Today's List of Writing Opportunities:
Writer/Web Content Manager ($20 per hour)
Editor for Online College Newsletter
Part-time Reporter (South End, Boston)
Medical Editors (Philadelphia)
Chemistry Experts to Review High School Chemistry Material ($150 per chapter)
Not sure what is meant by halal?
See: Standards Used to Determine Halal Writing Opportunities
Showing posts with label getting paid. Show all posts
Showing posts with label getting paid. Show all posts
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
5 Halal Writitng Opportunities for December 22, 2009
Today's List of Writing Opportunities:
Freelance Bloggers for AOL Real Estate (Chicago, $15-$20 per post)
Spanish Translators/Editors for for Educational Publication Client
Editor for Business Documents and Articles
Newsletter Writer/Editor/Designer for Non-profit Organization (yearly contract)
Science Fair Project Ideas for Education.com ($25 per idea)
Not sure what is meant by halal?
See: Standards Used to Determine Halal Writing Opportunities
Freelance Bloggers for AOL Real Estate (Chicago, $15-$20 per post)
Spanish Translators/Editors for for Educational Publication Client
Editor for Business Documents and Articles
Newsletter Writer/Editor/Designer for Non-profit Organization (yearly contract)
Science Fair Project Ideas for Education.com ($25 per idea)
Not sure what is meant by halal?
See: Standards Used to Determine Halal Writing Opportunities
Monday, December 21, 2009
5 Halal Writitng Opportunities for December 21, 2009
Today's List of Writing Opportunities:
Newsletter Editor for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Accident Blogger for Law Firm
Humorous Articles about College Life (6 cents per word)
Gadget Bloggers Needed
Writers to Cover Museum Jobs and Related Topics (6.5 cents per word, up to $1250 total budget for project)
Not sure what is meant by halal?
See: Standards Used to Determine Halal Writing Opportunities
Newsletter Editor for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Accident Blogger for Law Firm
Humorous Articles about College Life (6 cents per word)
Gadget Bloggers Needed
Writers to Cover Museum Jobs and Related Topics (6.5 cents per word, up to $1250 total budget for project)
Not sure what is meant by halal?
See: Standards Used to Determine Halal Writing Opportunities
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Late Fees in Islam (Again)
Yesterday, I posted an article indicating that late fees might be permissible in some circumstances. Today, I happened to be revisiting this topic and found an opposing view at IslamWeb.com. According to the scholar at IslamWeb:
As I said yesterday, financial matters are sensitive in Islam...so it would be wise to consult with people of knowledge before implementing fees of this type.
Charging late fees is pure Riba. So, it is absolutely forbidden by the Sharia.(Riba means interest or usury, which is prohibited in Islam).
As I said yesterday, financial matters are sensitive in Islam...so it would be wise to consult with people of knowledge before implementing fees of this type.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Charging Late Fees: Permissible in Islam?
Back in December, Sr. Kimberly discussed charging late fees to clients who are late with their payments. At the time, I wondered if this would be permissible according to Islam, which has strict rules against dealing in interest. Then I came across this interesting article by Sheikh Khâlid b. `Abd Allah al-Bishr of IslamToday.com.
The gist of the article is that monetary fines and late fees are okay in certain circumstances:
Financial transactions are a sensitive issue in Islam, so I would probably seek more clarification from a person of knowledge before implementing late fees for my writing business. If you ever find yourself in this situation, you can ask more specific questions from the Fatwa Department at IslamToday.com.
ETA: Here is an opposing view stating that late fees are prohibited by Islam.
The gist of the article is that monetary fines and late fees are okay in certain circumstances:
"...pecuniary fines, as well as the destruction and seizure of property, are a permissible form of discretionary punishment. Such punishments can be effective in preventing and discouraging crimes that are harmful to society. Consequently, those punishments play a positive role in safeguarding the public welfare – the lives, property, and rights of the people.Read the whole article here.
Allah says: “O you who believe, obey Allah and obey His Messenger and those in authority among you.” [Sûrah al-Nisâ’: 59] As for the question of increasing the amount of punitive fines in the case of late payment, this is also permissible. In the case of a traffic fine, for example, this could be understood as setting two rates: a lower rate for paying on time and a higher rate for late payment.
