Comments on: Writerly Tip: Know the Signs

By: Clara

Clara — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 20:36:47 +0000

Send 2 400-500 word samples of your work...If they're appropriate to our needs,we'll send a response with further instructions, otherwise your work wasn't accepted...Something similar that gives off a red flag signal.

Thanks,
Clara.

By: allena

allena — Mon, 17 May 2010 17:41:31 +0000

My least fave start up is the new magazine. Um, no. Chances are you won't get off the ground or move past your ezine. Come on, have you SEEN the publishing climate?

By: BrownEyed

BrownEyed — Sat, 15 May 2010 13:33:30 +0000

"Bulk work" or "100 plus articles per week" is like a red flag to me. It indicates a "content mill" sort of a gig where the pay almost always is meager in the name of "many assignments". Such clients have a tendency to make-believe that they do the writer a favour, because they are providing the writers many pieces to be written (even though at cheap pay per piece). I have seen ridiculous rates on the lines of %0.0075 per word! Just my 2 cents.

By: Lori

Lori — Thu, 13 May 2010 11:19:50 +0000

I'm averse to "startups" too, Roxanne. The exposure part is such crap – they have maybe less Internet penetration than the average blog. I remember one particularly odd offer – work for them for free and get college credit. That would be fine IF they were able to give it, which they're not.

Miridunn, I don't see that you did anything wrong. Legitimate companies and clients will pay you after the fact. The only advice I have that can help you recover the money – always work with a contract. ALWAYS. Make sure payment terms are spelled out. Depending on the final project cost, you could ask for half the fee up front. I've done that for bigger or longer-length projects.

By: miridunn

miridunn — Wed, 12 May 2010 20:28:53 +0000

I am not new to writing, but new to trying to make some money with it; the new world in which I find myself is a disheartening. Paying $1 an article, taking lowest bids ... I already made my worst mistake (I hope) which was to expect a payment through paypal- after the assignment was complete. Thankfully it was a small project and not a great loss- but a great lesson.

Please tell me there is a maneuverable path up this mountain of insult and ignorance!

By: Roxanne Rhoads

Roxanne Rhoads — Wed, 12 May 2010 19:20:31 +0000

The signs I have learned to avoid are lisitings that mention- "start up", "seeking financing, we can't pay you right now but expect to offer compensation in the future", "in exchange for exposure will link to your website"

I have been burned so I am learning to avoid such requests

By: Lori

Lori — Wed, 12 May 2010 16:33:54 +0000

LOL Perfect, Juliet!

It's the words "the right person" that set me off too, Kim.

By: Juliet Farmer

Juliet Farmer — Wed, 12 May 2010 14:57:52 +0000

THE ADS IN AL CAPS WATH PLINTY OF TYPOES. 🙂

By: Kimberly Ben

Kimberly Ben — Wed, 12 May 2010 14:25:44 +0000

I love the new logo and will post it on my site sometime today.

I'm very wary of ads that promise long term work if you're the right person. An I pretend those that offer to share residuals don't even exist.

By: Lauri

Lauri — Tue, 11 May 2010 23:54:55 +0000

The ones that are so general they barely include a description of the employer/company, let alone the project/product.

Also, the ones that are of the "I'm looking for an editor for my novel" variety. I'm looking for repeat, continual bidness and unless you're Stephen King, I'm guessing you're not going to have more than one of these bad boys for me to work on.