Article Writing, Blogging, Magazine writing Alina Bradford Article Writing, Blogging, Magazine writing Alina Bradford

Tip for New Writers: Successful Writers Don’t Burn Bridges

Don’t burn bridges with clients, new writers. Here’s why.

Should you fight the system? Here’s my thoughts.

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I frequent many writers’ forums. I like to lurk, absorbing the knowledge that my peers type about companies and publishers. I remember that a few years ago I stumbled upon a thread full of angry writers. The writers all freelanced for a publication that I wrote for, as well.

The publication had decided to essentially put all freelance projects on hold while they sorted out financial issues. I understood and was patiently waiting to hear if I would get to work with them again. The group of writers in this thread didn’t feel the same. Many threatened the company with a smear campaign. Others posted hateful diatribes directed at the editors of the publishing company. Many declared that they would never write for the company again.

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This company had been good to their writers. They always paid on time and offered extra incentives for hard work. I had to wonder if these angry writers were shooting themselves in the foot with this public display of angst. You see, as a freelance writer of more then 20 years, I have learned to take everything in stride. I know the value of holding my temper and not burning bridges.

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When I first started my writing career I went to work for a small company as a freelance article writer. This company was bought out only months after I started writing for them. They told their writers that they would be handing out work again within a month’s time.

I didn't hear from them (other than a "wait and see" letter) for more than a year. Instead of sending them a hateful I’m-Tired-of-Waiting email or ranting about them on forums, I took work with other companies. Then, one day they emailed me out of the blue and offered me a fantastic opportunity. The job took me about thirty minutes and I got paid $100.

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Maybe the problem is you

Since then, I have worked for them consistently for two years and have made thousands of dollars. Another time that I could have burned bridges was when a publication wouldn’t answer my emails. I had worked with this publication for around a year and they paid well. Plus, I loved the work.

Suddenly, though, I stopped receiving emails from my editor. Did I send a heated email? No, I gave them the benefit of the doubt. Turns out, my email system was blocking their emails even though I had them on my safe list. After the problem was solved I continued writing articles for them and made a lot of money. I’m just glad I didn’t try to jump to conclusions!

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Things change

Even though that editor wasn’t the problem, many are. I’ve dealt with some real jerks in my time.

One of my first editors, for example, was a piece of work. She’d rarely answer her emails and when she did she would give me one sentence answers that didn’t even address what I had asked in the first place. Then, when I emailed her again, she would give me very snotty responses.

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I remained civil and, though I was tempted, I didn’t tell her off. Many writers will tell you this is a mistake. My theory is that no editor stays at a publication for very long.

You don’t need to waste your writing time fighting the system, it will change soon enough. Sure enough, a few months later a new editor took her place and that publication is still one of my best sources of income. Moral of the story? Getting work as a writer is hard. Making connections is hard. Don’t make your life harder by burning bridges.

Be nice 24/7?

So, you’re probably wondering if I’m telling you to just roll over and take bad behavior. No way! If you are experiencing sexism, racism, or abuse, go over the editor’s head or terminate your contract with the client. Some behavior just can’t stand. Just make sure to act professionally. Don’t rant, don’t rave. State your problem clearly and back it up with screenshots.

Need help? Here’s everything you need to start a successful freelance writing career.

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Best Prime Day Deals for Writers and How to Get Them

Get some deals on items you need for your business.

Prime Day is here (Oct 13 & 14 (10/13 at 12:01 AM PDT to 10/14 at 11:59 PM PDT) and it is one of the best days to score some deals for your writing business. I’ve rounded up some of the best deals for you here, including lighting, electronics, chairs, and more. Plus, I’ve included some shopping tips to get the best deals.

This post contains affiliate links.

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Prime Day Shopping Tips

Sara Skirboll, Shopping & Trends Expert at RetailMeNot, shared some expert intel on how to get the best deals. Here’s what she had to say:

  • “Look for deal badges. Prime Day deals are badged in blue. Save them and shop them!”

  • “Be ready when the festivities begin and check back often. Amazon Prime Day’s best bargains are available in limited quantities. As a Prime member, you’ll get advance notice, but if it’s one of those 4K big-screen TVs you’re after or a Nintendo Switch, be ready to pounce before they’re all gone.”

  • “Shop with your Alexa-powered device if you have one, so you can take advantage of Alexa-exclusive deals. Just ask, ‘Alexa, what are my Prime Day deals?’”

  • “Download the Amazon app to get a sneak peek at deals in advance. Tap “Watch This Deal” in the app to get real-time alerts.”

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  • “Create your own wish list. Amazon will notify you if any of the items you’re coveting become Prime Day deals.”

  • “Keep Lightning Deals on your radar. These super-limited offers are the best-of-the-best and never last long. Last year, to qualify as a lightning deal, a product had to be at least 20% off its list price. Once you put a lightning deal in your cart, you only have about 15 minutes to transact.”

  • “If what you’re looking for isn’t on sale, check out other retailers. Many will offer their own mega sales in October.”

  • “Consider getting the Amazon Prime credit card. You’ll immediately get a $70 gift card and 5% back on all Amazon purchases.”

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Apps and Extensions to Simplify Your Shopping

  • Amazon Assistant is a browser extension that allows shoppers to see and compare prices for related items while browsing on Amazon.com or Google.com.”

  • Keepa is a free Amazon price tracker that gives shoppers a quick understanding about how the price of the product has changed over time.”

  • The Tracker app monitors prices for many of the big retailers, including Amazon. It’s free for iOS and Android mobile devices.”

  • “And of course check RetailMeNot to find additional sales, deals and Cash Back Offers to help you save even more money.”

And now let’s get to the deals!


Lighting

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Most of my writing gigs has required me to take photos. I’ve found that good lighting is key to professional photos. Luckily, the HPUSN Softbox Professional Lighting Kit is inexpensive already, and then you get a 30% discount on Prime Day on top of that. Score!

Desk Chairs

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There will be several desk chairs on sale during Prime Day. The Amazon Basics High-Back Leather Executive Chair looks super comfy and it has 4.3 stars out of over 12,000 reviews, so it seems pretty reliable. While not as plush, the Amazon Basics Low-Back Upholstered Mesh Chair has great rating, too and would work better in a smaller office space.

Computer Stuff

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I don’t know about you, but I can never get enough notebooks. This Succulent Laser Cut Wood Journal is particularly cute, and it’s handmade.

Weighted Blankets

If you have trouble with anxiety while you write, give using a weighted blanket a try. Just draping it across your lap can help, and on Prime day LUXOME Weighted Blankets will be $20 off.

Writing Books

Got your eye on a particular writing book, like mine? When you spend $20 on ebooks you get a $5 ebook credit. Even better, Prime members can choose two new select Kindle books for free.

Save on Shipping

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I order so much from Amazon, free shipping through Amazon Prime is a must. It saves me hundreds of dollars per year, plus it gives me access to Prime Video streaming service and one-day shipping. Here’s a 30-day free trial to get you through Prime Day. Prime is $119 a year or $12.99 a month after that, but you can cancel whenever you like. If you have certain circumstances, the membership may cost even less.

Here’s the details:

College students can join Prime Student for 50% off and enjoy the benefits of Prime with a six-month trial at amazon.com/primestudent. Plus, for an additional $0.99 a month, student members can get Amazon Music Unlimited and stream over 50 million songs ad-free. Customers receiving government assistance through EBT or Medicaid can also qualify for a discounted Prime membership of $5.99 a month at amazon.com/qualify.





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46 Expert Tips for Creating Fantastic, Addictive Content

Upgrade your content with these tips.

I was featured in Venngage's ebook 46 Expert Tips for Creating Addictive Content. You can find my tip, and 46 other great tips for creating great content for your site in this infographic:

Addictive Content Infographic
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Freelance writing jobs of the week mega list: October 7, 2020

Happy October! It is the best time to amp up your writing career. Right now is the busy time at online publications and they are desperate for some great content. So get out there and pitch! As always, these freelance writing gigs are remote so you can do them from anywhere. Let’s get to it!

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My No-Fluff Freelance Writing Starter Pack teaches you how I make a living at home as a freelance writer. It includes my two books, a social media marketing guide for writers, invoice template, contract template and more.


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Freelance writing jobs of the week mega list: September 30, 2020

So much variety this week!

Hey No-Fluffers! This week we have a wide range of freelance writing gigs, from script writing to automotive article writing. Chances are, you’re going to find your niche in this list.

Also, don’t miss:

High Paying Magazines Looking For Pitches: 19 Magazines on Medium that Pay

50+ High Paying Magazines Looking For Pitches

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High Paying Magazines Looking For Pitches: 19 Magazines on Medium that Pay

You may know that you can publish articles and blog posts on Medium and use them for clips to grab the attention of potential clients, but did you know there are magazines that are owned by Medium that will pay for your work? Yup.

Medium magazines that accept freelance submissions in 2020.

