The Catholic Writers Guild

Some time ago, I was asked by Larry Peterson to do an article detailing how I go about finding paying gigs and writing an article from beginning to end. It is a straightforward process although it definitely does not always go smoothly. I will describe the process in a series of steps. If anyone reading this has ideas on how to improve the process, please put them in the comments section.

Step 1: Most mornings, Monday through Friday, I check various websites that post freelance writing opportunities. This process takes anywhere from five minutes to forty -five minutes depending on the postings I find. Some postings just require a scan and pass in seconds. The following are extreme examples of what I have seen more than once:

Example 1: Seeking Masters/Doctorate level Healthcare expert to write articles for professional level clients in the Bio-medical field. Knowledge of enzyme inhibitors in the process of auto-immune diseases a plus.

A yeah – OK – next!

Example 2: Wanted freelance writer to write 30 to 60, 2000 to 3000 word articles per month. Must have perfect grammar and spelling! Only original content. Applicants must have a significant online presence and post these articles on their websites. Writers will be paid for traffic that lands on your websites and yields sales for us. Pay for articles is 1 cent per 100 words plus bonus for sales. Bonus is paid in discounts for our merchandise.

Pass!!!!!!

Other postings have more promise

Example 3: Wanted Freelance Writer to compose articles on a variety of topics. We need original articles on the following topics: Health, Fitness, Parenting, Social Media, and Pets. Payment is $.10 per word.

It seems to me that from the first week of the month to the third week are the most verdant in terms of good writing opportunities. The last week of the month is usually a desert.

In addition to searching for myself I am also looking for the weekly CWG Freelance Writing Opportunities which I then post on our Facebook page. I compose that list throughout the week as I find good leads.

I write primarily on the topics of Faith, Family and Fitness. On Family topics I key in on the challenges of being the parent of a large family and the Dad of Special Needs Children. Our four youngest are Special Needs plus I worked 34 years in the field. On Faith, it is from a Catholic perspective but I do pitch and have sold to other Christian outlets. For Fitness I have sold articles on Fitness for Seniors and have pitched articles on the Martial Arts (48 years’ experience) and Weight Lifting.

I read the posting carefully after I find a promising lead. I am looking for specific information such as; word count desired, deadline for submission, payment terms (on acceptance, upon publication, …), how to submit (electronically or snail mail). I also check for publisher preferences such as query versus full article, where to send submissions, name of person to submit to, specific tests for submissions (PUT WORD “CRABAPPLE” IN SUBJECT LINE), and the normal response time. If the website is listed, I visit it and read some of the past articles to see if they and I are a good fit. I also look for articles that would not make them a good fit, which are articles contrary to my religious and moral beliefs.

If they seem like a company I want my name associated with, I send the query or begin to write the article. If I need to do any research for the article this is when that starts.

Step 2 If the article is between 750 and 1200 words I may knock out the first draft in an hour or so. Sometimes though the words won’t come so I will let it sit overnight and come back in the morning. Hopefully I am refreshed and recharged.

After the first draft is created there will be at least four readings for editing along with a Spelling/Grammar check. My wife reads the article for me so I can have a second set of eyes on it. If I have enough time I will send it to members of the non-fiction critique group to get other eyes on it. My last two readings are out loud and at a slower pace so I can hear what I am saying. It is often at this point that I notice I was reading words that are not there.

After final editing I will often let it sit one more day before I send it out. One more final read, load it to the e-mail, and hit send. I then record in a journal the name of the article, the place I sent it to, the date sent and the expected response date if known. Then I wait for a response.

I have received responses in minutes turning down the article – Thank You Mr. Computer. I have forgotten about articles sent and gotten positive results ten months later and everything in-between.

Positive responses require filling out W-2 forms and other paperwork required by the government since 9/11. If you write for a company outside the U.S.A. be prepared for other paperwork and processing fees to cash your check when you eventually get paid. If bidding on work outside the U.S.A. add the extra processing costs if you’re asked to quote your rate.

Step 3 After the article is published (and paid for) you may have an opportunity to resell it depending on the rights you agreed to. By reselling articles, freelancers can effectively increase their income per hour on their work.

That is my writing method for freelancing in a nut shell.