Some construction magazines are benefiting from the federal government economic stimulus package. This is resulting in more opportunities for freelance writers. Government funding includes large sums for repairing and expanding the nation’s infrastructure. Projects include repairing bridges and roads plus building new high-speed rail lines between cities and light rail commuter lines. Much of this activity is just starting.
My first book was published by (a large POD publisher). I paid a few hundred dollars to have the book “returnable” for 2 years. I was told by (their marketing department) that bookstores would readily shelve my book if I did this. However, B&N and Borders will still not carry my book.
Like all of you, I’ve been following Angela’s recent battles against people who’ve been illegally printing her writing markets in their own publications. As I read what she was going through, I felt sympathy, as well as anger on her behalf.
My oh my, how life’s plans can change!
Hi Angela,
I just signed up to write for (a content mill). I increased my writing skills over the past year and felt confident about working for them. I wrote one article. It was accepted the same day. Then I wrote another and was asked to rewrite. The whole article took me about three hours with research the first time. I rewrote it and sent it back. It was rejected, saying that my writing was not clear. I then wrote another one about the same time and it was also sent back for a rewrite and rejected after that. The only reason was that the steps I had listed were not good enough to help someone do what the title suggests.
I then tried to log on today and see if my bio was published. I can’t. It brings me to a page saying that my account is disabled. No notice at all. I sent a letter to the help desk asking why I could not log on. I read the terms of use and they are supposed to send a letter regarding termination unless they felt I violated certain policies. Well I don’t know of any policies I’ve violated so I don’t see what the problem is.
Anyway, I really felt bad for myself regarding my writing after receiving the rejections and then not being able to log in. I write for several other sites and clients with no problem. I certainly agree with many of the statements published in your article from the writers and readers. I am moving on to continue with my writing and learning. Your article helped me feel better and realize that I can find other clients instead of messing with (a content mill) for little pay.
G.
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Hi Angela,
I just wanted to thank you for reporting on what really goes on behind the doors of (a content mill). I have been writing for them since last July out of need for money, and am fully aware that the company is a scam and a rip-off. Sure, I am a little disgruntled at the moment as I did get put on probation without warning for writing titles that were similar in nature, but with completely different content. That said I had about $200 worth of work done prior to this probation that has now been published and they are refusing to pay me for it because of my status. Again, rip-off.
So, thank you for calling them out. I do wish more people would.
Best,
P.
When I developed my marketing strategy for my book, The Cheap Diva’s Guide to Frugal and Fabulous Living: How to Shop Smart, Look Your Best, Decorate with Style and Have Fun for Less Money!, I decided I was better off focusing on getting my book into public libraries than on the shelves of large bookstore chains. I am happy to have my book available through popular bookstores that want to order copies of the book one at a time for customers who have requested it, but I don’t rely heavily on bookstores to sell my books. If every copy of the book doesn’t sell quickly (without aggressive promotional efforts by the bookstore books by a not-so-famous author aren’t likely to go flying out the door), bookstores more concerned about the bottom line that the brilliance of my prose might choose not to reorder my book in order to make room for newer titles.
Our daughter, Ali, is on the President’s list at her college, and just completing her first semester. She’s in the culinary arts program and must obtain an externship working in a restaurant kitchen for the summer. Needless to say, she’s been pretty busy sending out cover letters and resumes for about three weeks now.
We’ve been getting more inquiries from disgruntled CreateSpace/BookSurge authors lately. From what we can tell, a service claiming to be “free” (if you follow all their rules and specs to the letter) can sure be expensive. Some authors are spending hundreds to thousands of dollars to get their books published there. Here are some comments from recent CreateSpace / BookSurge authors who have approached us about moving their books to BookLocker…
Letters will return next week.
Much of the work that keeps me busy as a full-time writer comes from ghostwriting and co-authoring. Being willing to ghost is what helped me make the jump from article writing to book authoring.
Whenever I am faced with a potential project that will involve putting my words to work for someone else, I take the time to analyze it from several different vantage points. I essentially apply the following filter of “Six P’s” to the project. These filters have served me well. If you are considering ghosting work, I suggest that you first answer the following questions…
