You Can't Even Die of Exposure with This One

From one of the blog's readers, Carole Moore:

"Great work at home opportunity for students or Moms. We are looking for five individuals to join our team of ghostwriters. You will be required to write, at least, 10 submissions per week, 300 words each. Topics will vary. This is a contract position for writers of all shapes and sizes. No education required. We will pay $3 for each accepted 300 word submission. Please note: As a ghostwriter, the exclusive rights of all written content will be transferred to our company, including authorship. We will not accept plaigarized work or work that has already been written and produced by you elsewhere. This must be original content. "

Ok, so they're wanting ghost writers, so no exposure through millions of readers worldwide? No building of the portfolio for practically giving your writing away? Not even products - or a t-shirt for free?
I've finally found that dying of exposure is not the worst possible fate of a writer, it's dying from lack of exposure and forever wandering the shadows of published obscurity as a ghost.
BOO!

The Secret

Have any of you read the book “The Secret” or watched the DVD on it?

I know what some of you are thinking right now, probably something along the lines of a review I read on one of the online book sites. “A bunch of New Age Crap,” or “The only person who got rich off of The Secret is the author,” who, by the way, I read lives on a beach in Australia and after millions of copies sold, probably never has to worry about anything (financially anyway) again.

My mother was always into positive thinking and tried to teach me the power of it long ago. She always told me the best time to visualize good things for yourself was during meditation. After a rather psychologically trying time in the 1990s, I did teach myself how to practice meditation through her handwritten notes. I began to visualize a writing career.

I didn’t pay attention to my internal voices saying I didn’t have the education or the talent, I just said, “This is what I’m going to do.” Even my mom, who always was my biggest cheerleader said, “Well, it’s a difficult way to make a living.” That it is, but the opportunity presented itself and here I am, nearly 9 years later still doing it.

Next, I visualized my perfect writing spot, a cabin next to a lake, mountains in the background.

In 1997, my aunt began building her dream home on her property in the Ozark Mountains. After living there a couple of years, she told me and my husband if we wanted to build a house there, she would deed over a piece of the land. Again, opportunity we never expected came knocking. Our cabin isn’t exactly how I visualized it; it’s better – and there are plenty of mountains around us.

When we did build, we learned the 7.5 acres next to our land was owned by a kid who inherited it after his parents suffered a tragic accident. We wrote to him and asked him if he was interested in selling, but never received a reply. Still, we never walked by that land without visualizing it as ours. Guess what? He called last week, 4 years after we initially contacted him and we’re negotiating a sale.

Power of positive thinking or a bunch of coincidences?

I’ve often heard writers (myself included) say that when they started doing what they are passionate about – writing – good things followed.

And I’ve interviewed plenty of inspiring people – Bill Wedekind, a Vietnam vet who lost both of his arms and his sight in an explosion while in the war. He is now a potter…think about that – a sensory and visual profession and he does it even though he doesn’t possess most people’s level of sensitivity in his forearms or sight.
Just this week, I interviewed Tyrone Flowers, a man from the urban core who spent 10 years of his childhood in state institutions medicated to point that one of his doctors wrote in his charts, “Congratulations. You’ve created a zombie.” He was shot three times and paralyzed after an argument at the end of his senior year, but he still became the first person in his family to graduate from college and he earned a law degree. He now runs a multi-million dollar non-profit organization he founded that helps kids who officials say are lost causes. His secret? He told me it was nothing special. He is who he is because he always knew he wouldn't end up murdered as did his teen father, but that he would be someone, no matter the challenges.
The Power of Positive Thinking. Use it in your life and in your writing. If it is nothing but a lot of “New Age Crap,” what’s the harm, being a little happier?
That in itself should bring about something positive.

Driving = Proven Writing Ability

Ok, I thought the guy who wanted to explore his ghost writers sexuality was creepy. I can only imagine what this poster has in mind. Must be 18 years of age? Must have good written skills as well as driving skills? I've had a lot of editors ask me for appropriate clips, but never whether I had proof of insurance and a good driving record.


