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Any tips on starting a writing business here?

by Leunamme
18 replies
I plan to start a writing business here in WF. My usual rate is about $0.04 a word. Problem is, I don't think I’ll have that many customers with that price point, especially since I'm a new member with no credibility at the moment. The fact that I'm located in the Philippines might also affect how people perceive my skills. There are plenty of freelancers here doing fantastic work in the field of writing and web designing, but even so, there are a number of people who still have reservations about hiring freelancers living in the Philippines.

I'm not totally new to writing. I've written for Populis, Demand Studios, a number of publications here in the Philippines and a few private clients in the internet. Unfortunately, the pickings are slim for both Populis and DS right now, plus I've lost plenty of clients after the Panda update. Now, my only client is a backpacking website paying me $20 per article.

I'm a little apprehensive about listing my services in the ad section of the forums. I want to make sure that the $20 I'll spend will be worth it. Before offering my services, I plan on doing the following:

• Create a website where I can post links to my work
• Offer my writing services for free to a number of warriors
• Try to be helpful and active here in the forums

I want this business to be long term, not just some temporary gig I’ll do when I need the money.
Any people here have tips on starting a writing business? How did you guys start out back then?
#article writing #business #starting #tips #writing
  • Profile picture of the author DianaHeuser
    Hi Leunamme'

    Can I suggest that you take a look at this thread here. It has all the answers you need.

    http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...r-clients.html

    Di
    Signature

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    • Profile picture of the author PatriciaJ
      First of all your English is great and so are your writing skills

      Among the best writers that I've hired are some from the Philippines for quality and reliability, so I have no reservations about hiring writers from the Philippines and I'm sure that a lot of members here will feel the same way. I think that the $20 would be a good investment for you.
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  • Profile picture of the author Leunamme
    Thanks for the complement Patricia. I went over my original post after seeing your reply just to see if there were any typos. It's good to know that there are people that have had good experiences working with Filipinos.
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  • Profile picture of the author Calum88
    Originally Posted by Leunamme View Post

    I plan to start a writing business here in WF. My usual rate is about $0.04 a word. Problem is, I don't think I'll have that many customers with that price point, especially since I'm a new member with no credibility at the moment. The fact that I'm located in the Philippines might also affect how people perceive my skills. There are plenty of freelancers here doing fantastic work in the field of writing and web designing, but even so, there are a number of people who still have reservations about hiring freelancers living in the Philippines.

    I'm not totally new to writing. I've written for Populis, Demand Studios, a number of publications here in the Philippines and a few private clients in the internet. Unfortunately, the pickings are slim for both Populis and DS right now, plus I've lost plenty of clients after the Panda update. Now, my only client is a backpacking website paying me $20 per article.

    I'm a little apprehensive about listing my services in the ad section of the forums. I want to make sure that the $20 I'll spend will be worth it. Before offering my services, I plan on doing the following:

    • Create a website where I can post links to my work
    • Offer my writing services for free to a number of warriors
    • Try to be helpful and active here in the forums

    I want this business to be long term, not just some temporary gig I'll do when I need the money.
    Any people here have tips on starting a writing business? How did you guys start out back then?
    Hi Leunamme,
    I'm in a similar position to you with regards to starting a writing business and not yet having any previous clients or work to show as examples.

    You are on the right track with creating a website. Will it have a blog as well? That can help as it shows examples of your writing and gives potential customers a bit of an inside view.

    I would not worry about where you are located geographically as it will be your writing that clients will care about. Plus if you have a .com web address then no one will know anyway

    I think the main thing you can do is just go for it!

    Read plenty of books on the subject and look at what other writers are doing with their blogs and websites.

    Also I would would mention your previous writing experience on your website, sounds like you have more than you realize!

