About Those Revenue Share Writing Jobs
June 13, 2007 by Anne Wayman
Filed under Jobs
At least a couple of times a week I post a writing job that is paid via revenue share. Revenue share simply means that the website – usually a blog – isn’t paying per word or per post, but on the basis of money earned via advertising.
I post these jobs because, over time, I’ve taken a few myself. Way back, when About.com was Miningco.com, I was the San Diego Guide for shared revenue only. The revenue was puny, but after awhile, the switched us to a base salary plus revenue share. It still wasn’t great, but it gave me a larger web presence than I was able to create all by myself. And eventually I became the Guide to Freelance Writing there which, over time, turned into pretty decent income.
I got started blogging for a revenue share in a tiny network that was picked up by b5media and although I’m far from a six figure blogger, I make enough to consider it worthwhile, particularly since it also provides a platform for me to promote myself.
Does this mean that I think revenue share writing jobs are good deals? Not necessarily. I’ve turned down a bunch over time because I couldn’t see any particular advantage to me beyond the share… and the share usually isn’t big.
On the other hand, you can, if you’re careful, make revenue share work for you. You have to evaluate how any revenue share job will actually benefit you. Ask lots of questions. Read any contract carefully and be willing to move on if you get any red flags at all.
Write well and often,
Two newsletters:
Abundant Freelance Writing – a resource for freelance writers including 3x a week job postings.
Writing With Vision – for those who want to get a book written.
It appears the key to making revenue share writing work is to write something people are willing to take some sort of action on.
You get hone your writing skills and generate exposure for yourself. Sounds win-win to me.
Paul Macinton
Good post and good points.
I think the key with taking a revenue sharing job is to know up front what it is and not to be surprised when you aren’t paid as quickly or as much as you expect.
Often these jobs expect you to promote your writing through social media also (such as Digg and Netscape), and it’s important to think about whether or not you will have the time or inclination to do this.
As you pointed out, revenue share jobs can sometimes lead to bigger and better things.
Good discussion, Anne, on the pros and cons of these jobs. One should look at the long term benefits, too, as you mention, of exposure, promotion of your own work, and developing a web presence.