The Hidden Risk Behind Freelancer "Auction" Sites

Type in “freelancing jobs” into your favorite search engine and just watch as a slew of so-called “auction” sites pop up. A lot of fellow writers I know (including myself) have tried these places in the hopes of finding work. While many of these places have legitimate, professional opportunities, there is one major drawback to them. Other writers.

As a freelancer, sometimes you get more work than you can handle, and other times you’re wondering how you could stomach another box of macaroni and cheese. Sometimes, if you’re savings have dried up, you might negotiate for a smaller price–just to get the work. If you do, you’re not alone. It is not uncommon for a less-experienced or desperate writer to underbid everyone else for a number of different reasons; maybe they don’t know how much to charge, maybe they just simply need the money.

What happens when a writer bids too short on these sites, which may or may not charge fees for everyone, is that the buyer’s (i.e. companies and employers) expectations of how much a writer’s work is worth drops considerably. This is especially true if the company was happy with the completion of the project and the quality of the work.

How do you get around this issue? Well, there are a few things that you can do. Explore the site you’re considering thoroughly. Don’t be afraid to ask other pros what they truly think about these sites. Sometimes, another writer’s opinion can be invaluable.

By now you should know how much you’re worth. Review your writer’s portfolio to ensure your samples are in the market you’re targeting. You can check out current salary calculators or ask your references how much they would charge for a particular project, or even check with your local employment agency to help you.

Don’t be afraid to interview your employer. A few questions cannot hurt you; if a company is is afraid to answer them, then your opportunity might be a risk.

After putting all the pieces together, then you’re ready to assess your budget and see whether or not the money you are bidding is realistic. “Realistic” means, a standard rate that includes a certain level of services, which comes through your savvy probing of the employer. Is there editing or several drafts involved? Will the firm provide you with what you need to complete the assignment? Is there research involved? Is this a “group” project?

The key message that I’m trying to convey here is: do not undervalue what you are worth, because you will hurt both your chances, as well as other writers’, to earn a reasonable amount for the services you are providing. One or two projects, sure, because references are invaluable to finding new opportunities and we’ve all been known to do that from time-to-time.

If you want to make it as a freelancer or any other creative in a competitive market, it’s important for you to set standards so you not only use your time more effectively — you get paid for it, too.

December 9, 2007
Permalink ∞

Writer’s Depression: Part Two of an Essay

In Part One of this series on writers and depression, I had talked about some of the statistics and surrounding factors on this powerful, mental health topic. I had sent out various emails, trying to get more research on the subject of writing and depression, but unfortunately I wasn’t able to get responses to help write this article. So instead, I will take a page from my personal files and share with you some of the things I noticed, in retrospect, that I was dealing with and methods that I, personally, took to help myself. I did find a comprehensive depression guide to help you read some medical tips on the subject.

Unholy Ghost: Writers on Depression is a book of essays on the subject from other writers, and I recommend this work for other insights.

Depression, for me, is like looking at myself in the mirror too long. It becomes narcissistic, because the only voice I hear is the one in the back of my head telling me my writing isn’t good enough, or worse. Enchanted with those dark words, it turns into a kind of spell, shrouding me from seeing the bright, shining truth.

The only way, that I know how, to dispel this dark form of mental sorcery is to physically remove myself from whatever is causing my uncontrollable sadness, by remembering what it is that makes me happy, no matter how silly or stupid it may seem to someone else. It could be a new pair of shoes, or a frothing cup of real cappucino. It could be walking in a park, or spending time with your loved ones. Whatever “it” is, that thing, person or event can hold the keys to help you break yourself out of your depression.

Sometimes, yes, it is invaluable to just have someone listen to your woes and share your misery. But that too, can be addicting and, as I’ve learned, can damage friendships if you go too far.

Here are some small, inexpensive ways you can help yourself get out of that rut of “writer’s depression.”

