tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832086699025401540.comments2023-08-16T06:37:42.688-05:00Master Dayton | Freelance Writing | How to Be a Freelance Writer | How to Become a Freelance WriterMaster Daytonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474000076679558912noreply@blogger.comBlogger409125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832086699025401540.post-49076341414821183522013-09-11T16:09:57.677-05:002013-09-11T16:09:57.677-05:00Thanks so much for this review! I'm relatively...Thanks so much for this review! I'm relatively new the freelance writing field but would love to be able to make a living from it. I saw a job posting for Demand Media Studios on Pro Bloggers jobs and wanted to make sure it was an authentic opportunity, because I've been accidentally sucked into writing mills with lousy pay before.<br />Grace Terihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15866534443625733366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832086699025401540.post-58087130372066262032013-04-18T03:43:05.853-05:002013-04-18T03:43:05.853-05:00Just wanted to add my website which I just started...Just wanted to add my website which I just started, nichebooks.org. You can post your writing services there :)Niklashttp://www.nichebooks.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832086699025401540.post-48126975722519915612013-01-12T01:23:28.261-06:002013-01-12T01:23:28.261-06:00Hi Chance,
If you know the basics at even a junio...Hi Chance,<br /><br />If you know the basics at even a junior high level then there's a good chance that you're already fine. It's often much more important to write to understand than at a certain level, though with medical writing there may be specific style rules for that genre. For general writing rules I'm a fine of this site from Purdue University:<br />http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/1/5/Master Daytonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12474000076679558912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832086699025401540.post-17157914476790576532013-01-12T01:18:31.951-06:002013-01-12T01:18:31.951-06:00Hey,
Thanks for visiting! I just saw Chris's...Hey,<br /><br />Thanks for visiting! I just saw Chris's plug for me on Facebook - love his energy and kind spirit. Hope you find plenty useful here and on the new site, and thanks for stopping by! I'm definitely stoked to be exchanging guest posts with him. Take care!<br /><br />Best,<br /><br />ShaneMaster Daytonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12474000076679558912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832086699025401540.post-80989118087848767202013-01-10T15:36:14.523-06:002013-01-10T15:36:14.523-06:00Came to check you out. Chris (iworkofftheclock) ga...Came to check you out. Chris (iworkofftheclock) gave you a plug on Facebook :) Interested in what you've got to say!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832086699025401540.post-36696568375133422212012-11-27T08:20:19.166-06:002012-11-27T08:20:19.166-06:00I am a nurse who is looking to get into medical wr...I am a nurse who is looking to get into medical writing. I have no formal writing training. I am wondering if you have any suggestions on where someone like me can learn the basics of writing? It is this fear thats holding me back. Also, Do you suggest that people use any particular writing software to help with grammer? Thank you in advance. Chancehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00656262065872318829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832086699025401540.post-83231086716939204562012-09-30T12:06:47.955-05:002012-09-30T12:06:47.955-05:00Hi Clare,
Thanks for the kind words. Yeah - I...Hi Clare,<br /><br />Thanks for the kind words. Yeah - I've had plenty of the soul crushing jobs in the past. In the long run they're just not worth it, especially if the stress leads to health problems. Getting over fear is a major thing, and the rewards in all parts of your life are great if you can do it!Master Daytonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12474000076679558912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832086699025401540.post-12129329153721483862012-09-30T11:57:07.782-05:002012-09-30T11:57:07.782-05:00Thanks Prudence! It's good to get back into t...Thanks Prudence! It's good to get back into the writing groove once again!Master Daytonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12474000076679558912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832086699025401540.post-57917362337045255572012-09-30T11:52:50.520-05:002012-09-30T11:52:50.520-05:00Hey Nicole, I really appreciate your kind words - ...Hey Nicole, I really appreciate your kind words - thank you! It's always nice to know people are getting a lot from my writing, and to know I'm making a difference. Thanks again for your kind words!Master Daytonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12474000076679558912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832086699025401540.post-27546871013949421502012-09-28T08:54:01.391-05:002012-09-28T08:54:01.391-05:00I'm not really understanding the concept of pa...I'm not really understanding the concept of passive and residual income. I believe I almost have it grasped but any articles or book titles you could send my way that might finally make it clear for me? I haven't even begun but I'm doing my homework so I can join the ranks of freelance writers.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832086699025401540.post-38601810344338917832012-09-22T21:41:14.841-05:002012-09-22T21:41:14.841-05:00Hello
