Need an update on the industry

[writeagain]

Hi,

I'm new here. I previously did some magazine writing, grant writing, and science and technical stuff. Then I took time off to raise my daughter. I feel like Rip Van Winkle! My, how things have changed in the last 10 years. When last I wrote professionally, things were just starting to get going with email and electronic submissions. Most people did not use pc's other than for work.

So, I have plans to try to get back into the magazine writing and may roust up some science or tech writing here at home. What I don't understand is all the online stuff. I assume e-zines are the same thing as a hard-copy magazine but online. What are all these other things like About.com, Suite101, etc?

It appears to be work for hire, short pieces on topics assigned by an editor. What is it used for, where does it go, who reads this stuff? I assume that while payment is sent to PayPal on a regular basis, I can have it sent from PP on to my personal bank account, right? I'm a bit reluctant to register or sign up for these sites, since I read so many cautions to avoid the scams. But I know so little about this that I don't trust that I have the ability to know what things are red flags and what are just practices with which I am unfamiliar.

Thanks in advance for helping me clear up some of these questions. I feel like such a newbie again.

[jennysp8]

Hi there! Welcome to the online writing world! I'll try to answer your questions as best I can...

As far as "who reads this stuff?" - you do...I do...everyone who uses the Internet does. If you have ever looked something up online or read a news story or a blog or a informational piece of how to bake chicken - you have most likely read something that was written by a freelance writer who is making money with their work. Freelance writers are among those who basically create the information that is found on the web.

About.com - Suite 101 - ehow - these are simply the names of companies that have articles for the public to read. These articles are written by freelance writers.

If you write for those places- your articles will appear on those sites but can and will be found by thousands of people through keyword search phrases, whether they intended to visit that exact site or not. Sometimes, you write for a client and you are simply ghostwriting and are clueless as to where the article ends up.

Yes, you can transfer money from your Paypal to your bank account. I would suggest setting up a new checking account that you will register with paypal. This is just for safety and for easy tracking. You can also receive a paypal debit card, which I and many others use. It works just like your debit card for your checking account.

The sites you mentioned in your post are not scams, nor are most of the other companies you will learn about from this board. Of course, we may mention from time to time a company that we learn about which is a scam and someone might want to spread the word on that for the sake of other writers.
Basically, to avoid scams - DO NOT PAY TO WORK or for any list of companies to work for. If somethign sounds too good to be true - it might just be. Avoid the Ads that advertise that you can make a $1,000 a day...that's impossible (normally)

If you are unsure about a new company, write just a little for them...wait to see if you are paid and then if it works well then continue writing for them. Many freelance writers take it slow with new companies just to get a feel for things. This ensures that you are not wasting your time or efforts.

Do like I did. Read this board. EVERY post. I learned a lot. Make a list of all of the companies mentioned and take notes on what you learn about them. You will be surprised what you will find when you really start digging through this board.

You could also check out my blog - it's in my sig line...it's very new though but you might learn something valuable from it. I earn my living writing articles from home and I am trying to share with others my experiences and tips to help them get started.

Take care and good luck!

[writeagain]

Thanks, Jenny!

Can you tell me more about the registration or sign up processes? I have seen mention of people "not getting accepted" here or there. What are the general requirements? Do most require any evidence of previous writing experience? I did do a blog for a website for a while, but it was incorporated into that site and not a freestanding blog. Would that count?

I have a PayPal account but what is this Adsense thing?

Thanks for your help. I like your blog! I am a homeschool mom living on a small farm in Ohio, so I can relate to your comments about trying to write with children and animals milling around in the background. My biggest problem is with being professional on the phone. I can't tell you how many people have asked rather incredulously, "Is that a chicken I hear crowing in the background?"...

Thanks again.

[jennysp8]

lol...I don't have chickens but I don't dare try to make a serious phone call when my kids are running around because I can just envision the person on the other line rolling their eyes at the sounds that come from my house...

Anyways, you have to go to each company and apply individually. The application process is just like any other job, some will get in - some won't. It all depends on your experience and writing style. For example, even someone who is a top notch writer may get turned down for one company, just because the company is looking for a different "voice". A denial into a company does not always mean that your writing skills are below par.

As far as experience, some companies welcome newbies while others want experienced web writers only. For example, before applying to a place like Demand Studios (which is a popular and decent enough paying site) you will want to gain experience. You do have some experience but like you mentioned, not much in the online world.

Personally, I would suggest signing up at Associated Content. Anyone can sign up and write articles about whatever they want. Sometimes they won't pay you at all for the article and sometime you might get offered a couple of dollars. Simply look at Associated Content as a place to gain experience. I used to use it as a place to show writing samples. It shows you've been published and that you know what you are doing.

Textbroker is another place that many newbies start out at. They will take just about anyone. They pay for every article but the pay per article varies depending on the length and what level of writing you are. They pay twice a month I believe.

You could also sign up at eHow and write some How-To style articles. Look over eHow and read through some different articles to get a feel for what they are looking for.

Oh, and yes, I would include the blog work you did as experience....

Adsense is a way to earn money through your own personal blog. I believe you have to have your blog up and running for 6 months though (someone correct me if I'm wrong) and I of course just started my blog so I don't have adsense on it yet. From my understanding signing up for adsense for your blog will allow advertisements on your blog and you get paid by the number of people who click on those ads. (I believe - I'm still learning about it)...

[WritersJourney]

Very good info everybody!