It’s hard to visit an online writers’ forum and not hear people talking about freelance match-making services like Contently, Ebyline, Scripted and the like. How do they work? What kinds of assignments do they have? What do they pay? How quickly do they pay?
The services pair publishers, agencies or brands looking for contributors with freelancers looking for work. Most maintain searchable databases of available gigs. Some offer free online portfolios writers can use to create profiles and list their specialities and clips. The services have been around for several years, but their popularity is growing as more freelancers look for opportunities in content marketing writing and more companies outsource editorial work.
If you’d like to learn more and you live in the Bay Area or will be there this weekend, find out about these publishing platforms directly from the people who run them by attending a session I’m moderating at the American Society of Journalists and Authors’ New Avenues in Journalim conference.
Freelance Marketplaces
The session I’m moderating takes place Friday, Oct. 10, at 1 p.m. Speakers include:
- Peter Beller, director of content at Ebyline
- Sunil Rajaraman, CEO of Scripted
- Bill Loundy, director, Contently
- Brooke Stoddard, ASJA Freelance Writer Search
During the session, you’ll find out:
- How the publishing platform or service works
- Types of publishers, brands or clients that use it to find writers
- How many writers are signed up for or use each service
- Typical projects offered through the service, and what they pay
- Payment methods and how quickly are writers paid
The conference takes place Oct. 10-11 at San Francisco State University, and it’s not too late to sign up. Register and see a complete schedule here: ASJA New Avenues in Journalism.
Read one of my latest Orange County Register career columns for more tips for freelance success: Freelancers are on their own, but they’re not alone.