Choosing a freelance writing job to bid on with Elance isn’t as simple as just logging on and placing a bid and there are a number of things that you should take into consideration before you do this. There are some tricks and tips that can help you make the most of your bids (connects as they are called on Elance) and not waste them.

Connects are explained in the previous post http://ghostwritinguncovered.com/Blog/elance-fees-and-connects-explained/

When you log into your Elance account and go to the Writing and Translation category to find jobs there are a few things that you should do. I always choose the show all category so that I can see a list of all the jobs that are available. Here’s a screen shot of what you should see:

Next I will start at the top of the list. If we take a look at the first project listed which is for a Creative Writer That Loves Food, we can see that there are no bids at this time. We can also see that the buyer has selected not sure for their budget (this can be a sign that the buyer is just putting up the project to get an idea of what it might cost them). If you mouse over the buyers name Ferntec you will see that they have posted 18 jobs and awarded 50% of them so that is a good sign. Next thing that I would do is to click on the + beside details to take a close look at this project. This acutually shows very little so I would click into the actual project itself to see what the buyer is looking for.

The job description is very poor:

Job Description:

Need a very creative writer that loves food, cooking, recipes etc..

Want ot to be very personal and fun…will only give slight suggestions – hopefully you can direct the newsletter yourself – self reliant, dependable

I have a few ideas for the newsletter – must promote products etc..

Please attach some writing that you have done – can be your choice

There is no indication as to how many words this buyer requires or exactly what they want. For me unless I was interested in writing newsletter I would leave off bidding on this project. The reason being I don’t want to waste my connects having to ask questions about exactly what the buyer wants.

Moving on, the next job listed is a featured project. You will see that this freelance writing jobs has been highlighted. This means that you will use double your connects to bid on it. It’s a translation job so I would skip this anyway. The next job I would look at is for 20 Articles. There are no bids on it as yet so let’s take a look. The first thing we can see is that the budget is less than $500. This is also the first project this person has posted and when we look at the details we see that this buyer has a very detailed description which is good, and it is also very clear, you are given the required layout for the articles and told that they are to be 500 words each. If I were to bid on this project I would bid a minimum of $10 per article so $200 for the articles and then include the Elance fees which are Payment Processing costs (2.75%) and Elance Service fee (from 4% to 6%). You will see these fees when you put in the amount of your bid as below:

There are a number of things to look out for when placing bids: If a buyer states “this project is easy for someone who knows what they are doing” this literally means I expect this to be completed for next to nothing so I would avoid bidding on this. Be sure to always check how many projects the buyer has posted and how many they have awarded. Elance insist that buyers award 20% of their projects which is one in 5. I mention this because if you bid on a project and it’s not awarded you don’t get your connect back.

Check out the buyers feedback too and always insist on using Escrow for payment. Don’t forget to include your Elance fees in your bids too as these are important. If you have any questions or comments on bidding on freelance writing jobs using Elance please leave them below in the comments section and I will answer them as quickly as possible.

Until next time,

Keep writing
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If you are one of the many people deciding to make the transitition into ghostwriting in 2009 then you are going to want to know where to start.  Now I could plug my ghostwriting Uncovered manual here but I’m not going to.  If you want to buy it you can

Today I want to list all the websites I know where you can bid on ghostwriting jobs.  I probably won’t be able to list them all so if I miss any that you recommend be sure to place them in the comments.  I would like to be able to compile a very comprehensive listing here on The Hidden Writer so that anyone looking for ghostwriting jobs will know where to start.  I would also like it if people would post their opinions and experiences with these websites in the comments section because that way we can help prevent time wasting.

2009 List Of Bidding Websites For Ghostwriters

1. Elance – This is probably the most common place for ghostwriters to bid on writing jobs.  A paid membership can cost from $9.95 with 20 connects (bids) per month.  You can also become a free member with 3 connects per month.  Elance has to be my favourite, it’s where I started out and whenever I am short on work this is the place I always return.  I have secured many of my full time clients from this website.
2. Guru - Guru is next in line after Elance and is a paid membership website.  I have to admit, that I don’t have much experience with Guru.  When I was starting out Guru’s membership fees were too much for me.  I have heard some good reports about this website though so hopefully someone will be able to provide some more details.
   
3. Get A freelancer - Get a freelancer is an extremely busy freelance website with plenty of jobs to bid on.  You can join for free and your get 15 bids per month.  You can also upgrade your membership to Gold status for $12 and if you do you don’t have to pay fees on the jobs you win.  My only complaint about this website is that all the jobs that are posted are really low paying.  I have seen people bid $30 for up to 40 articles.  I don’t know if anyone gets high paying or even reasonably paying work from here.  Anyone any comments?
   
4. Rent A Coder - Again I am not really familiar with this website.  Membership is free. 
   
5. Odesk - This is another website that I am not familiar with so any input would be appreciated.
   
6. Direct Freelance - I am a free member of this website and receive daily emails when jobs are posted.  Most of the jobs look very promising but I haven’t as yet bid on one because you need to be a paying member to do so.   It is worth joining as a free member and subscribing to their email alerts so that you can see for yourself the type of ghostwriting jobs on offer.
   