"We are looking for aspiring female journalists for article submissions for a website. This is a good opportunity for new journalists to have articles published and shown to the world. You must be atleast 18 years of age. Have a valid drivers licence as well as valid car insurance. Good written skills as well as driving skills are required. Our website is female focused thus all of our journalists MUST be female. Simply send a short email detailing any writing or journalistic skills you have to the email address listed at the top of the page. All inquiries will recieve as prompt a reply as possible with further details. This is a very good opportunity to display journalistic skill and add to your resume and or portfolio."
Compensation: based on skill level.

I would be interested in hearing from anyone who replied to this ad!

Can You Write Content for Men?

If so, you might be able to write for these sites:

MSN Men’s Lifestyle

MSN Lifestyle: Men is looking for journalists who can write engaging, funny and informative articles on a variety of topics that appeal to men. From the single life to relationships with women to fatherhood and steps beyond, our audience wants articles that are entertaining, helpful and have a sharp point of view. Our site also regularly delves into such issues as barbecuing, playing golf, trends in home improvement and men’s fashion—or lack thereof—and outdoor activities, as well as the occasional personal essay . Got a knack for quizzes? We need quiz writers who can be funny and, even more important, illuminating.

Please spend some time looking at our site and then send us a query letter clearly outlining your idea. We want specific pitches or articles. We won’t respond to general offers to cover a topic. Also send us links to your best work. Writers should have published at least three articles in the past year.

Send pitches and clips to: freesub@microsoft.com

Sorry, but we can't reply to all submissions. If we're interested in talking to you further about your idea, we'll contact you.


MSN Boomers

MSN Lifestyle: Boomers is looking for journalists who can write in an engaging, inclusive and smart voice. From retirement to book clubs, our audience wants articles that are both entertaining and helpful. Our site also regularly delves into such topics as family, nostalgia, entertaining, dating, what to do in retirement, as well as the occasional personal essay. Got a knack for quizzes? We need quiz writers who can be fun and, even more important, illuminating.

Please spend some time looking at our site and then send us a query letter clearly outlining your idea. We want specific pitches or articles. We won’t respond to general offers to cover a topic. Also send us links to your best work. Writers should have published at least three articles in the past year.

Send pitches and clips to: freesub@microsoft.com

Sorry, but we can't reply to all submissions. If we're interested in talking to you further about your idea, we'll contact you.

The editor told me they pay up to $1 a word for "very clean copy."

An Interview with a Foodie and Wine Writer

Today, I'm interviewing Thomas Pellechia, a food and wine writer and author of the new book, "WINE: the 8,000 Year-old Story of the Wine Trade:"
Please tell us a little about yourself:
I've Been writing since 12 years old. Been published since 18. Been wine and food writing since 1988. In July, I will rack up half a century of writing.
Tell us about your book:
My most recent book traces the wine trade from its beginning, 8,000 years ago, to the Internet. I show how wine has been not only a cultural and spiritual force, but a major economic and political force throughout human history...it has even been implicated in some of the major historical wars, plus it has influenced some of the dominant historical men and women.
The book includes sidebar factoids, quotes, and wonderful maps and graphics.
How did you develop an expertise in writing about wine?
First, I have a passion for the product, a passion for history, and a passion for good food and drink. I took my passion to the top degree--I took winemaking courses, bought a vineyard in 1984 and I started up a small winery in the Finger Lakes region of New York. I produced wine for eight years and then I worked for a wine distributor, followed by opening a wine retail shop in New York City. In addition, I have traveled extensively throughout parts of the world where wine is produced. I also maintain my education through seminars.
To write about wine with accuracy and passion, I wanted to know every aspect of the wine world. To be frank, I get annoyed with wine critics, not because of what they writer about wine, although I do not engage in critique writing, but because so many of them have never had technical wine training. They are merely spouting their opinions, which is not the same as reporting facts.
How is writing about wine/food different than other sorts of writing?
For one thing, it is mainly nonfiction. For another, writing about wine and food is writing about all of life...it marries history, politics, agriculture, family, community, and even religion into one cohesive understanding of humanity.
Also, writing about wine and food takes me into all kinds of periodicals, from trade journals to consumer magazines, to newspapers and on the Internet.
Plus, it has gotten me into teaching wine classes, which I truly enjoy.
Do you have an agent, if so, how did you find them?
Yes, I have a literary agent now. I found him the Old-fashioned way. I sent out queries and a book proposal. For my first book I sent out proposals direct to publishers. I certainly found a publisher for that book (Garlic, Wine and Olive Oil) but I did not find as good a contract as my agent has.
How did you find your publisher?
The agent found my present publisher.
Tell us about the book proposal writing process. How do you approach it?
Writing a book proposal is like writing a business plan. First comes the story (the business), then comes the method (your mission), and then comes identifying the style of the book and the market (location and customer base).
But submitting a proposal is quite a specific matter...unfortunately, it hinges on the whims of the recipients. That is why I have established a submission style that emulates a long, personal letter rather than a formatted book proposal. Gets attention and clearly passes along my "voice."
When is your best writing time?
Mornings
Where is your favorite place to write?
In my personal office space, right by the fireplace and my grand piano.
Where can we find your book and when is it available?
My book is on the market in hardcover right now; a paperback edition is being released in April 2007. It is listed in all major bookstores, which of course includes that small online company called Amazon...
To learn more about Thomas, visit his websites: http://www.thomaspellechia.com http://www.vinofictions.com