You may know that you can publish articles and blog posts on Medium and use them for clips to grab the attention of potential clients while making a few coins, but did you know there are magazines owned by Medium that will pay for your work? Yup. It’s just like submitting to other online magazines, but through the Medium platform. Medium-owned publications also have the bonus of paying very well. Many pay $1 to $2 per word!

Tim Denning has some more great tips on how to get Medium editor’s attention and get published. For this article, though, I’m going to list some Medium publications, their guidelines, and how to get in contact with the editor. 

Also, don’t forget to check out 50+ High Paying Magazines Looking For Pitches.

FFWD

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https://ffwd.medium.com/ 

“Think of it like The Economist for online video (meaning at the minute YouTube, Twitch and TikTok), looking at the bigger trends and putting them into all-important context, explaining to readers what their wider impact is for society and how this shifts the way we work, earn money, and spend our time.”

Guidelines

 

Marker

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https://marker.medium.com/

“Marker is a new Medium publication making you smarter about business. We deliver intelligence by entrepreneurs, CEOs and thinkers, and rigorously reported journalism that changes how you think about the future. If you’re interested in writing for Marker or reaching an editor, you can email us at marker@medium.com.”

Slackjaw

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https://medium.com/slackjaw 

“As the #1 destination on Medium for all-things humor, and think-pieces on cats, Slackjaw wouldn’t be what it is without you, High Warlock of Funny Ideas. That said, we do accept submissions from humor writers of all backgrounds and extraterrestrial lifeforms.”

Guidelines

The Startup

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https://medium.com/swlh

“We’re reimagining the startup. Medium's largest active publication, followed by +708K people.”

Guidelines 

Momentum

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https://momentum.medium.com/

“This is a blog that captures and reflects the moment we find ourselves in, one where rampant anti-Black racism is leading to violence, trauma, protest, reflection, sorrow, and more. Momentum doesn’t look away when the news cycle shifts. Momentum doesn’t chase the news or report it out dispassionately. Momentum reflects the lived experiences of people right now, and ongoing, in America.”

Guidelines: Submit stories at momentumeditors@medium.com.

Level

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https://level.medium.com/

“We aim to fundamentally change what you think of when you hear the phrase “men’s publication,” and to do so through and for the worldview of Black and Brown men.”

Guidelines

Elemental

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https://elemental.medium.com/

“Elemental is a new Medium publication for science-backed health and wellness coverage. Every day, you will find new ambitious and trustworthy reporting on the many ways to live a healthy life. You can email us at elemental@medium.com.”

OneZero

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https://onezero.medium.com/

“OneZero is a Medium publication about the impact of technology on people and the future.”

Guidelines: Submit stories at onezero@medium.com.

Heated

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https://heated.medium.com/ 

“Our goal is to showcase the links between food and just about everything else: agriculture, politics, history, and labor; culture and cooking; identity, family, and love. It’s a new, ongoing, and exciting project, one in which we intend to involve lots of different voices and views — including, we hope, yours.”

Guidelines

ZORA

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https://zora.medium.com/

“At ZORA, we unabashedly amplify the voices of women of color. We are a digital home for incisive ideas, contemplative thinking, and enterprise storytelling that explores the interiority and intersections of women of color. ZORA gives women of color a place where they are seen and heard, and the intricacies of their lives are honored and reflected daily.”

Guidelines: Submit stories to platform editor, Jolie A. Doggett, at jdoggett@medium.com.

Human Parts

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https://humanparts.medium.com/

“Human Parts is Medium’s home for personal stories and perspectives. From the mundane to the extraordinary to the downright weird, we’re here to explore what it means to be human.”

Guidelines

Tenderly

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https://medium.com/tenderlymag 

“We believe in living deliciously and joyfully, while trying to help more than we hurt, and we’re here for anyone who believes the same. We publish original vegan recipes that center and celebrate plants; the stories of animals who have been liberated from exploitation and the people who helped them; interviews with the most interesting and influential vegans and plant-based chefs in the world; happiness breaks; deep dives into the complex ethics of progressive veganism and anti-speciesism; pop culture through an animal rights lens; vintage vegetarian book reviews; personal essays on dogs, beans, nature, and more; advice for beginner vegans; heartfelt recommendations and passionate odes to our favorite ingredients and products; beautiful photographs from the wild world; cakes; comics, and cats.”

Guidelines

GEN

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https://gen.medium.com/

“GEN is a new Medium publication focused on politics, power, and culture. Every day, you will find stories that will help you understand the powerful forces reshaping our world. You can email us at gen@medium.com.”

Guidelines

Forge

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https://forge.medium.com/

“Forge is here to examine and illuminate our constant struggle to get more done, invest in creativity and focus, and be happy doing it. We bring journalistic rigor and credible, peer-reviewed science to bear. We don’t use vague inspiration-speak or glibly suggest quick fixes to major personal problems. Medium is ad-free, and Forge will not peddle product recommendations or embed affiliate links. We provide a toolbox of research- and expert-backed strategies to be more productive, inspired, and whole, and mind-expanding ideas about how we humans are navigating this big, complicated world. You can email us at forge@medium.com.”

Guidelines

The Bold Italic

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https://thebolditalic.com/

“The Bold Italic is an online magazine that celebrates the character and free-wheeling spirit of San Francisco and the Bay Area. For pitches, feedback, or questions, send a message to info@thebolditalic.com.”

Serious Eats @ Medium

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https://medium.com/@seriouseats

“Anything related to food, cooking, eating. We prefer to develop recipes in-house, so including recipes in SE@M submissions is probably not advisable. Same with specific or generalized technique advice that would require our staff to test and verify; we’re trying to keep this platform more personal and less prescriptive, for now. Otherwise, the relation to food can be specific or tangential as long as the focus is sharp.”

Guidelines

The Establishment

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https://medium.com/@ESTBLSHMNT 

“The Establishment is looking to unearth overlooked stories, produce original reporting, and provide a platform for voices that have been marginalized by the mainstream media. And yes, we want your humor, wit, and good old-fashioned satire, too. We publish originally reported features, interviews, long-form journalism, personal essays, and multimedia of all shapes, sizes, and creeds.We pay $125 for feature stories, op-eds, and personal essays (800–1,500 words), and $500 for a select few long-form investigative pieces that involve original reporting and at least five interviews (3,000 words).”

Guidelines

The Ascent

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https://medium.com/the-ascent 

“We believe in authentic, personal storytelling. The stories that perform best for us are rooted in firsthand experience and packed with tons of value, in the form of personal lessons and profound takeaways for the end reader.”

Guidelines

Modus

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https://modus.medium.com/ 

“Modus is a place designers can rely on to level up their skills and knowledge, stay current on the state of the design and tech fields, and dig deeper into the areas that interest them.”

Guidelines: Pitch the editor at modus@medium.com.

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Smart Ways To Maximize Your Freelancing Profits

How to make more without getting more clients.

There are many benefits to working as a freelancer. Not least, getting to be your own boss and knowing that all the hard work you put in is lining your pockets with profits rather than someone else's. However, ensuring your business is profitable is not always easy. The good news is that you can get some helpful suggestions on how to maximize profit below. 

Keep your costs low 

It's simple math, but keeping your outgoings as low as possible will ensure that your profits remain high. In particular, drop any unnecessary costs like:

  • Sharing an office when you can just as efficiently work from home

  • Buying tech you don’t really need like expensive cameras for photos or fancy printers

  • Traveling to do an interview when you can Skype or email

  • Buying reference guides when you can look the information up online

  • Getting a fancy desk when grandma’s old desk will do

Avoid being scammed

It's not a lot of fun to think about, but there is a heck of a lot of people out there that do not recognize the hard work and hustle that freelancers do to survive. Unfortunately, it is these people that see freelancers as an easy mark for fleecing and scams. 

In fact, freelancers tend to be scammed in several ways, from clients refusing to pay once they have completed the work to clients using rough drafts and proofs rather than settling the full invoice. 

One way to avoid this is to use freelancer websites that will broker payment for you. However, if you go it alone, be sure to ask for at least a 50% deposit before beginning a job. Then, have specific completion points where the remainder of the fees are paid. Also, share drafts as locked Google Docs or PDFs that can’t be copy and pasted onto a scammer’s website without payment.

Oh, and if a client won't agree to this, it's best to walk in the other direction, because you will usually end up spending precious and profitable time chasing them for payment! 

Invest any additional profits

Many people think of their profits from freelance work as an end goal. However, this isn't necessarily the case. After all, you can make your money work even harder by investing it wisely. 

For some people, this will mean investing in their business or even getting more training to do what they do better. While for others, investing in the stock market is the most profitable option. 

Of course, before you even consider financial investment, it's wise to take some time to familiarize yourself with all the different types of products from Share CFDs to penny stocks. Only then, once you understand the market and the particular types of investment you will be using, should you start to use your hard-earned freelance profits. 

Subcontract the extra work

If you think that being a freelancer is about doing everything yourself, you are in for a shock. After all, it's standard practice for those freelancing to subcontract out work or parts of projects that they either do not specialize in or do not have time to do. 

