Freelance Writing Jobs

Good Writing is Good Writing Regardless of Price

Deb — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:25:40 +0000

Yeah, there’s a lot of bad writing flooding the Internet and it’s one of my pet peeves. However, bad writing has nothing to do with the cost of each piece of writing. It doesn’t matter if it’s free or cost $5,000 to produce, good writing is good writing.

Low pay doesn’t breed bad writing. There’s bad writing on the web because:

Anyone can be a writer on the web.
Many web-based content companies have loose hiring standards.
Many web-based companies don’t offer editorial or mentoring for new writers.
Many web-based companies don’t have fact checkers on staff.
Anyone can be a writer on the web.

Yes, many entry level gigs don’t check a writer’s samples or background before hiring and this is part of the problem. Also, many entry level web gigs don’t have an editor checking every piece of writing to make sure it’s grammatically and factually correct. It’s easy to see why we associate bad writing with low pay. However, there are good writers who write for free or write for millions, the skill of a writer has nothing to do with pay. You either have it or you don’t.

To say certain compaines are flooding the Internet with “crap” because they’re a “mill” or because they offer entry level pay is a display of ignorance. There are good writers with impressive backgrounds at all web based content sites. Moreover, certain content sites have strict hiring policies and even stricter article acceptance policies. They may churn out remarkable amounts of content every day, but that doesn’t mean the content is “crap.” Good writing is good writing regardless of price and if you think pay commands good writing, I recommend you read the “Twilight” series.

Do I wish all web content sites would be more choosy about their writers and the writing they accept? Absolutely! I won’t go as far as to lump all these sites together because they’re not. There are a few content sites that reject articles that aren’t up to par, and a couple of these websites don’t even accept more than 50% of the writers who apply.

Good writing has nothing to do with price. Yes, I wish entry level writers were paid more money, however, I won’t go as far as to say they produce “crap.”

Deb’s disclaimer because people like to take my words out of context and twist them to their own benefit: I am not saying everyone should work for low pay, or only work for low pay, or take a content job and never do anything else, or write content full time. I feel all writers should make the best choices for them, do their best, and know that there are always better opportunities. This post isn’t endorsing low pay, it’s making an observation that the size of the paycheck doesn’t necessarily lower or raise the quality of the writing.

The Importance of Networking – With the “Competition”

Deb — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:55:42 +0000

I spend at least an hour each day visiting an assortment of freelance writing blogs. I find it important to network and show support for the bloggers and blog readers in the freelance writing community – and even other communities.

Though I know there are some people who feel other bloggers are competing against each other, I don’t find this to be the case at all. I harbor no animosity or bad will towards other freelance writing bloggers, and I hope they all do well. To me, the Internet is like one big networking event except without the catering. (Hopefully we can work on that part soon.)

Why do I feel it’s important to network with the “competition?”

1. Because they’re not competition: There’s room for everyone. I know writers all have their favorite blogs, but most bloggers can read more than one blog without feeling disloyal to their favorite bloggers. No one is taking traffic away from anyone else. No one is taking revenue from anyone. No one is taking business from anyone. If you’re a good blogger, if people like what you say, you can have it all, regardless of the other bloggers out there.

I like to think of other freelance bloggers as “opportunities” rather than “competition.”

There’s the:

Opportunity to share ideas.
Opportunity to reach another community.
Opportunity to invite others to visit your own community.
Opportunity to learn.
Opportunity to share an opposing point of view or expand on another blogger’s point.

Even a negative situation or disagreement is an opportunity.

2. Because they have some good ideas: The freelance writing community is very creative. Visiting other blogs helps to inspire our own creativity. While I believe in the importance of giving credit where it’s due, there’s nothing wrong with admiring another blogger’s idea and even using it as the launching pad for our own awesomeness. I’m not a fan of copying other bloggers posts and patterns, but I’m a big fan of using another person’s good idea to raise my own bar.

3. Because we should all support each other: Honestly, I don’t really understand why this freelance writing niche incites so much anger. People snipe at each other about rates or the types of jobs they should take. Does anyone stand outside the local McDonalds and yell at the cashier to find a better opportunity? No. Does everyone stand outside of the local Real Estate office and tell the receptionist she needs to earn over $9 an hour? No. Yet with creative jobs certain people find it a personal affront for writers to accept lower paying, entry level positions. It’s silliness. We should support each other instead of insulting each other or questioning another writer’s choices. Mutual respect goes a long way.

