Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is Demand Media Studios?

The Studio is responsible for producing articles and videos for Demand Media’s network of websites and other premium publishers. Articles are featured on leading online destinations including LIVESTRONG.COM, eHow.com, USAToday.com and Trails.com. We have produced more than a million articles and videos to date and are the largest contributor of video content to YouTube.

We offer paid opportunities for qualified freelancers to contribute to every part of our content creation process; from helping to create our titles to copyediting finished articles, we’re constantly looking to add fresh talent to our growing team.

What are the benefits of working with Demand Media Studios?

By combining the editorial rigors of traditional media with the flexibility and agility of new media, we provide aspiring and established writers an exciting new avenue to polish their skills and have their work published on some of today’s most popular online destinations. Here are just some of the benefits you can expect working with Demand Media:

We have hundreds of thousands of available assignments.
Your content is distributed to an audience of millions.
Your work will be published on a variety of premium websites.
We are upfront about the pay rates for each assignment and we pay twice a week.

How long does the application process take?

After you submit your application, you will receive an immediate confirmation on the site that we have received your application. Processing times for applications will vary, depending on the amount of work available and the number of applicants in the queue. The process could take as little as a few hours or it can take up to a week.

Once your application has been reviewed, you will receive an email that will tell you whether or not you’ve been accepted. If accepted, you can log in and start browsing through the work available to you.

Can I apply more than once for the same role?

You cannot apply for the same role (i.e. writer, copy editor, etc.) more than once.

Can I apply for different roles?

You can apply for different roles on the same account.

Are there fees to join Demand Media Studios?

There is no charge to apply to or work with Demand Media Studios.

Do you enroll creators who live outside of the United States?

Citizens of the UK and Canada are welcome to apply as writers at this time.

I'm under 18 years old. Can I be paid?

No. You must be at least 18 years old to freelance with Demand Media Studios. We’re not able to send your payment to a third-party PayPal account (e.g. parents, guardian) either. Once you’re 18, you’re welcome to apply.

Are there agreements that I must enter into to participate in the Demand Media Studios Program?

Yes. Check out Demand Media Studios' Privacy Policy, general Terms of Use and the Contributors Agreement that applies to the Demand Media Studios Program. These documents are the legal agreements governing the Demand Media Studios program and are the ultimate authority for all related matters.

Account and Payment

How and when does Demand Media Studios pay?

For assignments that are assigned through the Demand Media Studios website, payment will be made through PayPal. You will either need to set up a personal account with PayPal or give us the information for an existing account. Once set up, we will deposit your payments directly into your personal PayPal account. For more information on PayPal, visit www.paypal.com. There is currently no charge to sign up for a personal, non-premium PayPal account.

Some of our assignments are made by our editorial team via email instead of through the Demand Media Studios website. If you receive an assignment like this, your editor will ask you to submit a paper invoice, and you will be paid by check.

How can I change my PayPal email address?

To change your PayPal email address on Demand Media Studios, log on to Demand Media Studios and click the "Tax Information" link in the User Menu. You can update and confirm your PayPal email address here.

How can I change my account information?

You can update your personal account information by clicking on the "Account Information" link in the User Menu. It is your obligation to keep your account information updated and current at all times in this form.

What are the tax requirements and implications of participation in the Demand Media Studios Program?

You'll need to supply basic tax information to Demand Media Studios. Don't worry; your tax information will be encrypted for security purposes. If you are paid more than $10 for the calendar year, Demand Media Studios will have a 1099 form processed and sent to the IRS on your behalf. A copy of the 1099 form will also be sent to you. However, you must not be subject to backup withholdings in order to qualify for participation in the Demand Media Studios Program. It is your obligation to keep your tax information updated and current at all times in this form.

Am I responsible for paying taxes on my earnings through Demand Media Studios?

Yes. It is your obligation to pay taxes on all earnings through Demand Media Studios.

My updates to the Tax Information page will not save. What is the problem?

Here are some tips for correctly filling out your Tax Information form:

You must enter a verifiable street address on the Tax Information page, or the page will not save. We currently do not allow P.O. Boxes in the address field.
Enter only five-digit zip codes.
Enter your Social Security number or your FEIN number without dashes. (e.g.: 1234567891 or 123456789.)