7. Biz Reef - I am also a member of this website.  What appealed to me about this website was the fact that you could bid in your own currency.  I subscribe to their email alerts and receive frequent emails  about new jobs that have been posted.  The jobs look promising but there are also jobs with very low pay so I am still undecided about this one.
8. EU Freelance - This website is linked to GetAFreelancer and is relatively new.  Bids are placed in Euro but like Get A Freelancer I have a feeling they are from people looking to have work carried out for nothing.
9. Writerlance - Don’t have very much information on this website.  As far as I know it’s free to join but again somewhere low bids can be expected.
   
10. Pclance - This is totally new to me and one I never heard of until I started researching this post.  Hopefully someone will be able to provide more information.
    
11. Ifreelance - This is a website that I joined as a free member back in 2007.  It was very promising and had some excellent ghostwriting jobs.  After a couple of months they changed to a fee paying site and because I have an Elance membership and my client base was growing I didn’t upgrade.  Anyone have experiene with this website that they can share?
    
12. Project4hire - This is another website I discovered when researching for this post.  Any information would be great.
    
13. Writing Bids - Another new one to me, looks very similar to all the other free websites.  Hopefully someone can provide more information.
    
14. Gofreelance - Another one that I have yet to experience but again probably very similar to the free websites that are out there.

I think the main problem with websites free websites such as Get A Freelancer is the members.  There are people who are bidding next to nothing to complete the projects and that is why more and more  people are becoming convinced that they can get work done for nothing.  What do you think?  Have I hit the nail on the head here?

Until next time,

Keep writing.

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Here’s a very useful tip for all ghostwriters and it deals with communication.

When you are working on a ghost writing assignment, you should remain in constant contact with your client.  I have highlighted the word “should” and I really mean this.  I am going to give you an example.

Say you have a batch of 50 articles to complete and your client wants them forwarded in batches of 10 as they are completed.  What do you do?  Do you just send an email to your client every time you complete 10 articles?

What I do in this situation is type the first article. I then forward this to my client for his/her comments and approval. What this does, is to allow me to make sure I am on the right track and it also lets the client see what my writing style is and the way I am tackling their project. If there are any problems they can let me know there and then instead of telling me when I have 10 articles completed.  Makes sense now doesn’t it?

This little ghostwriting tip can save you a lot of time and re-writes and it is especially advised if you are working with a new client.

Remember always think ahead. You need to be paid at the end of your ghostwriting assignment and not be forced to endure another couple of days revising what you have already completed.

Another tip regarding communication with clients is, try to update your client every couple of days. Don’t just take the ghostwriting assignment and then have no further contact with the client until you have finished. Most clients prefer to be updated throughout their project, even if it is just to inform them that you have completed all of your necessary research and that you will be typing the articles the following day.

Communication really is key when it comes to successful ghostwriting. It is one of the most valuable ghostwriting tips that I can give and one that will greatly advance your career.  How do you communicate with your clients?  Do you think daily communication is necessary or just a waste of your own time?

Until next time,

Keep writing.

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There are some things that can be deadly when you are working as a ghostwriter.  These sins as I like to refer to them, will harm your business and your possible future business.  Read them carefully and be sure you don’t commit them.

7 Things You Must Never Do On Ghostwriting jobs

1. Plagiarising someone else’s work or infringing on copyright can ruin your career as a ghostwriter and may also land your client in a lot of trouble. When doing research remember facts are facts and it’s not repeating the fact but how you repeat it.  Always use your own words.

2. Failure to meet deadlines is another. The client has deadlines to meet too, and if you say you can produce the work by a certain time make sure you do.

3. Substandard work causes a client a lot of grief; they are relying on you for a quality product. Once again client’s recommendations are as good as money in the bank and if you do not produce work to the clients standard the only recommendations you will get is for his or her colleagues is to use someone else for their ghostwriting jobs.

4. Your Client can’t reach you. Phones should always be answered, if you are extremely busy, make sure the answer machine is on and return the clients call as soon as possible. The same goes for emails. Check emails at least twice a day and reply quickly. Not only does the client obviously need to talk to you but there may be a change in information etc. regarding the project you are working on.

5. Not asking questions. It is vital that you understand the client’s wants and needs. There is nothing wrong with going over the details one more time e.g. the clients says he wants blue text, in italics with paragraph 3 underlined in red. You can then say “let me just repeat that, you want ……” Not only do you sound extra particular but it can avoid nasty errors.

6. A big deadly sin is not setting out the proper costings and terms of payment. You are selling your services and this is your business. Never be afraid to talk about the monetary side and when and how you will be paid. Have a clear set of rules for yourself and do not waiver.

7. Rudeness. Yes, every one has a bad day but there is no excuse for rudeness on your part. You are a professional running a business and no matter how bad your day has been, how irritating the client is, always be polite. Even when your client is rude!

If you want to have a long and successful ghostwriting career then you are strongly advised not to commit any of these ghostwriting job sins.

