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Abstract

he-medium-writers-challenge-f8a95f6d17f">writing contest with a $50,000 prize</a>.We’re heading into the 2nd quarter of 2022 and what’s new in paid writing opportunities and writing incentives on the top platforms?Well, from what I see — it looks like most of the platforms have chosen to stop making it rain (money) and started to train and support writers by hosting Creators workshops, <a href="https://readmedium.com/a-reca-d299b1a6c95d">writing sessions</a>, and groups.Medium has a growing collection of writing workshops and I’m seeing more pop up on various other platforms. I recently attended a great workshop sponsored by the <a href="https://www.solutionsjournalism.org/">Solutions Journalism Network</a>.I was fortunate to have participated in Medium’s fellowship program and it was a much-needed financial boost, but equally important was the support, feedback, and editorial notes I received from the staff editor. I’ve also attended several workshops on and off Medium that has helped improve my writing, process, and perspective as a returning writer and aspiring food writer and author.The fellowship’s funds gave me the financial relief and (limited) privilege to focus and find my voice, and explore other writing styles and genres. That experience was invaluable and helped me see my writing dream as a reality. One fellowship helped open my eyes to writing as a sustainable and potential (new) career choice.As I said in previous articles, talking about social justice and dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion without including financial equity and justice is hollow and classist.<h2 id="76bd">My way too long — Conclusion (WIP)</h2>In my humble opinion, we need consistent, equitable, and expanded paid writing opportunities and editorial support and I don’t think that’s an unreasonable or unrealistic ask — especially on subscriber-based sites.To expect Black, brown, and other marginalized creators to feed platforms with content and expect them to live off the “honor” of being a temporary part of the privileged and highly respected world of writers and editors — isn’t fair.Paying and supporting all writers and content creators should be a basic and integral

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part of all platforms and diversity statements. Equal and fair compensation is essential to leveling the playing field for diverse stories and voices to be valued and heard at all levels of the writing industry.Sometimes I feel like platforms are playing with our emotions and sense of belonging. We all need money, but for most writers, it’s not just a passion or labor of love. I’ve heard so many writers say it’s a calling and a way to give voice to centuries of silence. Therefore, as an old mentor advised — it’s something I would do for free… but I shouldn’t have to.Unfortunately, most writers (especially writers of color) write for free as a default due to many factors that range from fear of rejection to the lack of resources and connections. Then, there’s imposter syndrome and lack of confidence due to limited information, access, and training to compete for paid writing jobs that require AP, APA, MLA, and other formats and specific style requirements.Writing is already a highly competitive and somewhat elitist and classist market, but the small pool of editors of color — makes Black and brown voices and stories drops in the bucket of predominately white publications and platforms.And when I and other writers of color submit our work, editors often don’t understand our perspective, language, or experiences and reject or edit our stories with a biased lens. The editing notes are often off based and lead to rejection fatigue and apathy. Again, these are glaring examples and the negative impact of cultural sensitivity and competency deficiencies.At the end of the day, we need money, support, and opportunities. We’re not asking for special or preferential treatment and trendy performative allyship. Diversity and recruitment campaigns often do more harm than good because of the lack of leadership and multi-level cultural changes. We just want to be seen, heard, fairly paid, and valued for the content we create for publications and platforms.Thank you for reading!Special Shoutouts to Writers of Color on Twitter for fighting for pay transparency and paid writing opportunities.Daily Kos, Grist, and Wide Open Media for recent opportunities for writers of color.</article></body>

#PaidWriter

What Happened to the Fellowships, and Incentives on News Break, Vocal, and other Platforms?

Inquiring minds and dedicated writers want to know — where’s the dough (money)

I love writing, it’s a dream and passion project — but it’s also been my primary source of income since the pandemic. 2021 offered some great money-making opportunities from the biggest writing platforms from Creator programs, signing bonuses, and fellowships with $1000 guaranteed income.

Vocal — Offered several writing incentives outlined by Robin Jessie-Green

News Break — Started and stopped their $1,000 guaranteed income program as Jordan Fraser explained

I missed the money train when News Break changed its submission guidelines and shifted its focus to local news as Roz Warren explained in:

So Long, News Break!

And Thanks for all the Money

rosalindwarren.medium.com

Benny Lim broke down Medium’s bonuses and a Creator Fellowship. They even had a writing contest with a $50,000 prize.

We’re heading into the 2nd quarter of 2022 and what’s new in paid writing opportunities and writing incentives on the top platforms?

Well, from what I see — it looks like most of the platforms have chosen to stop making it rain (money) and started to train and support writers by hosting Creators workshops, writing sessions, and groups.

Medium has a growing collection of writing workshops and I’m seeing more pop up on various other platforms. I recently attended a great workshop sponsored by the Solutions Journalism Network.

I was fortunate to have participated in Medium’s fellowship program and it was a much-needed financial boost, but equally important was the support, feedback, and editorial notes I received from the staff editor. I’ve also attended several workshops on and off Medium that has helped improve my writing, process, and perspective as a returning writer and aspiring food writer and author.

The fellowship’s funds gave me the financial relief and (limited) privilege to focus and find my voice, and explore other writing styles and genres. That experience was invaluable and helped me see my writing dream as a reality. One fellowship helped open my eyes to writing as a sustainable and potential (new) career choice.

As I said in previous articles, talking about social justice and dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion without including financial equity and justice is hollow and classist.

My way too long — Conclusion (WIP)

In my humble opinion, we need consistent, equitable, and expanded paid writing opportunities and editorial support and I don’t think that’s an unreasonable or unrealistic ask — especially on subscriber-based sites.

To expect Black, brown, and other marginalized creators to feed platforms with content and expect them to live off the “honor” of being a temporary part of the privileged and highly respected world of writers and editors — isn’t fair.

Paying and supporting all writers and content creators should be a basic and integral part of all platforms and diversity statements. Equal and fair compensation is essential to leveling the playing field for diverse stories and voices to be valued and heard at all levels of the writing industry.

Sometimes I feel like platforms are playing with our emotions and sense of belonging. We all need money, but for most writers, it’s not just a passion or labor of love. I’ve heard so many writers say it’s a calling and a way to give voice to centuries of silence. Therefore, as an old mentor advised — it’s something I would do for free… but I shouldn’t have to.

Unfortunately, most writers (especially writers of color) write for free as a default due to many factors that range from fear of rejection to the lack of resources and connections. Then, there’s imposter syndrome and lack of confidence due to limited information, access, and training to compete for paid writing jobs that require AP, APA, MLA, and other formats and specific style requirements.

Writing is already a highly competitive and somewhat elitist and classist market, but the small pool of editors of color — makes Black and brown voices and stories drops in the bucket of predominately white publications and platforms.

And when I and other writers of color submit our work, editors often don’t understand our perspective, language, or experiences and reject or edit our stories with a biased lens. The editing notes are often off based and lead to rejection fatigue and apathy. Again, these are glaring examples and the negative impact of cultural sensitivity and competency deficiencies.

At the end of the day, we need money, support, and opportunities. We’re not asking for special or preferential treatment and trendy performative allyship. Diversity and recruitment campaigns often do more harm than good because of the lack of leadership and multi-level cultural changes. We just want to be seen, heard, fairly paid, and valued for the content we create for publications and platforms.

Thank you for reading!

Special Shoutouts to Writers of Color on Twitter for fighting for pay transparency and paid writing opportunities.

Daily Kos, Grist, and Wide Open Media for recent opportunities for writers of color.