Post: #526

(03-29-2015 08:54 PM)gamebreaker32 Wrote:  What should one do to build a portfolio? What type of sample articles and what not and how long should they be and what topics?

If you're gonna create a portfolio by writing on your own and not for clients, you may as well write about whatever topics you feel most comfortable with and that interest you. Presumably those topics will allow you to showcase your writing in the best light.

P.S. It goes without saying that it shouldn't be anything controversial or "weird."

Post: #527

(03-29-2015 11:36 PM)Fast Eddie Wrote:  

(03-29-2015 08:54 PM)gamebreaker32 Wrote:  What should one do to build a portfolio? What type of sample articles and what not and how long should they be and what topics?

If you're gonna create a portfolio by writing on your own and not for clients, you may as well write about whatever topics you feel most comfortable with and that interest you. Presumably those topics will allow you to showcase your writing in the best light.

P.S. It goes without saying that it shouldn't be anything controversial or "weird."

Exactly what I did on my profile. I have this thing about not writing fiction unless I'm going to be paid. I like to write fiction. I had to write a brief 1000-word piece to bid on a job and I didn't get the job. Presto! Instant submission example. I keep adding to it during my downtime's and eventually it may turn into a novel.

Post: #528

I'm a complete virgin to freelancing, and I've been trying to take on some extra work via writing gigs and other jobs on Elance and various other freelancing websites. I can't seem to snag any writing jobs, be they SEO article writing, proofreading and copyediting, or copywriting.

So I guess I'm asking, basically, is where and how do I start as a complete newbie to be able to get some work on them and pop my proverbial cherry? Do I need to beef up my CV, post up some writing examples, or should I apply for other jobs? The competition for these jobs seems fierce enough as is, and everyone in this thread plus the many guests that are lurking the thread are probably all competing for the same jobs, so that probably doesn't help.

Post: #529

Beyondborders, what would you conservatively say your effective wage is? I.e. if you divided your earnings by the total time taken to make those earnings (all time working on jobs, plus time spent researching, plus time spent bidding and marketing your services etc).

Post: #530

(03-30-2015 09:00 AM)Holy(Muff)Diver Wrote:  I'm a complete virgin to freelancing, and I've been trying to take on some extra work via writing gigs and other jobs on Elance and various other freelancing websites. I can't seem to snag any writing jobs, be they SEO article writing, proofreading and copyediting, or copywriting.

I started on Odesk. A few things I've learned over the last year:

1.) Make sure you have samples in your portfolio so prospective clients can see proof of your aptitude, i.e. blurbs for your ebooks (I use screens), sample sales letters, etc.

2.) Take at least 5-10 tests in your area of expertise: Tech writing. Copywriting. Basic English literacy. This is also proof they need to see.

3.) Apply at minimum to 3 writing jobs per day if you want to make hundreds per week (which later will be a thousand. Not kidding). This takes time, naturally.

4.) COVER LETTERS tailored for EACH job. This is super important. Yes, it is tedious but it will separate you from all the copy/paste applicants from India/Phils.

5.) Make sure your picture is good. Personally I did not even bother shooting a pic of my ugly mug. I just bought a "cute father/son" pic at canstock for a few bucks. Worked like a charm.

Post: #531

I know a lot of this information is in the prior 22 pages, but for you guys writing articles in say the 500-1000 word range, are you charging per word or per article? I never heard back from the last client who I pitched $50 articles at, I'm sure someone did it for cheaper but I'm talking to another potential client and I don't want to blow myself out of the water again. I'm thinking $35 sounds more acceptable if not still too high for someone with zero feedback, but I'm not going to start out charging peanuts.

Its also evident to me now that a lot of these clients are potential ins for more work down the line like a lot of you guys have said. I'd like to get involved with these clients and I guess that's why I'm reconsidering the $50 articles.

I also got that ebook deal and have to thank a lot of you guys for spitting all the knowledge that helped me land it.

Post: #532

(03-29-2015 06:24 PM)Brodiaga Wrote:  I am considering using Elance and Odesk in the future. Had a quick look on Odesk and found some freelancers' profiles using keywords for my skill set. There seem to be two disparate groups: (1) people with good reviews and credentials, many are US and Canada-based, who charge relatively high rates, and (2) mostly Indian and some Philippino consultants who charge a lot less even if they have good reviews.

A few questions:

-How do Odesk and Elance determine your location? For example, if you are currently based in the US and then move to Vietnam or whatever, do you have to change the location or can you still claim that you are US-based?

-If you look for projects that require two very different skill sets, how do you make your profile. For example, if I want to make money using technical skills but also bid for translation jobs from English to Russian, does it make sense to build two separate profiles with different names or just build one technical profile and mention translation services there as well?

