Write for wiseGEEK

 

 

The wiseGEEK company used to put out writer ads under the name “Write for Conjecture,” a company that publishes articles on wiseGEEK.com and a couple of other websites.  They often look for writers to write articles on the following subjects, but they issue orders for other topics, too:

• Business
• Technology
• Science
• Finance
• Engineering

They are quite specific in their writing style — succinct and to the point.  Other requirements and aesthetics for their writer positions are as follows:

• You work as an independent contractor.
• You get a byline — includes your name, bio and picture.
• Pay is $10 to $14 per article.
• You pick the articles from their system with around 500 to choose from.
• You are paid via PayPal, typically within 4 business days of submitting articles.
• Minimum average length of 400 words per article.
• They REQUIRE a minimum of 10 articles per month or else you are canceled as a writer.
• wiseGEEK prefers 5 articles a week or more.
• They own all content after submission — you release all rights.
• They hire writers from all over the world; HOWEVER, you must have strong American English writing skills.
• You pick articles from their database of available articles.

To become a wiseGEEK writer if you are a U.S. citizens apply here.

Non-U.S. citizens apply as follows — the information I found on wiseGEEK’s website is below:

Send an email to wisegeek@wisegeek.com. Include in the body of the email —

1. Your Full Name
2. Resume — within the email, or simply include a paragraph or two about your writing experience
3. Writing Sample #1
4. Writing Sample #2
5. Country of Citizenship
6. Country of Residence

After applying, wiseGEEK takes you through three testing phases of three articles each. Below is a quote from wiseGEEK’s website that provides more detail:

How do I become a wiseGEEK writer?

We’ll review your application usually within three days of receiving it. We’ll get back to you either way, but if we like your application, we’ll invite you to go through our writing test. If you pass the test, you’ll be welcome to contribute as many quality articles as you like.

What is the test like?

The writing test consists of three separate phases. Each phase, or batch, consists of three articles. You’ll get to choose the three articles that make up your batches. Once you submit a batch, an editor will review your work and let you know if you passed that phase. Complying with the writing style guide and applying the editor’s comments will determine whether you pass each stage of the testing process. If you pass all three phases, you’ll be welcomed to regularly contribute articles.

Will I be paid for the articles produced in the testing process?

Yes, we pay the normal rate for the articles you submit during the testing process, assuming they represent a good faith effort and do not contain plagiarism or non-100%-unique content.

How long does the testing process take?

Deadlines will be provided to testing writers at each stage of the process. Writers typically have up to four days to produce a batch. The entire testing process is generally completed within two weeks.

What happens if I pass the testing phase?

If you pass the testing phase, you’ll be asked to complete a formal contract and tax form. Once we receive that completed paperwork, an editor will be assigned to you, and you’ll be welcome to contribute as many quality articles as you’d like, but at least an average of five per week, or 20 per month.

What information do I need to provide to apply?

We request a resume and two writing samples. Ideally, writing samples should be in a similar style to wiseGEEK articles (e.g., encyclopedic rather than blog-like or narrative), but anything that represents your writing ability is sufficient. If you are invited to test with us, you’ll be asked to provide your PayPal address and your preferred byline. If you pass the testing process, you’ll be asked to complete a formal, written contract and tax form as required by the IRS. This paperwork will require that you provide us with your address, formal name, and social security number.