Happy new year to everyone and let’s hope it’s going to be a huge success. To recap 2007 was a great year for me and it was my first official year as a work at home mom. I still can’t believe that I have worked from home for over a year now and not regretted it. In fact, my bank balance has been better this year than it was the whole time I was working 9-5.
So what will 2008 bring for ghostwriters. Well with Elance having changed its membership I think that 2008 will definitely see an increase in freelance writing sites. I also envisage that Elance will take a definite nosedive in sales and profits.
As a ghostwriter where will it leave you?
Most ghostwriters know that for the last couple of years Elance really has been the place to go for freelance writing jobs and I guess in effect it still is. The fact of the matter is though how long will this last. How many of your connects (Elance alternative to bids) are you willing to waste on trying to bag projects. I know for me I downgraded my Elance account to a free membership. I still get to keep my profile up and I get 3 connects per month. I have to admit that it is probably 3 or 4 months since I have actually bid on a project on Elance so I guess for me this really isn’t a worry.
What about new ghostwriters starting out?
For new ghostwriters Elance is definitely not going to be the place to be anymore. There was a time (up until December 2007) when I would have encouraged all wannabe ghostwriters to sign up with Elance but not anymore. Now I would recommend that you join as many of the free ghostwriting jobs websites as possible and sign up for their email alerts. When you see a project you like put in a bid. It will probably take a little longer to get your first job but don’t give up. It will happen and once you get your first job getting the second, third, forth, etc, will be much easier.
There are so many new ghostwriting jobs websites out there today so jump right in and start bidding. Remember you will probably have to keep your initial bids low until you get a couple of jobs but after that don’t sell yourself short. There are people out there who are willing to pay for quality writing and if you want to be a success this is what you need to keep in mind.
Ghostwriters work hard and we should be paid accordingly.
Here’s to success in 2008
Amanda
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I have to respectfully disagree with your thoughts and points of view.
Any job requires a certain amount of expenses to earn income and promote your company, so spending on connects and membership can provide a worthwhile return on investment. You have to spend a dollar to make a dollar, a principle many people just don’t *get*.
For a new writer, Elance provides a place to learn the ropes, see what others are doing, gain reviews and feedback. It also offers a safety net with its escrow system, and the site has a solid reputation as being the king of freelancing auction sites.
While every auction site has its drawbacks, I have yet to be convinced that Elance is anything other than a good place for writers.
Now, I’m not saying all writers have fantastic success at Elance or on any other auction site. Poor writers or those with low skills or those who can’t market themselves well won’t be successful no matter where they go.
Hi James,
As always your comments are welcome and I do agree with you when you say you have to spend a dollar to make a dollar. Unfortunately many new ghostwriters don’t have the money to spend and that is why I suggest the free ghostwriting jobs websites. Once they have gotten a couple of projects and can really see what work is involved with being a ghostwriter they can then make the decision whether or not this type of work is for them. If it is then a paid membership will definitely be my next recommendation. Paid memberships are really the only way to ensure that you get the high paying quality jobs.
Amanda
Thank you for the insight, Amanda!! As I’ve decided to make 2008 my year to get focused on freelance writing, and am investigating all the opportunities out there, I appreciate what you have to offer in advice. I’ll be back!!
Congratulations on a successful 2007!!!
Amanda,
Hi. This is the first time I am reading your blog and I am glad I am here.
Elance had to take that step of requiring connects to bring quality to the marketplace and nothing else. The 50 $ minimum bid also helps to an extent.
Yes, a few connects are wasted but so are thousands of dollars on traditional advertising. Right?
Most ghost writers don’t have money? I am sure they can find some money if they REALLY wanted to. I am from India and 1 $= 43 INR. I still manage to get my membership paid for, don’t I? I don’t even have a job.
So, really, it’s all about the attitude, isn’t it?