    Good luck!
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    • Profile picture of the author Diane S
      Leunamme,
      Your writing is good quality and I wish you well in your endeavors. I would not give away any writing, but rather run a sale on first orders.
      Originally Posted by Calum88 View Post

      Hi Leunamme,
      I would not worry about where you are located geographically as it will be your writing that clients will care about. Plus if you have a .com web address then no one will know anyway
      Your idea to have a website to showcase your writing skills is a good one. Be sure to register a dot com and get private registration, or everyone will know you are in the Phillipines by doing a simple 'who is' search on your domain registration.

      Best of luck to you!

      Diane
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      KimW still needs our help DONATE DIRECTLY
      My First Kindle Book: Ten Days in the Land of Smile
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  • Profile picture of the author tarpon19
    Write unique content using proper grammar and engaging content.
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    • Profile picture of the author Frank Donovan
      Hi Leunamme,

      Plus if you have a .com web address then no one will know anyway
      Be sure to register a dot com and get private registration, or everyone will know you are in the Phillipines by doing a simple 'who is' search on your domain registration.
      Speaking for myself, I wouldn't care where a writer was based as long as the quality and overall service was acceptable.

      However, I'd never hire anyone online who tried to hide their location. Just be upfront and honest (as you have been in your OP) and let your writing speak for itself.

      All the best,


      Frank
      Signature


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  • Profile picture of the author seopert
    hmmm build a little credibility, reply to threads (what I am doing now) and then go for clients, a better way to earn more rather than content with less.
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  • Profile picture of the author amritrr
    If you plan to start something long term, it will definitely work. There is no magic formula, if you keep working, over time more and more people will recognize you and you will get more client over time.
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  • Profile picture of the author Joe Benjamin
    Originally Posted by Leunamme View Post

    I plan to start a writing business here in WF. My usual rate is about $0.04 a word. Problem is, I don't think I'll have that many customers with that price point, especially since I'm a new member with no credibility at the moment. The fact that I'm located in the Philippines might also affect how people perceive my skills. There are plenty of freelancers here doing fantastic work in the field of writing and web designing, but even so, there are a number of people who still have reservations about hiring freelancers living in the Philippines.

    I'm not totally new to writing. I've written for Populis, Demand Studios, a number of publications here in the Philippines and a few private clients in the internet. Unfortunately, the pickings are slim for both Populis and DS right now, plus I've lost plenty of clients after the Panda update. Now, my only client is a backpacking website paying me $20 per article.

    I'm a little apprehensive about listing my services in the ad section of the forums. I want to make sure that the $20 I'll spend will be worth it. Before offering my services, I plan on doing the following:

    • Create a website where I can post links to my work
    • Offer my writing services for free to a number of warriors
    • Try to be helpful and active here in the forums

    I want this business to be long term, not just some temporary gig I'll do when I need the money.
    Any people here have tips on starting a writing business? How did you guys start out back then?
    Here's a few useful tips I followed starting out in my
    writing semi-career:

    #1: Grow A Pair - Being scared to invest $20 to see
    if something is worth it won't make you do it any faster.

    #2: Make A Decision - Do you want to be a CHEAP,
    commodity writer or a respected quality writer?

    It's nothing wrong with either choice...but one is far
    more enjoyable and profitable than the other.

    #3: C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-C-E...get some.

    Without it you'll be pushed around like a playground
    soccer ball.

    In the end...

    your issues aren't technical...they're psychological.

    Will you overcome those mental barriers? That's up
    to you...
    Signature
    **How I FLIPPED $80 into $690 Pure Profit With ONE EASY Method...2 to 3x Per Week...Only 30 Minutes Per Day (and how YOU can COPY my RESULTS, too!) **CLICK HERE FOR VERIFIED VIDEO PROOF**
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  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    I would like to mention something that may help you new writers. I have a package of 15 writing ebooks selling on my website currently for a bargain price of $15.
    They are all different and contain a ton of useful information that would be worth reading if you find the money.
    I have also written an ebook on freelancing and it contains a ton of links to sites where you can find work as well as a lot of other valuable info.
    If you buy it through my WSO offer, it will only cost you $8.

    Please don't get me wrong. I am not trying to make you buy my products but I do believe that you do need to read and learn and these are bargain tools you can use in the long term.
    Signature

    Cheers, Laurence.
    Writer/Editor/Proofreader.

