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I think that I have a Cash Cow and Don't Know How to Use it!

by OscarTheDog
18 replies
Okay, I am not on here very often, but I keep tripping over Warrior Forum references online during my research. I am taking this as a "sign from God"!

It never hurts to ask for help, right?

Okay: I am completely open-minded and expect to get both positive and negative comments on this request, but here goes!

I am a professional ghost writer of novels and eBooks, generally speaking. I also write SEO content for a huge corporate website that keeps me busy about 20 hours per week. This year, I decided to break the monotony and try something very different. I started writing articles and blog posts for other people. I have been asked by many over the years to provide this service, and was never really that interested.

As is usually the case when you don't really expect great things to happen, the business took off like gangbusters! I was completely unprepared. I turn down work, try my hardest to juggle all of my ghostwriting clients with this new article and blog writing endeavor, and seem to manage to make everyone happy in both content and deadlines.

But I am fried! Burned out! Overworked!

Not with the eBooks and novels....I love that stuff! I could do that all day long. It's this side business that drains the life out of you.

In the process, I even landed on one of those "writing mill sites" that are so popular. I quickly became a top seller and a featured writer. I can offer jobs/services of almost any amount, up to $500. This is a cash cow!!!!

But the constant barrage of emails from penny-pinching online hobbyists is partly why this cow is not producing as much milk as I would like. It's exhausting!

I have never outsourced my work...ever...until a few months ago when I tried oDesk and iWriter. The writers SUCK! Am I the only one online who actually WRITES their own content still?

Is everyone using spinners used by people whose first language is not English (no offense to anyone who is not English). The content that I receive is always fraught with misuse of words and terms, spelling and punctuation errors, terrible SEO (I don't even think most of these people know what a "keyword" actually is, what it is used for, how often it would be incorporated into the document, etc.....). They don't even know which words to capitalize in Titles!!!!!!

So, what do I do with this site? :confused: I'm open to suggestions, partnerships, ideas.

Thanks All!
#articles #cash #ebooks #making money online #writer #writing
  • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
    You've got a writing gig up on fiverr? Are you kidding? No wonder you're overworked and frustrated.

    I suspect you're actually a decent writer. So behave like one. This is simple. Stop playing in low rent neighborhoods and take a trip uptown where you'll earn what you're worth.
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    • Profile picture of the author OscarTheDog
      Originally Posted by travlinguy View Post

      You've got a writing gig up on fiverr? Are you kidding? No wonder you're overworked and frustrated.

      I suspect you're actually a decent writer. So behave like one. This is simple. Stop playing in low rent neighborhoods and take a trip uptown where you'll earn what you're worth.

      lol You are about the 10th person this week to tell me that! I just hate looking a gift horse in the mouth (another animal reference). So, it is not "me" then. These sorts of sites truly are draining?
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      MattRowlandSEO.com

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      • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
        Originally Posted by OscarTheDog View Post

        lol You are about the 10th person this week to tell me that! I just hate looking a gift horse in the mouth (another animal reference). So, it is not "me" then. These sorts of sites truly are draining?
        Gifts are supposed to make you feel good. There are probably a half dozen threads or more posted here every month with people asking how they can earn more as a writer. For some of them earning more will remain a pipe dream until they get better at the craft.

        For those that can write, like you, the answer is simple. Charge more. Of course, the people who have been paying you peanuts are going to balk. So that means you're going to have to expand your horizon and get your butt into better markets. That can be scary.

        But to me accepting change when you could be earning folding money is far scarier. Another thing comes to mind. If you enjoy writing novels why the hell are you making other people good money when you could be publishing your own stuff?

        I think I'm going to write a short report for writers on earning what you're worth. This isn't so much an issue of skill as it is an issue of self respect and self esteem. I once read a personal development book where the author encouraged readers to be more and do more.

        He said the way to be and do more is to simply proclaim yourself in. If you belong "in" the market will soon accept you. If your skill/talent isn't up to speed the marketplace will act as a pinspotter and deposit you exactly where you belong. But first you've got to enter the arena.

        Here's to getting into the proper arena.
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        • Profile picture of the author OscarTheDog
          Originally Posted by travlinguy View Post

          ..... If you enjoy writing novels why the hell are you making other people good money when you could be publishing your own stuff?

          .
          DUDE! You have hit the nail on the head! I have been trying to write and publish my first novel. My editor just gave me the same tip about 3 weeks ago. I have the perfect book written already (IN MY HEAD, OF COURSE)...and know all too well that I can make GREAT money doing that. My editor will publish it and help market it.

          But you are right. Although I have the money to "take off" for awhile and write a book, there is some "fear" there. After all, how many people have you heard state the dream of being a published author?

          It's nice to have choices, I suppose. But maybe this is the "sign" that I was meant to really receive. "Go to the WF and confirm what you already know!"

          :rolleyes:
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  • Profile picture of the author Joe J
    That sign from God may have directed you to the wrong section.

    just kidding!

    Maybe you should check out the writers in the Warriors for Hire section.

    Check out the reviews and maybe you can drill down and find one that meets your approval for subbing out some of that extra work.

    Joe
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    • Profile picture of the author OscarTheDog
      Thanks. I did consider that, but I have such a high respect for WF! I'd hate to hire someone from here and have to fire them! lol But perhaps I should read their posts as "examples".

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  • Profile picture of the author stoltingmediagroup
    Not with the eBooks and novels....I love that stuff! I could do that all day long. It's this side business that drains the life out of you.
    Then focus on what you enjoy doing, and do THAT and only that, all day long!

