Sunday, December 28, 2008

How do I become a freelance journalist

How do I become a freelance journalist?
I've got 5 years of Political Science and Economics under my belt. Always done very well in english classes. I'm a gifted writer. I want a job n journalism after I graduate and am also thinking of starting my own magazine. How would I go about any of this? Nice, hows the standard of living? I would think write in cafe, then report in foreign nation. Boots on ground.
Media & Journalism - 2 Answers
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1 :
Well you need to know how to use the Journalism type of programs like in-design i believe and in style or something. But it would be best to have a portfolio of your work like a blog site or if you wrote for your school paper and had something printed save that copy and build up a nice folder etc. I too am a freelance Journalist, writing about entertainment and music and I have quite the portfolio for all of my work, I've had my work in print and online and have been running my blog site since 07.
2 :
Go to the bookstore or library and get a copy of a book called "Writer's Market." It's updated every year. It lists thousands of publications that accept freelance contributions. There are also some chapters with general information about freelancing that will answer the questions you asked above, and quite a few questions that you haven't thought of yet. You'll write in Microsoft Word, more than likely. You do not need InDesign or any other program that relates to page layout. They have graphic designers who do that. For a beginner, with no track record, I might as well tell you that the standard of living will be horrible. Every publication gets more offers than it could possibly publish. They'll look for established writers who they know can be counted on to produce good, interesting, accurate work, and turn it in on time. If you try hard enough, you can get an assignment as an unpublished writer, but it's likely to be the type of assignment that you work on for 20 hours, and spend $100 of your own money, and they pay you $150 -- if they accept the finished work. Chances of landing the cover story for Readers Digest or Playboy or Time are zero, at least not when you start. Later on, as you get better and better and make more contacts among editors, you can make a good income, but of course, you won't have any health insurance, pension plan, sick days, etc. As for starting your own magazine, you better have extremely deep pockets, identify a market segment that doesn't already have a great magazine, and know some people who are willing to bust their tails selling ads. In other words, forget it, because as an individual, it's all but impossible

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Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Where can I get paid freelance writing work

Where can I get paid freelance writing work?
I like to write, a lot. I was wondering if there was any sort of job for amateur writers in places such as local newspapers, with the articles being paid for or something. I will wrote practically anything, however! Anyone got any ideas?
Drawing & Illustration - 2 Answers
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1 :
Go to Craig's List. There are writing jobs posted every day. Choose the city but many writing jobs do not require you to even live nearby.
2 :
Yes, you can. Here are some freelance writing sites you might want to check out: Sites which pay upfront for articles : Constant Content A site where writers can showcase their articles with a preset price tag and have interested publishers buy them. Has strict standards for submissions (free of grammar mistakes etc) so check to make sure that you are submitting a flawless article. If you have articles that you have published elsewhere before, you can still sell them for usage rights here. DailyArticle A site where you can showcase your articles and sell full ownership rights to them. Demand Studios Offers upfront payments for articles. No passive income though and you lose your rights to your articles once they are published. Only available to US residents. Textbroker Only available to US residents. Pays on a "price per word" basis, with higher rated writers being able to command a higher price. Bright Hub Bright Hub is a science and technology content site. They're currently paying writers $10 per article, in addition to future revenue sharing. Words Of Worth At Words of Worth, you enter into a contract with them, whereby you promise to deliver 10 to 80 articles in a month, depending on the contract, and they pay you Â£250. Sites which let you earn passive income Bukisa Personally, I don't like Bukisa. It seems to be to be a content site that's focused on quantity and not quality. There are quite a number of peole who do recommend Bukisa though. Bukisa has a 3 tier referral system, which means that you get a cut of the earnings of the referrals of the referrals of your referrals. As far as I can tell, that's the reason most of the people are recommending it. But like I mentioned, I don't like it. They even set up a Help page which has nothing on it except "Coming Soon" and a link to their FAQ. It's now Aug 31st 2009. Bukisa was started in 2008. That's a long time to set up a Help page. *Updated on Nov 10th 2009: it has come to my attention that Bukisa no longer has a "Coming Soon" Help page with nothing on it. I wonder if my lens had anything to do with this change... Squidoo A site that lets you build your own web pages, called "lenses" on Squidoo and earn from them. Hubpages Another site that lets you build your own web pages and display your articles on them, letting you earn passive income. Triond A site where you can publish your work and earn a passive income through page views generated by your articles. One of the better paying sites for passive income. Suite101 A site where you can publish your work and earn through page views. Requires writers to publish at least 10 articles every 3 months. Shvoong A site where you can publish your work and have them earn a passive income. Helium Has a very active marketplace where publishers will request specific articles and frequent contests, both of which offer writers the opportunity to earn lump sum payments. Articles published will generate passive income. Also, each article will earn a writer $0.50 x his writng star rating(up to a maximum of 5). However, Helium does require a fair amount of commitment from you each month, requiring writers to maintain at least one rating star to be eligible to earn. Associated Content Has contests every now and then, and specific article requests every now and then, so writers have a chance to earn lump sum payments. Also offers upfront payment for articles, but this is restricted to certain topics and only available to US citizens. Articles published will generate passive income. Qondio Qondio is an interesting site. While it does allow you to earn Adsense revenue on your articles, the focus on Qondio seems to be to let you build backlinks. Every piece of intel that you submit has a backlink to the site of your choice. Used to be called Qassia. Note: Starting from 14th March 2009, Qondio charges users a one time fee of $5USD to sign up an account. Gzyn Site that lets writers place their work there and generate revenue using Google Adsense. Takes a 10% cut from your profits. Xomba Xomba lets writers place their work there and generate revenue from Google Adsense. Adsense profits are split 50/50 between the site and writers. That doesn't sound very attractive, but Xomba makes up for that with frequent contests where writers stand to win cash prizes. In addition, Xomba articles can also be used to generate backlinks to your other blog/site/other articles. Print N Post Another "place Google Adsense on your articles there and earn" site. Community-wise, the site doesn't appear to be very large and Print N Post has a dismal Page Rank of 3. However, linking is allowed in your articles, and links are quality links, which makes it useful as a site to write excerpts linking to your main articles published elsewhere. Feed The Village This revenue sharing site doesn't pay out based on page views an article has generated. Instead, this site pays

