One of the first posts I ever wrote was about a site called Textbroker. In fact, it may have been my very first post – I’ll have to check. I’ve mentioned Textbroker in several comments and when advising new writers where to start writing for money, I always point them to Textbroker.com.
One of the methods used in writing for Textbroker is Direct Orders. These are orders where a client has seen your other work on Textbroker, they like what they see and they want a specific writer to do a job for them. This was the case when I received a direct order from Kelly who needed web content written for her new, all natural cosmetics website. Now I know it’s hard to believe, but I typically don’t wear make-up. Really. Guess what. I took the job anyway.
Huh?
Well, I did have the advantage of having recently completed a stockists directory for a UK company, where I reviewed and wrote descriptions for 50 cosmetics sites. So I guess I wasn’t completely out of my league.
Kelly was and is a great client. She is easy to work with, very clear on what she is looking for and is not prone to fits of indecision (re-write itis). I developed content for her about page and home page and a few other things and then…
I received her request to name and give product descriptions based on pictures she would send of her lip gloss line. Hmm says I. I’m thinking Old Spice, English Leather and Hi-Karate are about all I might know about this.
But I’m not afraid
I recently wrote a post about fear and writing. An addendum to that post would advise writers to not be afraid to spread their wings and give something new to them a try. In fact, keeping your focus too narrow will cause you to miss out on valuable work. This is part of the reason I accepted Kelly’s request. And the fact that she is a good person in general.
Actually I had a lot of fun coming up with names and descriptions. It was a form of creative writing that left me satiated.
BitternSweet
Just this last week I heard from Kelly with a request for more writing. She also let me know that Bitter Sweet Cosmetics was now live with their web site. I headed right over for a look. it still amazes me to see something I’ve written in a different setting other than a Word doc. I had to smile as the product names and descriptions came to life. Shazzam, Dark Tangerine Blitz and Electric Passion were there in all their glory. Their sister glosses equally bright, the products page just rocks.
It was fun to help a great new company. I really felt like a team member and through the writing, I was able to see the value and importance of an All Natural cosmetic line.
The takeaway
If I had said, “What? Name a cosmetic line? But what does a 48 year old big ol’ bald guy know about THAT?” I never would have had this great experience. I would have closed a door instead of opening one.
Do not be afraid to take on a job because you know nothing about the subject. Heck, I’m writing a 70 page e-book on Ant Extermination right now. Not much of an entymo um, enta ant guy right now, but I sure will be when I’m done. I’m writing 20 SEO articles for an operating system I’ve never used. Get the point?
Be excited to spread your writing wings a little. Run with it. Have FUN with it. You’ll be glad you did.
I often find myself researching things in almost every article I write.
In fact, most of what I write is just as much to help me as it is the next guy.
I enjoy it though. Because I love learning, and I don’t think I’ll ever be satisfied if there is something left in the world to learn.
Steven-Sanders´s last blog post..7 Blogging Mistakes You Should Avoid
I only write for myself right now, but I remember one of my first writing jobs was doing my mom’s daycare newsletter when I was about 14 years old.
George, you have got to share that on the forums, I think they’d get a super kick out of it!
Tracy´s last blog post..Oh Yoko and other odds and ends
I read something recently about tech newbies sometimes being more helpful to other newbies because they share what helped them get started, and are focused on the first steps, if you well, whereas someone with more experience gets jazzed about all the cool features, etc., that a newbie can be overwhelmed. I think a similar principle is at work here. If you aren’t as familiar with a product, I think you are more apt to be clear and specific. When you are deeply familiar with your topic, you can leave assumptions without realizing it. As a “scholarly” writer (you know, that dissertation thing) I try to have someone who is not familiar with my research to review my writing for clarity. Make sense?
Linda7004´s last blog post..What I Learned From…a Sidewalk
Hey Steven,
That’s some true stuff. I think as long as you can keep the reader in your minds eye, you’ll do well.
Thanks for coming by and commenting, Mr. Steven
George
Hi Tracy,
Hey, headed over to IHMMB right now!
George
Hi Linda,
That is a good point. Something to be said for fresh eyes and perspective on any given subject. Sometimes they’ll come up with questions you never would have DREAMED of!
Really happy to see you here. Thanks a lot for coming by.
George
Hmmm… I must admit that you’re right. I don’t wear make-up either, but I see your point about taking gigs for stuff we’re not familiar–or comfortable–with writing. I recently received an email from someone about a topic that’s way off for me. Like you, I responded anyway! I haven’t received a reply yet, but this was very recent so if it’s meant to be… And, I’ll follow-up sometime soon.
Great post, George!
Michele
Michele´s last blog post..Confessions from an Amish Farm
Michele,
As usual, your words make me feel great.
I am so looking forward to your writings about the Amish farm.
George
Aw, thanks George!
Michele
Michele´s last blog post..Confessions from an Amish Farm
Via my full-time copywriting job, I’ve somehow ended up being the chief writer for a well-known and rather luxurious knitwear company. I had no experience of writing for the clothing sector (if it is a sector) at all, but it’s actually one of my favourite repeat clients now. Fancy that.
Iain Broome´s last blog post..Recommended reading for writers – February 2009
Love it! I’ve always thought that naming cosmetics/paint colors would be one of the world’s most fun jobs.
When people ask me why I’m writing a novel about a woman whose son is a werewolf, I usually deadpan, “Well, Zack’s a werewolf, you know.”
Iain,
I think it’s great. One of the great perks of being a writer, I think.
Good to see you, and by the way, You’ve been doing great stuff with your blog – one of the fav things to show up in my email, it is.
Cheers
George
Tricksie,
I do have to say, it’s one of the things that makes me most proud.
It’s a topsy-turvy world, all right.
George
George, is that YOUR picture on the $100 bill?
I like your attitude. When I was working for a Japanese company I was asked to write speeches for the Vice President (who didn’t speak very much English). It was an exciting challenge. I ended up enjoying it more than I could have imagined. It’s fun to put ourselves in another person’s shoes and see the world through a different set of eyes.
Barbara Swafford´s last blog post..Where Or Where Do The Bloggers Go
@george Thank you, that’s very kind of you to say. Hopefully going to be able to step up the post frequency over the next month or two!
Iain Broome´s last blog post..Recommended reading for writers – February 2009
Barbara,
Hehe. Yup, that’s your truly!
Someone sent me a link to a site that has a bunch of different scenes that feature whatever image you upload. It’s a hoot!
here’s the link: http://www.funphotobox.com/Default.aspx
Cheers!
George
What a wonderful experience! Learning something new from POV of a complete newbie can give you insights that more seasoned folk in that industry would, pardon the pun, gloss over. Good job!
Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach´s last blog post..The Kimkins Diet Scam
Hi Barbara L.
It has been tremendous. I’m having such a great time as well. Double bonus!
Oh, and this is a Puns Encouraged zone so you’re in good company!
George