-How important are test scores? I see that many freelancers on Odesk take relevant tests (e.g. English Writing, Translation, etc) and show scores on their profile pages. Some mention high scores in their profile description as a selling point.

I'm also interested in the highlighted bit. I was in the US when I set up my Elance account and am still here, so I have that nice, beautiful and proud Stars and Stripes next to my profile . Will I have to start using a proxy once I move overseas to maintain that?

Post: #533

(03-30-2015 04:21 PM)aeroektar Wrote:  I know a lot of this information is in the prior 22 pages, but for you guys writing articles in say the 500-1000 word range, are you charging per word or per article? I never heard back from the last client who I pitched $50 articles at, I'm sure someone did it for cheaper but I'm talking to another potential client and I don't want to blow myself out of the water again. I'm thinking $35 sounds more acceptable if not still too high for someone with zero feedback, but I'm not going to start out charging peanuts.

Its also evident to me now that a lot of these clients are potential ins for more work down the line like a lot of you guys have said. I'd like to get involved with these clients and I guess that's why I'm reconsidering the $50 articles.

I also got that ebook deal and have to thank a lot of you guys for spitting all the knowledge that helped me land it.

Most people start at around $0.01 per word, so for a 500 word article that would be $5. That's what most oDesk clients expect, and that's what you can expect to start at.

$50 for a 500 word article is excellent. A good price for me is $40 per 1000 word article, but obviously I aspire to do higher.

I'm not sure what your profile and portfolio is like, but I'd avoid putting in high bids until you have some ratings to support your high bid.

Post: #534

(03-30-2015 07:05 PM)Seth_Rose Wrote:  

(03-30-2015 04:21 PM)aeroektar Wrote:  I know a lot of this information is in the prior 22 pages, but for you guys writing articles in say the 500-1000 word range, are you charging per word or per article? I never heard back from the last client who I pitched $50 articles at, I'm sure someone did it for cheaper but I'm talking to another potential client and I don't want to blow myself out of the water again. I'm thinking $35 sounds more acceptable if not still too high for someone with zero feedback, but I'm not going to start out charging peanuts.

Its also evident to me now that a lot of these clients are potential ins for more work down the line like a lot of you guys have said. I'd like to get involved with these clients and I guess that's why I'm reconsidering the $50 articles.

I also got that ebook deal and have to thank a lot of you guys for spitting all the knowledge that helped me land it.

Most people start at around $0.01 per word, so for a 500 word article that would be $5. That's what most oDesk clients expect, and that's what you can expect to start at.

Don't do this. Those rates are for the Indians. Read what BB wrote above.

$10-15 should be the absolute minimum even if you are just getting started.

Post: #535

I used to own a print magazine.

Ten years ago we were paying £50 for a 1000 word filler article.

I can't believe market forces have pushed journalism prices down so much!

Post: #536

^ They haven't.

Print magazines and online magazines that take themselves seriously are paying as much as ever.

Beyond All Seas

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #537

(03-31-2015 06:27 AM)Beyond Borders Wrote:  ^ They haven't.

Print magazines and online magazines that take themselves seriously are paying as much as ever.

Fair enough

Post: #538

(03-30-2015 10:28 AM)Phoenix Wrote:  Beyondborders, what would you conservatively say your effective wage is? I.e. if you divided your earnings by the total time taken to make those earnings (all time working on jobs, plus time spent researching, plus time spent bidding and marketing your services etc).

I caught your question, but I wrote way too much in response. Going to redraft this one into a blog post.

The short answer is no, I don't keep metrics, and yes, it's very important. Remember that how much you charge is largely within your control, so if you're not making enough all things considered, you charge more. The best way to do that is knowing where your time goes.

Beyond All Seas

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #539

(03-31-2015 06:39 AM)CrashBangWallop Wrote:  

(03-31-2015 06:27 AM)Beyond Borders Wrote:  ^ They haven't.

Print magazines and online magazines that take themselves seriously are paying as much as ever.

Fair enough

What kind of magazine did you own, by the way? What happened?

Beyond All Seas

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #540

(03-31-2015 04:33 AM)dreambig Wrote:  

(03-30-2015 07:05 PM)Seth_Rose Wrote:  

(03-30-2015 04:21 PM)aeroektar Wrote:  I know a lot of this information is in the prior 22 pages, but for you guys writing articles in say the 500-1000 word range, are you charging per word or per article? I never heard back from the last client who I pitched $50 articles at, I'm sure someone did it for cheaper but I'm talking to another potential client and I don't want to blow myself out of the water again. I'm thinking $35 sounds more acceptable if not still too high for someone with zero feedback, but I'm not going to start out charging peanuts.