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Saturday, December 20, 2008

I want to get a job one day writing funny commercials or writing for a funny show

I want to get a job one day writing funny commercials or writing for a funny show?
I'm a funny guy, not to mention modest.My creative juices are always flowing and I'm always thinking up crazy stories/scenarios/sketches... My dream job would be just brainstorming funny commercial ideas, obviously one day being able to produce/write my own movie would be spectacular. I've thought of doing some stand up at the local improv's open mic nites, and many of my friends are encouraging me to. But what about from an educational stand point? Any majors that would help me? I'm still in school and I don't want to chase some pipe dream of living my life from freelancing, I'd like to go to school for something steady, so if that major can be transferable to a lot of good jobs, I'm for it! advice?
Theater & Acting - 4 Answers
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1 :
start by writing funny columns in your local paper, submitting funny articles and stories to magazines. When you have become known as a funny writer, you will get offers to write funny commericals and maybe a funny show.
2 :
There are several ways to get started. To gain experience, try freelancing. Here are some open positions you could try to get on a freelance basis: elance humor writers wanted Jokezine's original satirical humor writing. If you have humorous fiction or nonfiction writing, feel free to submit it: jokezinesubmission@yahoo.com, submission on subject line. http://jokezine.com/freelance.html Wanted: humour writers If you can tickle a funny bone or two with your wit and sarcasm, do write for us. JAM is looking for writers to do: a) MAD style movie spoofs (you do the script, we'll take care of the cartoons) b) Satirical articles on current topics. Such as Sunita Williams orbiting the earth without a bath for 6 months... (you get the idea) c) Original khaak e shayari d) Braking news e) Topical PJs f) Or well... just about anything. Do not send me random blog links, just one sample of your best work. And what you think you can do next... Email rashmi_b at yahoo.com. Writers, freelance or full-time: Humor writers wanted for dialogue, characters, one-liners, and games geared to college students and young professionals. Ground-floor opportunity at start-up social networking and collaborative entertainment site. Pays $15-25 an hour, depending on experience. Email clips/samples and resume to mll2525 - at - yahoo.com Writer wanted: Screenwriter wanted Would like to hire someone to write a 20 page screenplay. It would be a romantic comedy about a man trying to maintain a relationship with two women at the same time... Not slapstick comedy, looking for intelligent humor along the lines of Albert Brooks or Woody Allen. Need someone adept at keeping things interesting with limited locations and limited characters (1 man, 2 women). Payment involved?: Please provide your own price quote. Include with submission: Please submit samples of previous work as well as price quote. Submission e-mail: bigrich70@yahoo.com As far as your college degree, you could get a double major in English and Screen/Playwriting or Business and Screen/Playwriting. This will give you a broader spectrum and will also give you the experience/background for a wide variety of jobs. Good luck with your career search.!!!
3 :
That is so funny, I was thinking the same thing. The commercials out there now are so stupid. I know I could make so much money with a way better scenario. And I am SOOOOO sick of those drug commercials. Do yo hear all the side effects? You are better off suffering with the origional issue.
4 :
Well there is this in Britain. You could always try a major college system and utilize the Entire Drama Department and try to pick a specialty from there. Good Luck

