Life of A Writer

Back when I first signed up for oDesk I didn't know if they'd really help me gain new clients, but today I'm happy to report that thanks to oDesk I've been able to increase my clients. Not only have I gained new clients through oDesk, but I've gained friendly clients who have been great to work for. The clients that oDesk has blessed me with have been very helpful and provide great instructions, and this, my fellow writer friends, is something we all want with clients.

I'm sure you're wondering how you, too, can increase your clients, and since I enjoy helping others, I'm going to share a few tips with you. These are the things I do to increase clients with oDesk. Remember, oDesk guarantees payment on all hourly jobs!

Seven Simple Ways to Increase Clients With oDesk

1. Check writing job listings daily. If you don't want to visit the oDesk site on a daily basis, you can subscribe to be notified of new listings via e-mail, or use the search feature on your left to search for the jobs you want, and then subscribe to the RSS feeds for each search you perform.

2. Apply for jobs that only pay by the hour. This guarantees that you'll be paid for your time and work.

3. Create and save a pre-written cover letter on your hard or flash drive. Then when you run across a writing job you want to apply for, edit your pre-written cover letter to match the writing job your applying for, and then follow oDesk's steps to submit that cover letter to the potential client.

4. Use your best clips on your oDesk profile,and update every so often with more recent clips.

5. Post your resume on your oDesk profile, along with any client testimonials.

6. Follow up with potential clients who requested an interview but never got back to you.

7. Take the free oDesk skills tests, and when you score high, make the results public so potential clients can see you really do have the experience you say you have.

Disadvantages

While oDesk has been making improvements, there are still a few things I believe they could improve. For one, if you're writing in Microsoft Word or researching (reading through information), the software that tracks providers' hours doesn't always log the time as "online." Instead, it logs it as "offline," and pay for "offline" time is not guaranteed. I guess it logs it as "offline" time because it considers you idle since you're just reading and not typing. That said, if oDesk could improve this, it would be great!

Finally, there's no guaranteed payment for fixed-price jobs. Personally, I don't understand how oDesk can guarantee their providers payment on hourly jobs and not fixed-price jobs. Although I'm already grateful to oDesk, they would earn my respect more if they'd change this policy.

Rest assured that this won't be my last post about my success with oDesk, because I plan to continue sharing my oDesk experience with you. To stay up-to-date with my oDesk experience, subscribe to my full RSS feeds or opt-in to receive free updates via e-mail.

Do you use oDesk to increase clients? Feel free to share your oDesk experience in the comments area.

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Blorge is seeking a content reviewer to review posts and make necessary corrections (pays $400 monthly).

Business writers needed to write research reports on the topics specified in their ad ($60 per report).

Established travel blogger wanted (pays $700 monthly).

Financial writer wanted to write articles on stocks (pays $8 per article).

Greeting card writers are needed to write verses for adults and children suffering with cancer (pays $75 per verse).

LifeNinjas.com is seeking writers to write on topics such as finding a job, professional strategies, money and personal finance, relationships, and apartment living ($20 to $30 per article).

Media Maxwell needs business bloggers/writers to write on topics related to running a small business and starting new companies (pays $20 to $100 per post).

Resume writers wanted (offers excellent pay if accepted).

The Committee to Protect Journalists needs an experienced copy editor for their books: Attacks on the Press (pays $28 an hour for up to 80 hours of work between mid-November and late December).

Wanted: Contract medical technical writers (pays up to $20 per hour).

Wanted: Writer to write a political-related article. The article will be published in the Think Weston Magazine. Deadline: October 11, 2008 (pays $.25 per word).

Wanted: Writer to write trivia questions and surveys. Writer must be a resident of Canada and knowledgeable about Canadian culture ($300 per month).

Recommended Reading to Help You Land One or More of the Freelance Writing Jobs Above

Punk Up Your Client Pitches from Amy Derby's Punk Duck Series.

Punk Up Your Job Applications. Another great article by Amy Derby, especially if you need a subject line that will draw attention to your pitch!

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Best Poker Site Reviews needs freelance article writers. (According to the statement on their website, they offer an excellent hourly rate. If you respond and discover differently, please contact me.)

Bright Hub is seeking writers for a variety of topics related to technology ($10 per article, plus revenue sharing).

Content needed for video game websites (requests that you send your bid).