The great thing about subcontracting extra work is that it can help rather than hinder your profits. The reason is that you can offer a much more comprehensive service to your client, thus making you much more likely to get more significant and more profitable contracts. Plus, hiring out saves you time and time equals profits.

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Blogging, Article Writing, Magazine writing Alina Bradford Blogging, Article Writing, Magazine writing Alina Bradford

Where to Find Expert Quotes and Facts for Your Articles and Blog Posts

Here is a quick list of places I go when I need information for my articles.

Nothing makes you look more like a professional writer than using expert opinions and researched data to back up your topic. Where do you find all of these knowledgeable people? Good question! Here is a quick list of places I go when I need information for my articles.

Qwoted- This site is my new favorite. It’s super easy to use and you can easily sort through replies to your query.

Profnet- I use this site the most. You type up a note about what type of person you need and Profnet sends it out to people that may be interested.

HARO- Help a Reporter Out is a lot like Profnet. When you use this one, be ready for a flood of replies to your query.

ExpertClick- You can find press releases, experts and news stories at this site.

TravMedia- Do you write travel pieces? Then this is the site you need to join.

NewsWise- NewsWise can send you the latest press releases and list of expert contacts to your email address. They specialize in health, science and life news.

Game Press- This is the go-to site for video game information. You can get contact information for gaming experts here, as well as news and press releases.

Association of Food Journalists- Foodie writers can find leads and information for food trend articles on this site.

Reporter Connection- I haven't used this site, but it looks like it works like Profnet.

MyBlogU- This is a collaboration site for bloggers.

Businesswire- Business writers will love this site. You can find press releases, market information and more.

Kiti- This site, formally Media Kitty, helps you “find unique story angles, news releases, connect with brands and network with media and influencers.”


Want to make $100 to $200 per hour from home like I do? My No-Fluff Freelance Writing Starter Pack teaches you how to make a living as a writer from home.

You'll learn:

☆How to gather and create clips for your portfolio

☆Everything you need to know about SEO

☆How to create amazing articles

☆Information on invoicing

☆How to get high-paying clients and keep them

The pack includes my guide for writing content, freelance writing course, a social media marketing guide for writers, invoice template, contract template and more. Now $29.97. Get yours now!


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Freelance writing jobs of the week mega list: September 23, 2020

This week’s mega post of remote writing jobs.

The month of September is almost over already. Hopefully you are making some headway in your pitches. As always, here’s this week’s mega remote writing gig job list to help you out. Also, don’t miss our new mini course, The No-Fluff 7 Day Blog Challenge. It teaches you everything you need to know to start a blog. Only $10. Learn more here.

  • Environmental (Climate and Conservation) Freelance Writer

  • Proposal Writer

  • Freelance Script Writer

  • Copywriter

  • Duel is Looking for a Fantasy Sports/Sports Betting Content Editor

  • We're looking for an original and surprising angle on the ending of Lost the TV show

  • Freelance Gaming Writer

  • SEO Content Writer

  • Freelance Credit Card Writer at The Motley Fool

  • Write for 3rd Act Magazine, Submit Senior Lifestyle Articles

  • Metro.co.uk is looking for talented and enthusiastic freelance showbiz journalists to join its team. Ideal candidates will have experience in creating original content in a variety of forms, including interviews, videos and features. They will cover a wide range of topics, with a focus on celebrity, TV, music, movies and social media. They will have a talent for finding the strongest angles on the best stories and be confident in pitching ideas to the entertainment editor and PRs to ensure you get the best content. The ideal candidate will also be confident among a strong team and keen to pursue original angles for stories while developing contacts and representing Metro.co.uk. The ideal showbiz reporter should be passionate about online journalism and have a distinctive, engaging and lively writing style. We’re not afraid of character here. Responsibilities: • Working with the entertainment editor, social, SEO team as well as the picture and video desk to create bold, engaging and timely content • Spotting great stories and have a passion to cover them before competitors • Be confident in using contacts to create exciting exclusives • Writing the best and most engaging entertainment content, using a variety of formats • Creating/commissioning original stories and bringing in exclusives as well as making sure trending stories are covered in an innovative and imaginative way Key requirements: • Minimum of one year’s experience reporting for a media outlet in showbiz • Understanding of the UK Editors’ Code of Practice, media and copyright law • Excellent attention to detail • Being able to conduct interviews across a variety of platforms (from written to FB Lives) is a bonus The above list is not exhaustive and constantly evolving, based on the needs of the business. Out of hours availability and a high level of adaptability are essential. Please apply by sending an up-to-date CV, a note about yourself, and examples of your work to Vacancies.UK@assocnews.co.uk





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How to Send Out Cold Emails That Get Results

Here are some tips on how to stay on the safe side and make your cold email campaign a success.

Guest post by Michael Deane

Cold email is dead. 

How often have you heard this? A lot, most probably.

And still, this strategy has been around for quite some time and still beats the odds. If done right, cold emailing can help you grow your customer base quickly. The best thing about it is that you don’t have to run through your entire marketing budget in order to see results. 

Stats say that email generates a 3,800% ROI, which means that for every $1 you invest, you’ll make $38. 

However, there’s a risk of slipping into the spam territory if your cold emails aren’t properly crafted. 

Here are some tips on how to stay on the safe side and make your cold email campaign a success. 

Build a Prospect List 

This requirement is an absolute must, and if you really want your cold email outreach to generate results, you should understand that building a prospect list doesn’t mean purchasing it on the internet. 

This is a very bad idea because these lists are packed with outdated and incorrect information, not to mention that you have no idea whether these people whose addresses you obtain are your target audience in the first place. 

If we bear in mind that data decays very quickly – 30% of people change jobs, 34% of companies change their names, and 37% of email addresses become outdated annually, it’s clear that a list purchased on the internet is an example of dirty data. 

But the trouble is not only that you’ll send your campaign to a defunct address, but also that you’ll raise a red flag with your email service provider. Namely, by reaching out to inactive addresses, you risk being marked as a spammer as well as ruining your sender reputation. 

This is dangerous because if you’re blacklisted, your emails will be automatically directed to the spam folders of your recipients. 

Build your own list by researching publications’ websites, particularly on the  About Me and Contact pages. You can also find contacts by googling the publication’s name and the words “submission guidelines.” For example, if you were looking for the editor’s email address at Better Homes and Gardens, you would google “Better Homes and Gardens Submission Guidelines.”

Research Your Target Audience 

Most cold email campaigns fail because inexperienced business owners think that it’s enough to collect a number of email addresses and blast out a massive amount of emails. 

But, you need to understand your target audience in order to be able to create tailored emails that will resonate with them. 

That’s why it’s essential to unearth your prospects’ interests, preferences, and pain points. If you address their issues and offer them a solution, your cold emails won’t fall flat. 

So, knowing as much as possible about the publication you’re reaching out to will help you personalize your emails and provide value. 

Implement Email Automation 

The thing is that you will send cold emails to hundreds and maybe even thousands of recipients, which means that it’s impossible to do it manually and stay on top of everything. 

Email automation will help you streamline this entire process and monitor your metrics. It’s the only way to keep track of your opens, clicks, bounces, and other KPIs (key performance indicators). 

Advanced email automation tools feature email chatbots that can quickly respond to prospects’ messages and engage them. They’re similar to AI-powered conversational chatbots capable of handling customer questions and issues, as both types of digital workers keep the conversation going and generate business opportunities. Most writers won’t need chatbots, but they can be helpful for answering questions on your website and social media pages.

Personalize Your Emails 

You’ll increase your odds of being marked as a spammer if you send generic, mass emails. 

Nobody wants to receive email messages that aren’t genuine and personalized, so you have to try harder than that if you want to grab your prospects’ attention. 

There are different personalization tactics that can vary in a degree of sophistication, but just using your recipients’ first name won’t suffice. You can use all kinds of information about your prospects such as mentioning a recent article you enjoyed from their publication. It’s also a good idea to use a mutual connection or mention your prospect’s recent accomplishments such as a new job or something similar in order to start a conversation. 

Polish Your Subject Line 

Using a relevant and catchy subject line is a surefire way to make your email stand out in your recipients’ inboxes. However, this doesn’t mean that you should use deceptive click-bait in order to get them to open your message, as this trick will work only once, if at all. 

Asking relevant questions that include your recipients’ pain points is a good tactic as it indicates that you’re going to discuss that issue and offer a solution. Similarly, it’s very important to personalize your subject lines as that will also capture your prospect’s attention. You can get tips on crafting great subject lines here.

Conduct A/B testing to identify what works for your target audience and use your findings for future reference. 

Finally, check a list of spam trigger words and phrases, and do your best to avoid using them in your subject line. 

This is a round-up of the most important tactics to help you send out effective cold emails that will get your prospects to open, click, and respond. It’s worth mentioning that you shouldn’t give up after just one attempt. Be persistent and follow up at least a couple of times before you call it quits. 