Another Great Opportunity

"Currently looking to add to our writing team for a legal blog. The blog was started by a law school student. Great opportunity to get to your work posted on the internet through a very professional website. You must be a law student to be eligible. Send me an email if you are interested... "

Since the poster tells us he's a student and what a great opportunity this is and erased the line telling what compensation there is, I'm assuming this is another great opportunity to die of exposure.

Conferences - Not Just About Learning or Getting Assignments!

It’s March and many of my writing friends are currently planning on attending the ASJA conference in New York next month; the Chicago One on One in July or the Society of Professional Journalists conference in Washington D.C. in October.
I recently planned a small local conference sponsored by the Kansas City Press Club. I didn’t get to attend because my mother passed away a week earlier. However, the comments I received from panelists and attendees alike were that it was well-thought out and informative.
Those were huge compliment because that’s what a conference is supposed to be. But the best comments I received (and what I missed the most) were also how writers at the conference networked together. Several writers that had taken my classes and are now part of my facilitated online writers group got to meet. Writers also met the panelists and editors – and you just never know who might be able to get you work in the future. At least two of those panelists have passed work along to me in the past.
And making friends with other writers is an opportunity a lot of people simply miss at conferences.
At my first One on One conference in Chicago, a group of us went from Kansas City. We shared a room, sat together at lunches and unless split up by the conference committee, was pretty much together most of the time. Nothing wrong with writing friends sharing a trip, don’t get me wrong – we had a blast (remember Godiva on the shore of Lake Michigan under the spray of fireworks, Mahnaz and Lisa?)
However, the next year, my writing companions did not attend the One on One and so I went alone.
You know what? Being on my own forced me to go forth and meet more writers, network more with the editors who were there (within the rules, of course)! We were all looking for assignments, but I came away with so much more that year. Due to better networking, I made acquaintances of several out of town writers I now correspond with through email and talk to on the phone. One of these writers gave me tips into breaking into one of my dream publications; another one gave me three hard to find sources for my first major travel piece and yet another is my daily writing goal buddy. Oh – and networking better with the editors also landed me an assignment in one of my dream publications.
And the best part about successful networking is that you’re really not looking for who can get you where; good networking involves being drawn to people for the same reason you’re drawn to your other friends – you share something in common, they’re fun to be around or you have the love of the same foods. I don’t consider these people my business prey, but friends and colleagues. And, most importantly, I look for ways I can help them too.
So, writers, when you’re planning to go to any conferences this year – be they big or small – remember, you’re there to learn and depending on the conference, possibly land assignments – but don’t discount the power of networking with your fellow writers.
You and your new friends might just be able to help each other out and no matter if they help you land paying assignments, your life is richer because there are more people in it.