However we choose to understand the increase in the fine, it is not a case of interest. This is because interest only occurs when there is an exchange of wealth, like in a purchase or a sale. This is not the case with pecuniary fines. There is no trade or commerce going on. The fine is nothing other than a form of punishment."
Financial transactions are a sensitive issue in Islam, so I would probably seek more clarification from a person of knowledge before implementing late fees for my writing business. If you ever find yourself in this situation, you can ask more specific questions from the Fatwa Department at IslamToday.com.
ETA: Here is an opposing view stating that late fees are prohibited by Islam.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Q&A: Are Writers in Pakistan (and other countries) Disadvantaged?
Question (excerpted from a comment left on this blog):
The problem with me, in my opinion, is my location (Pakistan). I have applied to several paying markets (e.g Islamonline.net, Sisters Magazine), received a response (they asked me to send in a sample of my writing) and then...poof! No word from them again. What is your opinion? Most paying markets in North America or Europe send money by wire transfer, Western Union, Paypal, or cheque, and when these payments are sent to Pakistan, they cost more i.e the payment process becomes expensive for the payer. Do you think employers in the West prefer writers based there for this reason?
~ Sadaf
Answer:
As-salamu Alaykum, and thanks for asking this question, which I am sure is of interest and concern to many writers.
First of all, I am confident that writers living in Pakistan and other countries can make a decent living at freelance writing. I am personally aware of writers living in countries like India, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, and Egypt who do just this. See Mridu Khullar's website for an example of a writer based in India who has written for high-paying markets like Marie Claire, Elle, US Airways, Ms., and many others.
This is not to say that there are no special challenges for writers living in countries like Pakistan, India, etc. As you pointed out, the logistics of getting paid make it more complicated to work with writers based overseas. If you have PayPal, however, there should be no problem at all. PayPal is the easiest way to pay a writer, and many magazines use and prefer this method of payment. The fees are also not too bad. Unfortunately, PayPal is restricted in certain countries, including Pakistan and countries in the Middle East (unless something has recently changed).
Back in February, I discussed the PayPal situation a bit when a reader asked me about the best way to Get Paid while Living Abroad. In that writer's situation, not only did she not have PayPal, but she was also writing for a low-paying market. It is hard, but not impossible, to make this situation work. As I mentioned in my response, you can let the payments accumulate until your payment is large enough to cover a transfer fee (provided you are doing long-term work for the publication). There are also other ways to make things work.
As others have observed/experienced, magazines in the US are notorious for writing checks (or cheques for those who use the British spelling). Checks are usually not the best choice for people living outside the US. It takes forever to cash them (if you can, in the first place), and the fees that are deducted often make checks much more trouble than they are worth. On the other hand, there are also numerous US-based publications that work with international writers and are open to doing bank transfers and sending payments via Western Union. It often just really depends on the individual policies of the magazine, whether they mind the extra effort, and whether they are equipped to make transfers. Regarding the fees, some magazines will pay them, while others will not. Some will split the fees 50-50. Depending on the bank and the countries involved, a bank transfer fee can range from $10-$50 (USD), so you have to consider what you will do if asked to pay the fee. In many cases, you may just have to consider it part of the cost of doing business from overseas.
Generally speaking, you might find that publications based in the rest of the world (Asia, Europe, etc.) are more accommodating towards international writers, perhaps due to the culture created by having so many countries in close proximity to each other and the genuine need to look beyond one's borders for sustained freelance talent. As a writer living in Pakistan, I would probably spend some time examining markets in countries like India and the United Arab Emirates, both of which seem to publish hundreds of English-language magazines and newspapers on every conceivable topic.
Regarding IslamOnline.net in particular, IOL has offices in both Egypt and Qatar and works with writers from around the world – including Pakistan. Here are three examples:
Curable TB Kills in Pakistan
Army & Economy In Pakistan
The Right Approach Towards Privatization In Pakistan
Since I, too, have written for IOL, I can tell you that it may take a very long time for them to respond to your initial inquiry, which is actually quite typical of many publications/websites. Even the most seasoned of writers don't always hear back from their target markets. The best thing is to be persistent and continue offering ideas at regular intervals (say every 1-3 months) and then follow up (within reason, of course). This is, in itself, a whole other topic, but the way you present your query and follow up is a crucial part of the freelance process and can affect your response rate.