If you have followed the above instructions and still have additional questions, please visit the Demand Media Studios Help Desk.

What should I do if my Demand Media Studios account says my payment was completed but I still haven't received the money in my PayPal account?

Visit www.paypal.com to get in touch with a PayPal representative.

What does it mean if my payment is on hold?

This means Demand Media Studios is waiting to send your payment to PayPal. For customer service matters (including questions relating to this Policy), you may email us at editorialteam@demandstudios.com if you have additional questions

What does it mean if my payment has failed?

This indicates that Demand Media Studios was unable to send funds to your PayPal account. You may want to make sure you entered the correct email address for your PayPal account with Demand Media Studios. If the account is correct, please contact PayPal for assistance.

Payment was sent to the wrong email address. What can I do?

If payment was sent to an email address not attached to your PayPal account, add that email address to your account by clicking on the "Tax Information" link in the User Menu. Once you update that information, funds should appear in your PayPal account.

Can I be paid by check?

Demand Media Studios pays its creators through PayPal. You must have a valid PayPal account to be paid.

In rare cases, Demand Media Studios will ask that you send an invoice for work completed. In these rare instances, you will be paid by check.

My Payment History page does not match my most recent payment. Why?

Payments are usually processed with a Wednesday cutoff for payment on Friday through PayPal. Work accepted after Wednesday will show up in the following week's payment. If this still does not explain the discrepancy between your Payment History and your payment, please visit the Demand Media Studios Help Desk.

Writers

What types of articles do Demand Media Studios writers write?

Writers freelancing with Demand Media Studios write made-for-the-Internet text articles that appear on brand-name sites like eHow.com, LIVESTRONG.COM and more.

What are the Style Guidelines for Demand Media Studios?

We maintain a Resource Center that houses all of the style guidelines as well as writing tips and other documents. You can access the Resource Center when you are logged into Demand Media Studios.

How much will I be paid?

Payment you receive depends on the type of work you complete. The pay range for each article varies depending on the nature of the work, word count and the publishing site.

Where will my articles appear?

Your articles are distributed to a network of premium publishers with a combined audience of over 100 million viewers. Example publishers include eHow.com, LIVESTRONG.COM, and USAToday.com.

What topics can I write about?

Once your application is approved and you have entered into our Contributors Agreement,you can pick assignments from our assignment list or create your own assignments.

What kinds of articles can I write?

Demand Media Studios has many different formats including: “How to,” “Fact Sheets,” “List” and “Tips.”

Depending on your permissions, you will be assigned to write certain formats. Each format has guidelines that must be followed. Read the instructions carefully before you start to write in a new format.

How many articles can I claim at one time?

For your first three articles, you will be paired with a senior copy editor who will help you get acclimated with our system by providing you detailed feedback and tips on how to improve as a Demand Media Studios writer. All three articles must be completed (i.e. approved or rejected by a senior copy editor) before you are able to claim more titles. Senior copy editors rate each article on grammar and research. If your first three articles meet the minimum standards to proceed as a Demand Media Studios writer, we will raise your claimed-assignment limit to a total of 10 articles at a time.

We review the work of all our writers on an ongoing basis, and if we see that you are consistently submitting high-quality content, you may be eligible for a higher article limit.

How do I submit articles?

Once you are accepted into the program, just log into your account and begin browsing assignments. Click the “claim” button to claim an assignment, then write and submit your article directly through the online publishing tools.

What are the article submission guidelines?

Before you start writing, please read the Demand Media Studios Editorial Guidelines as well as the style guides for the various article formats, located in the Resource Center. You can find a link to the Demand Media Studios Editorial Guidelines in the Resource Center.

It is imperative that you read and follow all of the guidelines. Failure to read and follow style and format guidelines will lead to rejected articles.

What is your editorial process?

When you submit an article to Demand Media Studios, a copy editor will read and review the copy and fact-check your references. The copy editor may make minor changes to the article or send it back to you for a rewrite. If you are asked to rewrite an article, you have four days to make the revisions and resubmit. Once the article is approved by a copy editor, it is submitted to our administrators for payment.