WARNING, WARNING, DING! DING! DING!

Can you spot the warning signs in this ad?

Writers Wanted: to cover both games and practices, and general news stories surrounding your local team. We are looking for motivated individuals with a passion for the game and an interest in writing. This is a perfect opportunity for Journalism/English students or recent graduates to build both their academic and professional resumes. Applicants must have strong writing skills, great personal skills, and a flexible schedule. We are looking for you to be our eyes and ears for any breaking news in your area. If offered the position you duties will include sending us match reports, team updates, and human interest stories relating to the team you’re assigned to. Stories will be considered for our website as well as our print magazine.
Compensation: writers will be paid per submission that makes it to print or website

Some Chicken Soup for Your Soul

Last week I featured the Cup of Comfort series as a paying market. I thought it only fair to give the Chicken Soup people fair coverage. Be warned though - your essay might be initially considered for a book title and you could even receive a contract. After that, your essay might fall into the black hole and your calls and emails will go unreturned. When the book title comes out, you might be surprised to find it evidentally didn't make the final cut. That was my experience, as well as at least one other writer I know. I eventually sold my essay to Common Ties. However, I do know several people who did make the final cut with Chicken Soup and they were happy with the pay and the byline.

The website has many titles they are cosidering. Here's just a sample:

Chocolate Lover's Soul: The deadline for story submissions for this title is March 31, 2007.
Christmas Collection: A timeless collection of stories that celebrate the magic of the season. The deadline date for story submissions is March 31, 2007.
Coffee Lover's Soul: The deadline for story submissions for this title is March 31, 2007

Go to the website at www.chickensoup.com

I'm always excited to interview authors on Mondays, but I'm particularly excited this morning. Even before I met Andrea King Collier at the Chicago Magazine Writers and Editors conference in 2004, I was already reading her essays. It seems she was in every magazine I read and she became one of my favorite essayists.
Today, Andrea talks about her new book and writing essays:

Tell us about your latest book.
The Black Woman’s Guide to Black Men’s Health published by Warner Wellness in Feb.

How did you pick this title, as a woman, wasn't it difficult to write a book about men's health?
I do a lot of health reporting. One of the things that always struck me is the poor health numbers for men of color. As the mother, wife and friend of black men, I was so concerned and wanted to do something to help impact their health. Women have a lot of influence in the health and lifestyle of their men. I thought it would be a wonderful experiment to get them focused on helping men become healthier.

It wasn’t difficult because I never tried to get into the heads of men on my own. I asked them what they thought. I also focused on how women could help. It is very much a woman’s book.

Tell us about "Still with me: A Daughter's Journey of Love and Loss," so many baby boomers are dealing with the death of their parents now. From my own experience, I know it is very painful, how did you find the strength to write this book. Was it healing for you? And how long did it take? The book is about my year as a caregiver for my mother who died of ovarian cancer. But I like to think that it is really is a love story. It was a labor of love, definitely. But time takes care of a lot of stuff. It was 10 years before I even talked about it. I think if I had tried to write about my mother’s illness and death in year one or two, it would have been a different book. And I might add that it wouldn’t have helped anybody—not even me. I needed distance to process it. I had to almost be older to tell it.

And no it wasn’t healing. I know you hear people say that. But for me, a lot of the pain and wounds of that kind of loss had healed over and when I started to explore all of it, it was like taking a seam ripper to it and popping all that stuff open. Short of having a contract to write it, I didn’t know why I was subjecting myself to that. It was later, as I met people who read it and who had been through it that I knew why I had been put in a spot to tell our story.

In my opinion, you're one of the most prolific contemporary essayists today. How did you become interested in essay? I did essay before I did anything else. It was the only way I knew how to tell a story. It was meditation, introspective work. It was calming and processing. And it gave me a chance to develop my voice. I would do nothing else if I could make a living at it.