I have actually never seen your blog before...Hello<br /><br />I have actually never seen your blog before but stumbled across it today... And its probably the first thing Ive read today that has helped me with my recent decision to quit my 9-5 job that was making me miserable and sucking the life out of me and actually persue my passions.<br /><br />Im 5000 words into a novel and hit a wall with my working situation... Ive always been so afraid of not making enough of a living that I have done jobs I hate purely for money and it has not been much of a life. I am not at a point where with all my heart I know "fear is the opposite of success" and will no longer be fearful.<br /><br />Thank you for such an insightful post.<br /><br />ClareAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832086699025401540.post-89807656484139256362012-09-11T00:50:15.592-05:002012-09-11T00:50:15.592-05:00A very strange thing happened with me - I suddenly...A very strange thing happened with me - I suddenly got an email saying that I had been accepted at DS, sent in the tax form and added all the other stuff they wanted.<br /><br />I started applying for many specialities and got rejected on each one, though it was content published online or in print!<br /><br />Before I could do any of the 'test' assignments, I got an email saying that they had revoked my writer permissions!<br /><br />Then I got another email saying that they accept writers from only USA, Canada, etc. etc. and as I am in India they cannot accept my application - this after I queried online about how to go about accepting assignments.<br /><br />I got a welcome package from them and spent considerable time going through all the pages and filling out my profile, etc. etc.<br /><br />I wonder why they accepted me in the first place, then sent me a welcome package and then revoked the permissions and then said they don't accept writers from other countries!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832086699025401540.post-56594809115786319702012-08-27T14:50:43.162-05:002012-08-27T14:50:43.162-05:00Welcome Back!!!!!!Welcome Back!!!!!!Prudencenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832086699025401540.post-25372432128011467662012-08-18T16:34:24.697-05:002012-08-18T16:34:24.697-05:00Welcome back! Although I am not a freelance writer...Welcome back! Although I am not a freelance writer (actually I'm not a writer at all), I enjoy reading your posts and wondered what might have happened during your long absence. <br /><br />You may ask, "Why would a non-writer read my blog"?<br /><br />There are a number of reasons:<br /> <br />1. I read it because it is well-written. <br />2. I read it because I find it interesting and informative. <br />3. I read it because I am impressed by your compassion to reach out and help those who are where you used to be. <br />4. I read it because what you share with your readers about the things you've learned, covers more than just the lessons of writing. It covers the lessons of life.<br /><br />So, be encouraged. There are those of us out here who silently read your posts, never commenting. We too are learning. Lessons you may not have known you were teaching. <br /><br />All the best to you in both your current and future endeavors. Nicolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05670326470943139826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832086699025401540.post-24160883565226326822012-08-08T14:02:37.691-05:002012-08-08T14:02:37.691-05:00I see here that you have been thanked more than en...I see here that you have been thanked more than enough times already, but I really wanted to tell you how much this blog is helping me. I am an unemployed mother of two teenage boys. Being unemployed is extremely hard, but it pressured me to actually pursue the career I have always wanted. I was struggling with the what, where and how, of starting out when I stumbled upon your blog. It has been a godsend. I am following your advice and have made it to number twenty-three. I have been accepted at the two freelance websites you mentioned and put up profiles on the paid blogging sites you also recommended. I plan to continue and follow your advice till the last fifty. Thank you again!