Why was my article rejected?

Our copy editors review every article for content, grammar, spelling and style. Sometimes a copy editor will request a rewrite on an article if significant changes are required. If the rewritten article still does not meet Demand Media Studios’ standards, the article will be rejected.

To avoid rejected articles, read and follow all applicable guidelines as well as any instructions given by a copy editor who has requested a rewrite.

Can I edit my published articles?

Our copy editors may ask you to edit or rewrite the article before we accept it as final. Once we accept your article, a member of the Demand Media Studios editorial team may review your article and optimize it for the Web. As the owner of your contribution, Demand Media Studios alone is allowed to freely edit it or change it. After your article is published, if you find an error, please contact the Demand Media Studios editorial team through the Contact Us form in the footer of the website, and we will make the correction.

Can I delete a published article?

Once your article is accepted by Demand Media Studios, you will not have the opportunity to change or delete it.

In what languages do you accept articles?

Currently, Demand Media Studios only operates English-speaking sites, so we will only need content in English. We may expand to include assignments in other languages in the future.

Once I submit an article, how long before it is published?

Timing for publishing depends on where the article is distributed. For some of our websites it might be almost instantaneous. For others, it can take up to a few weeks. In some cases, we may elect not to ever publish an item of content, or it could appear on one of our distribution partners’ websites.

Once I submit an article, how long before I get paid?

To get paid, your article must go through the copyediting process and be accepted. You will be paid within one week of acceptance of your article. Demand Media Studios pays twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Can I submit images with my content?

We’ve created a Photo Library for our writers to easily attach rights-cleared images to their articles. All images must be obtained from the Photo Library

Do I retain any rights to my content?

Because the work you do for Demand Media Studios is work-made-for-hire under the U.S. Copyright Act, Demand Media Studios owns all rights to the content. Your rights are detailed in the Contributors Agreement you enter into with Demand Media before completing any writing assignment. Carefully read the details of the Contributors Agreement before participating in the Demand Media Studios Writers Program.

What do the article statuses mean?

An article’s status changes as it moves through our editorial process. Here is an overview of the article status categories:

Claimed: You have claimed this assignment, and you have seven days to write the article. If you do not submit the article before the deadline, the assignment will go back into the assignment queue for someone else to take.
Draft: You have started writing the article and it is saved as a draft.
Under Review: You have submitted the article, and a copy editor is currently reviewing it.
Rewrite: The copy editor had questions about your article that you need to address. Please follow the copy editor’s instructions and resubmit the article. If you have any questions about a copy editor’s instructions, please contact the Demand Media Studios editorial team.
Accepted: The article has been copyedited and approved. It is now waiting for the final stamp of approval before publication.
Rejected: The article does not meet our standards, and the copy editor has rejected it.
Approved for Payment: Your approved article has been sent to our accounting department and will be submitted for payment.
Paid: The article has been submitted to PayPal for payment, and the fee should appear in your account.

Writer's Revenue Share Program

What is revenue share?

Revenue share means that you earn a portion of the earnings generated from an article you publish through Demand Media Studios. This means that you can reap the rewards of your high-quality writing long after the assignment is published.

How are earnings on revenue-share articles determined?

Your earnings for each article are determined by a combination of several elements, including article views, the category your article is in, the website or websites your article appears on and more. You will be able to see per-article earnings in your Payment History section.

Will revenue-share assignments really earn more for me than flat fee assignments?

There is no guarantee that a revenue-share article will earn more than a flat-fee payment. However, we specifically choose the assignments that we believe will generate the most revenue and make those available for revenue share, thereby maximizing your chances of earning more than a flat fee would earn you over time.

Can I choose the payment type for assignments I claim?

No, the payment type for each assignment is pre-determined. A flat-fee assignment is only available for a flat fee, and a revenue-share assignment is only available for revenue share.

How often is the payout for revenue-share assignments?

Payments will be made on revenue-share earnings once a month, provided an overall $10 minimum is met. For instance, if the total earnings for all of your revenue-share articles are $16 for that month, you will be paid $16 that month.

