Comments on: Writers Worth: Readjusting Your Attitude

By: Paula

Paula — Fri, 24 May 2013 16:15:18 +0000

Well, for me, magazine work is the mainstay because the few corporate jobs I've had have been one-shot deals, or worse – they're not in the same region as me but realize how valuable a good writer is and hire someone local as an in-house writer. (It's happened.)

By: Lori

Lori — Fri, 24 May 2013 15:11:38 +0000

Paula, I agree. I love magazine work, but it would be foolish to think that's all the work I should be doing. Magazine work is supplemental because budgets and needs dry up rather quickly.

By: Paula

Paula — Fri, 24 May 2013 14:20:04 +0000

I must be the opposite of the egotistical writer - I'd love to land more white paper, brochure and catalog copy jobs. Why? They pay better than feature articles.

Don't get me wrong, I like seeing my byline in glossy magazines, but pay rates are stagnant. Yesterday I read a piece discussing how freelance payment models have changed over time. The writer said per-word rates have been about the same since at least 1960. Ouch! That explains how despite writing more articles per year than I did 10 years ago I haven't seen much of an income bump.

I'd gladly trade a few by-lined pieces for some of that "boring" work!

By: Lori

Lori — Fri, 24 May 2013 13:04:09 +0000

You're right on that, Devon. One good job completed can lead in so many new directions.

Cathy, I love supply chain. :) I took that topic on with one client in particular about six years ago. That gig came from an article on supply chain. Show you know it and they feel more comfortable hiring you. Don't know why -- once you're able to move into various areas of a specialty, the sky really is the limit.

By: Cathy Miller

Cathy Miller — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:50:25 +0000

Well there must be something wrong with me because I like those kinds of projects. ;-)Sure, there's some I enjoy more than others, like case studies - love telling someone's success story.

I learned a whole new industry - global supply chain - that I never would have imagined I'd enjoy because a former client asked me to write for her. I loved it.

I will say that I regularly turn down jobs that don't interest me. At my age and stage of life, I feel I've earned the right to be picky. :-)

So good to see you back in the blogosphere, Lori. I'm off to finish up my boring brochure. ;-)

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:28:51 +0000

I really enjoy doing those types of projects, especially if it's for a company whose mission I agree with. That's why I end up working for a lot of non-profits. Although the rate is a little lower, I have so much creative latitude and get a lot of satisfaction.

I also find what I learn then translates into better-paying jobs in more corporate environments.

If I was willing to work for companies whose missions I loathe -- I'd make more money, but I just won't promote or advocate things with which I believe are wrong.