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16785219419508346162noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832086699025401540.post-55799783541184958772012-04-25T12:17:17.125-05:002012-04-25T12:17:17.125-05:00I really loved this blog and am trying to learn an...I really loved this blog and am trying to learn and "find my way", but I need help. I don't have any writing education at all. I just love to write. I would thoroughly enjoy being able to do so for income, as I was recently laid off. I've been doing accounting for years and prior to that was secretarial work (and board meeting minutes), but I've written journals for myself my whole life. I have no clue which way to go for what in today's world...blog...keep it to myself...website...head for a "freelance" career...do you have any words of wisdom for me? <br />California ThinkerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832086699025401540.post-4135049570678006562012-04-01T06:53:24.549-05:002012-04-01T06:53:24.549-05:00Masta,
Love your style of writing and have read m...Masta,<br /><br />Love your style of writing and have read most of your blog post etc. on Freelance writing. Ever need website help, I'll be yor Huckleberry.<br /><br />The Southern Gentleman,<br />RusselliciousRussellicioushttp://www.sem-copywriters.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832086699025401540.post-88327066990119036472012-03-26T18:56:37.778-05:002012-03-26T18:56:37.778-05:00I have a question. I am using my blog as a refere...I have a question. I am using my blog as a reference point for the websites who ask for a "snippet" of writing or a link. I never know how long a "snippet" is so I just provide the link. But the direction of my blog is my journey into the gaming industry, not necessarily reviews, even though it contains some. My question is: Is it appropriate to send potential clients to that blog? Or should I create another one? Also, can I copy and paste a review, or article, I did on my blog and put it into Associated Content and Constant Content? Thanks!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01465885452401359104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832086699025401540.post-1425095296426010452012-02-24T23:21:05.959-06:002012-02-24T23:21:05.959-06:00I think Elance, and I'll throw in Guru.com sin...I think Elance, and I'll throw in Guru.com since I consider them extremely similar, can be really good places to get started, but you also need a realistic view of how long it'll take. It's a great way to learn to pitch yourself, and especially with Elance to see how good bids are written and learn to do the same. I found the hardest part is getting those first few jobs. Once you get a few positive reviews the % of jobs you nail down goes up dramatically, but getting those first sales are going to take some time - with me it took 3 months to really open it up on Guru.com and about the same on Elance, but that's my experience.Master Daytonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12474000076679558912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832086699025401540.post-55598009628468891652012-02-11T05:35:02.549-06:002012-02-11T05:35:02.549-06:00What's your opinion about freelance writing at...What's your opinion about freelance writing at elance? Is it worth it to give it a try for a newbie like me? Thanks.Ben the Business Idea Guyhttp://www.smallscalebusiness.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832086699025401540.post-50519381403217377622011-12-29T02:52:40.484-06:002011-12-29T02:52:40.484-06:00Hi Ryan,
Thank you for the kind words, and thank ...Hi Ryan,<br /><br />Thank you for the kind words, and thank you for reading the entire post. You bring up a lot of great points that show you did indeed read the whole thing and then took the initiative to really check things out yourself. I very much appreciate that.<br /><br />So I'm going to answer this in two parts. I've been meaning to update this post, but the past five months have been insane and it's just not done yet. In my most recent blog post which they won't let me post for some reason. Look for "Times They Are a Changin" on this blog on September 12.<br /><br />However I don't answer all of the questions you ask in the post so I'll try to go over them here. Keep in mind as always that this is my personal opinion and is true as of when I'm writing this - things can always change down the road.<br /><br />In the past 7 months there have been massive changes. You might see this referred to as TKA 1.0 versus TKA 2.0, with 2.0 being the new methods. I actually think this is a good thing. Several times Mark and others in the forum have mentioned that the original methods still work, but if you don't care about quality or aren't careful with how you linkbuild, there's a chance later that you will lose that income when Google slaps your site. A major part of TKA 2.0 is "review proofing" your website to stabilize your income.