If your earnings are less than $10, the earnings will carry over into the next month. For instance, if your total revenue-share earnings are $9.50 in a given month, $9.50 will be added to your total for the next month. If that total is more than $10, you will be paid that month.

How soon will I get paid after I submit each article?

All payments for work displayed on your Payment History page during that month will be deposited into your personal PayPal account before the end of the following month. If you earn less than $10 over the year, you’ll be paid via PayPal at year’s end.

Will payment for flat-fee assignments still be twice a week?

Yes, payment for flat-fee assignments will still occur twice a week.

How do you determine which assignments are available for revenue share and which are available for flat fee?

Because many of our assignment titles are created based on what people on the Internet are searching for, Demand Media Studios is able to determine to some extent how much traffic we think an article will get. We have selected only the titles that we think will generate more traffic (and therefore more revenue) for revenue share.

How can I increase my earnings?

Typically, the more useful your article is to the reader, the more you will earn. For instance, adding photos helps. We have also posted tips for socializing your articles here.

Do writers who do more work for Demand Media Studios earn a higher revenue share?

No, there is no tier system in place at this time.

Do revenue-share assignments count against my assignment limit when claimed?

Yes, revenue share articles are treated like any other article and count against your assignment limit.

Filmmaker

What is the Demand Media Studios Filmmaker Program?

The Demand Media Studios Filmmaker Program is a program that allows independent video producers to make money producing instructional and informational content for eHow, typeF, LIVESTRONG.COM and other Demand Media properties. Not only will you be making money and gaining worldwide exposure for your videos, but you will be helping millions of visitors answer their "how-to" questions.

How do I earn money with the Demand Media Studios Filmmaker Program?

It's simple.

Claim a Project - The Find Projects tab has pre-built projects, ranging in price from $200 - $600. The project comes with talent attached…..all you have to do is search for available projects in your general area.
Produce the Project - Once you have claimed the project, you'll have 2 weeks to schedule with the talent, produce and edit the project. You'll have a general set of Demand Media Studios Production Guidelines to assist you, and in some cases you'll have production requirements for the specific project you are producing.
Send in the Project and Get Paid - When the project is completed, you will upload high-resolution videos to us along with any necessary release forms. Once your project is accepted, you will receive your payment within a week via PayPal.

What is an example of a Demand Media Studios project?

A Demand Media Studios project is a collection of up to 30 videos within a specific category that a filmmaker may produce with a single Talent in a single Location. Each title will have one of five production formats associated with it. The specific requirements of each video will be determined by the format, but all individual videos within a Project are generally required to be 1-3 minutes in length and answer one specific how to question. For example, a project on "Fractions in Mathematics" may include video titles such as "How to add unlike fractions" and "How to multiply fractions." If you do not complete all of the titles within a project, your final payment will be pro-rated based on the number of titles completed.

How do I check out a project?

Projects created by Demand Media Studios will be under the Find Projects tab. These projects will consist of up to 30 individual titles and come with pre-determined Production Guidelines. Guidelines will vary depending on what site you are shooting for.

How much do I get paid per project?

On average, you can expect to receive $200-$600 per project. The payment amount is based on the number of 1-3 minute videos created, and the price of each video. The price of each video is determined by the format, and is variable depending on difficulty. A video requiring a single static interview shot might be paid at $15, where a demonstration requiring more edits would be paid at $20. The format and resulting price will be displayed when you claim a project.

Is there a limit to how many projects I can claim?

We have a 30 clip limit for new filmmakers to ensure that all content abides by our guidelines, and proper feedback is granted regarding the work. After a few projects have been reviewed you will be eligible for an increase in the amount of work that you can check out at one time.

Do I need a whole crew to shoot a Demand Media Studios Project?

Demand Media Studios projects are designed to be completed by a single filmmaker, in a single location, with a single Talent, in a single day. The payment is the same regardless of how many people contribute to the production, so you'll make more money if you shoot solo.

How long does it take to complete a Demand Media Studios project?

It depends on the complexity and number of titles, but you can expect for an average 15 video Demand Media Studios project to take anywhere from 4-6 hours to shoot and edit once you have a few under your belt. Some of our veteran filmmakers are even able to shoot multiple Projects in a single day.