College Living is seeking experienced writers for their magazine. (Pays anywhere from $15 to $80 per article, and if you've had work published in national and/or well known magazines, they'll pay you even more.)

Eco Fashion World needs freelance writers to compose articles with a minimum of 300 words for their new eco website (state your desired rate upon contact).

Nerdgrind.com needs a blog writer to write and post 20 or more articles per day for their Tech and Gadget News section (pays $1,500 per month via Paypal).

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Blownmortgage.com needs a blogger to write posts related to mortgage and finance ($300 monthly or $10-$20 per post).

Experienced financial writers are needed to write content for custom magazines ($.40 to $.50 per word).

Local St. Louis company needs a freelance writer to create blog posts, articles and other content. (Pays $840 with 50% of payment made 7 days in advance. If the client is satisfied with your work and the way you handle deadlines, more work will be offered at a great rates.)

New England Mamma is seeking mom writers/bloggers with a passion for New England and/or being a New England mother (Specify your rate in the cover letter).

Writer with experience writing description tags needed ($.10 per word)

Writers are needed to create content on health and wellness topics for custom magazines ($.40 to $.50 per word).

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A new regional wedding/marriage magazine needs articles related to weddings and/or marriage (pays $.15 per word upon publication).

Female writers wanted to write romance and dating articles for women ($30 per article).

SmartBrief needs a freelance writer who can create daily online business and finance news e-mail publications. Pay is competitive and includes stock options, 401(k) and 100% company-paid health care. Yes, this is a telecommute writing position.

The McLean Group is looking to hire a team of B2B freelance writers who can write articles covering business issues, industries and market segments (pays anywhere from $25 to $50 per hour).

The Personal News Network is looking for a gossip blogger. You must already have an existing gossip blog that is more than 60 days old and generates at least 10,000 visits a month (pays $500 a month minimum).

TSB Magazine is hiring men's interest writers ($10 and $30 per article via Paypal).

Writer to write audio content (home audio trends, home theater products, car audio trends, etc) (pays roughly $900 monthly).

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Creative Weblogging needs experienced car bloggers to write about 15 car articles per day. Before you apply, know that Creative Weblogging requires authors that have intricate knowledge of the UK car market (may be paid up to $11 per post, depending on qualifications).

iPhone/iPod Touch blogger needed for 20 to 30 postings a month ($400 per month).

East New York Preparatory Charter School is hiring a competent, talented writer to write their monthly newsletter ($200 to $250 per edition).

Freelance web writers wanted to write articles (300 to 500 words) on a variety of different topics ($10 per article).

How Stuff Works needs freelance writers with substantial knowledge and experience in the home and garden/do-it-yourself topics. (Pay rate is not stated, but I've heard that How Stuff Works pays fair rates and not slave rates. If you apply and find out they do pay slave wages, please leave a comment or contact me with their rates, because I don't list telecommute freelance writing jobs that pay slave wages.)

A marketing company needs an amazing sponorship writer to write business sponsorship proposals or marketing pieces ($350-$750).

For instant notification of my weekly telecommute freelance writing job listings, subscribe to my RSS feed or via e-mail; the subscription is free.

Articles to Help Increase Your Chances of Landing a Writing Job

Tips to Jump-Start Your Writing Portfolio
Responding to Freelance Writing Jobs

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In case you're wondering, I'm still alive and kicking. The Lord has blessed me so much this summer that I've been busy keeping those clients happy, and in the process, I've been unable to update this blog the last week or so. After all, we have to keep the clients happy, right?

Since this post is supposed to be a listing of the latest telecommute freelance writing jobs, I won't go into details about my many blessings. Don't worry, though, I plan to share them with you in an upcoming post entitled Summer Blessings, so keep watching Life of a Writer for that post, or subscribe to my RSS feed or via e-mail for immediate notification.

Enjoy the following list of telecommute freelance writing jobs, and may the Lord bless you as well!

Capitalist Banter needs a business/tech satire writer. If you're great at making up fake news, then you just may be the right candidate for this writing job. (Payment starts at $15 per article, with a $100 traffic bonus for the most popular article each month.)

Devlounge needs someone who can write PHP tutorials, tips and tricks on a weekly basis ($10 per post).

Editor needed for safety booklets ($50 per project).

Experienced writers are needed to blog about fashion and luxuary ($5 to $15 per article).

Flockey needs writers capable of writing quality tutorials about design, i.e. - Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator related ($20 for 500 or more words).