Here are 55 subject line ideas to help get you started.

Author Bio

 Michael has been working in marketing for almost a decade and has worked with a huge range of clients, which has made him knowledgeable on many different subjects. He has recently rediscovered a passion for writing and hopes to make it a daily habit. You can read more of Michael's work at Qeedle.

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Alina Bradford Alina Bradford

Freelance writing jobs of the week mega list: September 16, 2020

There’s some great paying gigs this week!

Hey No-Fluffers! This week’s list of freelance writing gigs is jam-packed with jobs that pay really well. Also, don’t forget to check out our list of 50+ High Paying Magazines Looking For Pitches. I have just updated it , so it’s full of fresh contact information and leads.

Remember, all of the gigs I select are remote, meaning you can do them from anywhere in the world. Enjoy!

freelance writing jobs 2020.jpg

Freelance Writer/Editor Needed

More information: Flow

Content Strategist and Writer Needed

More information: Empower Work

Freelance Writer Needed

More information: E-SEARCH, LLC

Marketing Copywriter

More information: Spyre Marketing

VAO News Writer is responsible for identifying, researching, and writing daily articles relevant to the federal acquisition workforce

More information: Unison

Premier Digital Marketing Company seeks an accomplished legal writer for part time/full time drafting of web-based text for SEO website optimization

More information: Studio III Marketing

Digital Script Writer Wanted

More information: The Social Edge

Dexerto is looking for a talented freelance writer to work from home at weekends

More information: Dexerto

Need writer with talent for crafting technical content to learn more about Search Engine Optimization

More information: BluShark Digital

Freelance Legal Marketing Writer

More information: BluShark Digital 

Podcast Content writer

More information: Q'd Up Audio Services

Contributing Weekend Editor

More information: Bustle

Freelance Script Writer Needed

More information: Filmless

CNN Health is looking for a temporary podcast writer/producer

More information: Turner

Screen Rant is looking for writers fascinated by the tech world

More information: Valnet Freelance

Freelance Features Writer (Display Technology)

More information: Valnet Freelance

Freelance Features Writer (PC Products)

More information: Valnet Freelance

Freelance Features Writer (Apple Products)

More information: Valnet Freelance

Freelance Features Writer (Google Products)

More information: Valnet Freelance

Freelance Resume Writer Needed

More information: Resume Pilots

Freelance Features Writer (Tech Security Products)

More information: Valnet Freelance

Copywriter, Product Content Delivery

More information: Hello Alice

Dating Writer, Elite Daily

More information: Bustle

Entertainment News Writer, Elite Daily

More information: Bustle

Blogger in Recovery

More information: National Addiction Awareness Complex

Freelance Writer Needed for New Online Estate Agency in Ireland

More information: Estate Agency in Ireland

SaaS Marketing Writers Wanted

More information: Fortis Agency

Expert Dog Food / Dog Nutrition Writer

More information: Dog Food Review Website

Hiring Freelance Firearms Writers

More information: Hunting Mark

Archery/Bowhunting Writer Wanted

More information: Mountain30K

Telecommute Technology and Legal Writer

More information: Impactian

Ongoing freelance writing gig : Weddings, Cybersecurity and Technology

More information: Is my idea good



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50+ High Paying Magazines Looking For Pitches

I am revealing 20 online and print magazines that are looking for article pitches. Here they are.

High Paying Magazines, Online and Offline, That Want Your Pitches

Like most freelance writers, you have a ton of article ideas and very few places to place them. When you do find a publication to submit to, they pay peanuts. All of your work is worth more! To help you out, I am revealing 50+ online and print magazines that accept freelance submissions in 2020. Here they are.

Need help pitching these magazines? Here’s what you need to know.

Plus, here's what an editor wants you to say in your pitches.

Also, don’t forget to check out High Paying Magazines Looking For Pitches: 19 Magazines on Medium that Pay.

Zift

“At Zift we believe being a parent is the most important job in the world. As parents ourselves we understand that smartphones, social media, apps, and other digital media and devices are here to stay, and that in many ways, it’s a good thing. But our relationship with technology is complicated. We struggle with how to understand and navigate our children’s technology use. And our own. So we created the Parent Portal and Parenting Insights blog where we focus on topics that can help us become better parents in a technology-driven world.”

Website: https://wezift.com/

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: $100 per article

ZEKE

“Each issue of ZEKE features photography stories about important global issues. We are seeking writers to craft articles about these issues. Past articles in ZEKE have been on climate change, violence against women, maternal health in Africa, nationalism in Russia, migration, Syria, and other global topics.”

Website: https://www.zekemagazine.com/

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: $275-$500 per article

Backpacker Magazine

“Our readers are knowledgeable and experienced backpackers, therefore we accept only authentic, well-researched, well-crafted stories.”

Website: https://www.backpacker.com/

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: Online rates range from $150-$250, with average being $175-$200

Travel + Leisure Us

Like the name implies the magazine is filled with content on travel and lifestyle.

Website: www.travelandleisure.com

Contact: submissions@travelandleisure.com

Expected Pay: $1-$2 per word.

Vocal

Vocal accepts submissions to each of their 34 different topic-specific communities, including music, food, fashion,  travel and more.   ​

Website: http://www.vocal.media

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: $3.80 per 1000 reads

PTO Today

“PTOtoday.com and PTO Today magazine are essential resources for leaders of parent groups (often called parent-teacher organizations) at the 80,000 elementary and middle schools across the United States. Content focuses on helping the volunteer leaders of these groups run their organizations more efficiently and support their schools more effectively.”

Website: https://www.ptotoday.com/

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: $125 to $500 per article

cosmo writers

Cosmopolitan (U.S)

Here, articles  written on women lifestyle are in high demand.

Website: www.cosmopolitan.com

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: $2 per word.

Discover

This is a renowned science magazine that is on the look out for new research stories.

Website: www.discovermagazine.com

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: $2 per word.

Writer’s Weekly

“Each year, all year long, we purchase articles for WritersWeekly.com. WritersWeekly is distributed to thousands of freelance writers and authors across the globe every week (of course). “

Website: https://writersweekly.com/

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: $60 per article

Dwell

If you know architectural design and home design, this is where you should most likely make your pitch because they are definitely on the look out for people like you.

Website: www.dwell.com

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: $1 per word.

Lisa Tanner Writing

“I love featuring work from other mompreneurs, and am currently accepting some guest posts.”

Website: https://lisatannerwriting.com/blog

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: $50 per article

Eating Well

This magazine is interested in articles that are geared towards promoting healthy eating habit and also disseminating information on eating traditions and cultures.

Website: http://www.eatingwell.com/

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: $1 per word.

Funds for Writers

“FundsforWriters is an online resource for writers. You can be a thirty-year veteran or a part-time wannabe, but here at FundsforWriters (FFW), we consider you a writer none-the-less. We emphasize finding money to make writing a realistic career. Of course, you’d write anyway. That’s the way of a writer.”

Website: https://fundsforwriters.com/

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: $50 per article

Early American Life

This magazine is concerned about disseminating information regarding American lifestyle and culture.

Website: http://www.ealonline.com/

Contact: queries@firelandsmedia.com

Expected Pay: $500 minimum per piece.

Successful Freelance Mom

“FreelanceMom is a community for moms who believe that women can still be who they are after becoming a mom. We believe the landscape has completely changed and that there is no better time for parents to be a freelancer or solopreneur. If you agree with us, then we want to hear from you!  We love hearing case-studies and other moms’ stories – and we’ll even pay you for them!”

Website: https://successfulfreelancemom.com/blog/

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: Between $75 to $100 per article

Fortune

fortune magazine pitches

This magazine is on the  lookout for business stories and pieces generally tacking management and leadership issues.

Website: www.fortune.com

Contact: Emails

Expected Pay: $1 per word.

MoneyPantry

“MoneyPantry is a personal finance blog with a focus on helping you earn & save more money. We scour the world to bring you extraordinary, unusual, yet practical ways of making and saving more of that all-important dough!”

Website: https://moneypantry.com/

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: $30-$150 per article

Glamour

This is a women’s magazine that features articles on beauty, fashion, current affairs etc.

Website: www.glamour.com

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: $2 per word.

Good Housekeeping

This magazine focuses on enlightening the masses on lifestyle.

Website: www.goodhousekeeping.com

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: $1.5 per word.

Brides

This magazine covers everything ranging from wedding planning and innovative ideas as regards wedding.

Website: www.brides.com

Contact: “We’re always looking for experienced, qualified writers with a bridal background who share in our mission to provide practical, inspirational and useful content that truly helps people plan this important occasion. If that’s you, send a few examples of your work to this email: write@brides.com” From their About Us Page

Expected Pay: Between $2-$3 per word

Catholic Digest

Here, essays that supports Catholicism are highly appreciated and favored.

Website: http://www.catholicdigest.com

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: From $500 upwards.

Consumers Digest

This magazine is interested in articles that reviews new products from the customers' point of view.

