Writing for Examiner.com

As part of my writing project, I made a resolution to write more every day. I heard that a few friends wrote for the Examiner, a local content website that covers a range of topics including politics, parenting, restaurants, sports, etc. Then I was contacted by someone who saw my resume online and asked me if I was interested in freelance writing. After a quick application process including choosing your niche topic and submitting a writing sample, I was accepted and ready to begin writing, combining 2 of my passions - writing and food. I chose to write restaurant reviews for the Rittenhouse Square area, focusing on cheap alternatives to the usually high-priced area. I was excited to get more exposure, to write more but at the same time I was afraid of putting myself out there and possibly being criticized.

As I began writing, I heard mixed reviews about writing for the Examiner - yes the pay is minimal, but the exposure is good. Some complained about how they let anyone write, others said that they will terminate your column if its poor writing, unneeded or not following their rules. For me, I decided that I wanted to give it a shot. It gave me a chance to write more, to practice my writing and to get back into a schedule of writing. Although I write for work, not since college had I written regularly and in a more extended format. By committing myself to writing at least 2 articles per week, I began a structured schedule of Monday and Wednesday nights to write. I did some research but mostly I wrote from what I knew and experienced. I realized that the more I wrote, the easier it became. Words came easier to me. Ideas would pop into my head at random times of the day and I started jotting down thoughts and ideas all the time. When I went out to eat, I was that person taking photos of the food. And when I got home from dining out, I would make quick notes. But it doesn’t feel like I job. I enjoy the writing and getting feedback. My friends began asking me for restaurant suggestions, or telling me they tried a certain place because of my review. I also began making contacts with people in the restaurant world.

I’ve been reading some negative reviews online, saying it’s a scam or the pay is minimal. But I’ve been pleased with the results so far. You can’t quit your day job for this but it was perfect for what I was looking for. You have the flexibility to write as often or as infrequently as you like. You choose what you want to write about, as long as if falls within your topic. If there’s a week that I’m too busy, I can skip that week. As long as you write at least once every 60 days, you earn your pay. Rules are pretty easy to follow. Although they recommend writing 3- 4 articles per week, my 2 articles per week get me a steady traffic flow and some bonus cash each month. Pay depends on # of page views and interactions so its up to you to get traffic to your site. As a local Examiner, I also get $1 per article so the more you write, the more you earn. I share my articles on facebook, twitter & linked in. I tell everyone I know to check it out. Another great thing about Examiner is that you own your article so if I wanted to post here on my blog or on another site, I can. Of course you could make more money at other freelance jobs, but for my schedule and flexibility, Examiner is ideal for me. To be honest, the money I make is just a bonus. Another fun thing is I’ve googled certain topics I’ve written about and seen my articles indexed pretty high, even on the first page.

At the end of the day, I get to eat out, write about something I‘m passionate about, enjoy myself, make a little extra cash and share my writings with the world. Sounds pretty good to me.

Check out my examiner.com column for restaurant reviews