Recession-Proof Freelance Writing:
High Paying Markets vs. Low Paying Markets
by Bianca Raven

 

With the economic downturn, finding new writing gigs that pay well is becoming difficult. Publications are tightening budgets and so many new writers believe the only way to compete for the good jobs is to undercut the prices of other professionals.

There's no need to undercut your prices (you're only reducing your own income this way) but there are ways to get your freelance income up and keep work rolling in steadily.

There are plenty of high paying writing markets out there, but there are infinitely more  low-paying markets around too.

The majority of offline freelance writers aim solely at the high paying markets offered by glossy magazines and tend to avoid other opportunities found online.

Unfortunately, the majority of online freelance writers aim too low and only take on low paying writing gigs. These same writers will complain they don't earn enough money from writing to survive.

Both sets of writers are missing out on income!

My own freelance business succeeds where so many others don't because I combine both high and low paying markets on a regular basis for several reasons.

Relying on selling low-paying articles will not earn you enough money to go full-time with your freelance busiess and just sitting back and waiting for the next high-paying article won't keep you writing enough to go full-time either.

By creating a balance between the two you can effectively increase your income and be sure you always have a steady stream of work.

Another benefit of writing for slightly less pay thatn you normally would is to build a relationship with an editor. Once the publication is aware of your talents and is happy with your work, you should be able to raise your rates and stil keep the same amount of work.

Let's take a look at both options.


High Paying Markets

High paying markets are the goal of all freelance writers. The competition between other freelancers for these markets can be fierce. Unfortunately there are many writers who are too afraid to even submit to these lucrative markets.

Always remember that magazines need you. Without writers they would have no content and they'd go broke. They need your submissions and they need your ideas.

When you get to know an editor, it's important to keep in contact. Offer ideas for other articles. Submit queries about other angles or topics you think may suit that publication's readership.

Keep your name in the editor's thoughts and next time he/she needs a specific article, chances are you'll be remembered.

The high paying markets that pay really well deserve my time, my research and my best efforts. These pay anywhere from $250-$1,000 per article. Obviously I'll spend a whole day working on one of these to get it just right because clients like these are important.


Things to Remember When Writing for High Paying Markets
 

• Present your information in a logical, sequential manner

• Stick to precisely what the editor requested (or what the guidelines specified)

• Be sure to edit every word carefully.

• Research your information carefully.

• Present your work professionally.

• Stick to the deadline you've been given.

• Structure your sentences and paragraphs carefully.

Do whatever it takes to keep these high paying clients happy and returning time after time.

The down-side of the high paying markets is they can be labor-intensive and can afford to be picky when they're paying rates like that. Often editors will request re-edits and additions that take time and energy.


Low Paying Markets

High paying markets might be the goal - but they're not always readily available. What happens to your freelance writing business if you don't land any assignments for two weeks?

If you expect your freelance business to survive, then expect low paying markets to become a constant sideline income. They're very little work and be churned out quickly. They also keep money flowing into my freelance business, which keeps me working at home longer.

Low paying articles are generally around 200-500 words long and pay anywhere between $5-20 per article. Not great but these short pieces can be very handy if you're quick.

Most of these shorter articles are commissioned by website owners wanting Search Engine Optimized (SEO) content for their sites. Some webmasters will buy several blog posts or reviews at a time, preferring to buy a block of articles by the same writer to keep the tone of the site or blog more constant.

With low paying markets like these it's possible to churn out up to 10 of these little pieces in under 2 hours. This can be very handy if you can do several of these very quickly at the end of a work day.

Please note I did NOT say 'submit your work to sites offering to share revenue with you'. This article is about bringing income into your freelance business. Revenue-share sites don't add income - they add pennies.


Things To Remember When Writing for Low Paying Markets

• Learn to type really fast (accurately).

• Use a voice-recognition software to dictate your article if you can't type fast.

• Keep your word-count meter going and don't go over what they're paying for.

• Keep your spell-check activated while you type.

• NEVER waste time going back to edit. Learn to edit as you write.

• Say what you need to say as quickly as you can and get that work out.

• Move on to the next article.

• Repeat until you have a few done, then move back over to the high paying markets.

The benefit of low paying articles is the speed. You churn them out and you get paid. They provide a sideline income that can keep a freelance business alive until your next high-paying assignment arrives. Don't spend too much time or energy on these. Simply get them done and keep going. After all - the client is getting what he paid for - quick, easy and cheap.

These short, low-paying articles should only form a supplementary part of your total freelance income. Once you have a few regular clients, you'll soon realize how easy it is to add an extra few hundred dollars a week to your total freelance income.

The main idea here is to keep an eye on your total freelance business income from all sources.

Work at creating a balance between the two distinct markets and see what happens to your own writing income.
 

Bianca Raven has been writing full-time from the comfort of her home for the past 5 years and you can do it too. It's easier than you think. Visit her blog to learn how she does it.  http://ravens-writing.blogspot.com

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