<br /><br />Several of the older tools have been retired, but I'm not as concerned about that. As long as Post Runner is working so you can create high quality backlinks, the others don't matter. They're just gravy. As Google makes it harder and harder to do keyword research, it makes sense to move to a method that doesn't require "rankability" formulas that are near impossible to follow now, and aren't always completely accurate.<br /><br />As for Mark not being as active, I'm not sure about this to be honest. I don't pay attention much. I know there are more posts than ever, still high quality webinars released on a consistent basis, and plenty of serious help from the forums. This could be legitimate as a complaint, but it could also be along the lines of a "What can he really do to further help you?" direction. There are incredible tutorials for beginners, videos, webinars, and at the end of the day the TKA members section already has more than all the help and tools anyone needs to succeed and there are plenty of helpful voices in the forums, as well. I don't think that Mark running the site is a detriment at all, and honestly I only occasionally go to the forums so I can't honestly speak on that side of it, though it hasn't affected my sites from continuing their earnings growth :)<br /><br />When it comes to reviewing the Keyword Academy, my personal opinion is that the new Keyword Academy methods are more useful than ever and at $33 a month I'm never going to complain based on what they offer. Long term, it's worth the risk. As Mark often said, the only way you fail is if you quit. Keep at it and eventually you will make it.<br /><br />If you're in it for the long term, then I strongly recommend sticking with them and taking the daily action they recommend to get your websites ranked and staying there. Google changed the online world back when the first Panda updates came out and the fact that The Keyword Academy admitted the old methods still worked but were no longer stable, and that new methods were needed, is exactly what you would want to hear after something as major as Google's Panda changes.<br /><br />So my final thoughts are I absolutely believe that TKA is definitely worth it, and a few articles in Post Runner every day alone is more than worth the monthly expenses, IMO.<br /><br />Hope that helps. If I missed anything, just let me know. Thanks for reading and thanks for the comment! <br /><br />Best,<br /><br />Shane "Master" DaytonMaster Daytonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12474000076679558912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832086699025401540.post-35582383668419423282011-12-28T20:18:00.395-06:002011-12-28T20:18:00.395-06:00Master Dayton, I enjoyed your review and appreciat...Master Dayton, I enjoyed your review and appreciate the other resources you have put together on your site. In fact, my wife and I have signed up for TKA using your affiliate link based on what we read here. So far, I am very impressed with the success principles presented and TKA's approach makes logical sense (from my perspective having no IM experience). That said, today I saw some posts in the forum (on what appeared to be the most recent and most active thread) that indicate there may have been some significant changes even in the past 7 months since you wrote this review. From what I read, it seems that many of the tools you mentioned have been retired. Additionally, the site is now run by Mark alone which isn't bad in and of itself, but several veteran as well as newbie members, have indicated Mark has not been particularly involved in the community lately. There also seems to be a question as to if and when the content and tools are going to be revised. These things introduce some uncertainty to say the least, and at worst reduce the attractiveness of TKA as an ongoing tool worth investing in. My wife and I are entrepreneurs already, so we are not averse to risk and hard work, but given that building a quality content rich site is not a small or quick endeavor, I am just seeking current, relevant information that can either confirm or deny the viability of TKA's present methods and their future outlook. I sincerely hope for confirmation as the idea behind TKA is certainly appealing. Any input you have is greatly appreciated!Ryan Godseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16574941976259308519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832086699025401540.post-91776103234749052832011-12-12T23:09:12.774-06:002011-12-12T23:09:12.774-06:00Hey Anonymous,
