Have you worked as a writer/editor from home?

I just got laid off from my job as a writer/editor of educational materials Sad

So I'm searching for a new job, and I'm confused. A lot has changed since I last applied for writing/editing. So much seems to be online now. I'm in my twenties and very comfortable with online work (hey, I've been telecommuting!), but I can't tell which sites will actually pay something and which won't.

First, I sent out my resume to a bunch of places on mediabistro, craigslist, monster, etc. These were mostly what I would call "real" jobs - a big company that needs someone to write technical material or educational material for a specific purpose. But now I'm finding a bunch of these sites that seem to say "Write about anything and make money!" Sounds too good to be true. Sounds too easy. Has anyone tried any of these and actually made some amount of money? If I'm freelancing for somewhere else, is this something I can do between projects? Or are these all fake?

Has anyone had any experience with these at all? I have work for the next few weeks, but after that I won't be getting any paycheck.

(Also, does anyone have experience with getting unemployment from the government? If I'm only looking for a part-time, work-from-home position because I'm home with an infant, can I still receive unemployment?)

Bump - anybody??

Gold Member Joined: Sep 23 2008 Posts: 1261

Hi, I'm sorry about your job. I'm also a writer, and I've worked freelance from home before. What I would advise is for you to sign up for mediabistro's avantguild service (like $60 a year) -- they have a huge database of different magazines to write for, how to pitch them, and which editor to pitch to. Then I'd just start thinking of any and all magazine articles I could write, and start pitching -- if you want to get into magazine writing, that is. It does pay pretty well. I don't know much about technical writing, although I have done some copy-editing for educational publications -- that was work I found through craigslist. It's hard to tell if the ads you mention are legit or not, but if they're from a publication or company you don't recognize and seem to promise the world and seem kind of fishy, then I'd steer clear.

As far as unemployment, I think the rules vary by state, so it's hard to say what would be acceptable where you are (wherever that is!).

Much hatzlacha to you, and I wish I could be of more help.

I haven't tried it myself, but in the past when I scanned iFreelance.com I found several writing opps. Usually there are specific topics. You may not like the rates, though. Worth checking into at least.

I think I remember that Triond.com also pays for content, but you gotta get a lot of traffic to your content to really earn.

I do some freelancing, mostly you need to get to know a lot of magazine/Website editors, send samples and keep your name in front of them so they think of you when they need freelancers.

Hi...also sorry to hear about your job. Hope you find something soon. Keep sending out applications to monster, craigslist...times are hard, but if you are really determined, you should be able to find something. Also try elance.com. I haven't tried it myself, but have heard great things about it.

When the economy was better, I did content writing for clients. This involved Keyword optimization articles...and paid in bulk for articles on many topics. Unfortunately, this kind of work has dried up (at least my contacts) and it was rather low pay (a penny a word...but they weren't so concerned about quality, so I could knock a lot off..like 10 short articles on online learning...etc..). I don't recommend this kind of work, especially with your qualifications, but it helped me get my foot in the door. If you are interested in new leads on this type of writing, try WAHM.com...go to the forums of WAHMs who write...but as I said, alot of the bulk content stuff has dried up in this economy..

Right now b'h I have something, and I hope they aren't going to lay people off...same gig I've had for a couple of years. Freelancing is tough, and it is nice to have something steady, so I'd keep sending those resumes out...
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Platinum Member Joined: Aug 01 2005 Posts: 16922

If you live in Monsey and understand yiddish, hamaspik has an awesome opening right now for a writer/translator/editor.
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Mama Bear - Thanks, but I'm out of town. And I'm telecommuting - working from home part-time with my baby. Right now I'd really like to keep it that way. (Especially because working outside of the home in my field doesn't tend to pay enough to cover childcare AND expenses...)

Thanks to everyone for the sympathy. I really wasn't expecting this - although perhaps I should have.

Mimivan - I saw a few ads out that involved SEO, which I assume is what you meant by keyword optimization. I'm not an expert, though. I think I'll read up on it, so I can say I'm knowledgeable about it. And in today's world, it must be a good thing to have.

btMOM - How do you get to know them, though?

Chana - trinod.com was one of the ones I was curious about. That, and eHow, and similar sites. It seems like it would be pretty impossible to make a decent salary with those. Is it worth doing that between jobs on the side?

Sigh. I really hope I find something. Last time I was job-searching, the economy was fine. I went in for an interview, got the job, and that was it. I'd been at that job for almost five years...I know that may not seem like a long time, but I got a pretty good reputation there. And then this...All well, gam zu l'tova, maybe something better will come up now?

Gold Member Joined: Dec 30 2008 Posts: 1154

I do freelance writing/editing from home.
I haven't really looked into this yet, but I was told about a website called eLance.com. I can't really tell you much about it, I'm just passing on the tip-off. Hatzlacha.

I've heard e-lance is really good...but the catch is you only have access to the really good listings if you pay a small fee monthly...but friends have told me it is definitely worth it...I haven't done it myself..just feedback from others.

You can have an account for free...but the really sweet jobs aren't on the free listings.