 |
| image from freelancevanity.com |
Thinking of how I can spend my Saturdays more productive, I decided to apply for a part time job in an accredited Philippine-based online writing company. I find it interesting because I'll get the chance to use my profession as a journalism graduate while earning an extra income at the same time.
And last Saturday (Sept.29), I just started my partime job as a home-based freelance writer!
As a newbie, here's the list of my initial observation about the job:
1. If you write more, you earn more
This is the rule of thumb in freelance writing. If you really want to earn, keep on writing!
2. The "cyber office" as they call it, is entirely different from the "newsroom" that I used to know
Compared to reporters or journalists who work for TV networks and print publications, a freelance writer's office is his home. All you need is a laptop or computer and internet connection.
3. You manage your own time
Unlike professional journalists for print and broadcast, freelance writers have all the time in their life to write. Meaning, no one is obliging you to come up with a news or feature story on a daily basis. You can choose to write on a M-W-F/ T-TH schedule or even once a month! (well, if you are not really serious of making money out of it).
Also, you do not need to attend a conference, do news live coverage of a bomb scare, or even conduct a face-to-face interview with high-end officials or celebrities to write the story. Most of the topics can be written using web-based research only. Just make sure that you don't plagiarize and you get the facts right from credible online sources.
4. There are no editors to bug you while you are in the process of writing
You need not to worry about editors who will bug you while you are writing your piece. But as a freelance writer it is your job to get things done based on your editor's (or client's) order.
5. Freelance writers have the freedom to choose what topic to write about
There are potpourri of articles for you to choose from. All you have to do is to pick which topic you feel like writing about (just make sure that it is not yet taken by another writer).
6. Beating deadline is a must
Like a real life journalist, freelance writers also experience the pressure of meeting deadlines on time. Each writing assignment has a corresponding deadline depending on the topic and length required. For my first assignment, I am tasked to submit three articles of 700 words each within 24 hours.
7. Be mindful of the rules and guidelines
One good thing about the online website that I am part of is the existence of rules and regulations for their members. The rules include plagiarism, surface errors , etc.
8. The process of editing and revising are observed; penalties given for late submission, errors, etc. also apply
Once you submitted your article, that does not mean it will be published the next day. It will also need to undergo a thorough editing and reviewing by your boss (in my case we have editors assigned). When a revision is needed, they will contact you via email or mobile to do it.
The list above may vary among independent freelance writers or online writing companies you are part of. But as long as you manage to write and submit good articles, you'll surely make a hit in this kind of job (and hope I can too along the way).
No comments:
Post a Comment