Finding Work As A Writer

Depending on what your skill-set is, finding work as a writer isn’t easy. Like many writers, I am not classically trained. I liken it to the fact that I’m not classically trained to cook either, but I still kill it in the kitchen.

To clear up the difference between being a classically trained writer and one who isn’t: Yes, I took all the prerequisite writing classes long after realizing I had a gift. I went to a school where all forms of writing were the primary focus. I do not have a Journalism degree, and I didn’t major in anything that would put me to sleep or make me want to remove my eyeballs with a fork. Writing comes naturally to me, but on the freelance end of things, it is not always easy to find work.

There are thousands of people trying to hire you to write an e-book that may or may not even have your name on it, and many of them want to pay you per word, and some simply want to pay you as if you’re some kind of migrant worker with no knowledge of what an American wage should look like. I just saw one that strongly suggested a penny per word. Here’s the catch: They’d like 30,000 words and they’d like it in three days. Are you fucking kidding me?! I’ve got 30,000 words for you, but you’re not going to like a single one of them.

Then there are the jobs you, essentially, are bidding on. You submit a proposal where you tout your skills and show an interest in the particular project, and then what you’d like to be paid, either hourly or for the entire project. God forbid one puts a price on their talent and abilities! If I wanted to be paid like I work at Walmart or McDonald’s, then I’d work at Walmart or McDonald’s. No, that’s not an insult to those that work there, it is a comparison. People who work in retail and/or fast food don’t have it easy. They’re expected to do a lot for very little, many of them do not receive benefits of any kind, but hey, here’s a discount for you to make up for what we do not provide as your employer. No thanks.

If you’re joining any .com type of situation and have forked over anywhere from $30-$75, or more, never to earn a dime or even get a return on what you put out, then it is probably a scam. If you’re thinking it’s a great way to earn a quick buck, research the site first. If it has even one complaint against it or there are blog posts about it being a scam, do not, I repeat, do NOT, fork over a penny. You’d do better looking for work on Craigslist.

Yes, there are a great many options if you’re smart, resourceful, patient, and look for the right projects. In the meantime, as you diligently search, remember why you’re a writer and take a good look at your own work, even if you’ve deemed something finished. If there’s anything you need or want to change, work on, etc., take some time to re-focus and polish the rough cut stone that you are. There is not a single one of us on this planet that does not have room for improvement, myself included.

FYI: I lost brain cells this morning reading a list of things people would like to hire a writer like myself for. I think a piece of my soul died.

copyright © 2014 by Lisa Marino & Blackbird Serenity LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.