Are you an experienced freelance writer looking for work? If so, you can refer to Cragislist.org. Many individuals and companies who need to hire writers turn to the popular classified service. To search for open writing or editing jobs, visit your city’s page and do a search. You will get a number of results. Unfortunately, some of these scams and others will be legitimate, but the hassle is more than it’s worth. How can you protect yourself as a writer or editor?
If you work as a freelance writer, there are two things you should do immediately before starting a new job or project that you got off of Craigslist. They have a contract drawn up and specify your rights. There are many individuals who have good ideas for books, but they don’t know how to put their ideas into words. They hire the services of a freelance writer. If the book is published, will your name be listed as a contributing author? Know what happens to your writing and who owns the rights before you start working. After doing this, get not only a verbal agreement, but get it in writing as well. Draw up a contract or have your client do it.
Whether you’re applying for an in-house writing or editing job or a freelance job, it’s important to make sure you have experience. Although this should be verified during the interview process, avoid complications later on. Submit samples of your work along with your resume. It is not uncommon for freelance writers to terminate their services or fire in-house writers if their work is not up to par. This is a big mess that you want to avoid. Not only do you do your best, but apply to jobs and accept freelance writing projects that you know you can do well.
Although you will find some internal writing jobs, most of them are for freelancing opportunities. Hiring a freelance writer costs companies less. The self-employed are contract employees, which means they don’t get health benefits and buy their own work supplies. Scammers love to target home based business opportunities. You can find an individual using a front company to steal your work and not pay, someone trying to get a “training fee,” someone who wants your bank account information or your Social Security number. Save time and effort by doing your research first. Perform a standard Internet search using the name of any individual, company or website. Make sure it is a legitimate company and that they actually pay the freelance writers they hire.
The best types of writing and editing jobs to apply for are internal jobs. With these, you are guaranteed a set hourly rate. If you choose the freelance job advertised on Craigslist, research and choose jobs carefully. You will find many jobs where the pay is based on revenue sharing and others where you receive a fixed price for the project.
Now that you know how to avoid the scams and hassles when working as a freelance writer, you can begin your job search on Craigslist. To do a traditional city search, visit the state and city page and use the search box on the left. To search multiple cities, entire states, or the whole of Craigslist with ease, download the free Craigslist Reader at MotionT.com.