So many writers want to write good essays, if you were to give them one piece of advice, what would it be? Always ask yourself what the essay is really about. The essay in its early stages goes here and there and everywhere. At the end of the day, the most memorable are the ones that are about a lot of things and one thing. You have to whip all that stuff into one thing. And the other thing is to figure out what your voice is. A writer who mimics John McPhee, or Jamaica Kincaid is just mimicking those she admires. But to come into your own voice as an essayist is an awesome thing.

How do you find story ideas? My ideas come from everywhere. I never have writers block. I just go out. I watch the news. I talk to my friends. I try on my pants that don’t fit. I burn a pot roast. I have a husband and kids and a messy house. I have everything I need to work with. I think I am an observer.

When is your best writing time? All the time.
Why? I am lucky. I can just turn it on. I do think I probably do more writing after 12 because I am better at taking care of research, answering emails and phone calls in the am. After 12 I don’t like to talk.

What is one writing quirk most people don't know about you? I love to do first drafts with a Sharpie. I love Sharpies and fountain pens. And I can’t stand for anybody to use my computer.

What is your next project? Working on first novel and another project that is being shopped.

Tell a little about your website and how it might help writers. There is a spot on my website (http://www.andreacollier.com) called My Dear Writer Chicks. It is practical stuff. It is like checking in and having a cup of coffee and talking about all the things we like to talk about. Finding agents, dealing with editors, writer’s block, excuses, writer envy, voice, etc. It isn’t too serious. It is kind of fun—at least for me.

The Old Increase Traffic to my Site Switch-R-OO!

I can't prove this is a scam, but if it's not, all of us are missing out on the best paying writing opportunity of the year!

"Seeking Writers and Photographers We are a new startup web site specializing in news articles about scandals in the US. We are looking for writers and photographers for original articles, opinion pieces and photographs.
Compensation: $30K"

It then gives you a website that leads you to a list of said "scandals," and a bunch of google ads, but no further explanation about who these people are or their writer's guidelines. I suspect this is an ad to get traffic to their site.

Putting "I" into Responsibility our Personal Communications

Although I did not feel so at the time, I really was lucky to have gotten a business degree and experience in that field before embarking on my freelance writing career.
That’s because I think my business background not only helped me develop my writing, but my overall communication skills.
Crammed in between all of the electives in English and History I could get into my schedule, I had to take several classes during my college years in business communications. These classes required study and developing skill in both verbal and written communication.
It was in these classes that I learned telephone etiquette and basic business letter writing. But more importantly, our instructors taught us how to deal with people, which is what you are doing whenever you send a letter or an email (I went to school long before email, but I feel basic etiquette still applies here).
Of course, all of us “lose it” at one time or another. We say things we shouldn’t say and now more than ever with the ease of email, fire off written words before thinking.
It never ceases to amaze me though, upon browsing writer forums or receiving emails from writers, how many of these people who are supposed to be experts in communication, lack basic business communication etiquette.
Several months ago, a new writer on a forum emailed me asking for my rates for mentoring services. I corresponded with this person a few times and then noticed the writer was not being very professional on a writer’s forum.
I wrote Writer A an email, since they had asked for my professional advice and tried to explain that on professional forums, it is not necessary to be right. It is necessary to learn from others, give professional advice when we have it and most importantly, network. Writer A thanked me, told me they didn’t realize what they were doing – and continues to this day to antagonize people. The result? This writer has alienated some of the very people who could have helped with their career – most people just ignore this person now, knowing it is unlikely their rants will contain any take away value.
Other similar situations have happened when people email me about one of my blog posts and work I’m doing through volunteer organizations.
One of the lessons I received in corporate communications training was “focus on the issue, not the person.”
You wouldn’t believe how many emails I’ve received with the phrases “You’ve done this…” “Please check your own website,” (when it is the organization’s website and I don’t have anything to do with it), and these are from people who are supposed to be professional communicators.
When writing a note to someone to give criticism or critique and suggestions while using the phase “you did this,” or “why can’t you do better?” only puts the receiver on the defensive and even if you’re trying to suggest something helpful, usually makes your suggestions null and void in the receivers eyes.
So, writers, again remember, you are not only professional writers, you’re professionals – period.
Use your writing skills not only to wow your editors, but also by inserting some people skills into your written communications.
The results may amaze you.

