Studio Blog
Welcome to the Demand Studios Blog – a resource for writers, contributors and freelancers alike! Come here for answers to your questions, Studio news, writing tips and more.
Studio Blog
Ever wonder what it's like to work for Demand Studios? We checked in with our community of freelance creators—writers, copy editors, filmmakers and titlers—and asked them to share their experiences. Hundreds of people chimed in about why Demand Media works for them. Tune in daily to read their firsthand accounts.
Eric Broder here. I've been a professional writer for 30 years; I was the managing editor and penned a weekly humor column for Cleveland alternative weeklies “Edition” and “Free Times.” I've been doing less writing lately and more editing—I've copyedited several books on a variety of subjects, ranging from Cleveland pro sports to digestive diseases (not that one has anything to do with the other). I love Demand Studios’ chunky, bite-sized nuggets of prose that I can edit quickly. It's been a dream to be able to self-supervise, working when I want and where I want.
Eric Broder here. I've been a professional writer for 30 years; I was the managing editor and penned a weekly humor column for Cleveland alternative weeklies “Edition” and “Free Times.” I've been doing less writing lately and more editing—I've copyedited several books on a variety of subjects, ranging from Cleveland pro sports to digestive diseases (not that one has anything to do with the other). I love Demand Studios’ chunky, bite-sized nuggets of prose that I can edit quickly. It's been a dream to be able to self-supervise, working when I want and where I want.
Ever wonder what it's like to work for Demand Studios? We checked in with our community of freelance creators—writers, copy editors, filmmakers and titlers—and asked them to share their experiences. Hundreds of people chimed in about why Demand Media works for them. Tune in daily to read their firsthand accounts.
I'm Rica Lewis, a former health care professional with a longtime passion for reading and writing. I took a paying job in the nursing field, still desiring to write but not considering it a practical way to make a living. When I stumbled upon Demand Studios, I figured I'd make some extra cash and practice my passion. One year and hundreds of articles later, I realized Demand Studios could be more than a leisure pursuit. I now write full time, using my experiences in healthcare to string articles on my sofa.
I'm Rica Lewis, a former health care professional with a longtime passion for reading and writing. I took a paying job in the nursing field, still desiring to write but not considering it a practical way to make a living. When I stumbled upon Demand Studios, I figured I'd make some extra cash and practice my passion. One year and hundreds of articles later, I realized Demand Studios could be more than a leisure pursuit. I now write full time, using my experiences in healthcare to string articles on my sofa.
Are you a super-smart college student who will be in the L.A. area from June to August, or know someone who is? Do you want to learn how to survive in the rapidly changing journalism industry? Have you always wanted to hang out with the Demand Studios gang? You're in luck: We are looking for a group of talented interns to join our editorial team for an eight-week intensive summer program.
Our internship program is highly structured, with an emphasis on workshops and education. Demand Media interns walk away with a polished resume and working knowledge of HTML, Photoshop, Search Engine Optimization, Google Analytics and social media strategies. Demand Media editors fetch their own coffee.
Currently we have three different types of internships available:
Demand Studios
Work directly with in-house Demand Studios editors to develop guidelines, facilitate communication between writers and copy editors, audit quality and assist with writer development, and dozens more potential projects based on intern interest and editor need.
Successful Demand Studios interns will have a background in writing, journalism and/or copy editing and a desire to learn the ins and outs of online publishing.
Demand’s Owned and Operated Internet Properties, such as eHow.com, LIVESTRONG.COM, Trails.com, Answerbag, etc.
Work directly with in-house site editors to publish high-quality content in adherence with site’s voice and goals. Daily responsibilities depend on site assignment. Interns will also help select timely articles and write compelling headlines and copy for homepage and newsletters, along with syndicate content on sites such as Yahoo! Shine.
Successful site interns have a background in writing or journalism and a strong interest in magazine editing and/or web publishing.
Social Media and Marketing
Work with site and Studio editors along with representatives from community and marketing teams on how to socialize content. Develop Facebook, Twitter and Digg strategies for sites.
Successful marketing interns are avid social media users with a strong understanding of new media landscape. A background in marketing or communications is recommended.