You live in Pakistan, and Pakistan is, masha'Allah, a fascinating place that remains a mystery to most people in the world. So, my dear sister, I feel quite certain that there is an urgent and pressing need for an insider's view on Pakistani culture, society, history, and civilization that only a member of Pakistani society can provide. Why not aim high and try for markets like National Geographic, Smithsonian, and Saudi Aramco World? What about the numerous travel publications, inflight magazines, and magazines for children? Think outside the box. There are many ways to use location and knowledge of Islam to your advantage, and I know that you will, insha'Allah, tap into these advantages and continue to reach more people with your insight and love for Islamic topics.
Sincerely,
Amel S. Abdullah
-------------------------------------------------
Do you have a question you’d like to see answered on this blog? Post it here, or send it to me via e-mail. All questions sent via e-mail will be posted anonymously (unless you request otherwise). Click here for an index of all questions answered on this blog.
The problem with me, in my opinion, is my location (Pakistan). I have applied to several paying markets (e.g Islamonline.net, Sisters Magazine), received a response (they asked me to send in a sample of my writing) and then...poof! No word from them again. What is your opinion? Most paying markets in North America or Europe send money by wire transfer, Western Union, Paypal, or cheque, and when these payments are sent to Pakistan, they cost more i.e the payment process becomes expensive for the payer. Do you think employers in the West prefer writers based there for this reason?
~ Sadaf
Answer:
As-salamu Alaykum, and thanks for asking this question, which I am sure is of interest and concern to many writers.
First of all, I am confident that writers living in Pakistan and other countries can make a decent living at freelance writing. I am personally aware of writers living in countries like India, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, and Egypt who do just this. See Mridu Khullar's website for an example of a writer based in India who has written for high-paying markets like Marie Claire, Elle, US Airways, Ms., and many others.
This is not to say that there are no special challenges for writers living in countries like Pakistan, India, etc. As you pointed out, the logistics of getting paid make it more complicated to work with writers based overseas. If you have PayPal, however, there should be no problem at all. PayPal is the easiest way to pay a writer, and many magazines use and prefer this method of payment. The fees are also not too bad. Unfortunately, PayPal is restricted in certain countries, including Pakistan and countries in the Middle East (unless something has recently changed).
Back in February, I discussed the PayPal situation a bit when a reader asked me about the best way to Get Paid while Living Abroad. In that writer's situation, not only did she not have PayPal, but she was also writing for a low-paying market. It is hard, but not impossible, to make this situation work. As I mentioned in my response, you can let the payments accumulate until your payment is large enough to cover a transfer fee (provided you are doing long-term work for the publication). There are also other ways to make things work.
As others have observed/experienced, magazines in the US are notorious for writing checks (or cheques for those who use the British spelling). Checks are usually not the best choice for people living outside the US. It takes forever to cash them (if you can, in the first place), and the fees that are deducted often make checks much more trouble than they are worth. On the other hand, there are also numerous US-based publications that work with international writers and are open to doing bank transfers and sending payments via Western Union. It often just really depends on the individual policies of the magazine, whether they mind the extra effort, and whether they are equipped to make transfers. Regarding the fees, some magazines will pay them, while others will not. Some will split the fees 50-50. Depending on the bank and the countries involved, a bank transfer fee can range from $10-$50 (USD), so you have to consider what you will do if asked to pay the fee. In many cases, you may just have to consider it part of the cost of doing business from overseas.
Generally speaking, you might find that publications based in the rest of the world (Asia, Europe, etc.) are more accommodating towards international writers, perhaps due to the culture created by having so many countries in close proximity to each other and the genuine need to look beyond one's borders for sustained freelance talent. As a writer living in Pakistan, I would probably spend some time examining markets in countries like India and the United Arab Emirates, both of which seem to publish hundreds of English-language magazines and newspapers on every conceivable topic.
