Freelancing Basics

One of the hardest freelancing prospects is that of a "writer". I use "writer" loosely as it seems everyone can claim to write, but, yet, don't seem to understand the nuances.

Yes, don't get me wrong, ANYONE can write ... it's more a matter of where and what you choose to write about.

One of my greatest worries stems from individuals who really want to get into the writing business, but, are constantly "scammed" out of their own money, or get hooked into rather unscrupulous business entities that either may, or may not, pay you what you deserve; or, simply want you to write articles about ways to scam other people just like them.

I have been a freelance writer for over 4 years and I have to say I've seen just about every type of project you can think of. Lately, something more distresses me than what businesses are requesting things to be written about ... that is that many offshore business groups expect the best writing provided to them, but, without paying the writer what they deserve to be paid.

Point in fact is the many project listings on sites such as GetAFreelancer. Don't get me wrong, there are some good, honest business people who are paying folks the right compensation for the work ... those are the gems in the field of duds! The projects I'm talking about are those business individuals who expect high-end writing (by high-end here, I am speaking of those articles with proper English/grammar, articulate and knowledgeable in general) and yet want to pay a third-world price!

For good writing, you need to pay good money. But, how and where do you start looking for these types of good paying projects?

Research ... research ... research!

If you want to be a reputable writer, you need to find those businesses who are reputable. Not the scam artists, or those businesses who promise to pay you when the project is done but when it comes time to collect on all your hard work, you see neither hide nor hair from them.

Some of the ways in which you can protect yourself from this very problem outlined above is to get a percentage (I normally ask for 10 to 20%, depending on the actual project) to ensure you are dealing with an honest person; and, in the worst case scenario, if they ditch you at the end of the project and refuse to pay you, you've at least gotten a small up-front percentage so you've not worked entirely for nothing.