Our office is located in Santa Monica, a block from the beach and Third Street Promenade.
To apply, please submit a resume, writing sample (no research papers, please) and cover letter explaining why you want to work at Demand to intern@demandmedia.com. Make sure to mention you heard about it on the DS blog!
Ever wonder what it's like to work for Demand Studios? We checked in with our community of freelance creators—writers, copy editors, filmmakers and titlers—and asked them to share their experiences. Hundreds of people chimed in about why Demand Media works for them. Tune in daily to read their firsthand accounts.
I'm TS Owen, and I thought Demand Studios would be a perfect fit after I retired from newspaper editing. I could scratch my nose for news, take photos for art, earn real money and do it at home in the beautiful Canadian Rockies. For an old journalist like me, Demand Studios was like learning a new language that became easier as new formats and style guidelines came out. I love the endless titles that capture my curiosity and quick responses from the Demand Studios team when I have comments.
I'm TS Owen, and I thought Demand Studios would be a perfect fit after I retired from newspaper editing. I could scratch my nose for news, take photos for art, earn real money and do it at home in the beautiful Canadian Rockies. For an old journalist like me, Demand Studios was like learning a new language that became easier as new formats and style guidelines came out. I love the endless titles that capture my curiosity and quick responses from the Demand Studios team when I have comments.
Whenever anyone asks me for a tip for new writers, I always recommend they research. I especially recommend they research the types of opportunities available to freelancers nowadays and the various formats for each.
This is something that surprises many new writers. There’s more to writing than just, well, writing. Different types of writing have different formats. For example, an ebook is formatted differently than a magazine article and an article for Demand Studios is formatted differently than a blog post. Also, each different client has a different format for submission.
It’s been years since I worked in publishing but I still remember one editor who wouldn’t read any manuscripts if they didn’t follow the proper guidelines for format. We though she was just cranky but she was also a stickler for following directions, and she’s not the only one. The reason many clients request a specific format is because it makes life easier for them. They’re not making you follow guidelines or sticking words and sentences on specific forms and spaces because they want you to jump through hoops. It’s because everything has to have a place for it to work properly.
Here are a few tips for adapting to new rules and clients:
1. Always ask for submission and format guidelines
I’m not suggesting this to cause you more work or have you look like a suck up. It’s so that you don’t spend time on a piece only to have it rejected or sent back for rewriting because the format is all effed up. Also, sometimes editors forget to you tell you there’s a specific format. The last thing you want is to spend hours on something only to find out it won’t work out as written.
2. Ask if there are any glitches you should know about.
Before starting to blog for you here, Mary sent me a laundry list of do’s and don’ts. She didn’t do this to be difficult, she did it because this blogging application can be temperamental sometimes and if I put something in wrong, you’d see all sorts of wonkiness.
3. Ask about the platform itself
There are so many different types of blogging and writing platforms nowadays, and not all are created equal. There’s no shame in asking about the publisher’s platform before getting started. First, you want to be sure you’re experienced in this platform. If not, you’ll want to look up some tutorials. Also, you’ll want to be sure whatever applications you’re using are compatible with your client’s apps. I’ve been in situations where many clients couldn’t open my Open Office files and ended up having to break down and spend the money on Microsoft Office. Saving money wasted a lot of time. Always check for compatibility.
4. Formats aren’t difficult
Formats aren’t hard to learn. For most it’s a matter of margins and paragraphs. If a client asks for a specific format, look it up. If it’s something you’re not familiar with, it’ll be easy enough to learn, I promise. We don’t use typewriters anymore. Most online apps are self explanatory and those we have to format manually aren’t hard. It’s usually a matter of preference and ease on the publisher’s part.
To be honest…
Demand Studios has the strictest guidelines of any client I’ve ever worked with. That isn’t to say there’s anything wrong with this, but like the song says, if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. Chalk it all up to experience. Following rules and submissions guidelines is important and no two clients are the same. Just don’t let it overwhelm you. If you mastered the Demand Studios stylesheets, everything else is gravy.
Deborah Ng is founder of the Freelance Writing Jobs network.
This is something that surprises many new writers. There’s more to writing than just, well, writing. Different types of writing have different formats. For example, an ebook is formatted differently than a magazine article and an article for Demand Studios is formatted differently than a blog post. Also, each different client has a different format for submission.