4. Because we can all complement each other: Yesterday a blogging buddy Skyped me because he was so excited about a domain name he reserved. He wasn’t quite sure what to do with it, but it was a very cool name. By the end of the ten minute Skype we brainstored at least a half dozen ideas of what types of sites and services will go well with that domain name. Sharing is amazing. Ideas leads to more ideas. Brainstorming sessions among creative people can lead to brilliance.

5. Because working together is always better than working apart: I don’t really think I need to elaborate here.

6. Healthy competition is good becase it lights a fire under our butts. Seeing other people do well or try their hardest is an important motivational tool. It reminds us of what we can do if we put our mind…and our hearts…into it.

What are your thoughts regarding the compeition?

6 Tips for Receiving Feedback from Your Freelance Writing Clients

Deb — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:16:53 +0000

Client feedback is essential for freelance writing success. Even though we may not want to receive constructive criticism, not to do so could mean the end of our business. Look at it this way, even negative feedback offers the opportunity for improvement. Soliciting feedback from clients is just good customer service. Some freelancers aren’t sure how to take criticism, or what to say to a client who offers unsolicited advice. What follows are some tips for receiving feedback from your freelance writing clients.

1. Say “thank you”

When your clients offer feedback, say “thank you.” Don’t take issue, don’t take offense, and don’t fire off an angry email in return. Keep the relationship respectful, even if you disagree. Your client isn’t dropping you. He’s saying, “here’s a few things you could have done better.” That’s never a bad thing. It’s an opportunity waiting to happen.

2. Take everything into consideration

Both good and bad feedback should be given the same consideration. You want to think about the things you do right and how you can apply them to your business, and, also, what you can do to improve. Feedback is valuable because our clients tell us the things we may not see on our own. Thinking about negative feedback and making necessary adjustments might mean more business.

3. Ask questions

Your client is reaching out to you and telling you he either liked something or that there was something about your service that was lacking. Ask questions about what you did right, what you did wrong, and what you can do to improve.

4. Poll a variety of clients

Sometimes a client can be a little difficult. If you’re not sure how to take your client’s feedback, poll a variety of clients to see if they have the same experiences. If they do, you’ll have a lot to think about and a lot of decisions to make.

5. It’s Nothing personal

If you have a good relationship with your client he’s not offering criticism because he wants to make you feel bad. It’s because he values your business and wants to keep you on. By offering suggestions for improvement he’s letting you know the steps you can take to keep him as a client. He’s giving you a second chance.

6. Take action

If you receive negative feedback, take action. Put your customer service skills to good use. Offer a discount or a freebie in order to get back into your client’s good graces. Make the necessary improvements.Your clients will appreciate your going the extra mile.

What do you do when a client gives feedback?

10 Tips for Telling if an Article Contains Reliable Information

Deb — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:41:44 +0000

Bad content floods the web. It’s so bad that schools are giving out guidelines for sites to avoid when collecting information for reports. Many writers also use the web to research information, but how can we know if it’s someone else’s unreliable content rewritten ten times, or if it’s a realistic investigation or expose?

Perhaps these tips can help:

1. The article contains verifiable and checkable facts

Speculation isn’t fact, it’s speculation. Magazines and reputable websites have fact checkers on hand to check sources and content. Every important bit of information needs back up. If there is no basis for a statement or idea, move to an article written by someone who can put his money where his mouth is and back up his facts with proof. Look for studies, surveys, interviews as the basis for an article.

2. The article presents a balance of the pros and cons

Even in depth investigations leading to a negative result will list the positive plus the negative. If an article is angry in tone or sounds like a perky sales pitch, you’re not receiving all sides of the story. A good writer will present ALL the facts and let the audience draw their own conclusions.

3. Sources are real people not initials or ” word on the street”

Citing vague sources such as “some people say” or “experts claim” doesn’t prove anything. Who are these people? Who are these experts? Look for specifics, “according a study at the Mayo Clinic…” or “freelance writing blogger Anne Wayman says…” These are sources you can check. You can make sure the facts are correct. Vague information only leads to more vague information. Testimonials by unnamed, anonymous sources only tell you they may not be true. Real names back up real facts.