Its also evident to me now that a lot of these clients are potential ins for more work down the line like a lot of you guys have said. I'd like to get involved with these clients and I guess that's why I'm reconsidering the $50 articles.

I also got that ebook deal and have to thank a lot of you guys for spitting all the knowledge that helped me land it.

Most people start at around $0.01 per word, so for a 500 word article that would be $5. That's what most oDesk clients expect, and that's what you can expect to start at.

Don't do this. Those rates are for the Indians. Read what BB wrote above.

$10-15 should be the absolute minimum even if you are just getting started.

I even think that is extremely low. I think as long as you're not desperate for cash you should go a lot higher than that.

Beyond All Seas

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #541

(03-31-2015 06:59 AM)Beyond Borders Wrote:  

(03-31-2015 06:39 AM)CrashBangWallop Wrote:  

(03-31-2015 06:27 AM)Beyond Borders Wrote:  ^ They haven't.

Print magazines and online magazines that take themselves seriously are paying as much as ever.

Fair enough

What kind of magazine did you own, by the way? What happened?

Just a small publishing house running 4 niche sector news stand mags.

We sold them about 6 years ago after 30 years ownership as it was obvious that the industry was on its last legs. Sales were falling year upon year despite ad revenues holding up nicely.

Got out at the right time though; none of the titles are printed anymore or exist in any form.

I bought back the titles for basically nothing a couple of years ago...I intend to re-launch one of them as a "business insider" web/facebook type thing in the near future when I can find the time and a write who knows how to create that kind of "click bait" content. The title is still very well known in its industry and could be relaunched easily.

Post: #542

Beating a dead horse at this point, but it can't be stated enough that you must never be bidding low for work.

Even out of the gate you should be starting at a modest rate.

Post: #543

Has anyone had problems with getting their account locked down?
I awoke this morning to a matter-of-fact letter from Elance saying that it appeared my account was related to another account and that you could only have one account. I shot them back an email saying as to how I should have one account and didn't know a thing about the other account they listed. Tried to look at some jobs and discovered my account was locked. WTF?
I called Elance got some chick on the phone who said my account review was pending, yadda yadda. No she couldn't get anyone else on the phone and didn't know why it was locked. I hung up in frustration and fired off some more emails. Mind you, I have a paid membership.
Anyone else have this happen?

Post: #544

Any ideas on how much the recommend % affects your profile?

I've had around 15 reviews with only 3 being below 5 stars, with the lowest rating been 4.4. In that case my client and I ran into some problems, it was a very research heavy assignment and it was quite difficult to find precisely the information she was looking for (on both ends). Nevertheless the final product was still good.

Anyways, although my star rating shows a good 4.9, my recommend % only shows low to mid 80's %. I've noticed the best freelancers, whether or not they have many jobs completed, all show 99 or 100%.

Am I worrying about something negligible once again?

Post: #545

(04-01-2015 02:20 PM)ColSpanker Wrote:  Has anyone had problems with getting their account locked down?
I awoke this morning to a matter-of-fact letter from Elance saying that it appeared my account was related to another account and that you could only have one account. I shot them back an email saying as to how I should have one account and didn't know a thing about the other account they listed. Tried to look at some jobs and discovered my account was locked. WTF?
I called Elance got some chick on the phone who said my account review was pending, yadda yadda. No she couldn't get anyone else on the phone and didn't know why it was locked. I hung up in frustration and fired off some more emails. Mind you, I have a paid membership.
Anyone else have this happen?

Update:
I am shutting down my Elance account as of tomorrow. Sent some emails off to the clients I have been working with to let them know. Hope they all go through. I put my standard email at the bottom of the letters in the XXXXX at XXXX dot com form so maybe the goddamn Elance spyware will let it go through.
Still can't figure out what happened. Account has been locked down for over 24 hours and the pricks won't even answer the phone in sunny California.
Dug around for a bit on the Net and discovered Elance may be monitoring ISP addresses of the people who set up accounts. I didn't know this and have accessed the account from different computers. They seem to interpret doing so as an attempt by two people to hide in one account. Go figure.
The bastards have some of the $$$ I worked to earn and I have no idea how to get it out. Guess I'll be contacting the Better Business Bureau.
I don't know what to expect from O-desk because the same company owns it that owns Elance. Guess I'll find out. I am going to be logging into there with a Tor browser so the f*ckers can't track my ISP. I would advise anyone else using Elance or O-desk to do the same.

Post: #546

Surprised everyone has had success starting with such high rates out of the gate. Not sure how on sites like oDesk you're expected to get a high paying job with no rating or feedback. I started out doing low pay work for only a few months, but now have some good jobs/clients on oDesk with a 5 star rating and 95% job success rate to boot.