Thanks for the kind words! I'...Hey Anonymous,<br /><br />Thanks for the kind words! I'm a little behind because of the holidays and some crazy real life issues, but the new blog and site are coming, as well as some free reports. I've actually tried pitching to a few colleges to let me teach some freelance writing classes as an adjunct, but no takers. Shame - because it would not only let them stand apart from other schools but I know I would have loved a class like this when I was back in college.<br /><br />Definitely note the date of each post - the newer the post the better the advice although I think a lot of the classic posts still have plenty to offer in my opinion. I'll be doing more here but eventually moving most of my efforts to my own site. Sign up at top for updates and that way you'll stay in the loop.<br /><br />Thanks again for the kind words, and good luck!<br /><br />Best,<br /><br />Shane "Master" DaytonMaster Daytonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12474000076679558912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832086699025401540.post-90501339958598737982011-12-12T22:09:51.688-06:002011-12-12T22:09:51.688-06:00I was lucky enough to stumble upon your blog tonig...I was lucky enough to stumble upon your blog tonight, and I just wanted to extend a HUGE thank you for all of the work that you've put into it!<br /><br />I also majored in English in college and found it pretty easy to string a few words together in academic writing, but without a comprehensive understanding of the other aspects of the business, freelancing never seemed like a viable option. Thank you for breaking everything down and making it seem very accessible. After a few weeks of research this is the first legitimately helpful source I've found for beginning freelance writers, and I'm so excited to read through the older posts to get my footing to pursue this part time. <br /><br />I hope you'll continue this venture in some capacity - I can't even express what a lifesaver this site has been, and I'm looking forward to passing it along to my friends who have been as interested (yet lost) as me!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832086699025401540.post-47396036722733005312011-12-06T17:19:45.814-06:002011-12-06T17:19:45.814-06:00Kate,
Thanks for the kind words - always apprecia...Kate,<br /><br />Thanks for the kind words - always appreciated. I'll try to answer your questions as best I can, though not all of them are clear cut. You can go either way with starting as a freelance writer: you can set up your own website with writing samples uploaded (and you always should have samples on your professional site). As for numbers, it helps to have URLs to point out or have writing credentials but at the end of the day the writing samples and writing on your website is most important. Writing is one of those fields where proven skill and ability far outweighs credentials and resume. If you're an exceptional writer and that shows through, then the rest doesn't really matter.<br /><br />Which also brings up another point I probably don't bring up enough - even experienced freelance writers need to keep working on their skills over time to keep honing and sharpening their abilities. If you're not making well over $20/hr or more, you still can improve.<br /><br />For pen names, I would generally use a normal one, or I often use my own name. As far as cute or unusual, I very rarely recommend this unless you're doing something less formal or it fits into a market - like sports blogging, video game blogging, or outdoors stuff. There a penname that's a little less professional makes sense, and even "Master Dayton" is what I used here because this was never meant to be a "look at me and hire me" type of freelance blog, though I have gotten work from here. It's a fun name, it gives the informal and fun atmosphere I wanted, and in the end if things took off it's pretty marketable. So even when it's a "fun" name I think very carefully about what to choose.<br /><br />As far as the Keyword Academy goes, there's no wrong answer. I know $33/month can be a huge cost to someone starting out, and I have enough bills to know it can be a lot even later on. If you're really short on income, there's nothing wrong with starting out writing 10-20 good blog posts and saving them, then posting them to a website when you're ready before joining the KWA. I know some friends who are really tight on budget and are writing blog posts and supportive backlink articles prior to joining since they might only have a few months to really stay with KWA if they don't get early results.<br /><br />The Keyword Academy is amazing for beginners and for experienced Internet Marketers, in my opinion, and is the single best program out there. You get tools, searching, great forums and webinars, and they're always adding more great stuff. Building a solid money making website has become much easier since they've been around, IMO. <br /><br />Anytime you're building your own site, it's going to take time and effort. As for how long before the Keyword Academy is helpful, that's tough to say and depends on what you mean. I think they're extremely helpful and useful from day one, but if you mean how long until you see the tangible effects, that's hard to say and depends on the niche, the site, and many other factors.<br /><br />Hope that helps. Feel free to ask any more questions you might have and I'll do my best to answer.<br /><br />Best,<br /><br />ShaneMaster Daytonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12474000076679558912noreply@blogger.com