tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17690428530506588212012-02-14T12:23:10.464-08:00This blog is exclusively dedicated to the trials, tribulations and successes of Indian Freelance Writers and the art of weaving words. Feel free to air and share your views, experiences, tips, opinions and what have you.Feel free to mail in if you wish to write a guest post.Shuchi Kalrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454605275255852452noreply@blogger.comBlogger341100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769042853050658821.post-35666537162490738472011-10-15T00:35:00.000-07:002011-10-15T00:36:12.643-07:00

Building strong and long-lasting relationships with your clients is an important part of running a successful business and more so, if you happen to be a freelancer. Your equation with your clients will ultimately determine your career prospects and work opportunities. Besides, it never hurts to have a few connections scattered over the field – you never know which one might come in handy

Shuchi Kalrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454605275255852452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769042853050658821.post-12311287337560527382011-10-15T00:30:00.001-07:002011-10-15T00:31:16.099-07:00

Building fruitful relationships with your clients is not very difficult – it only requires a little investment in terms of time and effort. Here are a few easy-to-follow tips that can help you keep your name on the radar when a client is on the look-out for a writer. Make Social and Business Networking Sites Work for You Connect with your clients on networking platforms like Facebook,

Shuchi Kalrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454605275255852452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769042853050658821.post-38960932586461623212011-09-13T00:26:00.000-07:002011-10-15T00:15:50.148-07:00

There is an ocean of publishing opportunities waiting for Indian freelance writers in the travel and lifestyle sector. Travel publications are constantly on a look-out for new and exciting content on destinations, weekend getaways, festivals, food and wine as well as hotel and restaurant reviews. If you happen to be the footloose, globe-trotting types, there is an ocean of publishing

Shuchi Kalrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454605275255852452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769042853050658821.post-86971878062655723852011-09-13T00:22:00.000-07:002011-10-15T00:36:10.364-07:00

Are you a fashionista who also knows her way around words? Do changing trends and ramp shows intrigue you? Can you dish out sartorial tips and advice to fashion victims? If yes, then writing for fashion may be just the genre for you! The Indian fashion scene is booming right now and this spells fabulous news and a riot of work opportunities for freelance writers. Indian fashion magazines

Shuchi Kalrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454605275255852452noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769042853050658821.post-1295668516061403942011-03-22T07:50:00.000-07:002011-03-22T07:58:02.134-07:00

I know, this blog has been dormant for quite a decent while now. Well, truth be told - something has been keeping me busy apart from the usual assignments and I'm happy to share it with all my fellow writers.Pixie Dust Writing Studio, a writing and editing firm founded by me, launched earlier this month and the response has been phenomenal (touch wood). Since the incoming projects are pacing up,

Shuchi Kalrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454605275255852452noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769042853050658821.post-21182036306266958612009-10-13T21:58:00.000-07:002011-10-15T00:40:43.380-07:00

Heya All, I had posted this opening a few weeks ago but due to some unresolved issues on the recruitment front, the process had to be stalled for a while. However, SEO & More is now hiring SEO and article writers on a part-time, work-from-home basis. The profile is as follows: - You will be required to write 10 business profiles (of 200 words each) every day. - You will be expected to be

Shuchi Kalrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454605275255852452noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769042853050658821.post-89510331907495759462009-10-08T19:59:00.000-07:002011-10-15T00:15:41.227-07:00

There was a time when a pen, paper and talent would have been enough to make a writer out of a person. However, the modern age professional writer is far removed from his medieval counterpart. If you plan (or hope) to make a living in India or anywhere else as a writer, there is much more you will be expected to have and expected to be. Here are a few essentials that may help you climb the

Shuchi Kalrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454605275255852452noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769042853050658821.post-70814943024618496722009-07-02T06:46:00.000-07:002011-10-15T00:15:13.362-07:00

I had always enjoyed writing and reading what I had written. The bad outcome of this ‘fulfilling’ habit was this – I became the only reader who mattered. Soon my articles began to get complicated. They started flowing in lengthier, meandering paths. (Hey that felt good!) Initially it was the ‘non-English-enjoying’ group that moved out. Then it slowly began to encompass others – one at a time.