I also don't even see much high paying work on oDesk/eLance for smaller projects. I recently got a job for dozens of articles paying $.04 a word, but don't know how anyone could get that job with no feedback. Plus, I have a blog I showed him which was relevant to the content he wanted.

I'm sure the answer was posted somewhere earlier in this thread, but oh well, I'm here now. I guess it just took me a few months of extra work.

Post: #547

Here is the approach I took while creating my Elance profile, which seems to have already yielded some success with respect to positioning myself as a "SME" worthy of high rates.

1) I labeled myself as professional who does writing on the side, rather than a professional writer. My pitch to the client is always like this: all the schmucks who sent you proposals may well be great writers, but they have little exposure to the subject matter. I on the other hand am a professional in XYZ who also happens to be good at writing. Guess who's going to deliver a fluff piece and who will give you something actionable?
(Of course I don't phrase it like that but that's the message.)

2) Rather than dabble in the gutter for pauper rates to get my initial feedback, I had my friend create a profile and send a job and a 5 star rating my way. I also had him assign me multiple jobs so that my 5 star rating wouldn't be based on a possibly fluky n=1 sample size in the eyes of a potential client. Of course, if the client really does hardcore due diligence he will see all my jobs are from 1 client and furthermore that I'm the only freelancer this client has ever hired, but the likelihood of that is nil. Once you land your first "real" job that becomes a moot point anyway, as you will then have multiple clients giving you feedback.

3) With respect to #2, I strategically picked the jobs I asked my friend to post. I specifically picked topics that fulfilled 2 criteria:
a)They lent themselves to thorough analysis and I knew enough about them to provide that thorough analysis in a coherent, lucid manner. It's hard to write lucidly for 1000 words about how amazingly cute babies are. It's easy to do so on the topic of bank bailouts or global trading patterns.
b)In addition to the above, I also picked topics I felt most people would have trouble writing about. The logic there was to show potential clients that I am up for a challenge that would stymie lesser candidates. The client doesn't have to know that this was actually quite easy for me because I've had personal exposure to the topic and this was why I chose it. Then I actually wrote solid articles for those jobs and posted them in my portfolio.

After I did all the above I got lazy as fuck and didn't visit Elance for a few weeks. I applied for 2 jobs yesterday and already got 1 win, at $8 per 100 words to basically write an economic overview of a country. If I write 2000 words that's $160 for the day, not bad. Note that this is my first real job on Elance and that thanks to using the method I just outlined above I didn't have to slowly work my way up to this rate. Now I just have to make sure I didn't bite off more than I can chew and can justify the price, haha.

Post: #548

(03-31-2015 04:33 AM)dreambig Wrote:  Don't do this. Those rates are for the Indians. Read what BB wrote above.

$10-15 should be the absolute minimum even if you are just getting started.

I disagree with this.

When bidding on those types of jobs, if you're not a complete dumb ass, you're going to have a very, very high chance of landing the job.

You could potentially apply, finish the job, and have feedback within a day or two.

Whereas there's times when I've applied for 5 listings a day for a couple weeks without getting a job. Eventually a few are awarded, but that's with me already having a very strong track record on Elance.

For a newbie, you might be a month and 60 bids into the game without a job if you're bidding at higher rates. Not saying that can't still happen once you've gotten a few 5 star ratings, but at least that's one less variable you have to account for when tweaking your proposals and it only took a few hours of your time.

My only caution would be to only take very small jobs at those rates, like one 500 or 1000 word article that you can knock out quickly and get that feedback. Don't get stuck writing a 10,000 word Christian romance ebook for $50 like I once stupidly did

Also, oDesk sucks in my opinion.

Post: #549

Thread bump.
I've moved my account over to O-desk and it seems to be working out pretty good. I'm doing decent with the clients I've found, just would like to make better money. The advantage: I get to pick my own hours and set my schedule. The disadvantage: I have to pick my own hours and set my schedule. This is mot something to do if you want to slide on The Man's time. You don't get the project done, you don't get paid. My problem is one of focus. I get more done at the coffee shop since I don't have all the distractions. I try working at home and I'll be up to 3 AM proofreading.
I decided to keep the Elance account open, just haven't found anything worth bidding on lately. I note O-desk has less cheap-ass projects, but it may be because I filter out anything below my minimum fee.

Post: #550

I just lost a job to another bidder because I've been too busy to get back to my Elance messages and did not reply in time.

What was their proposal?

$260 an hour.

The low rates on Elance are simply depressing.

EDIT: Yes, I know you don't see that everyday and that most guys here don't have the skills for it. Just stirring the pot a little.