Funny, celebrity-obsessed blogger wanted (pay starts at $500 per month).

Media Maxwell Blog Network is looking for writers to blog about green living, social media, social responsibility, nonprofit charities, health, education and fitness ($20 to $100 per post).

Stock market/trade articles writer wanted (pays between $50 to $200 per article).

Quality Stocks needs a writer who has experience with financial markets to write articles on stocks ($8 per article).

For instant notification of my weekly telecommute freelance writing job listings, subscribe to my RSS feed or via e-mail; the subscription is free.

Previous Blog Posts to Help Increase Your Chances of Landing a Writing Job

How to Beat Out Your Competition With Your Past
Writing Tips: Impress Potential Clients

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Happy Wednesday! Following are a few telecommute freelance writing jobs for this week's listings. I know many of you get tired of seeing freelance writing jobs and blogging jobs from Craigslist for several reasons, so this week I've decided to share some leads from other sources that I use. There are still a few listings from Craigslist, but beginning today and continuing each week, I'll do my best to share telecommute freelance writing jobs from sources other than Craigslist.

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Good evening, friends! I hope your day has gone well and the rest of the evening continues to go well for you. Following are a few telecommute freelance writing jobs that I hope will make your evening even better. Good luck!

Bloggers and freelance writers to write articles related to the gaming industry and poker (Competitive with wages found at major blog and freelance networks such as Gawker Media and IDG).

Fashion writer to write catchy, informational and fun product descriptions ($10 to $15 per product description).

Freelance writers to write health stories for magazines ($.50 per word).

Howcast Media, Inc. needs writers to pen how-to guides on a wide variety of subjects (competitive salary, stock options and benefits package).

Personal News Network seeks a gossip columnist/editor to write entertaining news on everything celebrity, fashion and sex ($500 a month minimum and a share of ad revenues).

Seeking several content writers ($25 per hour).

Seeking writers to write general interest feature stories related to healthcare ($150 for each 1,500-word feature or $300 for each 3,000-word feature).

Tatiana's Travel Corner needs freelance travel writers to write general travel articles based on chosen topics and/or reviews of travel books ($150 per article and $100 per book review).

Are you looking to hire a writer or blogger? Contact me with the details and I'll include your job listing in next week's listings.

For instant notification of my weekly telecommute freelance writing job listings, subscribe to my RSS feed or via e-mail; the subscription is free.

Disclaimer: I can't guarantee that any of the telecommute freelance writing jobs listed above will still be available when you apply for them. Furthermore, I'm not responsible for the credibility of the freelance writing jobs. Before committing to any writing gig, get the details and promised payment in writing. If you can't get it in writing, at least save all e-mail communications between you and the company or individual you will be writing for.

If you're scammed or have been scammed by any of the companies or individuals from one of the telecommute freelance writing jobs above, please warn your fellow writers by sharing your experience in the comments area, which can be done anonymously.

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Since my weekly listings of telecommute freelance writing jobs weren’t generating comments, I wondered if y’all were actually viewing them. So, to find out if you wanted my weekly listings to continue, I ran a poll (results below). According to the poll, the majority of you want me to continue bringing you telecommute freelance writing jobs on a weekly basis. With that said, I’m bringing them back starting today. Please don’t be shy, though. Comment and let me know if my listings are helping you land new writing gigs. I love hearing about your success in the writing industry, especially when I was able to help in some way.

Without further ado, today’s telecommute freelance writing job listings follow. Enjoy and best of luck! …

Feature authors/contestants to create how-to craft videos and content with photos (winner receives a $300 beginning author contract and share of future sponsorship revenues).

Freelance reporter to cover business and technology news ($40-$60 for quick turnaround news stories).

OTR Global is seeking an investigative reporter for cyclicals and industrial markets (competitive pay and expense reimbursement).

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Happy 4th of July! I hope your holiday weekend is fun and safe. As you're reading this, I'm camping with the family. Hopefully the storms their forecasting for our area will pass us by, but just in case they don't, pray that the Lord will keep us all safe.

Now, moving on to the main topic of this post... I would like to know if my weekly listings of telecommute freelance writing jobs has been helping you. I know there are many other blogs and websites that list telecommute freelance writing jobs, but I've tried to make my listings a little different by adding the price the employer is paying, including the topic they want you to cover so you don't have to click through only to discover that topic isn't one you write about, and finally, I also try to keep the penny-paying writing jobs out of the mix. With that said, would you like for me to continue listing telecommute freelance writing jobs each week? Please vote below, and feel free to comment if you like.