It’s been years since I worked in publishing but I still remember one editor who wouldn’t read any manuscripts if they didn’t follow the proper guidelines for format. We though she was just cranky but she was also a stickler for following directions, and she’s not the only one. The reason many clients request a specific format is because it makes life easier for them. They’re not making you follow guidelines or sticking words and sentences on specific forms and spaces because they want you to jump through hoops. It’s because everything has to have a place for it to work properly.
Here are a few tips for adapting to new rules and clients:
1. Always ask for submission and format guidelines
I’m not suggesting this to cause you more work or have you look like a suck up. It’s so that you don’t spend time on a piece only to have it rejected or sent back for rewriting because the format is all effed up. Also, sometimes editors forget to you tell you there’s a specific format. The last thing you want is to spend hours on something only to find out it won’t work out as written.
2. Ask if there are any glitches you should know about.
Before starting to blog for you here, Mary sent me a laundry list of do’s and don’ts. She didn’t do this to be difficult, she did it because this blogging application can be temperamental sometimes and if I put something in wrong, you’d see all sorts of wonkiness.
3. Ask about the platform itself
There are so many different types of blogging and writing platforms nowadays, and not all are created equal. There’s no shame in asking about the publisher’s platform before getting started. First, you want to be sure you’re experienced in this platform. If not, you’ll want to look up some tutorials. Also, you’ll want to be sure whatever applications you’re using are compatible with your client’s apps. I’ve been in situations where many clients couldn’t open my Open Office files and ended up having to break down and spend the money on Microsoft Office. Saving money wasted a lot of time. Always check for compatibility.
4. Formats aren’t difficult
Formats aren’t hard to learn. For most it’s a matter of margins and paragraphs. If a client asks for a specific format, look it up. If it’s something you’re not familiar with, it’ll be easy enough to learn, I promise. We don’t use typewriters anymore. Most online apps are self explanatory and those we have to format manually aren’t hard. It’s usually a matter of preference and ease on the publisher’s part.
To be honest…
Demand Studios has the strictest guidelines of any client I’ve ever worked with. That isn’t to say there’s anything wrong with this, but like the song says, if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. Chalk it all up to experience. Following rules and submissions guidelines is important and no two clients are the same. Just don’t let it overwhelm you. If you mastered the Demand Studios stylesheets, everything else is gravy.
Deborah Ng is founder of the Freelance Writing Jobs network.
Ever wonder what it's like to work for Demand Studios? We checked in with our community of freelance creators—writers, copy editors, filmmakers and titlers—and asked them to share their experiences. Hundreds of people chimed in about why Demand Media works for them. Tune in daily to read their firsthand accounts.
I'm Charlotte Gerber, and I've been a professional writer for 20 years and editor for the past five. I enjoy writing for Demand Studios because I can write when I want on the topics I choose. While I write for a variety of clients, I always come back to Demand Studios when I'm between jobs because it’s fun and supplements my other income. The flexible deadlines are also wonderful—they help me avoid stress if I have to drop everything and travel on assignment.
I'm Charlotte Gerber, and I've been a professional writer for 20 years and editor for the past five. I enjoy writing for Demand Studios because I can write when I want on the topics I choose. While I write for a variety of clients, I always come back to Demand Studios when I'm between jobs because it’s fun and supplements my other income. The flexible deadlines are also wonderful—they help me avoid stress if I have to drop everything and travel on assignment.
Hi all –
We all know how daunting it can be to learn all of our formats and associated guidelines. Rest assured, we feel your pain. In order to make your life a little easier, we have created a Format “Cheat Sheet.” This is by no means meant to replace the individual format guidelines, which are much more in-depth and detailed. This is simply a quick one-sheeter for your reference, aimed at briefly outlining all of our formats. Does the Fact Sheet format have an overview? Check. What about subheads? Check check. Word count? … You get the point.
