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Viewing: Blog Posts Tagged with: writing scam, Most Recent at Top [Help]
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1. Job Board Postings: How to Read Between the Lines
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By: LuAnn Schindler, on 3/17/2012
Blog: WOW! Women on Writing Blog (The Muffin) (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:  LuAnn Schindler, job boards, how to tell if a writing job listing is legitimate or a scam, writing scam, legitimate writing jobs, thursday bram, Add a tag


by LuAnn Schindler

Earlier this month, I wrote about differentiating between a legitimate job board posting and a scam.  The post shares red flags to look out for, as well as common-sense tips to prevent you from getting sucked in by scam artists.

I turned to freelancer Thursday Bram, a well-respected veteran writer. Her blog, The Business of Creativity, shares tips for fellow freelancers. She also supplies creative business help at Hyper Modern Consulting. Thursday was gracious to share her expertise, as well as examples.

If you're on Twitter, you can follow Thursday.

Let's take a look at job posting #1:

Editor for Manuscript Needed


Date: 2012-02-09, 11:30AM EST
Reply to:  [Errors when replying to ads?]


I am looking for someone with a background in Journalism and/or writing to review a manuscript for publishing.

Compensation will be determined based on experience.

If you have the experience please contact Herbert E. Brown at (xxx) xxx-xxxx.


  • it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
  • Compensation: compensation to be determined

Thursday's interpretation of this posting: The fact that there's a name and a phone number on this listing is reassuring. A quick Google search shows that there are quite a few 'Herbert E. Browns', even if you add in the location. But it's also worth running the phone number through Google. No associations with scams or problems show up with the phone number, so I would go ahead and contact Herbert and ask for more information.

Let's take a look at job posting #2:

Seeking a TMZ type of writer ASAP (DMV)


Date: 2012-02-09, 7:37PM EST
Reply to:  2 Comments on Job Board Postings: How to Read Between the Lines, last added: 3/17/2012
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2. Writing Job Listing: Is It Legitimate or a Scam?
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By: LuAnn Schindler, on 3/1/2012
Blog: WOW! Women on Writing Blog (The Muffin) (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:  LuAnn Schindler, job boards, how to tell if a writing job listing is legitimate or a scam, writing scam, legitimate writing jobs, Add a tag

WANTED: Savvy, hip writer with a unique voice and style to write three articles per week for a rapidly growing publication. Submit three (3) clips, pass our grueling editing test, jump through the fiery hoops of the publishing world and hope you don't crash and burn. Still interested? Mail query and clips to editor @ scammingyou dot com. We'll get back to you if you meet our criteria.
*no compensation

If you've ever used an online job board to seek out new opportunities, you've undoubtedly read a few ads like the one above that have you scratching your head, wondering if you should take a chance and apply or run away quickly and never look back.

How can a writer tell if a writing job listing is legitimate or a scam?

When considering a job listing, certain elements of the ad may cause you to question its legitimacy. I'll share five of the most common red flags:

  1. "Test Article." If you're writing a test article, you've just written an article. FOR FREE. Legitimate sources will ask to see published clips. What if you don't have published clips? That's the age-old conundrum. Before dedicating time to research and writing, check out the potential employer and determine if the job listing is worth your time. Also be on the lookout for ads that ask for an overabundance of sample writing. Many ads will ask for a short sample, but if what they're asking for seems ridiculous, be wary.
  2. "WriterS Wanted." Notice the 's' on the end of "writer." It's plural. Now, that may not always denote a scam, but more than likely, it's an indicator of a low-paying gig.
  3. "Write on Spec." This is the same principal as writing for free. What if they don't like your work? Once again, you're out of time and effort you could have put into another article.
  4. "Send $$." If you're asked to pay any type of upfront fee, the listing may be a scam. You shouldn't have to pay to apply for a job. Any exceptions to this rule? Yes. Job bidding sites, like eLance, where you pay to join, but that's a different monster than paying to have an editor reading your work before considering you for a writing job.
  5. "What's Left Unsaid..." If a listing doesn't ask to see a clip, it may be a scam. Editors of legitimate publications and websites will want to see what a writer is capable of before hiring her. After all, they are looking out for their publication. 
So, you've double-checked the job post that piques your interest against this list. You're still not positive whether or not it's legit.

Now what?

A few common-sense tips can help you decide.

  • Check out the company. Does the publication have an online presence? What about an email address? Does it include a dot com (or biz or net) addy? If a person's name is included in the listing, an easy Google search can help. Same with a phone number, if included. If you can find an online trail, that doesn't include any red flags, you may have found a legitimate posting.
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