My Story

[luvcamerasnic]

Ok folks, I need encouragement!

I started freelancing about 7 years ago. I have a great list of private clients. My problem is the death fo the Content Mills. I was doing fine losing BH, because I had just gotten it so it wasn't that important to me. DMS I hadn't relied on afor a while because of the crazy titles, so I was cool when I didn't make First Look. But, the one client I was depending on for about $500 to $1000 a month suddenly cut rates from the low side of OK to abismal. I had a choice to make, and I chose to cut way back with them.

So, I have been looking for something to fill this gap. Honestly, I have not put my feelers out there for a ong, long time because work has been so good. I am rusty. But, I am a good writer, and I have a lot of experience, but I am getting rejections. They are finding "more qualified" writers. I am not sure what makes me less qualified. I do know part of my problem is a lack of a niche. Travel writing could be my niche, I suppose, but I am not finding much in that regard. I am not a technical writer, a gossip writer, or a fashion writer. I don't know how to build websites, and I don't know anything about SEO other than how to write optimized articles well.

I am scared, though. I am pregnant, due in four months, and facing complications. This is a horrible time to look for work. I really wanted to have these mills as my fall back during this time while we welcome our baby. It's also a time when I simply cannot look for work outside of the home. My complications prevent that.

I had a good paying gig I thought I landed the test for, but they had "more qualified" candidates. I am applying for everything I find. I know all of the normal places to look. But I am hitting a brick wall.

So why am I writing? I don't know. Looking for support, encouragement, or any other ideas I guess. I did apply for Google Raters with two of the three companies, but I have no idea if my state is one they are looking to hire in.

Right now, my private clients are coming through. But they come and go, as all PCs do. I have hit Elance, but having no stars or past work my bids are denied. Either people want someone with stars or people want someone bidding really low.

I am absolutely wiling to branch out into other lines of work, though I do love this. But I'm not finding anything. I can't do phone work with an infant, a preschooler, and a kindergartener in the home.

Help? Encouragement? Ideas? Thanks for listening!

[luvcamerasnic]

I should add I am in with kLat (below my normal pay but I like writing on topics I enjoy for pay) and I am retesting with Quality Gal. I am in the testing process for Pure Content and need to get going on my Internet Brands application. I am not sitting here waiting for work to come to me. I am putting the pedal to the metal, so to speak, trying to find something.

[rjweaver10]

I noticed you said Klat was below your normal pay. I can respect the fact that you are experienced and a great writer. Maybe it's time to readjust your rates to something else so you can find more work. Most of my clients are two cents and below. Does that make me a bad writer? No. I think you will find what you are looking for. I too had a few days where I was panicking and I still have a panic mode. You can do it and four months is a long time. What is going on now will not even be going on in four months. My son just turned one so it was not too long ago that I had the same fears as you. Feel free to PM me if I can be of additional support to you!

[luvcamerasnic]

That is what I am wondering. One group of writers I am in keeps telling me to up my rates, up my rates, respect my experience, but I have to have work coming in!

[luvcamerasnic]

and wow, the typos in my posting! Sorry about that. I was typing while helping someone build with Legos LOL

[megank]

Try advertising on Craigslist under Writing Services. This works great for me, and I ask more than what klat pays. Also, see about upping the number of sites you write there. If you can crank them out quickly, you can make a good wage even though the rate is lower. The max is 40 sites per week, which I've been at for a few months now, and it comes out to about $30/hr for me when I write for them. At the content mills, you wouldn't get better pay than that, so take advantage of the opportunity while they have so many sites available to sign up for: Step 1: Select Sites | Klat.

[luvcamerasnic]

I started with three. I am not interested in some of the topics which would make it very difficult to write on them but I will keep my eyes peeled. I do think they will be easy. I am going to try advertising on CL as well. Thanks so much!

[luvcamerasnic]

Thank you all so much for your support and advice. Things are picking up! One thing I did that one of you tipped me to is set up a Google Alert for "writer needed" and similar phrases. I have a Skype interview with one from that next week. I have also landed three to four more gigs since then. Thank you for encouraging a pregnant, panicking mommy!

[beanandpumpkin]

I'm glad things are looking up! I would not suggest lowering your rates... unless they're way out of the realm of usual and customary, you'll burn out fast making 2 or 3 cents per word if you're used to making double that or more! JMHO, of course.

[tenderone]

Originally Posted by luvcamerasnic

Thank you all so much for your support and advice. Things are picking up! One thing I did that one of you tipped me to is set up a Google Alert for "writer needed" and similar phrases. I have a Skype interview with one from that next week. I have also landed three to four more gigs since then. Thank you for encouraging a pregnant, panicking mommy!

Would you be so kind as to guide me on how to set up Google Alert for those phrases? I really need to get back on my feet as well.