  • Keep a “Writer’s Brag Book” Unlike a “journal,” a brag book contains anything you are proud of as a writer. From meeting word count goals to exquisitely-written passages, it’s your chance to remind yourself how awesome you are as a writer and that you HAVE achieved milestones.
  • Shift your Efforts to Research I know that depression can really put a damper in your writing, so to keep productive I would focus my efforts on research in a library. Not only does it help you get out of the house, it can turn up interesting ideas.
  • Go with What You’re Good at When your mood turns dark, it really helps to do something you’re good at. I usually make a list if I can’t think of anything, then look at my hobby activities. For me, it’s cooking so one of the ways I help myself (and others) is to make someone else a meal.
  • Walk and/or Travel You have to give yourself a break now and then, because writing is a full-time, 24-hour activity some days. Force yourself to go for a walk, or travel to some place new in your area like a coffee shop, restaurant, arboretum, or museum.
  • Teach Writing Sometimes, the best thing you can do for yourself is to give a little. What better way than to teach? Whether you start a workshop or simply donate your time to your local charity, you can help bolster your confidence and get back in touch with your talents.

The key was, for me, to act–not to continue venting, speaking, and discussing that which ailed me. You see, writers can get caught up in words, because that is what we do. In order to remain healthy, we sometimes need to remind ourselves to do the exact opposite.

If you feel your writer’s depression cannot be solved through behavioral changes, please explore the facilities in your community. There is help, even free, low-cost help, if you truly need it.

December 6, 2007
Permalink ∞

Writing for the Web (What it’s Really Like)

Ever since I got my new job in April, I have been exploring another universe of copywriting as it relates to a little something called “organic search.” Organic search is all about a human typing in keywords or search phrases into Google, Yahoo! or any other search engine, and then getting specific results to your request.

The writing that I typically do at work is the idea that by using those same keywords a human types into the search bar, you can help your site get located for its great content when it gets indexed by the search engines and hopefully ranks well. The work that I do is to create readable, keyword-rich copy that’s interesting, because who wants to read crappy copy?

As I’m sure you can imagine, this type of work can get very mechanical, repetitive and very crunchy. There are tons of data tools accessible to help you with your keyword choices, but in many cases online marketers and the people you’re writing for also have their own ideas about what those keywords are. Just how granular can this be?

Think back to your first computer class where you learned about binary. Spaces, odd characters, the singular and the plural can all affect your keywords and the placement of the words on the page. So instead of thinking about themes, you end up obsessing over keywords and their placement, and crafting content around those concepts.

And yes, it can suck the creativity right out of writing…but in a way, it forces you to be more strategic about your writing and, admittedly, more focused.

Keywords and keyword themes, whether or not you write for online publications or off-line, should be tools we can all keep in mind as we write for someone else or promote ourselves. If you’ve written savvy resumes or cover letters before, you probably understand exactly what I’m talking about.

Here’s a free tool from WordTracker you can use to help you factor in some ideas. The tool gives you a rough estimate of the number of searches for the exact phrase or keyword as you type it in their search field.

If you’re interested in learning more about this particular topic, let me know and I’ll be happy to blog about some nifty newsletters and professionals with tons of experience in this area, called “search engine optimization” so you can increase your own knowledge base to help yourself keep up with the changes of the web.

December 3, 2007
Permalink ∞

How to Avoid the "Writer’s Stigmas" and Promote Yourself

For those of you who enjoy writing, I’m sure you’ve heard of many of the stigmas that authors face from time-to-time. From being accused of anti-social behavior to not living in the “real world,” as artists who write for entertainment or for business, it’s sometimes good to consider what you’re getting into. Many famous authors and writers weren’t necessarily remembered for their works, but because they had a personality and were relatively quirky. Some personality tics can help you sell your work, because you’re creating a persona to tie into your work. However, there are others attributes, that we all have, that aren’t so great which can really put a damper into your ability to get work.

