If you’re trying to establish yourself as a new writer, you need to develop clips. The term is an old school one, a short form of clippings. A similar term is tear sheets. Clips are simply copies of (or links to) published articles that you send an editor as examples of your writing ability.
So, how can you get some clips? You might be tempted to write free of charge for publications or websites that ask you to work for nothing but “exposure.” It is unfortunate that many venues take advantage of new writers this way. They pay everyone else that works for them, so you should be paid too. Check into the following leads, which provide an opportunity to get your work published while also earning some money.
*You don’t have to be previously published to write for these companies.
Constant Content
Constant Content is a site that provides content for website owners and online magazines. Buyers send in detailed requests, and writers prepare content, pricing their own work according to which rights they want to sell (read the writer’s tutorial and guidelines for more information on rights).
There is no upfront cost, but the site keeps a percentage of each sale. Most writers find it worth the percentage since Constant Content markets the site, provides requests, and handles the billing. You will be paid via PayPal or by check each time you reach $50.00 in sales.
You can write as much or as little as you like, write for requests, or write on any topic you choose. Most writers earn more money writing per requests. You can also earn money by referring other writers via your own link. You will receive a small percentage of their sales (which is taken from the site’s percentage, not from your referrals).
Garden and Hearth
The Garden and Hearth site features micro sites on home, garden, family, and lifestyle topics. You can apply to host a micro site. To launch your site, you must have at least five articles posted. You will then be required to post one article per month, which should be do-able for most anyone.
You will receive payment for launching your site and for the next five consecutive articles. You retain all rights to your articles, so you can also sell them as reprints.
Garden and Hearth also has a residual income program based on page views, and there are other incentives as well. You won’t get rich, but you won’t be working free of charge either. You’ll get (paid) exposure, since many of these micro sites rank high in search engines. You can send links to your articles when asked for clips.