Website: : www.consumersdigest.com

Contact: editorial@consumersdigest.com

Expected Pay: $1 per word

Longreads

If you are a creative writer that can produce quality fictional and nonfictional essays, this is where you should pitch your work. The standard word limit is from 1,500 words and above.

Website: www.longreads.com

Contact: hello@longreads.com

Expected Pay: $500 per essay.


Maxim (U.S)

This is a men’s magazine that covers the regular topics men are concerned about: women, sports, relationships, sex, careers.

Website: www.maxim.com

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: $2 per word


Psychology Today

This magazine is interested in articles that talks about the current in the field of social psychology.

Website: https://www.psychologytoday.com

Contact:  Guidelines

Expected Pay: $1 per word.

Vibrant Life

“Vibrant Life is a bimonthly lifestyle magazine that promotes physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual balance from a practical, Christian perspective.”

Website: http://www.vibrantlife.com

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: $100 to $300 per article

The Sun Magazine

“The Sun is a reader-supported ad-free magazine. We’ve been described in many ways: celebratory, fierce, unflinching, thoughtful, truthful, dark, darkly funny, tender. “

Website: http://www.thesunmagazine.org/

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: $1 per word – so you could be earning as much as $1000 for a 1000-word article.


Radish Magazine

“Radish is a monthly magazine dedicated to improving our readers' health through the natural foods, products and services of western Illinois and eastern Iowa.”

Website: https://qconline.com/radish/

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: $50 to $150 per article

Parenting

“Today’s Family Fun covers fun entertainment for families.”

Website: https://www.parents.com/familyfun-magazine/

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: $1.25 per word

CopyHackers

Website: https://copyhackers.com/

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: $300 to $1000 per article

Vox

This is a news site that covers everything ranging from politics to business. So, make sure you tailor your pitch to their needs.

Website: www.vox.com

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: $500 per piece.

Upworthy

This publication focuses on shinning a light on important topics.

Website: http://www.vibrantlife.com

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: $200 per article

The American Scholar

This magazine is interested in articles on history, public affairs and culture.

Website: https://theamericanscholar.org

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: Up to $500 per featured piece.

DivvyHQ

“Provide content managers and producers with insights, inspiration, and practical guidance in an effort to help them simplify and be more efficient and effective in their day-to-day battle within the trenches of corporate marketing/communications departments.”

Website: https://divvyhq.com/

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: $250 to $400 per article

Outside

“To inspire active participation in the world outside through award-winning coverage of the sports, people, places, adventure, discoveries, health and fitness, gear and apparel, trends and events that make up an active lifestyle.”

Website: https://www.outsideonline.com/

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: $0.50/word and up

Vogue

Website: www.vogue.com

Contact: contact@vogue.com

Submission Address: Condé Nast 4 Times Square 12th Floor New York NY 10036-6518

Expected Pay: $100 to $300 per article

Vibrant Life

“Vibrant Life is a bimonthly lifestyle magazine that promotes physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual balance from a practical, Christian perspective.”

Website: http://www.vibrantlife.com/

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: $100 to $300 per article

Outside/In

“Outside/In is a show about the natural world and how we use it. When time and budgets allow, we are delighted to work with freelance producers and reporters.“

Website: http://outsideinradio.org/

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: $800 to $2,000 per article

Prism

“Prism is a BIPOC-led nonprofit news outlet that centers the people, places, and issues currently underreported by national media. Through our original reporting, analysis, and commentary, we challenge dominant, toxic narratives perpetuated by the mainstream press and work to build a full and accurate record of what’s happening in our democracy.”

Website: https://www.prismreports.org/

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: $.40/word

Smarter Living!

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/section/smarter-living

Contact: tim@nytimes.com

Expected Pay: $1 per word

Supermajority Education Fund

“Supermajority News, a project of Supermajority Education Fund, reports on the news stories that impact women’s lives.”

Website: https://supermajority.com/news/

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: Prices range from $175 (for social-first content) to $400 (for longer features)

Global Voices

“We are a global network of bloggers and online activists dedicated to protecting freedom of expression and free access to information online. “

Website: https://advox.globalvoices.org/

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: $150 per article

Mental Floss

“We’re always looking for new voices to write about the diverse verticals we cover, whether that's history, science, entertainment, language, pop culture, art, or beyond.”

Website: https://www.mentalfloss.com/

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: $125 and up per article

CNTraveler.com

“Condé Nast Traveler aims to inspire travel and inform readers about the world around us. We cover travel in a way that helps people travel better, smarter, and more safely. We are committed to telling reported and personal stories about traveling, with inclusive coverage that includes BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and disabled communities.”

Website: CNTraveler.com

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: $300 and up for articles

UX Writers Collective Blog

Contact: Pitch your ideas to blog@uxwriterscollective.com

Expected Pay: $100 for articles

BBC Worklife

“BBC Worklife is a BBC.com features site about work, life and everything in between. As part of BBC Global News, we are interested in the big economic, social and technological trends changing our lives, and try to find the most fascinating stories from all over the world which make these trends relevant and accessible for a younger audience.”

Website: BBC.com

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: $600 per article

Lacuna Voices

“Lacuna Voices was formed to bridge a gap in the mainstream media for topics that matter to so many people but are rarely given the column inches they deserve. Here, we’ll give our interviewees and writers a space to speak their truth without a need for us as the publisher to set an agenda, use salacious headlines or produce a feature more outrageous than the last.“

Website: https://www.lacunavoices.com

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: £100 for 1000 words

Broccoli Magazine

“Broccoli is a magazine for cannabis lovers, but only some of what we publish directly references weed. We love fresh, informed, personal takes on film, music, fashion, and design—either of the moment or treasures from the past—as well as pieces about history and unexpected themes, especially when they include little-known people and things that might be of interest to Broccoli readers, who are funny, informed, curious, and smart.”

Website: https://broccolimag.com/

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: $.40-$.50/word, with flat rates for shorter pieces in the $75-$100 range

Teaching Tolerance

“Please keep in mind that ours is a national audience of K–12 educators interested in social justice and anti-bias topics. We suggest that prospective writers become familiar with Teaching Tolerance’s style of writing and content before contacting us.”

Website: https://www.tolerance.org/

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: $1 per published word

National Geographic

“The National Geographic Society uses the power of science, exploration, education, and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world.”

Website: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: $0.5 per word

Pathfinders Travel Magazine

Website: https://pathfinderstravel.com/

Contact: Guidelines

Expected Pay: $150 for articles

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Freelance writing jobs of the week mega list: September 9, 2020

Here’s this week’s mega freelance writing jobs list.

Hi No-Fluffers! Here’s this week’s mega freelance writing jobs list. There is so much variety this week. There’s jobs for science writers, script writers, social media writers, comic book writers, and many more.

freelance writing jobs 2020.jpg

Are you a local writer who wants to help promote Prince William and Greater Manassas?

More information: Prince William Living

Experienced Romance Writers Wanted ASAP

More information: HotGhostWriter Ltd.

Copywriter

More information: CIENCE

Health Care Resume Writer

More information: MyHireRoad.com

Alexander Technology Group is looking for a skilled, client-focused Technical Writer

More information: Alexander Technology Group

Social Media Specialist / Copywriter

More information: Alpha Media 1

MARKETING/ WRITER/ PROJECT MANAGER /PUBLIC AFFAIRS

More information: Brigid Ward & Co.

Technical Writer – IT Life Sciences

More information: The American College of Radiology

Travel Content Writer – Flexible Work

More information: The World Was Here First

Enthusiastic Writer Wanted for Lifestyle Blog

More information: Career50

Content Writer

More information: ExeedFit Inc

Wide Open Eats Content Writer

More information: Wide Open Media Group

Celebrity Writer, Elite Daily

More information: Bustle

SEO-enhanced product listings, branding, product manuals, website copy, and everything in between

More information: Webstore Group

FanBuzz Sports Lifestyle Content Writer

More information: Wide Open Media Group

Looking for a content writer to help us share our value with the affiliate marketing world

More information: FMTC

Looking for a Lead Content Writer/Editor/Strategist and Creator of Story

More information: Happen To Your Career

Security Journalist

More information: Prowess Consulting

Do you have work experience in the cannabis space?

More information: Menu Monster

Blog Writer & Ad Writer

More information: Online Learning Center

Freelance Script Writer

More information: Filmless

Expert content writer in all the major domains & industries like Business, Health, Food, Psychology, Travel, Technology, Lifestyle, Beauty, Social, Movies & Photography

More information: Lens Feedy Photography

Copywriter for a Digital Marketing Agency

More information: AutoGrow

Freelance News Writer

More information: Techtonic Consulting, LLC

Scientific Writer

More information: Alcyone Lifesciences, Inc.