Where will my videos appear?

Your videos may appear on any one of several websites owned by Demand Media, including eHow, LIVESTRONG.COM, and typeF. In addition, they may appear on the YouTube channels associated with our Demand Media properties.

What are the minimum equipment requirements to produce video for Demand Media Studios?

First and foremost, you need a professional level High Definition or HDV camera that shoots at a minimum resolution of 720p or 1080i. Since we require all of our videos to be shot with a professional external microphone, you will need a camera that can accommodate one. You will also need a good tripod, and a lavalier or a shotgun microphone. If you have any questions about your specific equipment, don't hesitate to contact us at filmmakerteam@demandmedia.com

What are the Production Guidelines for Demand Media Studios?

At the most basic level, Demand Media Studios requires all videos to be shot in 720p or higher, in a location that is appropriate to the content. Each video you produce will have an associated format detailing the specific content requirements and many of these will include multiple camera angles and b-roll footage. You can read the complete Production Guidelines in the Filmmaker Resource Center section of the site and learn about additional technical and editorial requirements.

Am I responsible for finding the Talent to appear on camera?

No. The project will come attached with a talent who resides in your area. All you will have to do is claim the project and schedule the shoot. If you have someone else in mind that you would like to shoot with, please have them apply as on-screen talent through our Talent & Expert Network. If approved, you will be able to use this person in your videos. By participating in your videos, the Talent will receive free promotion on the Demand Media network of sites.

What makes a good shooting location?

For the majority of our content we prefer that you avoid using a studio setting, opting instead for a location that suits your talent and the subject well. A good location will be a quiet, controlled place that is pleasing to the eye. For example, if you are shooting a series on Education, try to use an actual school or classroom for the project. If you are shooting Soccer, find a real soccer field that looks nice.

I am an expert on something, can I film myself?

No. Demand Media Studios will not approve Projects for production where the filmmaker is the Talent.

What release forms do you require me to submit?

We require that you upload signed and dated copies of the following forms with your Project. Both release forms are also available as an online form that can be digitally signed. You will be able to find copies of these documents and instructions on obtaining digital signatures in the Resource Center.

Appearance Release - This must be signed by all parties that appear in your videos. If minors appear, the legal guardian must also sign the release. Your Talent will not need to sign the Appearance Release, as they have already signed the contributor’s agreement in the studio.
Location Release - This must be filled out by the location that you film at. It is generally not required for public locations, but when in doubt, get it signed. Residential properties do require location releases.

What if my Talent or Location refuses to sign the release forms?

We will not be able to accept projects without the completed set of release forms. Make sure that you get everyone to read the releases BEFORE you begin filming your videos.

Can Demand Media Studios choose to reject my project?

Yes. While we do not ever want to reject a Project that you've put so much effort into, we do reserve the right to do so. In order to ensure your work does not get rejected, please familiarize yourself thoroughly with the Video Production Guidelines. The most common reasons we reject a video are:

Video Quality
Audio Quality
Location Quality

Do I retain any rights to my accepted videos?

Because the work you do for Demand Media Studios is a work-made-for-hire under the U.S. Copyright Act, Demand Media Studios owns all rights to the content. The rights details are included in the Contributors Agreement you enter into with Demand Media before completing any filmmaking project. Carefully read the full contract details of the Contributors Agreement before participating in the Demand Media Studios Filmmakers Program.

Title QA

What is Title QA?

The role of a Title QA is to select those titles that can potentially be made into an article or video, while making sure each one presents a clear directive for writers and filmmakers. Demand Media Studios titles are generated from a variety of sources, including specific content requests made by users on our network of sites. As a result, you may see incomplete or poorly worded phrases presented as titles. It is the job of Title QA to determine which titles can be made as presented, need to be edited to create a usable title, or are unusable by Demand Media Studios.

How do I become a Title QA?

Send an email to TitlingTeam@DemandStudios.com, indicating that you are interested in Title QA. If we are looking to add new people to Title QA, we will send you a test that will help us determine if you're a good fit for the position. If your scores indicate that you'd make a good QA and a position is available, we may contact you with further information. Due to the number of tests we administer, we can't follow up with everyone who tests for this role, but we will contact you if we have a Title QA position available for you.