Regarding IslamOnline.net in particular, IOL has offices in both Egypt and Qatar and works with writers from around the world – including Pakistan. Here are three examples:
Curable TB Kills in Pakistan
Army & Economy In Pakistan
The Right Approach Towards Privatization In Pakistan
Since I, too, have written for IOL, I can tell you that it may take a very long time for them to respond to your initial inquiry, which is actually quite typical of many publications/websites. Even the most seasoned of writers don't always hear back from their target markets. The best thing is to be persistent and continue offering ideas at regular intervals (say every 1-3 months) and then follow up (within reason, of course). This is, in itself, a whole other topic, but the way you present your query and follow up is a crucial part of the freelance process and can affect your response rate.
You live in Pakistan, and Pakistan is, masha'Allah, a fascinating place that remains a mystery to most people in the world. So, my dear sister, I feel quite certain that there is an urgent and pressing need for an insider's view on Pakistani culture, society, history, and civilization that only a member of Pakistani society can provide. Why not aim high and try for markets like National Geographic, Smithsonian, and Saudi Aramco World? What about the numerous travel publications, inflight magazines, and magazines for children? Think outside the box. There are many ways to use location and knowledge of Islam to your advantage, and I know that you will, insha'Allah, tap into these advantages and continue to reach more people with your insight and love for Islamic topics.
Sincerely,
Amel S. Abdullah
-------------------------------------------------
Do you have a question you’d like to see answered on this blog? Post it here, or send it to me via e-mail. All questions sent via e-mail will be posted anonymously (unless you request otherwise). Click here for an index of all questions answered on this blog.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Q&A: Getting Paid while Living Abroad
Question: I wrote an article for an overseas publication that will pay about $30. We do not have PayPal in my country. What are my options for payment, considering that a bank transfer may cost $30-$40? Will the magazine cover the cost?
~ A Sister in Islam
Answer: This depends on the magazine in question. Some magazines do pay the costs of transfer fees, while others do not. Some magazines will split it 50-50. This is something you should ask about and agree on before writing for a particular magazine or publication.
Another idea is to write several more articles for the same magazine and then wait until the amount of payment is enough to justify the transfer fee. For example, if you make $180 for six articles, the impact of the $40 transfer fee will be less. Of course, this depends on your relationship with the magazine, if they are interested in having you write for them again, your trust in them, how long you would end up waiting for payment, etc.
If they value your writing services, they may also be willing to increase the amount of your payment if you explain that it is not economically viable for you to work for rates that are too low, and especially if you are losing money in the process.
The bottom line is: Negotiation.
Other than that, look into money transfer services such as Western Union and Money Bookers. These have fees, too, but you may find they are less than a regular bank transfer.
Write back, and let us know how it goes, insha'Allah.
Sincerely,
Amel S. Abdullah
-------------------------------------------------
Do you have a question you’d like to see answered on this blog? Post it here, or send it to me via e-mail. All questions sent via e-mail will be posted anonymously (unless you request otherwise). Click here for an index of all questions answered on this blog.
~ A Sister in Islam
Answer: This depends on the magazine in question. Some magazines do pay the costs of transfer fees, while others do not. Some magazines will split it 50-50. This is something you should ask about and agree on before writing for a particular magazine or publication.
Another idea is to write several more articles for the same magazine and then wait until the amount of payment is enough to justify the transfer fee. For example, if you make $180 for six articles, the impact of the $40 transfer fee will be less. Of course, this depends on your relationship with the magazine, if they are interested in having you write for them again, your trust in them, how long you would end up waiting for payment, etc.
If they value your writing services, they may also be willing to increase the amount of your payment if you explain that it is not economically viable for you to work for rates that are too low, and especially if you are losing money in the process.
The bottom line is: Negotiation.
Other than that, look into money transfer services such as Western Union and Money Bookers. These have fees, too, but you may find they are less than a regular bank transfer.
Write back, and let us know how it goes, insha'Allah.
Sincerely,
Amel S. Abdullah
-------------------------------------------------
Do you have a question you’d like to see answered on this blog? Post it here, or send it to me via e-mail. All questions sent via e-mail will be posted anonymously (unless you request otherwise). Click here for an index of all questions answered on this blog.
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