Ashley.Vinilnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769042853050658821.post-51011780077884669962009-06-25T00:05:00.000-07:002011-10-15T00:14:53.130-07:00

Actually I did not choose freelance writing rather it chose me. It is not to say that I did not make efforts to become freelance writer. I just prepared my resume and posted it on the job portals. So I started getting calls for interviews. I did not expect it at all! It boosted my confidence. But all of these were full time positions. I went for interviews and I finally I got the job. Actually,

Vandana Singhalnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769042853050658821.post-5184783615579634302009-06-25T00:00:00.000-07:002011-10-15T00:14:31.982-07:00

I am an experienced freelance writer now. But it was not so few years ago. I took to writing very late in my life. I am a science graduate with a diploma in computer software applications. Like all other youngsters I also had dreams of making big in the software field. After I finished my studies, I started job hunting but could not get any interesting offer. I took the job of a computer

Vandana Singhalnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769042853050658821.post-28532281106714421332009-06-23T22:02:00.000-07:002011-10-15T00:14:10.951-07:00

My dad was always an outdoor person, with ‘TV watching’ taking a distant second. It changes, the moment the football season starts. Everyone and everything gets pushed aside and he takes full control of the TV remote (the room too – for he explodes with action too). I on the other hand, was never a ‘sports’ guy, despite repeated attempts to make me interested. (oh! I did win many a match

Ashley.Vinilnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769042853050658821.post-71336776168626258532009-06-23T06:57:00.000-07:002011-10-15T00:12:57.026-07:00

So you have made forays into the big, not-so-bad world of freelancing, but “how much to charge” still remains a dilemma, doesn’t it? Being the million dollar question that it is, there is no precise answer to this one. However, that will not stop me from trying. Once you are done establishing a freelance writing business, you will soon receive queries from prospective clients asking for a “quote

Shuchi Kalrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454605275255852452noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769042853050658821.post-26939570123911044382009-06-22T02:54:00.000-07:002011-10-15T00:13:43.394-07:00

Dear All One of my previous clients, Prosmart Ltd., is looking for freelance writers for a rewriting project. You will be required to rewrite 500 questions and the pay rate is Rs.3/question. You may be asked to submit a sample. Contact Mr.Venunath Oggu at 91-9908118341 email: venunath.oggu@gmail.com PS: This is an urgent opening! Good Luck! This opportunity is now closed.

Shuchi Kalrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454605275255852452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769042853050658821.post-48474183470733782682009-06-18T20:01:00.000-07:002011-10-15T00:32:01.038-07:00

Want to make your way into print but don’t know how to begin? Writing for magazines is a good way to earn some decent bucks. The first step towards getting published is pitching your article right. Follow this simple guide and how to pitch articles to Indian magazines and publications. 1. Read as many magazines as you can and narrow down to the ones that are in sync with your style. Do they

Shuchi Kalrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454605275255852452noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769042853050658821.post-90776709892710632072009-06-09T07:09:00.000-07:002011-10-15T00:12:38.330-07:00

Belonging to a doctor-infested family, embarking upon a medicine-related career seemed like a natural and obvious choice. Confused and rather clueless about where my path would eventually take me, I got into Optometry School complete with scholarship and the works. My grades constantly reinforced my belief that science and medicine was all that I was cut-out for. Just as I had begun to feel

Shuchi Kalrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454605275255852452noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769042853050658821.post-42416883558057829282009-05-29T00:10:00.000-07:002011-10-15T00:18:49.059-07:00

Dear Friends, I recently received a freelance job offer from a company called Neoventis. Since I will not be able to take up the gig at the moment, I was wondering if any one of you would be interested. You will be required to write original as well as rewritten articles and the payout is $10/1000 word article .They will probably ask you to submit a sample assignment which will be paid for.