Scientific Technical Writer

More information: Wyatt Technology

B2B Blog/Content Writer

More information: Route4Me, Inc

iPhone Experts Needed for Writing How-to Guides

More information: FoneHow

Seeking a Martial Arts Strength and Conditioning Writer with 5 years Experience

More information: Fighting Arts Health Lab LLC

Fun, Enthusiastic Writers Wanted for Outdoor Lifestyle, Farming, and Homesteading Blog

More information: Outdoor Happens

Comic Book Writer

More information: Crealon Media

Can I Play That — A Call For Pitches From Disabled BIPOC Writers

More information: Can I Play That

The Polymorphous per Verse Call for Submissions

More information: Arc


























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Freelance writing jobs of the week: September 2, 2020

This week’s freelance writing jobs list.

We didn’t have a list on Monday, so this freelance writing job list will be extra long. Enjoy!

freelance writing gigs.jpg

Magazine Writer

More info: AMC Publishing, LLC

Trending News Writer

More info: Equities.com, Inc.

SEO Food Content Writer

More info: Food & Craft Website

Technical Writer

More info: Innovien Solutions

Copywriter & Content Specialist

More info: Stanley Black & Decker

Content Writers

More info: Sacha Agency

Creative Content Writer

More info: Formosi

Copywriter 

More info: Icon Fitness 

Contract SEO Writer

More info: Academic Partnerships

Enterprise Technology Writers Needed

More info: SiliconANGLE Media, Inc.


Part Time Telehealth Writer

More info: Bluestream Health

Head Writer and Content Developer

More info: Happen To Your Career

6 Month Writer/Editor Position (Fully Remote Position)

More info: Strategic Innovative Solutions (SIS)

Beauty Writer / Editor

More info: Formulyst

Freelance Content Writer/ Outdoor Lifestyle Blogger

More info: Cedarcide

Freelance List Article Writer - HotCars

More info: Valnet Freelance

Part-Time Freelance Blog Writer

More info: 3STEPS4WARD LLC

Handicapping writer

More info: Horse Racing Nation is looking for a talented individual to add to our writing team, with a focus on handicapping. Horse racing experience is required. The ideal candidate will have a proven record of wagering success and be able to write about a variety of topics. If you think this description fits you, send us some topics that you would like to write about. Send us your resume to mail@horseracingnation.com. From Indeed

Travel writers for California and New York

More info: The Millennial Source

Fashion Blogger/Journalist

More info: Sincerely, Ritchurd LLC

Business Finance Freelance Writer

More info: Tempesta Media, LLC

Freelance Writers

More info: Burness

Freelance Writer - Financial News Website

More info: JPM Media Corp

Freelance Writer (3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing experience a MUST)

More info: Shapeways

Sports Blogger

More info: Scout My Game

Content Writer (California employment law)

More info: Drew Lewis, PC

Freelance Entertainment News & Celebrity News Writers Wanted

More info: The Inquisitr





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Alina Bradford Alina Bradford

Freelance writing jobs of the week: August 24, 2020

Jobs, jobs, jobs!

Check out these freelance writing gigs and don’t forget to check out the gigs listed last Monday.

freelance writing gigs.jpg

Writer and Blogger

More info: UpChat

Fashion & Beauty Writer, NYLON

More info: Nylon

Creative Content Writer

More info: Formosi

Sports Writing Intern Covering Cleveland

More info: RD Media

Freelance TV and Movie News Writer

More info: Valnet Freelance

Freelance Reality TV Features Writer

More info: Valnet Freelance

Freelance Gaming News Writer

More info: Valnet Freelance

Freelance Gaming Features Writer

More info: Valnet Freelance

Telecommute Technology and Legal Writer

More info: Impactian - Top 2% Extraordinary Talent on Demand

Freelance Writer Required for Cycling Website

More info: Cycling Website

Looking for fast, energetic writer to work on fun content

More info: SteadyContent.com

WordAgents Needs Freelance Writers for Ongoing Blog Posts, Website Content, Product Descriptions, and Product Reviews

More info: WordAgents.com

[Pest Control] Hiring Full Time Writers For Authoritative Resource

More info: Three Ships


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The best high-paying freelance writing gigs of the week: August 24, 2020

$$$$$$$

Hey, No-fluffers! It’s the last week of the month of August. Let’s finish strong with some high-paying freelance writing gigs. These opportunities pay at least $50 an article, offer a full-time salary, or pay more than $20 an hour. They are also all remote (also known as virtual jobs or work-from-home jobs). Be sure to check back each week for a new list of remote writing jobs.

freelance writing jobs.jpg

Note: I don’t know anything about these positions other than what I post. I weed out the seedy looking ones, but it is your job to be diligent when applying. Also, please don’t message me with questions about the postings. If a link doesn’t work the posting has probably been taken down because the gig has been filled. If you have a gig for freelance writers that pays at least $50 a piece or over $20 an hour, please contact me and I will include your gig in next week’s post.

Part-Time Creative Writer

Pay: $14 - $43 an hour

More info: Maxwell Biosciences

WEEKEND Staff Writer

Pay: $280 - $480 a week

More info: Outsider

Junior Web Content Writer

Pay: $30,000 - $35,000 a year

More info: AutoLoanDaily

Technical Writer

Pay: $32 - $36 an hour

More info: Digital Matrix Systems

Sport Writer

Pay: $21.00 / hour

More info: Salute Hockey Academy

Instructional Tutorial Copywriter

Pay: $20 - $25 an hour

More info: Patrick Wallis & Co

Real Estate Writer

Pay: $175.00 - $350.00 per month

More info: Crittenden Research, Inc

Grant Writer

Pay: $21 - $28 an hour

More info: semscio

Debt Collection Writer

Pay: Full-time

More info: TrueAccord

Creative Copywriter

Pay: From $70 an hour

More info: Pharmaceutical Advertising Agency

Copywriting (Financial)

Pay: $20 - $25 an hour

More info: Issuance, Inc

Brand Copywriter

Pay: Full-time

More info: Calm.com

Freelance Entertainment Writer

Pay: Full-time

More info: Refinery29

Master Of Viral Content And PR Superstar To Join Our Writing Team And Help The Underdog Find Its Voice

Pay: Full-time

More info: AmpiFire

milk + honey is searching for freelance writers who want to shape and define the growth of our brand’s content marketing

Pay: $50-75 for standard posts (500 - 2000 words) and $150-175 for longer-form writing (2000+ words)

More info: milk + honey spa

Content Writer

Pay: $275 per completed workshop

More info: Clerisy

Women's Lifestyle News writer

Pay: Full-time

More info: The List

Celebrity Magazine Writer

Pay: Full-time

More info: Celeb Magazine

WordPress Content Writer

Pay: Full-time

More info: Awesome Motive

Freelance Content Writer / Blogger

Pay: $50 per article

More info: Atlantic Health Solutions

Freelance Content Writer

Pay: Full-time

More info: Gemini Trust Company













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Freelance writing jobs of the week: August 17, 2020

Gigs from around the world!

Here’s this week’s second freelance writing job list. Check out Monday’s writing gig list here.

remote freelance writing jobs.jpg

LoveToKnow.com Staff Writer- Antiques

More info: LoveToKnow.com

LoveToKnow.com Staff Writer- Family

More info: LoveToKnow.com

Content Writers Needed for Digital Marketing Agency

More info: RPM Web Media

CBR is looking for a writer to contribute dynamic list-based articles

More info: Valnet Freelance

Freelance Writer

More info: BlackDoctor.org

Freelance Writer, Parenting website

More info: Affinity Sites

Blavity News Writer

More info: Blavity

Freelance Journalist

More info: The Millennial Source

Seeking Passionate & Experienced WordPress Writers

More info: WPLoaded

LGBTQ Addiction Treatment and Wellness

More info: La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center

Dialogue writers for interactive novels (romance)

More info: SWAG MASHA

Content Marketing Specialist for Software as a Service Company

More info: Billsby

Join our content team! Content writer needed for pet website

More info: Data Spark Studio




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Alina Bradford Alina Bradford

The best high-paying freelance writing gigs of the week: August 17, 2020

These opportunities pay at least $50 an article, offer a full-time salary, or pay more than $20 an hour. They are also all remote (also known as virtual jobs or work-from-home jobs).

Hey, No-fluffers! Let’s get to the freelance writing gigs. These opportunities pay at least $50 an article, offer a full-time salary, or pay more than $20 an hour. They are also all remote (also known as virtual jobs or work-from-home jobs). Be sure to check back each week for a new list of remote writing jobs.

freelance writing jobs.jpg

Note: I don’t know anything about these positions other than what I post. I weed out the seedy looking ones, but it is your job to be diligent when applying. Also, please don’t message me with questions about the postings. If a link doesn’t work the posting has probably been taken down because the gig has been filled. If you have a gig for freelance writers that pays at least $50 a piece or over $20 an hour, please contact me and I will include your gig in next week’s post.

