You guys would hire me, right?

[naomi_jay]

So 2011 is my year of living dangerously and trying new things. One of those things is "making more money from writing." This is a pretty new thing. I spoke a while back about writing for free and why I think it's a good thing, and I stand by that, but if I want to go part-time at horrible office work before I hit 30, I should really be writing for pay.

To that end, I've signed up with a few different freelance article/content writing services. They don't pay much, but if you can write in volume, you can probably earn a good chunk of change. So that's phase one. I've got a few articles lined up, I earn about a fiver for each one that's accepted. I consider that pretty decent for 30 minutes of work.

Now, phase two. This is something I've always wanted to do, but have no idea how to go about starting, and that's freelance editing/crtiquing. With indie publishing on the rise, it seems like a good idea to put the word out that I'm available. I think I'm a good critiquer. I think I can offer valuable advice to writers, and I know I'd enjoy doing so, so why not?

I guess the simplest way to start is by putting together a seperate blog/website for this side of my life, so I'm going to do that. Then I need to spread the word *gulp* I suck at self-promotion. I have all the self-esteem of a dead frog in a jar. Really. I'm weirded out by the idea of advertising myself and jumping into forums and being all "give me your money for my thoughts!" But I do want to do this pretty badly. I'm open to suggestions from the audience?

Comments

[craving-vintage.livejournal.com]

I'd hire you. :)

I say go for it, chick.

I have all the self-esteem of a dead frog in a jar.

This is too funny. LMAO Not the self-esteem part, but that you said a dead frog in a jar. Plus, I'm the same way. I would be terrified of self-promotion but you have to try, right?

In dollars, how much/what is a fiver? I've heard of the term fiver before but never knew exactly the amount.

[naomi-jay.livejournal.com]

Five British pounds is about eight dollars at the current exchange rate, give or take a few cents! It's not awesome money, but it could add up to a decent amount if I put the time in.

[craving-vintage.livejournal.com]

Thank you for the rundown. :)

Oh, yes, definitely! More money is always good.

[out-totheblack.livejournal.com]

You can do it! Jon Gibbs is great at promotion. You might talk to him.

[out-totheblack.livejournal.com]

Oh, and yes. If I had the money I would hire you.

[naomi-jay.livejournal.com]

Good tip, thanks!

[blythe025.livejournal.com]

If you post good writing/editing/publishing advice on your new blog (and I know you can), then you will have the content to have people keep coming back. This would also build trust and present your expertise to people. You could also have people submit a small portion (a page or two) of their work, which you would critique publicly once a week/month on your blog -- again building trust. Then you can insert some of your self promotion into the blog with mention of your services from time to time. I've heard a good ratio is 80/20 -- 80% good, beneficial content, 20% self promotion.

You could also use amazon associates (by having a list of novels or writing advice books that you recommend) or some other kind advertising so that your blog makes money that way, too (conference ads, maybe).

To drive traffic to your blog, I recommend just doing what you do, which is interacting with writers blogs, putting out genuine comments with your blog page as your link. I wouldn't self promote during this time, but if you offer genuine and helpful comments to people, they will likely go to your blog to see who you are and what you're about.

You might also set up internet classes for writers, based through chat programs, and get a small group going for a fee. You would need to write a focused lesson plan, but classes would be a good way to give writers an introduction to your skills. The writers who enjoyed the class might then recommend your services to others.

As for official advertising, you might at some point put out some ads on writing websites as a way to drive traffic.

[naomi-jay.livejournal.com]

^_^ This is all genius advice. Thank you!

[blythe025.livejournal.com]

You're welcome, my dear. :D

[dqg-neal.livejournal.com]

Put together a package showing examples of your editing skills.

Not just indie publishing. The are lots of small press companies looking for editors. (My company is currently looking for copy editors and content editors to meet our production schedule.)

[naomi-jay.livejournal.com]

Oh cool, thanks! Will look into it.

[wtfbrain.livejournal.com]

Darlin', if you need webspace for a blog/website, let me know. I've got OODLES (like, unlimited, and unlimited bandwidth as well), so if you wanted to buy a domain (which is, idk, $10/year through my webhost), I can host the files for you.

[naomi-jay.livejournal.com]

Oooh, thanks! I'll come back to you once I've made an Actual Plan.

[david-bridger.livejournal.com]

I agree with dgg neal. It wouldn't do you any harm at all to get an editing gig with a small press. I have a friend who started off as a proofreader and moved up quickly to copy editor then content editor as she proved herself to the company, and I guess that's the way most people get in. I don't know if either of these are hiring right now, but from things I've heard editors say if I were looking to start with a good company I'd try Carina Press and Evernight Publishing.

[naomi-jay.livejournal.com]

Thanks, I'll check it out and see if either are looking.