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    • Profile picture of the author bradstern
      Hi there Leaunamme,

      You may check this site. It's an online job site that seeks to hire freelance workers (a lot of Filipinos like you too) in a long term contract and not just short term projects.

      I've seen a lot of good Filipino workers and I'm quite impressed with how they work. I am pretty sure you'll find a good one there. Your writing skills are impressive.

      Good luck.
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  • Profile picture of the author magiclouie
    Originally Posted by Leunamme View Post

    I plan to start a writing business here in WF. My usual rate is about $0.04 a word. Problem is, I don't think I'll have that many customers with that price point, especially since I'm a new member with no credibility at the moment. The fact that I'm located in the Philippines might also affect how people perceive my skills. There are plenty of freelancers here doing fantastic work in the field of writing and web designing, but even so, there are a number of people who still have reservations about hiring freelancers living in the Philippines.

    I'm not totally new to writing. I've written for Populis, Demand Studios, a number of publications here in the Philippines and a few private clients in the internet. Unfortunately, the pickings are slim for both Populis and DS right now, plus I've lost plenty of clients after the Panda update. Now, my only client is a backpacking website paying me $20 per article.

    I'm a little apprehensive about listing my services in the ad section of the forums. I want to make sure that the $20 I'll spend will be worth it. Before offering my services, I plan on doing the following:

    • Create a website where I can post links to my work
    • Offer my writing services for free to a number of warriors
    • Try to be helpful and active here in the forums

    I want this business to be long term, not just some temporary gig I'll do when I need the money.
    Any people here have tips on starting a writing business? How did you guys start out back then?
    Kumusta Leunamme,

    It's hands down that you are a writer. Your command of the English language is superb.

    By the way, what is exactly you want?

    Do you want a fellow Warrior to hire you full time or is it something like you will be accepting writing projects? I understand that you mentioned about making a business here.

    Anyway, I second your idea to create a website for you to showcase your writing skills.

    Well then, I wish you good luck. You definitely got the skills.

    Mabuhay ka!

    Louie Tugas
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  • Profile picture of the author WriterWahm
    Your writing is super! I agree with WhoIsBenjamin; you need some confidence. You are good. But YOU need to believe it or you won't be able to sell your skills as a writer. On this forum, don't just look for clients. Also learn how to market yourself...how to present your services as indispensable. That way, the clients will look for you. And please, don't give out freebies; run a sale like someone has already suggested.

    All the best with your business.
    Signature

    PM me if you want a romantic fiction ghostwriter.

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    • Profile picture of the author Don Luis
      Banned
      Hey,

      I'm Filipino, too, and I'm going to post a Warrior For Hire thread (as soon as I finish writing free review copies for a few Warriors). Although $20 is quite a big sum of money in our country (I can buy 20 kilos of rice for 20 bucks ), your investment will be totally worth it. You can easily recover that small $20 investment in just one day, and if you provide good service, you will have a list of clients who will come back to you for more orders.

      Most people won't care if you're from Timbuktu or whatever, as long as you can provide quality content. There are some who are too picky, however, and only want writers from the US or the UK for some reason or another. I respect their decisions and I won't lose sleep over them, because I know there are potential clients who won't give a damn about where I live.
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      • Profile picture of the author niksbro
        Hey Leunamme,

        I am also a kababayan I got most of my clients here on warrior forum so it is really worth it to spend $20 to get started for your writing business. If you need my help I can share some tips on how to get your writing business run on different forums. Let me know if you are interested. Just message me here: niksbro@efanszone.com
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  • Profile picture of the author Micah Medina
    Generally speaking, clients on WF are competent business people who don't take months to get a job done. Which is a welcome change from some of the people I work with offline
    Signature


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  • Profile picture of the author uppergrade
    You have a very good hold on your language and your writing skills are preety good. I dnt think that if you have skills then place u r from,matter. keep writing. wish you luck.
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