The Golden Pencil: The Freelance Writer’s Resource

Sorting Out Writer Wanted Ads

by Anne Wayman on January 16th, 2007

In our forum someone asked how we sort through the job postings and decide which one’s to respond to. Turns out we each do this a bit differently.

For example, I’m not particularly looking for ads offering me the chance to write articles; I’m more interested in ghostwriting and substantial editing. I also don’t worry too much if the ad is awkwardly written – after all, that’s why the are looking for a writer.

One thing, however, we all had in common, and that’s pay. That is, if an ad interests us but doesn’t state the pay, we want to know what the pay will be before we go to a whole lot of trouble applying for the job.

I send a quick email asking about the pay, and that seems to work. Often I don’t get an answer, which is fine – either they aren’t paying or their overwhelmed with resumes, or the situation has changed. A fair number do respond either with a range or asking my what I charge for the service.

It’s at this point I decide if I want to seriously apply for the gig.

It takes a bit of practice to sort out the ads and decide which ones you want to take a shot at. Don’t be afraid to email the poster with a question about pay or anything else, just don’t count on getting a response. Know that if you keep applying, eventually something will stick.

Write well and often,

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POSTED IN: Business of Freelance Writing