Can I be a Title QA and still have other roles with Demand Media Studios?

Yes – but only in other departments. This means that if you are a Title QA freelancer, that can be your only role within the Titling department. There are many freelance opportunities within Demand Media Studios, and everyone is able to apply for positions in multiple departments. We need Writers, Copy Editors and Filmmakers, too!

How much will I be paid for Title QA?

Title QA pays a predetermined fee for each title accepted, rejected or sent to edit. Currently, that fee is $0.02 per title – however, Demand Media Studios reserves the right to change this fee at any time.

Where do the titles that I QA end up?

Demand Media Studios titles end up on brand-name websites throughout the Internet – sites like eHow.com, LIVESTRONG.COM and more.

Where can I find the Title QA Guidelines?

They are located in the Guidelines & Sample Work area of the Titling Resource Center.

I sometimes get errors when trying to QA titles. What does this mean?

As you find with any other web application system, occasionally the use of our tools produces unexpected behavior. If you experience an error, notify our Help Desk immediately by going to the Contact Us link at the bottom of the page. We need to know about any persistent problems, so that we can deal with them appropriately.

How often will my performance be evaluated?

A Title Manager will be reviewing you regularly to ensure that the quality of your work is reaching our standards. If poor performance is discovered, immediate action will need to be taken to improve the quality of your titles. Depending upon the severity of the errors, the Title Manager may provide feedback and request improvement in a specific area, implement a probationary period, change or remove permissions, or ask you to leave the Titling program altogether. If abuse of our systems is discovered, you will be immediately removed from Title QA, and your status as a freelancer with Demand Media Studios will come under review.

Is there a way to keep track of the number of titles I've QA'd?

As you QA, you can track your earnings using the counter at the top right of your screen. It updates in real-time. It's recommended, however, that you use the information on the Earnings tab of your Workdesk as the official record of your daily earnings.

I want more titles to QA. How can I get more?

Title QA presents titles on a first-come, first-served basis. If titles run out, you may check back periodically to see if the queue has been replenished. We generally try to keep work available to our community.

Will I receive an email notification for payments related to titling?

Not at this time. Please check your Payment History for this information.

Where can I go to get specific questions answered?

The Titling Resource Center is a great place to search for answers. There you will find our latest guidelines and other helpful Titling documents and tutorials, including video walkthroughs. You should be checking the Titling Forum regularly to find the latest Titling updates, to ask questions and to get help with particular titles.

The best place to get an official answer is by contacting us at TitlingTeam@DemandStudios.com. We're always ready to respond to your questions as best we can.

Title Editing

What is Title Editing?

Demand Media Studios titles are generated from a variety of sources, including specific content requests made by users on our network of sites. As a result, you may see incomplete or poorly worded phrases presented as titles. The role of a Title Editor is to use basic grammar and syntax skills to clean those titles up, while preserving as much of the original title as possible.

How do I become a Title Editor?

Send an email to TitlingTeam@DemandStudios.com, indicating that you are interested in Title Editing. If we are looking for new people in Title Edit, we will send you a test that will help us determine if you're a good fit for the position. If your scores indicate that you'd make a good Title Editor and a position is available, we may contact you with further information. Due to the number of tests we administer, we can't follow up with everyone who tests for this role, but we will contact you if we have a Title Editing position available for you.

Can I be a Title Editor and still have other roles with Demand Media Studios?

Yes – but only in other departments. This means that if you are a Title Editor, that can be your only role within the titling department. There are many freelance opportunities within Demand Media Studios, and everyone is able to apply for positions in multiple departments. We need Writers, Copy Editors and Filmmakers, too!

How much will I be paid for Title Editing?

Title Editors are paid a predetermined fee for each title edited. Currently, that fee is $0.04 per title – however, Demand Media Studios reserves the right to change this fee at any time.

Where do the titles that I edit end up?

Demand Media Studios titles end up on brand-name websites throughout the Internet – sites like eHow.com, LIVESTRONG.COM and more.