Shuchi Kalrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454605275255852452noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769042853050658821.post-78726081881796648832009-05-14T00:56:00.000-07:002009-05-14T01:00:29.578-07:00

This is a two-part series published on Chillifreeze:Building strong and long-lasting relationships with your clients is an important part of running a successful business and more so, if you happen to be a freelancer. Your equation with your clients will ultimately determine your career prospects and work opportunities. Why you should work on building relationships with your clients?Quick Guide

Shuchi Kalrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454605275255852452noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769042853050658821.post-9962255302357418302009-05-14T00:48:00.000-07:002009-05-14T00:55:53.460-07:00

Hello Readers, Long time, no post! Reason being that I have been way to busy with work (which is not a bad thing at all). The good news is that I got an offer from Chillifreeze to guest blog for them.The bad news is that I cannot republish those posts here :(. Don't worry though. I will keep you updated on the topics and provide a link to the chillibreeze blog where you can view the complete

Shuchi Kalrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454605275255852452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769042853050658821.post-14426808444730510322009-05-01T01:02:00.000-07:002011-10-15T00:19:35.635-07:00

It is every freelance writer's nightmare to work for a client who conveniently goes "poof" after completion of the project. And yes, it happens more often than we would like. What can you do about it? Nothing!! Take it as a lesson learned the hard way and move on. In India, you have only yourself to depend on to safeguard your rights and interests as a freelancer (atleast as far as my knowledge

Shuchi Kalrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454605275255852452noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769042853050658821.post-80263536679573707352009-04-27T10:26:00.000-07:002011-10-15T00:12:20.665-07:00

Someone once said to me, ‘Poonam, you should watch your words, because they can create a negative impact on people.’ What he was referring to, then, was the unending string of abuses hurled at him after an exhausting fight. While I decided to take up writing as a full time career option, he prides in giving me, what he calls a nudge, to take the plunge. For him, I took up writing because he

Poonam Advaninoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769042853050658821.post-91780472319945929862009-04-27T01:08:00.000-07:002011-10-15T00:12:08.484-07:00

Any writer worth his/her ink (ok,this phrase sounds so cliche but I'm going to use it anyway) knows how much surroundings can affect productivity. Whether you are a poet, novelist, blogger or a copywriter, you will probably need a set-up that will boost your imagination and get the juices flowing. 1.Most professional freelancers work from what they call a 'home office'. Now, this may not be an

Shuchi Kalrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454605275255852452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769042853050658821.post-40555060587650412192009-04-21T00:41:00.000-07:002011-10-15T00:32:38.688-07:00

Here is an article that I came across in a newsletter by an unknown author.It may be helpful: 1. Whether you are lucky enough to have a room dedicated to being an office, whether you work in the spare bedroom or whether you have to work at the dining room/kitchen table - keep it tidy. If your desk is clear and free from clutter there's a better chance that your mind will be, too! 2. Make sure

Shuchi Kalrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454605275255852452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769042853050658821.post-22582001224763941482009-04-15T20:02:00.000-07:002011-10-15T00:11:38.220-07:00

The oft repeated response I get when I tell someone what I do for a living usually goes like : "Oh you're a freelance writer! That must be a dream come true, isn't it?". Well, the answer is yes and no. While writing has always been a hobby and I feel great about being able to pursue a career that I love, freelance writing as a profession is not always a cakewalk. Try telling people that you '

Shuchi Kalrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454605275255852452noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769042853050658821.post-71368794179397259582009-04-15T20:01:00.000-07:002011-10-15T00:19:54.030-07:00

A good portfolio is what distinguishes a professional writer from an amateur. In the writing industry, all that matters is experience and proof of skill. While a well-written resume can summarize all that for your prospective employer or client, it is only a portfolio that can actually showcase your skill set effectively and help you land a gig. So what if you have just stepped into the arena?