Writers = Tour Guides = No Pay

"We want to fill our site with as many ready-to-go tours as possible – so we are looking for writers/tour guides to write, record, and send in their material pronto. Creating and posting material is entirely FREE, and what you earn for each downloaded tour is up to you. So the creativity and earning potential is entirely in your hands. If you create a $10 tour, and 70 people download it – well that’s $700 in your pocket. You create something once – and it can continue earning you money for years. No experience required."

Or, if you create a $10 tour and no one downloads it, that's -$0- in your pocket.

Comforting Work

Just received this in my email box this morning. This is a legitimate, paying outlet:

A Cup of Comfort Call for Submissions

The bestselling Cup of Comfort book series is actively seeking inspiring true stories for six new volumes (see below). We seek narrative nonfiction stories that read like fiction. Stories must be uplifting, original, in English, typed, titled, and 1000-2000 words.

$500 grand prize; $100 ea. all other stories; copy of book. No entry fee.

Email submissions to wordsinger@aol.com. No attachments; one submission per email. Include full name, mailing address, email address, phone number.

For detailed writer’s guidelines: www.cupofcomfort.com.

Some of the upcoming titles: A Cup of Comfort for
Single Mothers
Horse Lovers
Cat Lovers
Breast Cancer Survivors
Spouses and Children of People with Alzheimer's
Divorced Women

Submission deadline: 12/31/07

How to Write How To Books

Today I'm interviewing Brette Sember, an author of a wide variety of How to type books. She tells us how she comes up with her subjects and how she specializes in such a wide range of areas.

1). Tell us about yourself: I majored in English in college and went to law school. I didn't enjoy the practice of law very much, so I left after my second child was born. Writing was what I was meant to do and I enjoy my work every single day. I write about a wide variety of topics - pregnancy, business, credit, divorce, senior rights, gay rights, and I even have a textbook coming out. I also freelance and write for many magazines. I teach a book proposal class and enjoy presenting at conferences. I'm an expert for several web sites and also do copywriting.

2). Tell us about your book: My most recent release is The Essential Supervisor's Handbook: A Quick and Handy Guide for Any Manager or Business Owner (Career Press). I co-authored it with my husband who is a VP at a communications firm. It's this terrific, accessible book designed to help new and experienced managers communicate with their employees, create a productive work atmosphere, and move their own careers ahead. It's filled with tons of lists and checklists and I think it's a very useful guide.

The book I am writing right now is called Unmarried with Children (Adams Media) and I am really excited about this book. It's a comprehensive guide for parents who have never married - whether they are an unmarried couple, single mom or dad with no other parent involved, an unmarried couple that broke up, gay couple, and so on. This book is SO important because a home with two married parents is now the exception, rather than the norm (only one in four households have this) and a recent study predicted the numbers of unmarried parents is going to continue to skyrocket. So, I'm writing a guide to help these parents navigate things like paternity, child support, cohabitating, living apart yet parenting together, and being creative about how they solve problems in their family.

3). You have such diverse titles, from pregnancy to seniors to divorce to gay medical rights. How do you come up with your topics? The key for me is to look for a need. Since I write self-help and how-to titles, I look for information people are looking for, or a need that hasn't been filled. Even though a topic like pregnancy might be something that has been covered a lot, there are specific groups who need specific information, such as plus-size moms - so that's why I wrote Your Plus-Size Pregnancy. It's the same situation with the Unmarried with Children book. There is a gigantic group of people out there having and raising children outside of marriage and until now, everyone has ignored them. I want to help them understand their rights and offer them some support.

4). Your next three books are topics dealing with children, are you narrowing your focus? No, that's just how it's turned out. Parenting is definitely one of my interests and areas of expertise, but I'm not limiting myself in anyway. I've got a lot of different proposals out there about a lot of different topics, so I continue to explore a lot of areas.

