Adventures in Freelancing

I just finished an 800-word article for Textbroker LLC , and boy are my arms tired:) Textbroker LLC is a marketplace, “for unique and exclusive written texts, created in accordance with customer specifications” (thanks Textbroker for the quote). Companies and individuals in need of something written can submit their project to Textbroker, outlining their various requirements. Their jobs are then posted to a board that all the writers can see, and the writers just click and take the jobs they want. They pay anywhere from .01 to .067 per word.

The best thing about Textbroker is that the clients can work with you directly (and pay a higher rate) if they like your work. So, after completing one piece for a client at .01 per word, they may have 10 more pieces needed and want to work with you directly, which means you get your direct rate- usually around .02 per word, but it’s up to you to set it.

Textbroker requires a resume and writing samples. Also, they will test you. Once you’ve been accepted they will ask you to write 200-400 words about a random topic. How well you do on this determines what jobs you can take on the job board. Your writing will be rated on a scale from 2-5. If you are a 3, you can only take jobs that are classified as a skill level of 3 or less. This has no effect on your direct price though.

Your work will generally be ghost work. You won’t have a byline, no rights, and can not repost it anywhere. I always keep a copy of my work in case I need it as a writing sample for a potential employer. Jobs can pay anywhere from .70 for a 100-word blurb to $30 for a 1500-word ad on area rugs. They paypal your money once a month, and you must have a minimum of $10 earned to get a payout.

It is easy to make money on this site, but they do require professional quality. You may be asked by a client to revise your work and you may be bumped down in classification if your quality tanks. If you have only written for Helium and Associated Content, you may find this site challenging- but that is good! Helium has next to no standards, Associated Content not much more than that. With Textbroker , you are really breaking into professional territory. I think you’ll love it- as will your wallet!

So get to it friends- make some money and buy me some flowers as a thank you!