Do you have any other sins that you would like to add to the list?  Maybe you have a particular experience that you would like to share?  Come on, don’t be shy, I won’t bite, and you’ll get a link back to your website or blog too.

Until nex time,

Keep writing.

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There are so many different reasons that you can choose to start Ghostwriting so listed below I have stated the 5 most obvious ones.

1. Ghostwriting Means No more 9 – 5 and spending hours stuck in traffic

You can sit in front of your computer at 5am and start working, or if you are a night owl you can write from midnight into the early hours of the morning.  Being in the comfort of your home you can dress how you like, tracksuit, shorts and t-shirt or you could even just stay in your pyjamas. It really is up to you. You control when you work and how you work.

This is probably one of the most obvious reasons and it can relate to any work from home business.  You choose your hours and being out of the 9 to 5 traffic rush can be very important especially if you have small children at home.

2. Ghostwriting Means More time with the Family

This is really important to me especially because I have two small children.  I worked 9 to 5 when my daughter was small and even though she was cared for by family I still missed out on a lot.  When my second child was born I had already made the decision to work from home and I had begun ghostwriting too.  It really has made such a difference to my life.  When you choose to ghostwriter you can choose how much or how little ghostwriting work you take on.  This means that you have more time with your children, your wife, your partner, or just you time.  You can do what you want when you want. You write around the things you need to do.

3. Ghostwriting Means More Writing Choice

Being a ghostwriter gives you so much choice.  You get to choose the type of writing that you want to do.  You can specialize or you can do a little of everything.  When you first start off it is a good idea to give everything a try, that way you will find out what it is you really enjoy doing.  You can write short articles, advertising copy, newsletters, e-books, web content, novels, and so on. You get to choose to write what you enjoy which means your job is a pleasure.

4. Ghostwriting Means Unlimited Opportunities

There are so many opportunities available for ghostwriters today when compared with 10 years ago.  10 years ago ghostwriters were practically unheard of and were most commonly known for writing novels and autobiographies for the stars.  Today however with the internet and online businesses booming ghostwriting has become extremely popular and lucrative.  More and more websites are being built and with them comes the need for content.  Experienced ghostwriters are sought all the time to provide expert content for these businesses.  E-books have also become very popular and you guessed it, most of these are ghostwritten too.  So you see, being a ghostwriter really does give you unlimited opportunities and this is not likely to change.

5. Ghostwriting Means Full Control

As a ghostwriter you have full control.  You don’t have to wait and hope for a promotion or pay rise.  You choose how much you want to earn.  You are self employed and what you achieve depends solely on you.  This can be a big shock to many especially if you have been employed for a long time.  You now set your goals, your to do list, your marketing tasks, and so on.  Yes full control is yours and whether you succeed or fail is now down to you.  You are your own boss.

There are so many other reasons to become a ghostwriter and I’m sure you have some of your own.   For some people, Ghostwriting is a way of earning money whilst they pursue other interests like writing a novel. Many students like Ghostwriting as it means they can earn some extra money and still attend lectures and study when necessary.

But if like me, writing is your passion and you want to be independant then ghostwriting can be your business, your path to self sufficiency, and the lifestyle of your dreams if you are willing to work at it.  Clients won’t just fall at your feet, you need to go out there and get them and that’s where the work really starts, wouldn’t you agree?

Until next time,

Keep writing.

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It’s Friday again and time to list some of the great posts that I read over the past week.  There is some really great information on the internet and sometimes finding it can be difficult.  I tend to find a lot of these posts through Twitter and by using Stumble.  I hope you enjoy reading these posts and remember if you would like to have a link to something interested that you have written why not contact me.

The first post for today is from The freelance Writing Business Blog and is titled Self Discipline And Freelance Writing.  This is a very interesting read and provides some great tips on how to make yourself more productive.

Next is a post from Get Paid To Write Online titled What To Do When You Have Said It All.  This post discusses what to do when you run out of things to say when working on a project.

Next is a post from The Jen Hamilton Blog which is a new blog I have discovered.  The post is titled Freelance Writing: Defining the Process for a new Client Steps 4 and 5.  You can also read the 3 other steps on her blog too.  This is a great blog, can’t believe I haven’t seen it before.  This post which is part 4 and 5 of a series of posts is all about explaining the project process to your client so that they fully understand exactly what you are doing.

Next is another new blog discover for me and the post is titled Branding Tips For Freelance Writers and the blog is called Freedom Freelance.  This article is all about branding yourself and your name as a freelance writer.

Web Worker Daily has a great post about Maintaining Your Flexibility As A Freelancer.

My last post for today is from John Chow Dot Com titled How To Bring Interactivity to Your Blog.  This blog is not a freelance writing blog but the post relates to any blog for any purpose or niche.  A very interesting read that can provide a lot of excellent tips.

That’s it for this Friday but be sure to get your posts listed in the comments section if you want them to appear in next Friday’s listing.

Do you have a favourite blog that you visit when you need information?

Until next time,

Keep writing.

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