Successful Freelance Mom needs article pitches

Pay: $75 to $100 per article

More info: Writer’s Guidelines

Social Media Wizard/Designer/Writer/Creative

Pay: $45 - $50 an hour

More info: Organicare

PTO Today needs pitches

Pay: $125 to $500 per article

More info: Writer’s Guidelines

iD Tech is looking for a talented and self-driven Content Writer to join the Growth Marketing team

Pay: Full-time

More info: iD Tech

Contract Writer

Pay: $35 - $50 per article

More info: Top Class Actions

Writer researcher with plant/botanical/herbal/science background

Pay: $18 - $24 an hour

More info: Herbal Academy / Perch on Bedford Common, LLC

Brand Writer

Pay: Full-time

More info: ChowNow

Zift is looking for articles

Pay: $100 per article

More info: Writer’s Guidelines

MoneyPantry wants articles

Pay: $30 to $150 per article

More info: Writer’s Guidelines

DivvyHQ needs pitches

Pay: $250 to $400 per article

More info: Writer’s Guidelines

Staff Writer

Pay: $35,000 - $60,000 a year

More info: Outsider

Lisa Tanner Writing needs articles

Pay: $50 per article

More info: Writer’s Guidelines

CopyHackers is looking for article pitches

Pay: $300 to $1000

More info: Writer’s Guidelines

Asia-Pacific Story Grants 2020-21

Pay: $1,500

More info: Earth Journalism Network

Outside needs stories about adventure sports, gear, travel, fitness, health, culture, and the environment

Pay: $0.50/word and up

More info: Guidelines

Writers Weekly is looking for pieces

Pay: $60 per article

More info: Writer’s Guidelines

Landing Page Copywriter - Health/Apparel/Beauty

Pay: $45 per hour

More info: Thesis

Freelance Content Writer - cryptocurrency ecosystem

Pay: Full-time

More info: Gemini

Remote Content Writer

Pay: Full-time

More info: TMG / Quad W

Funds for Writers wants pitches

Pay: $50 per article

More info: Writer’s Guidelines

Freelance Remote Tech Features Writer

Pay: Full-time

More info: Valnet

Freelance Smart Home Guides Writer

Pay: Full-time

More info: Digital Trends

Technology and Venture Capital Writer

Pay: Full-time

More info: Animalz





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Goals Alina Bradford Goals Alina Bradford

Here's a New Type of Time Management Solution for Working at Home

This fascinating way of managing your time may just be the answer to your slump.

Guest post by Dr. Caro Williams-Pierce and University of Maryland College of Information Studies

I have always struggled to be on time. Somehow, my natural tempo sends me to places either 10 minutes early or 5 minutes late, leaving me bored out of my skull (what can you actually do in 10 minutes?) or harried and flush with embarrassment. I have always assumed that this was my superpower (hey, superpowers can be bad — just because they’re not good doesn’t mean they’re not superpowers), and all I could do was fight to be the person that shows up annoyingly early every time. It was exhausting, and I never understood why others found it so effortless.

Then, the pandemic taught me that my bad superpower has a flip side, and in a situation like the one we are currently in, it’s a good superpower. And, like many superpowers, I got this one from my parents.

What unschooling taught me

I grew up unschooled in an off-the-grid home in rural Maine, with a feminist mother who took flack for deciding to be a full-time mom and a self-employed dad who kept us safe and fed. Unschooling varies by household, but in ours it meant that we spent most of our time doing whatever we wanted. We read books, built unstable treehouses, roasted apples over an open fire, played in the swamp, went over rickety bicycle jumps we constructed out of half-rotten boards and a couple large rocks, etc. So our sense of time was thoroughly disconnected from what the rest of society called ‘time’ — because it was based upon the emergent rhythms of our activity.



The Williams kids, corralled momentarily for this photo in the late 1980s.

The Williams kids, corralled momentarily for this photo in the late 1980s.

At the same time that we were throwing rotten apples at each other until we got bored and decided to go pick blueberries on the barrens because we wanted a snack, children our age were having their activities dictated by an external clock (we are doing Science now, but in a couple minutes a bell will ring and we’ll have three minutes to fully switch from doing Science to learning how to type, and no snacks because it’s not 11:32 a.m. yet, which is the Time For Food). In other words, we obeyed our interests and bodily desires — and, sometimes, our parents — while other children were being taught to obey the bell.

As we grew up, those children transitioned to obeying other proxies for society’s time: their watch, the machine for punching into work, the exact moment that the bus will pass your stop if you’re not there to catch it, the time their kids have to be at school or risk a tardy slip. I, on the other hand, grew up to be finally introduced to the fact that an invisible and intractable force was now running my life — and I always struggled to be on time.

The time management breakthrough

Then, many years later, in graduate school, my friend and colleague, Crystle Martin, introduced me to Gell (1992). Gell “divided time up into what he termed A-series time, or standardized time as measured by a clock, and B-series time, or time that is run by the punctuation of activity” (Martin et al., 2012, p. 229). I remember thinking, “Hah — I grew up in B-series time!” Now, the pandemic has upended the structures I had developed in the A-series time of universities, and I’ve realized just how much I relied upon various proxies for time to stay productive.

At first, I couldn’t focus on anything, and all the little rituals and plans and ways of keeping myself working (most of which focused on where I was when) were useless. After all, while society as a broad structure is still running on A-series time, our individual lives are running on B-series time — with all the familiar A-series structures fallen by the wayside. No longer is there a place that indicates work (driving to the office signifies that it is Time to Work) — there is only this one place (home) that signifies everything, and thus nothing. And the nearest proxy for time — my computer clock — does not anchor me into the familiar pattern of a day. It’s 9:50 am eastern, and who cares?

The way it works

So, I have let myself fall back into the soft fluffy B-series time of my childhood. Rituals and plans have drifted away. I haven’t worn my watch in weeks, and I ignore the little proxies for time sprinkled around my home. Instead, I have reverted to obeying my interests and bodily desires, just as I did as a barefoot, curious, creative kid. For those of us academics learning to work away from the Ivory Clocktower (brilliant phrase coined by the brilliant Ana Ndumu) and needing to learn (or re-learn) how to strive in unstructured, organic rhythms, I’ve outlined how I manage in this new B-series world.


First, I am fortunate enough that I have a job that I generally enjoy — so I have projects that are interesting and make me want to get right into B-series time and a sense of flow (e.g., Nakamura & Csikszentmihalyi, 2005). But even interesting projects have to be organized, so I have a Magic Method from the brilliant Susan Winter — but you have to promise to continue reading past the first sentence of the next paragraph, because it will make you snort in disbelief. (I know this to be true because the first time Susan Winter explained it to me, I snorted in disbelief. Then came back to her two months later and said, “I can’t stay organized — what should I do?!” And she explained it again, and I didn’t snort, and now I’m a firm believer.) So just give me a little time to properly explain before you dismiss the Method. Promise? Okay, here we go!

I use a Google spreadsheet. (Yep, let that snort out — get it over with!) Each column represents a week of time (proxies for time are useful, sometimes), and each row represents a different type of obligation, grouped within a meta-goal (e.g., Goal 6: teaching INST 728F). So today (a Tuesday), I had this week’s column to guide me, and then I had the beautiful luxury of choosing which project or obligation I want to work on right now — which activity should I punctuate my life with? Which makes me feel excited about jumping in and getting busy? Below are two of my meta-goals for this week and next — and you can see that there are obscure notes to myself alongside hyperlinks to make sure I have quick access to the most relevant digital information about that cell or row.

My spreadsheet: metagoals to the far left, subdivided into smaller obligations one column to the right of that, then weekly tasks for those obligations.

My spreadsheet: metagoals to the far left, subdivided into smaller obligations one column to the right of that, then weekly tasks for those obligations.

So within today (a Tuesday), I had the current week’s column to guide me: this is what I want to accomplish this week. And then I allowed myself the beautiful luxury of choosing which project or obligation I want to work on right now — which activity should I punctuate my life with? Which makes me feel excited about jumping in and getting busy? When I do some work on a cell (say, Project mmPlay for this week — memoing video data), I highlight the cell yellow to indicate I’ve done some of it. When I complete the task (memo the entire second video, and export memos to share with the research team), I highlight it green — and then I ignore it for the rest of the week!

I also have a couple of odd rows, like “One-Off Service” — if an editor asks me to review a journal article, I can go directly to that row and see if I have a spare cell to tuck it in. All the cells are full for the next two months? Welp, too bad, can’t review. There’s also a row called “Annoying Bits” where I put the administrative paperwork (like filling out the travel reimbursement paperwork that has stopped piling up but is still piled up). Committees sometimes share a row, but my doctoral students get their own– sometimes it just says “weekly meeting,” but other times it says “Don’t forget to read that draft BEFORE the meeting!”


