Where to Sell What you Write

Writers and project managers alike are always looking for good ways to connect. There are some places on the net that can connect writers to jobs and project managers to writers, but getting through the sites that are less than legitimate can be a problem. This will cut to the chase and provide writers and project managers with real, relevant advice and direction to connect. Freelance writers can find real work and project managers can find real writers. Of course, as with any internet venture, you should check out your connection as best as you can. If you are a writer, ask relevant, pointed questions about the project. A legitimate project manager will usually ask you about your background; maybe even ask for a resume. They will request samples of your writing and may request a specific sample writing on a particular topic.

Project managers, if you are seeking writers and want articles that are 100% original, then http://copyscape.com/ is your best friend. If you are contemplating hiring a writer, not only should you request writing samples, but it is also a good idea to request a sample article on a topic that you choose. Give clear-cut guidelines including number of words, keywords if applicable and the deadline. It is also a good idea to find out what time zone your writer is in so that there is no confusion on deadlines. I generally use EST on everything. This has served me well.

One very good site where project managers can post their projects and writers, as well as other freelancers, can bid to get jobs is Get A Freelancer (http://www.getafreelancer.com/affiliates/fotojunkie). When you go to the site, look under copywrite jobs or type "Writing" in the search box that is in the top right of the screen to be taken to many writing projects. Get A Freelancer also allows project managers to post projects for a timeframe that the project manager specifies. Freelancers are then allowed to bid on the project per the specifications that the project manager indicates. If you are posting your project on the site, make sure that you include in your post how many articles are needed, word length, topics and deadline. This will allow your bidders to make good, informed bids and will cut down on negotiation time later. This site, though, is great, user friendly and has everything you need for good communication while negotiating a project. There is a private message feature with attachment abilities so that writers can submit samples. There is also an escrow feature. If the project manager chooses that option, both parties are somewhat protected. The site takes a small percentage of the fee if the freelancer is paid through the site or escrow feature. It is very easy and offers some very good, professional talent.

Another easy to use site is http://project4hire.com. While the number of writing jobs does not come close to the number of web design jobs on this site, there are some opportunities for writers. Project managers could likely find some good, legitimate writers from this site as well. It is relatively easy to navigate and is free to join and use. It is well organized and writers can browse by choosing from the link that best represents what type of job interests them.

Genuine Jobs (http://genuinejobs.com) is another fairly good freelancer site. Project managers and writers can connect on here easily through a format that is similar to classified advertising. The project manager places the ad and interested freelancers apply to the job posting. It is really not much different from using Craig's List or other larger resources, but this site is targeted to freelance opportunities and you can target writing, web design or whatever job type you are seeking.

For the record, I have not found writers' forums to be very effective. It has been my experience that if you post a query about where writers can find jobs or where you can find writers, you are analyzed, attacked and judged. Basically, every nutcase on the internet will crawl out of the woodwork to attack you, question your motives and abilities and pretty much just waste your time. Even the forums that are attached to well-known publications and organizations are not immune. Anyone can post to these forums and, believe me, those ‘anyones' can range from the sullen teenager who wants to stir up trouble to the bored housewife who just wants to gripe about your motives. It is a waste of time. If you are looking for professional, intelligent, relevant resources, other avenues you can take are much better than forums. My advice is to stay away from many of these sites; they are often of little use to true, professional writers and project managers for anything more than idle chatter.

If you are looking for a site that will give you the most exposure and opportunity to work and/or find writers, then Get A Freelancer is the way to go. It is a great site for writers who are just starting out, who are building their portfolio and those who are seasoned writers looking for "filler projects" to do in between their regular clients or work full time. This is where project managers and writers can connect.