5). Do you have an agent, if so how did you find them? Yes, I have an agent. I'm actually on my third. With the first two, I looked for someone who handled things in my interest areas. With my current agent, I was more selective. I wanted someone who would help me focus on my career and decide where to take it. I don't recall how I got her name, but I did intensive Google searches about her and followed up on the references she gave me. I interviewed her over the phone and asked some very hard questions. I've been very pleased with my choice. She's become a great friend as well as my trusted agent.

6). What is the most challenging aspect of writing a book? Selling it! I love coming up with ideas, writing proposals, and writing the book. Convincing a publisher to buy it is the biggest hurdle - my agent is so important for this. Publicizing the book after it's out is also hard work. It's a bit of a challenge for me since I have books in a wide variety of subject matters, but it's something I take seriously and work hard at.

7). When is your best writing time? Why? Mornings. I actually would love to start earlier than I do, but I like to take my kids to school and then I walk every morning, so I don't usually settle down to writing until about 9:30. I get a lot done between then and lunch.

8). What advice would you give to any other writer when writing a book proposal? This is something I talk a lot about in my class. A book proposal has to be much more than just an outline of your idea. A book proposal is a sales tool. Your job is to convince a publisher to buy it and the proposal is the material that will convince them.

9). Tell us one writing quirk about you that no one else (yet) knows. I love purple pens! It drives my husband nuts because I'm always writing checks and signing important papers with them, but I adore them. I painted my office purple, since purple is a color that inspires creativity and the purple pens just seem to go with that.

Brette's books can be found at any bookstore or through the major online outlets.

The Money is a Bonus

We are a baseball website covering all 30 MLB teams. The type of writer we're looking for is in the Bill Simmons/Deadspin/Chuck Klosterman vein, but we aren't looking for clones. We don't want traditional beat writers. We're looking for people with something original to say. Basically, we want someone who can make humorous and insightful observations that the average fan will find entertaining. Candidates should be prepared to post at least 2-3 times a week during the season. We work on an ad revenue share, meaning you will split ad revenue with the other 29 writers on the site. It'll take a while for cash to come in, so we're really looking for someone who wants to write because they enjoy it, the money, however large or small it is, should be kind of a bonus.

Another ad revenue sharing scheme that will most likely never materialize into that bonus cash.
Could someone explain to me why these scammers don't think writers need to pay their bills?

Uh, is he Really Looking for a Writer?

This was posted on a daily e-job letter I receive everyday. It's so strange and creepy I couldn't resist posting it here:

"Female Writer Needed for a Book (Comp: $750/week) Date: 2007-02-22, 1:09PM EST I am not a writer, However I have a great idea for a book. I am willing to fund the writing process and share in the profits. The book is based on real life sexual experiences of a female. You will be asked to share some of yours, as well as research and interview others. I will pay a salary of $750 weekly until it is written, and then split proceeds 50/50. Please send some info about yourself and a picture as possible. "

One of the women who responded to the ad evidentally sent him a photo and he responded that it was very nice. The emails evolved into him admitting he wasn't looking for just a writer.
Not sure why anyone would respond to this type of an ad and send this creep a photo, but to each her own...

And yes, we do pay

HotelsByCity is looking for travel writers who living in and around the Memphis area. We are excited to launch our new blog section and need the best and most current travel information about the city you live in. And yes, we do pay. Sign up today to gain exposure to over 18 million travel visitors annually. For more information please visit: We are currently accepting bloggers in Memphis.
Compensation: Advertising Based, 75% of all advertising dollars are paid out to the Writer.

My first clue to this one was the "sign up today to gain exposure." Writer's aren't used car salesmen, HotelsByCity, we're professionals and should be paid based on our work, not what you generate in ads.

A Good One To Ease Back Into

Ah, one can take a break and hope the world has changed and scammers looking for something for nothing have left the planet, but alas they have not.....

"For Two Million Dollar Loan/SBA and for other Grants Getting Loan depends heavily on Business Plan.
Compensation: One Dollar plus percentage of Loan when approved"

I haven't been working for three weeks and I'm still not hard up enough for $1.