Shuchi Kalrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454605275255852452noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769042853050658821.post-58464323422661481052009-04-07T21:25:00.000-07:002011-10-15T00:20:11.105-07:00

Eversince I got enlisted on the Writers Bureau "Writer of the Year" Award section on their website, I have been receiving countless calls and emails from a lot of aspiring writers from across the country. Just to make it easier for myself, I have decided to type out a detailed post about the course and some FAQ's that prospective students may have. I feel extremely glad to be able to help

Shuchi Kalrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454605275255852452noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769042853050658821.post-69739651436076111342009-04-02T22:17:00.000-07:002011-10-15T00:16:02.660-07:00

The first step in writing about art is the most important and also the most challenging- the choice of subject. The subject chosen should be accessible, within one’s scope of comprehension and make for interesting and inspirational writing at the same time. Further, while approaching a work, it is essential to analyze the context. When you enter a museum, are you gripped by its aura and

Shuchi Kalrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454605275255852452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769042853050658821.post-91496768991581493112009-04-02T22:15:00.000-07:002011-10-15T00:16:10.297-07:00

Plagiarism has forever been deemed as an unethical act of using another author’s content and passing it off as one’s own and a “crime” punishable by law. All around in the academic and literary world, there has been great hue and cry about plagiarism and copyright issues- often with disastrous consequences for the “plagiarist” as well as the “client”. All this is not without a reason and the

Shuchi Kalrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454605275255852452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769042853050658821.post-89027008404271234862009-01-03T00:53:00.000-08:002011-10-15T00:16:20.674-07:00

Do I really need to take a course in writing? Is it worthwhile to spend time and money on a writing course? Will it benefit me professionally? These are questions that often plague the mind of an aspiring or upcoming writer - and justifiably so, considering the numerous courses spawning all over the internet. Today there are full-time, part-time, distance and online learning courses offered by

Shuchi Kalrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454605275255852452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769042853050658821.post-57184069618008715832008-11-29T11:43:00.000-08:002011-10-15T00:16:26.901-07:00

Good writers treat writing as serious business and not just an extended hobby. The competition is as fierce and the professionalism is as intense as in any other job. Various kinds writing courses are now mushrooming all over which help writers to polish their skills and learn the nuances of writing as a serious profession. · For the sake of convenience, professional writing can be divided

Shuchi Kalrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454605275255852452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769042853050658821.post-71324560856953414542008-11-27T00:39:00.000-08:002011-10-15T00:16:44.363-07:00

Sure it’s great to be a talented writer and know your way around words, but it’s no good unless you get out there and show the world what you got. Many skilled writers perennially remain out of work just because they do not know how to market themselves effectively. No point having an invisible shop in the midst of a busy marketplace, eh? The writing industry is booming all over the world and

Shuchi Kalrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454605275255852452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769042853050658821.post-47413552243999376952008-11-26T22:35:00.000-08:002011-10-15T00:16:52.184-07:00

Freelance job portals are brimming with openings like “We need 15 articles in a day on different topics. $ 1/article. Constant flow of work. Long term project. Blah.Blah and some more Blah”. Projects like these may seem alluring to beginners or to those who are desperately seeking some kind of work- nothing wrong in it, I must add- but are they really worthwhile in terms of time, effort and

Shuchi Kalrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454605275255852452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769042853050658821.post-38478851236118756522008-11-25T09:22:00.001-08:002011-10-15T00:17:04.404-07:00

So, you have followed your true calling and embraced the written word as a means for earning your livelihood. Here’s what to expect- total disorientation, rejection slips coming in as regular as your newspaper, un-replied mails in your mail-box, desperation to see your name in print as soon as possible…you get the picture. Nothing gives more pleasure than being published and being appreciated

Shuchi Kalrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454605275255852452noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769042853050658821.post-53141741533611737842008-11-25T09:04:00.000-08:002011-10-15T00:17:17.878-07:00

Freelancing, in plain and simple terms, means –“work whenever you want and however you want!” Imagine the luxury of not having a boss whose sole ambition is to make your life as difficult as possible, not having to wake up to go to office at inhumanly early hours, not having to beg for a leave to go on that long awaited vacation with your family and at the same time being able to handle family,

Shuchi Kalrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454605275255852452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769042853050658821.post-89268252501842438692008-11-25T07:50:00.000-08:002011-10-15T00:17:33.370-07:00

Any one of us who has ever written something as a hobby or for a living, would know that the Indian freelance market is a far cry from its "richer" international cousins. Things are a lot different for a freelance writer in India and the current blogs, portals and forums sort of don't address the concerns that we are faced with everyday- like, How much money can one make as a freelance writer in

Shuchi Kalrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454605275255852452noreply@blogger.com0