    Dump the rest!

    "Life" is too short in order to let a side business drain it from you.
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    Arnold Stolting - Stolting Media Group
    "I LOVE The Song! The Vibe Is Positive And Firm!" - Kymani Marley. (Son of Bob Marley).
    "Very High Quality!" Jeremy Harding - Manager / Producer. Sean Paul.
    "They Are FANTASTIC!" - Willie Crawford.
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    • Profile picture of the author OscarTheDog
      Originally Posted by stoltingmediagroup View Post

      Then focus on what you enjoy doing, and do THAT and only that, all day long!

      Dump the rest!

      "Life" is too short in order to let a side business drain it from you.
      Thanks again. It's been a tough decision, because this just fell in my lap, so to speak.
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      MattRowlandSEO.com

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  • Profile picture of the author Victor Edson
    Last week I was talking with a content writer who's been doing ghost writing just like you since 1996.

    He got burnt out one day and when someone asked how much for a 500 word he said $25 in hopes of chasing them off. It's now one of his biggest clients and he always charges $25 for an article.

    If your fiverr gig is blowing up, change the price. Charge the same for less words, offer the upsells for speedy delivery etc.

    Also, if the customer service side is slowing you down, think about getting a VA to handle THAT side of your business. Not all outsourcing has to be the fun part that you enjoy.. if CS is a bog.. outsource that and still control what matters the most to you, which is your content.

    And... keep looking for more writers! You might have to pay a little more for quality, but once you're charging a little more it's still easier to turn around and hand off an article about electric scooters for less profit than it is to tear your eyes out writing for amazon or adsense content!
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    • Profile picture of the author OscarTheDog
      Originally Posted by Victor Edson View Post

      Last week I was talking with a content writer who's been doing ghost writing just like you since 1996....
      Yup! I've done all of that, too. Lowering the word count, upsells, you name it! EXCEPT for outsourcing the CS......


      Interesting idea.

      And I know that I should keep looking for writers. My heart just isn't in it yet, but if I want to grow into a different direction, it may be time.
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      MattRowlandSEO.com

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  • Profile picture of the author harrydog
    Hi Matt
    You seem to have the opposite problem to everybody else i.e. Money but no time instead on Time but no money.

    My view on life changed dramatically when my wife was seriously ill and we had a young baby. Life is TOO SHORT to spend all your time working. To it sounds like your Cash Cow has got Foot and Mouth and will eventually drown you.

    I know you don't like outsourcing and I can fully understand that as its your reputation that on the line.

    If I were you I would take a step back and evaluate what you actually want.

    We here it all the time "work life balance" if you love the e books and ghost writing why do something that you don't like just for money - I know its hard to give it up but that's like having a job you don't like. you are fortunate that you do have a choice.

    Would it be possible that you could actually employ someone and very closely oversee what they do and approve everything before it goes out - just an idea.

    I dont know if you have read a very good book on this exact topic called the "4 Hour work Week" where the guy was in the same position as you and he did end up outsourcing his whole life.

    sorry cant give you a cast iron route out of your dilema
    cheers
    Mark
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    • Profile picture of the author OscarTheDog
      Originally Posted by harrydog View Post

      Hi Matt
      You seem to have the opposite problem to everybody else i.e. Money but no time instead on Time but no money....
      Harrydog? Oscarthedog digs your handle!

      I do like the idea of outsourcing somewhat. Part of the appeal of this business was not having to have employees anymore (I was an architect in a previous life). But, maybe I can make it work. I'd love to sell the whole login to someone if they would buy it! lol Then I could sleep at night.

      I'm ordering the book from Amazon as we speak. You rock!!!!!!!!
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  • Profile picture of the author SteveSki
    Three suggestions....
    1) Raise your prices because doing so will buy back your time.
    2) Read, hangout and post in the copywriting section of this forum.
    3) Learn how to write great sales copy and then you can charge whatever
    you want and still be in demand so you may have to raise your prices again and
    again to keep buying back your time!
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    • Profile picture of the author OscarTheDog
      Originally Posted by SteveSki View Post

      Three suggestions....
      1) Raise your prices because doing so will buy back your time.
      2) Read, hangout and post in the copywriting section of this forum.
      3) Learn how to write great sales copy and then you can charge whatever
      you want and still be in demand so you may have to raise your prices again and
      again to keep buying back your time!
      Thanks again. It may be time for another price hike. I have cleared the queue for the time being. Burnout!
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  • Profile picture of the author Pushkar Gaikwad
    Matt, if you are good, why not try at DemandStudio Experienced Writers Are In Demand — Demand Media Studios or About.com ? there are plenty of such sites which pay $15 to $50 per 300 to 500 word article for quality content,
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    • Profile picture of the author OscarTheDog
      Originally Posted by iCyborg View Post

      Matt, if you are good, why not try at DemandStudio Experienced Writers Are In Demand — Demand Media Studios or About.com ? there are plenty of such sites which pay $15 to $50 per 300 to 500 word article for quality content,

      Thanks Boss! Maybe I will. Party on, Dude!
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  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    I have sent you a pm Matt. You are fortunate to have this dilemma. I wish I had it myself. So think about what is best for yourself and then do what you want to do.
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    Cheers, Laurence.
    Writer/Editor/Proofreader.

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    • Profile picture of the author OscarTheDog
      Originally Posted by laurencewins View Post

      I have sent you a pm Matt. You are fortunate to have this dilemma. I wish I had it myself. So think about what is best for yourself and then do what you want to do.

      I just responded. Let's talk!
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