Here are a few tips to help avoid the stigmas to earn yourself a professional reputation, and the ability to find more work:

  • Keep up with Technology: In related posts, I had talked about how to use your technology wisely. From avoiding flame wars to ensuring you speak grammatically correct, your command of technology and computers is important in this “cyber age.” I know how frustrating it can be when new things come out on the market (Hint: Microsoft Vista or new forms of PHP programming), so consider spending a few dollars at your local community college and sign up for a four-to-six week course for whatever software you’re weakest on. They’re not that expensive, and you’ll gain confidence in your abilities as you go along.This link is a veritable writer’s toolbox perfect for crafting some savvy online tools to promote yourself as well. You’ll need to sift through the links, but the descriptions are pretty easy-to-read and you’ll be able to quickly ascertain what will work for you.
  • Join your Local Business Organizations: If you’re like me, you probably work a full-time job and then write in your spare time or, you spend a lot of time looking for work to keep up with bills as you grow your freelancing career. Time is valuable to you, especially when you’re trying to move forward in your career. I highly recommend looking for local business organizations in your area to network, and also join your university’s alumni association.
  • Start (or Join) a Book Club: It’s very easy for your social skills to weaken as you spend more and more time in front of a computer. One way to hone those skills, while getting something out of it for yourself, is to join (or start) a face-to-face discussion about a particular book once a month. Not only will it force you to read something outside of your normal scope, it will help you diplomatically improve your debate skills and get that intellectual discussion I know you crave.
  • Work Hard, Play Hard: In another tip, I had talked about the importance of play. I can’t stress enough how important it is to remember to balance your writing with getting off the computer and enjoying yourself. It’s so easy to fall in the trap of burn-out or worse, writer’s depression. Please, please, please reward yourself for all the good that you do in this field by spoiling yourself through fun. When you’re happy and well-adjusted, other non-writers will pick up on that and your business will grow.
  • Balance Promotion with Common Sense: As I had stated above, the worse thing you can be accused of as a writer is being dysfunctional or flighty, because it implies you’re not reliable, so a lot of the time we have to work around that by showing how unique–not crazy–and healthy we are. If you have a decent photo of yourself (make sure you ask someone else if you’re not sure) post that on your blog or website.

Are there things that you do to promote yourself that I haven’t listed here? I invite you to share your tips, and I will follow up with another blog post in a few weeks crediting your advice. Be sure to include your website or blog if you are interested.

Happy promoting!

December 1, 2007
Permalink ∞

Write Games? You Must Work for the Devil! Right?!?!

One of the first issues that came to my attention when I started writing for the hobby games industry and playing more video, card, PC, and RPGs, is the stigma that’s associated with gaming. Enter Dennis, from Game politics who has covered a whole host of articles on the subject, “Violence in Video Games.” (Caveat* I’ve written a few articles for the site.)

It’s funny how many times I’ve gotten weird looks and other sorts of declarations ranging from comments declaring everything from a “lack of maturity” to “video games are the work of the devil!”

And to top it all off, this stunning (NOTE THE SARCASM) article comes out. TV, Film and Game Violence seen as a threat.

Sports are violent. Sports are a game. Take ice skating, for example. How many comedians have done skits on “what went wrong” with the skater’s performance? Our entire media and local TV news are both violent; rarely does either of them specialize about what is great about humanity. Protect the children? Hey, your parents probably played “Cops and Robbers” or “Cowboys and Indians” growing up, with more realistic-looking guns than the ones they have out now.

Don’t agree with me? Fine. I get extraordinarily frustrated with all these studies because, in the end, people “forget” that there is a conscious brain behind the person absorbing the content that’s around them. Yes, there should be levels of play depending upon ages, and I have no problem with that. But if I play Resident Evil, for example, I know I’m smashing zombies — not humans. I don’t feel the urge, afterward, to go hit someone. I’ve already relieved my stress, without drugs, alcohol, or any other “harmful” substance involved and I have *gasp* morals against that sort of thing.

I play games because it makes me a better writer and I get some enjoyment out of it. Screenwriters, fiction authors and game writers — no matter what field you are in within the industry — are entertainers. We don’t create content to be “violent,” we create it to be entertaining within the scope of a license, a team, or our own, little universe for the purpose of selling that media to people who are interested in playing it.

Here’s the kicker: If so-called violent video games didn’t sell, no one would be making them!

Working for the “devil?” If money is the devil, then I guess I should probably let my horns grow. Huh, now there’s an interesting story idea.

November 30, 2007
Permalink ∞
Previous Posts Next Posts




Looking for Monica’s books and games that are still in print? Visit Monica Valentinelli on Amazon’s Author Central or a bookstore near you.

Archives

Back to Top