4. Interviews are conducted with all parties involved

If an article presents interviews backing up one side of the story but glaringly omits interviews backing up the other side of the coin, you have to wonder if the author is stating all the facts. A good writer knows his story won’t be hurt by presenting both the pros and the cons. In fact, a good writer knows if he leaves out important bits of information, his reputation is on the line.

5. The investigation contains actual information instead of handpicked letters from disgruntled sources

If an “investigation” consists of nothing but quotes or email excerpts from angry, no name people, consider the validity of the argument. A good writer isn’t afraid to interview all parties involved for an article, investigation or report. A good reporter doesn’t shape facts for his benefit. If you’re reading an investigative piece that isn’t fair and balanced, move on to the next article.

6. References are provided

As mentioned above, a reliable article includes references so the reader can verify facts and draw his own conclusion. Sources can include reputable university studies, reports and articles from government organizations, books and articles in well known magazines. Using vague web content on free article sites probably isn’t a good idea because many of these articles are written to create traffic for the writer’s website or blog. Always consider the source and check references before making a decision about whether or not an article contains reliable information.

7. Does the author have an agenda?

Does the article sound like an angry, bitter hate piece? It’s probably not a reliable article. Does it sound like the author is trying to drive traffic or promote a product or service? It’s probably not a reliable piece. If an article seems slanted in one direction or another, you’ll have to ask your self if the author has an agenda. Sometimes it’s so obvious you can spot the agenda a mile away. A good, reliable article will be even in tone without trying to sway the reader to one side or the other. Readers should always be left to make their own decisions.

8. The author of the article has a reputation for presenting fair and balanced information

Certain authors build trust among their readers. Good authors sell newspapers, magazines, books and drive traffic to websites. If an author has a reputation for presenting a fair, balanced and reasonable point of view, it’s easier to trust their articles as containing reliable information. (We’ll get into the different ways to trust a particular writer in an upcoming piece).

9. The article contains information not found on every single other article on the web

You can tell when an article is Googled and rewritten over and over again. The articles all sound the same and all contain the same information. Look for the articles that present new facts and arguments. Look for the articles that are written to inform rather than to bring in advertising revenue.

10. The article is hosted on a website or in a publication with a good reputation for providing quality content

Always consider the source. If the article is hosted on a website you haven’t heard of, research its hiring policies. Does it accept anyone without an audition, or do writers and editors have to submit to testing? Does the website or publication have a good reputation for presenting facts without a lot of spin? These are the sources to trust. Don’t blindly accept an article as fact, always consider the source.

Writers are smart people. We can tell if an article is written in five minutes or if the author has an agenda. We can spot rewritten content a mile away. Always use reliable sources for your research because it’s your reputation on the line. Just because it’s written, doesn’t make it so. Use your gut and get out your magnifying glass. If it smells rotten, it probably is.

Where do you go for your information – and how do you know it’s correct?

Pitch to the “Hidden” Places that Hire Freelance Writers

Deb — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:56:03 +0000

Have you ever done a search for “freelance writer” only to land on a gig that isn’t for a freelance writer at all? For example you may land on a job for an editor who has to “supervise freelance writers” or a managing editor who has to “hire freelance writers”. Don’t click away from these gigs yet. They’re actually offering valuable information — they’re telling you these businesses hire freelance writers. Even though they don’t have job ad requesting freelance writers, it doesn’t mean they’re not open to the idea of reading your pitch and, at the very least, keeping your details on file for future reference.

Here’s what to do:

