Thanks, Andrea! We get so many questions in our Facebook group about the basics that we tried to answer many of those questions right here! Thanks for being here!
In your application packet, is it appropriate to mention WFH that the writer has done for adults? If so how much? I understand that any experience writing for children should come first, but I have extensive experience writing for adults and I’ve struggled with how much to include. Thanks!
I’d definitely include your experience in your resume & cover letter. Just be sure that all of your writing samples are tailored to the particular educational publisher’s needs (e.g., if they publish hi-lo NF for grades 3-6, you’ll want to submit samples that reflect your ability to write for them).
Sherry Howard
1 year ago
I can only answer from my limited POV, but I’d have it in my resume, and briefly mention it in the cover letter. It shows you have experience with the interaction with an editor that WFH requires.
CKimWrite
1 year ago
You mention that there are other WFH outside of the educational market. What would those be? Are they also for a children’s audience?
Thanks for sharing your wisdom and experience!
–Carol Kim
If you search there are people who pay for writers to complete work for them. There are non-educational publishers who hire people for writing. Many of the connections are made through literary agents. A place like Upwork is just one example of places some of my friends get work. There are “ghostwriters” for many projects, and those WFH writers go without credit for a price. Other WFH writers, feel free to chime in with more examples.
bboswell
1 year ago
Hi Peeps! So glad to see you on the forum! Thanks for sharing your great information. Bettie
Can you talk a little about writing for book packagers instead o writing for publishers directly? I have some experience with both. Sometimes packagers work with trade publishers who want books on a specific topic to fill a niche i the market.
That’s a great question. I’ve worked with a couple of packagers. In my experience, the application process is the same. Send a cover letter, resume, and writing samples.
There are definitely pros and cons to working with a packager. On the one hand, packagers work with many different publishers, so they’re frequently hiring. Packagers are often more willing to work with new writers and can be a great way to get your foot in the door. Many WFH writers get their first assignments through packagers. Some writers continue to work with packagers throughout their career, since packagers can throw a lot of work a writer’s way. That said, they tend to pay less (as a middle man, they have to take a cut for themselves, after all), payment is often slower (again, because they’re the middle man), the deadlines are tight, and sometimes the packager isn’t entirely clear about what the publisher wants (which can lead to additional revisions).
Please feel free to share your own experience/thoughts, Debbie!
Pay for work for hire varies so greatly that I’m not sure packagers pay less although perhaps they do as an aggregate. Sometimes having a middle man is a good thing, as with having an agent for a publishing deal. There was a case where the publisher had never worked with freelancers before and wasn’t clear on what they wanted/needed. The packager was able to bridge the gap and help the publisher translate needs for the authors. Also, some publishers only go through agents for their work-for-hire assignments. Such a broad field. Great way to gain experience though.
Welcome to everybody who’s scooping up all the knowledge on WOC! I’m hanging around to try to answer any burning questions!
Sherry and I will also check back throughout the weekend to answer any questions.
Thank you, Sherry, for the great info!
Glad to see you here, Mike Hays!
Great info! Thank you.
Thanks, Andrea! We get so many questions in our Facebook group about the basics that we tried to answer many of those questions right here! Thanks for being here!
In your application packet, is it appropriate to mention WFH that the writer has done for adults? If so how much? I understand that any experience writing for children should come first, but I have extensive experience writing for adults and I’ve struggled with how much to include. Thanks!
I’d definitely include your experience in your resume & cover letter. Just be sure that all of your writing samples are tailored to the particular educational publisher’s needs (e.g., if they publish hi-lo NF for grades 3-6, you’ll want to submit samples that reflect your ability to write for them).
I can only answer from my limited POV, but I’d have it in my resume, and briefly mention it in the cover letter. It shows you have experience with the interaction with an editor that WFH requires.
You mention that there are other WFH outside of the educational market. What would those be? Are they also for a children’s audience?
Thanks for sharing your wisdom and experience!
–Carol Kim
If you search there are people who pay for writers to complete work for them. There are non-educational publishers who hire people for writing. Many of the connections are made through literary agents. A place like Upwork is just one example of places some of my friends get work. There are “ghostwriters” for many projects, and those WFH writers go without credit for a price. Other WFH writers, feel free to chime in with more examples.
Hi Peeps! So glad to see you on the forum! Thanks for sharing your great information. Bettie
Thanks for popping in, Bettie!
Can you talk a little about writing for book packagers instead o writing for publishers directly? I have some experience with both. Sometimes packagers work with trade publishers who want books on a specific topic to fill a niche i the market.
That’s a great question. I’ve worked with a couple of packagers. In my experience, the application process is the same. Send a cover letter, resume, and writing samples.
There are definitely pros and cons to working with a packager. On the one hand, packagers work with many different publishers, so they’re frequently hiring. Packagers are often more willing to work with new writers and can be a great way to get your foot in the door. Many WFH writers get their first assignments through packagers. Some writers continue to work with packagers throughout their career, since packagers can throw a lot of work a writer’s way. That said, they tend to pay less (as a middle man, they have to take a cut for themselves, after all), payment is often slower (again, because they’re the middle man), the deadlines are tight, and sometimes the packager isn’t entirely clear about what the publisher wants (which can lead to additional revisions).
Please feel free to share your own experience/thoughts, Debbie!
Pay for work for hire varies so greatly that I’m not sure packagers pay less although perhaps they do as an aggregate. Sometimes having a middle man is a good thing, as with having an agent for a publishing deal. There was a case where the publisher had never worked with freelancers before and wasn’t clear on what they wanted/needed. The packager was able to bridge the gap and help the publisher translate needs for the authors. Also, some publishers only go through agents for their work-for-hire assignments. Such a broad field. Great way to gain experience though.
Such great information! Excited to read and learn about this avenue of publishing from two of my favorite people : )
Hi, Lisa!! Love seeing your beautiful face here!
Thanks, Lisa! I hope we get to see you this summer!