The Format Cheat Sheet is located in the Training Camp section of the Resource Center. We hope this will be useful in helping you understand each format’s basic requirements. And as always, if you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Happy writing,
Jennifer
We all know how daunting it can be to learn all of our formats and associated guidelines. Rest assured, we feel your pain. In order to make your life a little easier, we have created a Format “Cheat Sheet.” This is by no means meant to replace the individual format guidelines, which are much more in-depth and detailed. This is simply a quick one-sheeter for your reference, aimed at briefly outlining all of our formats. Does the Fact Sheet format have an overview? Check. What about subheads? Check check. Word count? … You get the point.
The Format Cheat Sheet is located in the Training Camp section of the Resource Center. We hope this will be useful in helping you understand each format’s basic requirements. And as always, if you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Happy writing,
Jennifer
Ever wonder what it's like to work for Demand Studios? We checked in with our community of freelance creators—writers, copy editors, filmmakers and titlers—and asked them to share their experiences. Hundreds of people chimed in about why Demand Media works for them. Tune in daily to read their firsthand accounts.
I'm Tamara Rutter, and I have written articles for plenty of online sources, but none offer the superb functionality and ease that Demand Studios does. The user interface provides writers with a simple Work Desk that is easy to navigate, so writers can upload their work in as few steps as possible. I regularly visit the interactive forum for tips and advice from other writers. Additionally, I can't say enough good things about the thorough Resource Center—each article format is clearly defined and listed. It is by far the best application for creative Web development. I have had nothing but a wonderful experience working with Demand Studios.
I'm Tamara Rutter, and I have written articles for plenty of online sources, but none offer the superb functionality and ease that Demand Studios does. The user interface provides writers with a simple Work Desk that is easy to navigate, so writers can upload their work in as few steps as possible. I regularly visit the interactive forum for tips and advice from other writers. Additionally, I can't say enough good things about the thorough Resource Center—each article format is clearly defined and listed. It is by far the best application for creative Web development. I have had nothing but a wonderful experience working with Demand Studios.
Ever wonder what it's like to work for Demand Studios? We checked in with our community of freelance creators—writers, copy editors, filmmakers and titlers—and asked them to share their experiences. Hundreds of people chimed in about why Demand Media works for them. Tune in daily to read their firsthand accounts.
I’m Barbie Carpenter, and I am a copy editor for Demand Studios. I have worked as a newspaper editor as well as a technical editor for a variety of defense clients, including the U.S. Navy and Marine Cops. At Demand Studios, I can edit what I want when I want. This flexibility affords me the opportunity to edit articles on my own schedule. Moreover, editing for Demand Studios challenges me daily, requiring me to edit articles on a diverse range of topics. The flexibility and convenience of this position, not to mention its daily challenges, make it an ideal copyediting opportunity.
I’m Barbie Carpenter, and I am a copy editor for Demand Studios. I have worked as a newspaper editor as well as a technical editor for a variety of defense clients, including the U.S. Navy and Marine Cops. At Demand Studios, I can edit what I want when I want. This flexibility affords me the opportunity to edit articles on my own schedule. Moreover, editing for Demand Studios challenges me daily, requiring me to edit articles on a diverse range of topics. The flexibility and convenience of this position, not to mention its daily challenges, make it an ideal copyediting opportunity.
Ever wonder what it's like to work for Demand Studios? We checked in with our community of freelance creators—writers, copy editors, filmmakers and titlers—and asked them to share their experiences. Hundreds of people chimed in about why Demand Media works for them. Tune in daily to read their firsthand accounts.
My name is Kim Nunley, and I had been working in the health and fitness field until I decided to pursue my true passion of writing. Demand Studios has been incredible in helping me work in the field I love and continue improving my writing skills—all while contributing financially to my family. I love the organization of the company as well as the respect they constantly display to their freelancers. Of course, being able to choose articles that interest me and the ability to work on my own schedule are large benefits. I look forward to continuing to work with Demand Studios for years to come!
My name is Kim Nunley, and I had been working in the health and fitness field until I decided to pursue my true passion of writing. Demand Studios has been incredible in helping me work in the field I love and continue improving my writing skills—all while contributing financially to my family. I love the organization of the company as well as the respect they constantly display to their freelancers. Of course, being able to choose articles that interest me and the ability to work on my own schedule are large benefits. I look forward to continuing to work with Demand Studios for years to come!