Contact the business - Don’t necessarily ask if they hire freelance writers. Instead, ask for the name of the person who hires freelance writers or the name of the person who is the hiring agent or in charge of human resources. Unless you’d prefer to do a cold call, in which case you’d have to get past the receptionist and that’s not likely. I never cold call without sending a bit of information ahead anyway.
Research the business: Many ads list the company’s name and location. Learn as much about the business as you can to find out if you’re a good fit. For example if they’re a pharmaceutical company and you have no experience writing health, medical or pharmaceutical related material, you’ll want to pass. If it’s a business that manufactures sustainable materials and you’re a green living expert, you may have found a job for which you’re well-suited. Besides, it’s always a good idea to know everything you can about a business you want to work for in order to better make your pitch.
Send your pitch: Rather than a cookie cutter “please hire me or keep me on file” type of pitch, create a letter that touches on your experience and why you would like to work for this business. Let them know how you will benefit their business and their brand and offer bang for the buck. This is where your research comes in handy.
Include your resume: If your past experience will benefit you in landing a gig, by all means include it with your pitch. List past happy clients and let this potential client know you’re happy to provide references upon request.
Include testimonials: Having a list of glowing testimonials will only help your cause. Make sure each testimonial is from a check- able reference.
Include contact details: Don’t forget a business card or sheet listing your contact details.
Follow up: One to two weeks after sending your package, give a call to follow up. Ask for the person who you sent the package to. If this person doesn’t know who you are explain how you sent a package containing your details as a freelance writer. If you’re told the other party can’t come to the phone, do leave a message but also ask when for a good time to call back. Don’t be a nudge. If you don’t hear back in a few days call again. If you still can’t get through to someone ask the receptionist to leave a note saying you appreciate having your details kept on file in the event they’ll need to hire a freelancer. If you make a pest of yourself, they won’t want to work with you.

Even though they may not be advertising, plenty of businesses hire freelance writers. Finding ads for other writing and editorial professionals may help lead you to these “hidden” markets.

What have you got to lose?

I am a content thief. If you’re not reading this blog post through an RSS Feed you can pretty much assume I’m a slimy spam blogger and stealing content from someone else’s blog.

Hey Content Sites: Enough With All The Job Ads Already

Deb — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:21:18 +0000

I take a lot of heat for defending certain content sites who hire writers for entry level opportunities. However, I have a pet peeve with many, and I’m sure you’ll share my sentiments.

I can’t stand when web content sites flood the job boards. Every city, every state, every town, and in some cases, every country.

Most writers look beyond their towns for finding freelance writing work. They look in the major cities and they check job search engines such as Indeed. There’s no need to flood the feeds. This only makes you look spammy. We see your ads, we simply don’t want to see them too much.

When content sites flood the feeds with job ads, people assume many things:

You’re spammy.
You have a high turnover rate.
You can’t hire enough writers.
You’re annoying.

None of these are good things. Please stop spamming the job boards. I can understand an ad in each major city and perhaps one on each different job board. But when you hit Monster, Yahoo! and others with an ad feeding into each different city, town, street, avenue or municipality, you’re wearning on my nearves. Enough with all the job ads already.

Tax Tips for UK Freelancers

Deb — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:15:16 +0000

by James Hendicott

Working for yourself is great, isn’t it? You get an open schedule, a nice mixed bag of employers and plenty of creative freedom. Wait, nobody told you about the paperwork? Well, if you’re a casual freelancer with a small income, you might not have to worry too much (see how to pay, and how to calculate payments). If this is the start of something big, though, you’d better get on with registration… here’s a quick lowdown on freelance tax issues to get you started:

How to register with HMRC: So you’ve just received that first fulfilling payment as a freelancer? Well, you probably don’t want to deal with every tiny intricacy of the self-employed tax system right from the start, but there are a few things you simply have to do. First of all, you need to register immediately, as the UK tax authority can be pretty strict on punishing those who don’t. You can do that here, and find the information you’ll need on HMRC’s helpful PDF, here. You’re almost certainly a ‘solo trader’, unless you are part of some kind of writing partnership. If you want to keep hold of your national pension (and other – including to some extent NHS health) benefits, you’ll need to look into National Insurance Contributions, too. The simplest way to do this is by direct debit, which you can set up through this form – the fixed amount is currently £2.40 per week, so it’s certainly not something to be too concerned about. Remember to keep a thorough record of your business-related income and expenditure (with receipts, where possible, even if they’re just PayPal ones), too, as this is vital in calculating your final payments, and will save eons of time should the dreaded audit come along later.

How to pay, and how to calculate payments: The best way of completing your annual tax return is probably online, as it allows you to complete it over time, and gives an additional three months to do so on top of the paper application deadline (online deadlines are the 31^st of January). It also calculates your taxes automatically, and will provide you with complete details on how to pay them. You can find a step-by-step guide here. If your total earnings are less than £5075 (this figure changes year on year), you may be exempt from certain charges altogether, though you’ll still need to register here. You don’t have to worry about registering for VAT unless your turnover exceeds a certain amount for the year (currently £68,000). Further information on all these steps can also be found in PDF form here.

