Evaluating writing jobs

If I had to do it all over again, I would contact and write for established magazines and companies. They are more professional, overall. They issue contracts and let you know, upfront, how much money that your work will earn.

On the other hand, individuals and a lot of newer publications can be finicky. Quite a few of them don't know exactly what they want and/or don't know what they want and are unable to communicate their expectations clearly. Or they may know what they want and present their expectations fairly well, but are rather cheap and expect you to carry the load.

You, as a writer, should not be expected to do more than your share. If you are, then run, don't walk, to a publisher or company that will treat you fairly and deal with you in a professional manner.

Having said that, here is a short list of what to avoid:

- term paper mills, for low pay and expected turnaround that only Superman could accomplish. Not worth your time and effort.
- individuals, for low-paid ghostwriting services. Tend to expect a full package of services for low pay. Not worth your time and effort.
- little-known magazines and publishers, who tend to offer low pay, or pay in copies of their publications. Such returns will not help to pay bills, or even defray the cost of bills overall.
- organizations and publishers that post a "job" for one writer. The odds are against you in such cattle calls. The probability is that you will not be chosen and that your work will be used. Run, don't walk, from such cattle calls.
- writing for free. You may get writing "credits," but no thanks and no money and no references. Doctors, dentists, accountants and veterinarians are examples of professionals who do not render their services for free and neither should you.