Then, at the end of the week, I move over any task I’ve left incomplete to the next week’s column (or ignore it as ultimately unnecessary), and “hide” the column so that my new week is the most prominent column. And, just to add a dash of gamification, before I hide the old column, I count up the green cells — total number of tasks I completed that week, which tends to be between 12 and 20—and transfer that number of dollars into my bank account that is for FUN STUFF ONLY. If the slow accumulation of guilt-free money into a fun-only stash doesn’t motivate you, find something that does. Maybe 5 minutes of pleasure reading for each completed task, so you can store them up and finally dig into those cozy mysteries you’ve been putting off. Or 5 minutes of Netflix—I recommend Keeping Up Appearances for an oldie-but-goodie (completing six tasks gets you an episode!). Or 5 minutes of the peculiarly peaceful Animal Crossing. Whatever you choose, take pleasure in adding up your completed tasks each week, and using your thoroughly deserved awards regularly.

So each individual day of my week is guided by my spreadsheet, but driven by my immediate interest (and see the Footnote and image below) — and I can work on what I’m most interested in until B-series time bops me on the head and says, “Your stomach is growling! Punctuate this activity with the activity of eating!” Often, after such a call by my bodily functions, I realize that I’m tired of working on that project — so I scribble a few notes to remember where to pick up next time, color the cell in appropriately, and move on to something else I feel like doing. Or I bite the bullet and do one of those Annoying Bits, just to give my brain something different-feeling to focus on.

My Complice list for a single day — meetings and goals from my spreadsheet.

My Complice list for a single day — meetings and goals from my spreadsheet.

Now, here are is the single concession I make to A-series time: every single A-series time commitment I make (whether the weekly family zoom session, teaching my online class, a research meeting, a planned grocery trip, etc.) goes directly on my calendar, and I get alerts on my phone 10 minutes beforehand. (The school bell that kept kids on track in school, and reminded them that A-series time runs their lives, has now transitioned to a phone ding!) This way, I can otherwise ignore proxies for time, and I have 10 minutes to help myself transition from the interrupted B-series activity to the upcoming A-series one. That’s it — that’s all the A-series concessions I make. The rest of my life is B-series.

The world is a complicated mess right now — but accepting that my life is now B-series time has helped me ebb and flow with the new normal. Embrace motivation, interest, enjoyment, and necessities, and try a life that isn’t wrapped around your familiar proxy for A-series time. Give into the urge to do what you feel like doing, in the moment that you feel like doing it, and see what happens. It might just turn out that B-series time is your new favorite tempo.

Footnote

As I’m looking over my spreadsheet each morning, and letting my interests guide me (or any hard deadlines for the day, like reading that integrated paper), I put the things that seem most interesting into my daily task list in https://complice.co. Complice was designed specifically to avoid stale task lists — that is, the constant accumulation of additional un-done tasks from day to day until your list is 3,007 individual tasks long and you decide to never look at it again. If you tend towards guilt-inducing stale tasks lists, try Complice — it complements the spreadsheet perfectly, because the spreadsheet gives you the long-term view and the weekly view, and Complice gives you the daily view (and some lovely co-working rooms!).

References
Gell, A. (1992). A-series:B-series::Gemeinschaft:Gesellschaft::Them:Us. The anthropology of time: Culture construction of temporal maps and images (pp. 286–293). Oxford: Berg.

Martin, C., Williams, C., Ochsner, A., Harris, S. King, E., Anton, G., Elmergreen, J. & Steinkuehler, C. (2012). Playing together separately: Mapping out literacy and social synchronicity. In G. Merchant, J. Gillen, J. Marsh & J. Davies (Eds.), Virtual literacies: Interactive spaces for children and young people (pp. 226–243). London: Routledge.

Nakamura, J., & Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2002). Concept of Flow. In C. R. Snyder & S. J. Lopez (Eds.), Handbook of Positive Psychology (pp. 89–105). New York: Oxford University Press, Inc.

Acknowledgements: Thanks to: Joan B. for helping me realize that my bad superpower had turned good; the fall semester’s students in my Games & Learning class for our discussion about A-series and B-series time; and my old research lab’s chapter Playing Together Separately (Martin et al., 2012) for getting my brain to mesh the two together. Additional thanks to Ana Ndumu and Jordan T. Thevenow-Harrison for their brilliant feedback on the original version, and to Mia Hinkle for her encouragement to dust this off and get it out there. #BlackTransLivesMatter

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Alina Bradford Alina Bradford

5 Ways to Manage and Cope with Anxiety and Stress During COVID-19

Ways to manage and cope with the anxiety and stress that you might be experiencing from the pandemic.

 During these challenging times, we all have a rollercoaster of emotions during the day. Sometimes we wake up feeling hopeful and by lunchtime, that notion is down the drain. That’s completely normal. We are worried about so many things including getting sick, losing our jobs, not being able to pay bills or put food on the table. Our stress is real and if you feel out of sorts, you aren’t alone.

While we can’t control many things right now, we can control how we handle our stress. Dr. Divya KannanCure.fit’s lead psychologist offers tips on how to cope with anxiety and stress during the pandemic.

1.  Being in the present and anchoring the mind

The frequent what-if thoughts that keep plaguing us, and distracting us from our daily tasks. Can we learn how to anchor these thoughts so that our attention isn't constantly being compromised? It’s not easy, because on average our minds are lost in thought close to 50% of the time. 

Meditation helps our mind to allow thoughts and feelings to come and go, and for us to observe these from a distance, and in a way accept the natural rhythm of our thoughts. It is not about stopping our thoughts or avoiding our emotions, but about experiencing them present, with a calmness or focus. Our breath or breathing helps us achieve this calm and focus. Think of the role of meditation as a way to achieve intimacy and connection with your mind, in the present. 

With anxiety, we are more focused on connecting with what might happen, that we lose sight of what is happening right now and we miss out on many possibly great moments. This tips the balance between the positive and the negative and makes us feel as though most of our moments are lived within a negative space.

But, if you spend just 10 minutes a day cultivating the practice of living in the present moment, then you can deal with difficult thoughts in a calmer and grounded manner, and feel a greater sense of mental fitness as you continue this practice. 

2.  Experiencing vs. Avoiding 

The key to navigating difficult feelings is being open to experiencing feelings rather than avoiding your feelings or fighting them. And most importantly, not judging them as good or bad, but paying attention to them and finding a way to express those feelings.

So, I have to say to myself on a daily basis now, that, yes I guess the pandemic is still here, and in this moment I also have to accept that I don’t have control over the situation or over what happens tomorrow, which makes me feel scared, but also makes me turn to things that I CAN control, such as taking care of my emotions and being able to reassure the scared part of myself - this, in turn, frees me up to focus on other activities.

Your feelings always need an outlet, whether it’s through writing, meditation, or through talking with a friend or therapist. Your feelings need somewhere to land. Knowing how you feel, and why you’re feeling it, sets the tone for making effective decisions and choices. You can figure out which method works best for you, and start to practice good emotional hygiene in this way.

3.  Finding your balance

The third aspect of coping is finding balance in a situation that feels extreme. A sense of disequilibrium happens when you begin to see things in the world that don’t make sense to you. It leaves you feeling uncertain, confused, because the things you thought you knew about the world, about yourself, may now feel like they’re in question. 

So, this shift in balance can be a struggle. Why? Because we all crave a state of equilibrium, of balance, of certainty, of having some level of predictability about how the world works. 

That said, it is an important struggle, to move from this uncomfortable state of disequilibrium to a more balanced state - How do we do this? 

Ask yourself: 

What you are learning from the situation at hand, at present. How has it changed your understanding of yourself? How has it reshaped your sense of purpose? Has it brought you closer to others? What has it taught you about life as you know it?

This process is called making meaning, where we are constructing a new understanding of something previously unfamiliar. This is how we learn.  We come to a new state of equilibrium when we self-reflect in this way.

4.  Embracing Change

Right now, and at many moments in our lives, the only constant is change. It's tough to wrap our minds around this, but letting go of the things you can't control will help you focus on the things you can. It’s important to try to balance what you envision and imagine about this change—is the association of change is all negative for you, think about some of the positives that have come with it perhaps in past experiences where you have had to deal with some kind of uncertainty or change.

How we deal with change can ultimately help us be more flexible, adaptable, and can help to create a path for yourself in being resilient to tough situations. I think sometimes we also expect that we should handle change in a certain way, meaning we expect ourselves not to have anxiety about it and in some ways feel we should deal with change expertly or in a perfect way. It’s also important to have compassion towards yourself and allow yourself some leeway in terms of the time you take to adjust to an ongoing stressful situation. 

5.  The Practice of Gratitude

Gratitude is a feeling, which is often simply the acknowledgment of what is good in one’s life. It is also the idea that, what we do have, can be enough. It’s shifting focus to the things that are, rather than only on the things that aren’t.  This is an important positive emotion to cultivate, which has positive effects on our brain and this can go a long way in enhancing our well-being. 

 More info:   Cure.fit is an integrative health app that includes all facets of a healthy lifestyle on one platform. It has holistic health offerings across physical fitness and workouts, healthy food, and mental well-being.  Under its Mind.fit vertical, the app offers training modules in mental well-being which aims at helping people to deal with issues like stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, etc. through a combination of yoga and meditation.

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