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Tuesday, December 16, 2008

How to start a freelance consultants

How to start a freelance consultants?
I want to goodbye my job and want to start consulting as a freelancer but I didn't know about consulting.Plz answer me for how to start consulting as a freelancer.
Other - Business & Finance - 2 Answers
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1 :
There has been an increase in the number of people wanting to become consultants recently. It is really important to understand what it would take some effort to stand out amongst all of them and make your voice/name heard. Having a personal website that talks about your freelancing work will help in marketing your business better. Here is a good article that talks about successful business consulting strategies.
2 :
First, you need to know what consulting is all about. " When someone hires you for consulting work, they are hiring you to provide expert advice that will help them solve a problem. A consulting gig lasts as long as it takes to get a proposal from you, that will include the advice and information the client needs to overcome the problems that stand between them and success. However, The contract you sign with a client or employer will have milestones and deadlines so that you don't take all the time you want. " ( see more explanation on the link below ). You can start as an independent consultant or form your team on many freelancing sites out there that lets you sign up for free. But first, you need to define your personal brand and learn the art of branding yourself

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Friday, December 12, 2008

Are there any free websites that offer work for Freelance Writers

Are there any free websites that offer work for Freelance Writers?
I'm a writer looking for a little extra work. I've been surfing, but only seem to find sites that want to charge a fee. I can't justify paying $30 a month to apply for a job that only pays peanuts and w/ no guarantee that I'll get it. I can write editorials, short stories, poetry and the such.
Books & Authors - 3 Answers
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1 :
Yahoo or google!
2 :
Your best bet would be to sign onto an agency. Your agent can then look at your personal strengths and weaknesses and use those to your advantage. Check out the Writer's Digest for magazines (I don't know the exact name, but look up Writer's Digest and you'll see about six of them.) Straight up Websites that do that for free are going to be incredibly rare and will only pay a minor price tag ($5 a pop or something inconsiderate like that.) You may also want to look into attending a few writer's conferences. Go with a load of business cards and have at it. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Published has a great list for the larger conferences. I hope this helps.
3 :
Some freelance jobs can be done online. Hope these job websites can help you. http://www.usejob.com http://hotjobs.yahoo.com http://careers.msn.com http://www.craigslist.org

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Monday, December 8, 2008

Do you need a license to work as a makeup artist in Florida

Do you need a license to work as a makeup artist in Florida?
I've heard that you can get fined if you are caught doing freelance makeup work without a license. I don't want to work for anyone, but simply do makeup as a freelance job for special occasions on my own. Can anyone clear this up, please? =)
Makeup - 2 Answers
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1 :
I did a little searching and couldn't really find anything except that you have to be licensed unless you're selling it, like Avon, MaryKay, or even cosmetic counters. But I also read that many places like that require you to have a license. But even if you don't need a license to do freelance work, I would suggest getting it anyway, because its more appealing to people. (Think about it, being able to say you're truthfully 'licensed' rather then just a random person trying to make some money doing peoples makeup...it just sounds more professional) And that way, you'll always have your license just incase. You can email someone on your state board of cosmetology and ask as well, heres the site for florida http://www.myflorida.com/dbpr/pro/cosmo/index.html Hope this helps... I've been looking into stuff like this myself, so it give me some extra info. too.
2 :
No license needed

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Thursday, December 4, 2008

What do I need to study to become a Freelance Writer

What do I need to study to become a Freelance Writer?
And can you explain the job in a little more detail? Also, about how much does it pay? Thanks!
Other - Careers & Employment - 1 Answers
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1 :
English, journalism, creative writing, and expository writing. What it pays is based on how many jobs you do and who you work for...it just depends. You basically get hired to write articles/stories for publications.

