Open Mic Comments Thursday – Here We Go…
May 22, 2008 by Anne Wayman
Filed under Jobs
Thursday, May 22, 2008
It’s Open Mic Comment Time – or close enough.
The topic this evening you ask?
Making money as a writer / editor / translator / freelancer.
Unless, of course, you want to comment about something else, tell us how you do it, how you wish it were, ask questions, etc. etc. etc.
Only one rule, and that’s be nice.
Simply make a comment below and let’s see who else comments… you don’t have to wait for someone to finish… just go for it…
does anyone make any real money – enough to actually quit their “day” jobs?
Welcome Paula, what kind of writing are you doing?
Jenn, I don’t have a paper portfolio… just my website
by profession I am a nurse but you name it- I will try to write about it- I also have a content driven website I am attempting to pull together about Aruba
Paula, you sound like a generalist, like me. And yes, I earn a good living and I only write.
Paula, I’ve been a full-time freelance writer for three years and make as much or more than I did in my day job.
I knew I wasn’ the only one ;)
How did you guys do it? I really need to hear from people like you on how you did it- I plan on moving to Aruba although I will keep my residency in US and freelance writing is my goal so can you toss a few tips or success stories my way? :)
My story is here: http://www.meryl.net/2008/04/how-i-became-a-full-time-freelance-writer/
Paula, I’m trashed this evening… but I’ll sum up what I think has made me successful in a blog post tomorrow… it’s a great question… just not up for it at the moment.
Meryl, I’ll link to you in the post, and anyone else whose got a success story.
you guys, I’m out of here… but stay and chat… we’ll do it again next week… thanks eveyone
(waving bye bye)
Awesome Merylo- I can really use this- it is wonderful-anyone else out there who can throw some advice my way?
My question lies relatively on how to become a freelance writer and if i will be taken seriously. I am just 17 and still in highschool, but i am whole heartedly interested in writing and I think that freelance writing would be a great job opportunity for me (to start out). I am interested to get you opinoin on whether an employer would hire me or not, especially because the only experience I have is writing essays and school papers.
thanks loads anne
Symone, I strongly recommend going to college and take creative writing, English, journalism types of classes. They’ll help you smooth and round out your writing. College classes also enhance your thinking skills and discover new and better ways to research and solve problems.
If you can’t afford it or can’t go full-time — that’s OK, too. Just start part-time and many community colleges are excellent. A friend of mine teaches English in a comm college and the students are grateful because she teaches them important basics no one ever taught them in high school.
Hey Symone-
GREAT! that is excellent that you are young enough to get a great start- you might try doing some regular old writing work on something you will most definately get paid for- I do eHOw- not much money but this month I made about 500 bucks and it was easy and I did it when I wanted- there is loads to do for them and I have been trying to get my kids involved- its easy cash and will help you get used to writing
I did make it over for a few moments, Anne. Such interesting comments and information. I’ve done freelancing, as well as worked full time for a newspaper and a corporate account. I’ve enjoyed both ways. The full time, of course, meant a regular pay check and benefits. The freelancing, for me, has been fill in between or along with other things in my life. Blogging has become a fascinating field for me most recently.
Time for me to go to bed… not on the PST coast. :) Catch you on your sites, here, or my site.
me too meryl- late here in NY
I’m on eastern time, too, so must sign off. One of the “other things” I do in my life is substitute teach and teach writing. Up early to do that tomorrow.
Symone if you want the info on writing for them – email me and I will get it to you- its nice money for rather easy work.
email- nyrnwriter@yahoo.com
paula
Do this again, Anne!
“nite all” and thanks for the tips!
Hope everyone has a great nite! Thanks for the suggestions & positivity!
Meryl and Paula,
Thank you guys so much for the advice. I will definitely be looking into eHow now, (I’ve often just used them for resources but now I can look beyond that). I will take your advise and use it to my advantage. Also, does anyone know any other great sites that will offer opportunities like this? I could use both the cash and the practice writing.
Ok, thank you Paula! I will definitely take advantage of that offer.
Anne W. You are not going to believe this but within a few minutes of telling you about the b5 blog opportunity I received an email from them saying I’ve been selected for the blog! YAY me!