Account keeping and Tax Breaks: Aside from just noting down your income, there’s another side to account keeping for freelance writers. You’re entitled to claim a range of business related expenses against your income, which can include anything from the computer you use to business cards, and even the utility bills for any part of your house that you use for your business, though you’ll need to keep receipts for all of these claims (so claiming on an old computer’s unlikely to make the cut). All of these factors can be added easily to your online tax return, though you should be careful about exactly what you claim, as you could end up with a penalty. A detailed explanation on what can be claimed (and what can’t) can be found here. When it comes to tax breaks, you might benefit from being part of a cohabiting couple, having children or having been out of work for sometime before embarking on your freelance quest. The benefits can be substantial, so that’s always worth checking out, too.

Employing Someone Else: Wow, you are doing well, aren’t you! In truth, most of the time you’re better off sub-contracting work to other writers should it come to that, and letting them deal with their own tax issues. If you do need to become an employer, though, you’ll need to register for PAYE (employee Pay As You Earn), as well as contributing to your employees National Insurance Contributions. As most of us will be in dreamland should we ever reach this level of success, we’ll leave you lucky people to find out more for yourselves, here.

Most of us fall well within the simpler parts of the UK tax system, but should you need to look at things in an altogether more complex way, there are regular open days, and advice is available by phone, too. Fortunately, the government wants you to get your tax right almost as much as you want to avoid being audited, so there’s usually a way to sort out more complex issues. A good place to start is in calling business link on 0845 600 9006 (in England – slightly differing regulations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland mean they have their own numbers, which can be found on page 29 of this PDF). Tax can be a complex world, but being able to hold your head high and say you run your own business is a worthy reward, right? Best of luck.

Why Negativity is So Positive

Deb — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:49:01 +0000

Here’s something to consider:

Many writers try to inspire or evoke emotion and fail miserably. If you write something and receive a negative reaction, you didn’t fail. You inspired others to act. Consider yourself a success.

How sad would it be if you wrote something and no one responded? Or if every one just said, “oh I agree” and left it at that. If people are angry with you, if you touched a nerve, you’re doing your job as a writer – even if you don’t feel that way at first. Not everyone has the talent to inspire others to react. Take it as a job well done.

What have you done lately to inspire passion?

10 Ways to Get Your Freelance Writing Foot in the Door

Deb — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:11:53 +0000

We’re talking about freelance writing experience today. Many writers mention how hard it is to get their proverbial feet in the door without having to take entry level web opportunities. It’s true, these jobs are the simplest to get, but there are other ways to get started as a freelance writer. They may not take the easy way out, but they’re tried and true. Continue some of these ways for getting started as a freelance writer.

Ten Ways to Get Your Freelance Writing Foot in the Door

Work pro bono – Though I don’t recommend writing for free, I have been known to do so for a good cause (and sometimes a few relatives). For example, few years ago a friend approached me about writing a brochure for a Habitat for Humanity event. Though they offered to pay, I didn’t accept. It was for a good cause and I felt the clip to be a resume booster. It was and still is. Charity work pays in more ways than money. Since then, I’ve more than a few pieces for charity and even some for local businesses that needed a boost.
Contact local newspapers and magazines - Many small newspapers, magazines and “Pennysavers” don’t pay much, but offer good opportunities for getting started as a freelance writer. Local newspapers often look for articles of interest to the community. Pitch public interest pieces or offer to cover town meetings and events.
Contact local businesses: Who writes the paragraphs for real estate in the real estate magazines? Call Realtors to find out. Who handles brochures or web copy for businesses in your area? Contact them to find out. Businesses always need writing but they don’t always have the time to look for a good, affordable writer. Make a list of the place that might have a need for writers, and give them a jingle.
Talk to friends, family and neighbors: Let everyone know you’re open for business. In their travels they might find someone who needs a writer and recommend you.
Advertise: If you don’t mind putting out a little money you can advertise in the newspaper, local business publications, the church newsletter, and on community bulletin boards. You might also create a writer’s website and use keywords to direct local businesses to your site.
Network: Join clubs, especially those geared towards the community or small businesses. I had a few very good gigs come from being the president of a local women’s organization that I originally joined for recreation. Attend conferences and seminars and even non-business-y events like local dances or lectures.
Join a professional organization: Why not join your local Chamber of Commerce or a small business owners group? How about a freelance writing organization, The Society of Professional Journalists or the National Organization of Women Business Owners? The people who are members of these different organizations like to hire within.
Write for the web: Web writing opportunities are plentiful and profitable. They range in all levels of pay and will help to build up clips and experience.
Start a blog: Start a blog in a topic you know well. Not only can this help establish as an expert, but it will also catch the attention of potential clients. For example, say you’re a former wedding planner and you decide to start a wedding planning blog. Someone looking for a wedding writer might come across your blog and contact you. You will also have several posts to use in querying for wedding writing opportunities.
Create your own clips: If you need some clips to land work and don’t have any, write a few in your areas of expertise. Run them through a second pair of eyes to be sure they read well – and then use those clips when you apply for available opportunities.