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Monday, December 1, 2008

How can I payoff a $90,000 student loan, with a $33,000 per year income

How can I payoff a $90,000 student loan, with a $33,000 per year income?
The income contingent payment plan is too high for the amount of expenses I have and interest rates are compound daily. How can I freeze my interest? I need a freelance job immediately to help payoff this loan.
Financial Aid - 12 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Question is why did you become so in debt? I'd sign up for some budgeting classes!
2 :
If i borrowed $90,000 on student loan I better have a MBA and an awesome job now. I still have a $5,000 student loan that has taken me forever to bring down.
3 :
have you consolidated? Put the payments on the longest repayment you can...like 25 years...then the payments should be lower...then, once you pay down your other debt, start paying more towards your student loans. If you've already done all that...I have no idea what you should do.
4 :
You need to look at refinancing this debt. Check your options to see if there is a better rate/payment plan. Otherwise get a 2nd job and use that income to supplement your payments until you can refinance it. Why do you have so much in a student loan?
5 :
Only have the absolute minimum to survive. Does bankruptcy handle it, you might want to check on that also. Either way your credit is gonna stink if you don't do something.
6 :
Simple go bankrupt! screw them all. at least ull still be getting ur sallery! thats how u get these Effing loan companies!!! they intrest everything to the extreme! u can save ur intrest, by claiming banck ruptcy!!! lol
7 :
Get married. Have your spouse work and use the spouse's income to make your loan payment. Otherwise, get a better paying job or sue your schools for misrepresentation. You could also try getting fired and then seek a hardship deferment. Then, collect the unemployment insurance to pay down your student loans.
8 :
Yikes, that's more in debt than both me and my husband were ever in with over 10 years of marriage... I haven't been in school in many years, so I don't know how expensive it is... I can't imagine borrowing more than I can pay back or why they let you do that... I do not think student loans are covered on bankruptcy, since we just went through that because I lost my job due to disability... I think if you are well enough to work, you are supposed to be well enough to pay back a loan... All I can say is offer to pay them what you can actually afford each month even if it isn't what they requested, and try to make them see you can't do it very soon... At least if they take you to court, you can prove you were trying to pay them and they were the ones who didn't accept it... That makes you look good...
9 :
refinance first, you can lock in a low rate..... My daughter is in a similar boat, she owes 80 thousand and has moved home to help save money and doesn't have any credit cards , (she did get a job for 44 thousand.) But it is still tough. Best of luck to you!!!
10 :
from a company that can cut your payment in half .
11 :
I would try paying it off slowly, I would not suggest filing bankruptcy..it is a government loan, not a bank loan or car loan...it will always be there until you pay it off...trust me I have been paying on mine for almost 10 years now!
12 :
Yikes!!! How did you ever get so far in debt!!!!! Whatever you do, don't declare bankruptcy -- you will not be able to wiggle out of this loan. Federally insured student loans are not removed by bankruptcy. You need to talk to a financial counselor right away. You borrowed the money and now you have to pay it off. The interest should be $600 or $700 a month, so with $33000 income you should be able to handle that. And then you will have to pay down the principal as best you can. But it is definitely going to take a long time.... :( I hope you are warning all your friends and relations not to get into such a horrible situation.
13 :
First off, based on how much debt you have already you should have a relatively high degree- at least a masters. In that case, I would suggest finding a better job; if the area you live in has a crappy job market, move. If the feild you chose just doesn't pay well....well, you kinda should have planned that part ahead of time. You might need to take up a second job. Do NOT file bankruptcy, because that just screws up your credit and it won't get rid of government loans. I would try refinancing in some way or another and really try to get the lowest interest rate you can, cause that will absolutely be the death of you. Also, if you can't find another job you might try contacting your school to see how they can help find you placement somewhere better. Since you said you need a freelance job asap, I'm assuming you're in some kind of journalism/writing field. Check out www.writermag.com and similar websites, they often have listenings for people looking for one time articles, etc and in many different topic areas

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