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Blogger to write on wedding topics such as trendy wedding ideas, etiquette and tips ($10 per post).

Financial journalist to manage a new monthly newsletter ($1000 monthly).

Fishing Facts magazine accepting articles ($30 per published article. Pays on publication).

LoveToKnow needs a writer to create web articles related to home improvement and interior design ($20 per article).

Technology writers and bloggers wanted ($10 per post).

TV and movie bloggers (modest payment, which is open for discussion).

Writers to research and write on a variety of topics ($1000-$2000 monthly).

Writers to write about hair fashion and styling for a hair fashion website (Send your desired compensation).

Writers with a strong background and understanding of the banking industry ($35 to $50 per article).

YouthNoise.com is seeking bloggers who are passionate about sports and social change ($500 monthly).

Are you looking to hire a writer or blogger? Contact me with the details and I'll include your announcement in next week's listings.

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Academic writers wanted (averages $20 per page for model essay/report writing)

Articles related to environmental issues, environmental chemistry or hazardous materials ($.20 per word plus bio)

Blog writers for corporate clients ($8 per post)

Blog writers to write about activities, events and functions in Tacoma, WA. and its surrounding areas ($10 per post)

Part-time writer for a MMA news site ($500 monthly)

Religion writers ($125 to start)

Sustainable Life Media seeking an online news editor to cover the latest trends in the green business ($20-$25 hourly, depending on experience)

Writer to write headlines for a romance site ($15 hourly)

Writer to write on a variety of legal topics for LawInfo.com ($25-$40 per 500-600 word piece)

That concludes this week's telecommute freelance writing jobs. Remember, if you're looking to hire a writer or blogger you can contact me with the details and I'll include your announcement in next week's listings.

Disclaimer: I can't guarantee that any of the telecommute freelance writing jobs listed above will still be available when you apply for them. Furthermore, I'm not responsible for the credibility of the freelance writing jobs. Before committing to any writing gig, get the details and promised payment in writing. If you can't get it in writing, at least save all e-mail communications between you and the company or individual you will be writing for.

If you're scammed or have been scammed by any of the companies or individuals from one of the telecommute freelance writing jobs above, please warn your fellow writers by sharing your experience in the comments area.

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Welcome to my first weekly listings of telecommute freelance writing jobs. All of the following freelance writing jobs pay, and according to the jobs' details, they're not "peanut" paying writing jobs. If you're looking to hire a writer or blogger, contact me with the details and I'll include your announcement in next week's listings.

If you're ready to add more clients to your writing schedule and increase your monthly income, check out this week's telecommute freelance writing jobs. Good luck!

Article writer/blogger to write on a variety of web-centric topic ($15 and $20 per article)

Article writer to write about infidelity, affairs and relationships ($10 per article to start)

Bankers' Edge hiring writers to research and write articles related to the banking industry ($500 per completed assignment)

Bloggers to write daily updates for First30Days.com ($500 monthly)

Blogger for Banks.com's personal finance blog ($15 per post)

Corporate media relations blogger ($20 per post)

Credit report-related article writer ($25 per article, which will increase to $30 per article after one month)

Legal writer for a bi-monthly newsletter ($30 to $40 hourly, based on experience)

Newsletter article writer ($15-$20 per article)

Real estate blogger (Pay is negotiable depending on skill, experience and commitment.)

Tech and Pop Culture Bloggers ($250-$500 monthly, plus traffic bonuses)

Writers to write how-to guides (Payment varies, but averages between $50 and up)

Writers to write on technology topics ($.12-$.14 per word)

I scour the Internet to save you time and share some of the better work-at-home writing gigs that I can find. With that said, I can't guarantee that any of the telecommute freelance writing jobs (or blogging jobs) listed above will still be available when you apply for them. Furthermore, I'm not responsible for the credibility of the freelance writing or blogging jobs. Before commiting to any writing gig, get the details and promised payment in writing. If you can't get it in writing, then at least save all e-mail communications between you and the company or individual you will be writing for.

If you're scammed or have been scammed by any of the companies or individuals from one of the telecommute freelance writing jobs above, please share your experience in the comments area.

These telecommute freelance writing job listings will be posted on a weekly basis, so be sure to subscribe to my RSS feed or via e-mail for the updates.

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