They prefer to ask for referrals from people they trust.
3. They have no idea where they should advertise to find the type of writer(s) they’re looking for.
4. They don’t even realize yet that they need to hire a writer (or editor).

The good news? While those things may stop gigs from being advertised, they don’t stand in your way of getting them!

How to Get Unadvertised Freelance Writing Jobs

There are three primary things you can do to start landing unadvertised writing jobs, no matter where you are in your writing career:

1. Attract them. – The gigs aren’t out there for you to find, so it’s vital that you are easy for prospective clients to find instead! Platforms. Networking. I’ll say it until I’m blue in the face. Just do it. Get to know your colleagues. Get to know people in your target market, even if they’re not your client directly. Start a blog. Start a podcast. Write a report. Write an e-book. Get interviewed. Be active in niche communities. Focus on SEO. Build that visibility and reputation in your specialty area in any way(s) you see fit. Make sure that when someone is looking to fill an unadvertised writing job and they’re searching for prospects, they find you! Make sure that when a client or colleague is asked to refer someone for a project in your specialty area they think of, yes, you! You don’t have to do everything, but do you have to do something.
2. Hunt for them. – You may be surprised to know how many unadvertised writing jobs are actually “advertised” after all! Visit your favorite job board, and do a search for “freelance writers.” You’ll often find a few gigs, but far more that seem completely irrelevant. I’ve already given you this tip previously, but it’s worth repeating: forget about the actual ads recruiting freelance writers, and instead look at jobs for full-time editors. Why? Those ads were returned for that search string for a reason–often because within the editor’s job description in that ad, the company notes the editor will be responsible for hiring and supervising freelance writers. Interestingly, many of the companies I’ve found this way never advertise for writers themselves. They work through recruiting firms and referrals often, so the public never finds out they hire freelance writers at all (and these are a very diverse group of client types!). They’ve admitted they work with freelance writers, so go ahead and contact them! A little bit of digging can turn up a lot of unexpected results.
3. Ask for them. – Sometimes getting an unadvertised freelance writing job is as simple as asking. Magazine writers do this all the time. They query publications even if they’re not directly soliciting a specific type of piece at any given time. You don’t have to use a formal query process though. Just ask your existing clients if they need something done. For example, if you wrote a holiday newsletter for them previously, you might offer to do the same for another holiday down the road. If someone hires you to write blog posts for their site, you may want to pitch additional content to be used for article marketing to build their expert status and bring in more readers to that blog, all with a consistent voice from you, their blogger. Notice a site filled with grammatical errors in an industry where it’s probably costing them business? Mention it (tactfully), and you may have created a job for yourself that the client didn’t even realize they needed! You can also always ask existing clients for referrals (oftentimes they know plenty of other prospective clients they could refer–they just don’t think about it until asked).

In the end, it’s often easier to make your writing jobs than it is to wait for them. If you aren’t finding high paying freelance writing jobs, change your approach. Look harder, or stop looking altogether and work on helping them find you instead. The best approach in my opinion is building your own visibility. No matter how full your schedule is, it continues to work for you day in and day out, allowing you to be far more selective in the gigs you take on.

Have additional tips for finding unadvertised writing jobs? Share them in the comments!

For More on This Topic:

• Freelance Editing – Find Unadvertised Jobs
• Writing Jobs: STOP Looking in the Wrong Places
• So You Want to Become a Freelance Writer? Part 3: Finding Gigs
• 10 Best Places to Find Freelance Writing Jobs
• The Five Myths About Freelance Writing

• BrightHub is Seeking a Tech Writer
• Freelance Science Writers – Rockville, MD
• Freelance Beauty Writer
• Love, Dating, & Relationships Blogger
• Entertainment Bloggers
• Fashion Product Description Writer Needed
• Resume Writer – Long Beach / South Bay, CA
• Web Content / Profile Writer
• Writer with HR Experience – $.05 per word
• Freelance Web Copywriter – $25 per hour
• International Lifestyle and Travel Blogger
• Business Plan & Proposal Writer

Are these freelance writing gigs not what you’re looking for? Search for more freelance writing jobs or blogging jobs, or find more regular freelance writing jobs posted by Anne Wayman.

Note: If a location is listed next to a job posted above, it means the company is looking for local or on-site candidates.

Key:

Blogging Job
Web Writing Job
Print Writing Job
Business / Medical / Technical Writing Job
Free Membership Required to Apply
Paid Membership Required to Apply
Bidding Site
High Paying Gig