How did you get your foot in the door?

Also see: 30 Types of Freelance Writing Jobs and How to Get Them

Freelance Writing Experience: Does it Matter Where Your Clips Come From?

Deb — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:56:53 +0000

Credit where it’s due: A few days Jodee Redmond wrote: “Will Taking a Low Paying Hurt Your Career.” Jodee’s post is the inspiration for this one.

Disclaimer: This post isn’t encouraging writers to accept low pay, it’s merely a discussion of whether or not your low paying past will hurt you when you apply for other gigs.This discussion isn’t about low pay or whether or not writers should accept entry level opportunities. It’s whether or not these opportunities will cause you to lose work.

When I was younger it was my dream to become a newspaper columnist. I couldn’t wait to see my little picture and byline at the top of a column. Several years ago I found my chance when a new newspaper opening in a nearby major city, advertised for journalists and editors. Even though they weren’t hiring columnists, I didn’t think it could hurt to query. Taking a deep breath, I pitched anyway, for a column about saving money. All I had to show my style were a bunch of clips from entry level freelance writing jobs. I sent them, pitched and landed a regular gig as newspaper columnist. No one ever came back and said, “Sorry. You wrote for low pay. We don’t want you or your stinking clips.”

Good Writing Matters More Than Pay…or Even Experience

When a potential client asks for clips, they want to get an idea of your writing style.They want to know you can handle the material. Many times clips that are related to the potential client’s niche are fine, even if they come from a low paying market. Many times your client has no idea what the other places pay. I often recommend writers who have no experience write up a few articles and use these to apply for jobs, and more than a few have been able to land jobs using unpublished clips. Good writing stands out. You can be the most experienced writer in the world but if you send in bad clips you won’t get the gig.

To be fair, if you’re applying for a high paying journalism job and only have certain types of clips, an editor might be inclined to pass you over in favor of someone who has actual journalism experience or has written for well-known magazines. However, those same clips might land you a higher paying gig in a niche topic, if this is something you write about often.

Every career has entry level openings and positions and none of these positions hurt, they only lead to valuable experience. I believe this to be the case with low paying opportunities as well. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t set your goals higher, but taking entry level gigs for the experience isn’t a terrible thing.

Who is Really Looking Down On You?

There’s a lot of speculation on the web that writers who accept entry level gigs are seen as “laughingstocks” or have “no self respect.” However, I don’t see many hiring editors say this. It’s only from anonymous commenters and freelance bloggers who don’t approve of entry level opportunities. Again, when I was first freelancing, not a single editor or client told me I couldn’t have the job because I wrote for low pay in the past. When I worked in publishing, we never looked a writer’s past pay, or even experience when considering freelancers for our magazines. We put more value into the pitch and the clips. We didn’t look down on anyone who wrote for free or earned very little money. One more time because people tend to misquote: I don’t believe every writer should only work for low payers and not aspire to do better, and that’s not what this piece is about. My point is that entry level opportunities won’t hurt your career.

Granted….

Many schools won’t accept certain content sites as sources for reports and articles. However, this has nothing to do with freelance writing jobs. In my experience, it doesn’t necessarily matter where you have worked in the past as long as you put forth a good effort. It’s sort of like an audition for a television show or movie. Sure, big names have a better chance of getting the job, but that doesn’t mean the C-list or Indy star won’t land a role in a major movie. Always put forth your best effort no matter who you write for and soon the sky will be the limit.

What is your experience? Has using clips from entry level opportunities helped or hurt your career?