Where can I find the Title Editing Guidelines?

They are located in the Guidelines & Sample Work area of the Titling Resource Center.

I sometimes get errors when trying to edit titles. What does this mean?

How often will my performance be evaluated?

A Title Manager will be reviewing you regularly to ensure that the quality of your work is reaching our standards. If poor performance is discovered, immediate action will need to be taken to improve the quality of your titles. Depending upon the severity of the errors, the Title Manager may provide feedback and request improvement in a specific area, implement a probationary period, change or remove permissions, or ask you to leave the Titling program altogether. If abuse of our systems is discovered, you will be removed from Title Editing, and your status as a freelancer with Demand Media Studios will come under review.

Is there a way to keep track of the number of titles I've edited?

As a Title Editor, you can track your earnings using the counter at the top right of your screen. It updates in real-time. It's recommended, however, that you use the information on the Earnings tab of your Workdesk as the official record of your daily earnings.

I want to edit more titles. How can I get more?

Title Editing presents titles on a first-come, first-served basis. If titles run out, you may check back periodically to see if the queue has been replenished. We generally try to keep work available to our community.

Will I receive an email notification for payments related to titling?

Not at the present time. Please check your Payment History for this information.

Where can I go to get specific questions answered?

The best place to get an official answer is by contacting us at TitlingTeam@DemandStudios.com. We're always ready to respond to your questions as best we can.

Title Selection

What is Title Selection?

The role of a Title Selector is to select those titles that can potentially be made into an article or video for a specific site and template, while making sure each one clearly represents the site's voice and content focus. Demand Media Studios publishes titles to sites with name brands like eHow.com, LIVESTRONG.com and more. You can help determine which titles end up on these sites.

How do I become a Title Selector?

Send an email to TitlingTeam@DemandStudios.com, indicating that you are interested in Title Selection. If we are hiring, we will send you a test that will help us determine if you're a good fit for the position. If your scores indicate that you'd make a good Selector, and a position is available, we may contact you with further information. Due to the number of tests we administer, we can't follow up with everyone who tests for this role, but we will contact you if we have a Title Selection position available for you.

Can I be a Title Selector and still have other roles with Demand Media Studios?

Yes – but only in other departments. This means that if you are a Title Selection freelancer, that can be your only role within the Titling department. There are many freelance opportunities within Demand Media Studios, and everyone is able to apply for positions in multiple departments. We need Writers, Copy Editors and Filmmakers, too!

How much will I be paid for Title Selection?

Title Selection pays a predetermined fee for each title selected or rejected. Currently, that fee is $0.02 per title – however, Demand Media Studios reserves the right to change this fee at any time.

Where can I find the Title Selection Guidelines?

They are located in the Guidelines & Sample Work area of the Titling Resource Center, organized by site.

I sometimes get errors when trying to select titles. What does this mean?

How often will my performance be evaluated?

A Title Manager will be reviewing you regularly to ensure that the quality of your work is reaching our standards. If poor performance is discovered, immediate action will need to be taken to improve the quality of your titles. Depending upon the severity of the errors, the Title Manager may provide feedback and request improvement in a specific area, implement a probationary period, change or remove permissions, or ask you to leave the Titling program altogether. If abuse of our systems is discovered, you will be removed from Title Selection, and your status as a freelancer with Demand Media Studios will come under review.

Is there a way to keep track of the number of titles I've selected?

As you select titles, you can track your earnings using the counter at the top right of your screen. It updates in real-time. It's recommended, however, that you use the information on the Earnings tab of your Workdesk as the official record of your daily earnings.

I want more titles to select. How can I get more?

Title Selection presents titles on a first-come, first-served basis. If titles run out, you may check back periodically to see if the queue has been replenished. We generally try to keep work available to our community.

Will I receive an email notification for payments related to titling?

Not at this time. Please check your Payment History for this information.

Where can I go to get specific questions answered?

The Titling Resource Center is a great place to search for answers. There you will find our latest guidelines and other helpful Titling documents and tutorials. You should be checking the Titling Forum regularly to find the latest Titling updates, to ask questions and to get help with particular titles.

The best place to get an official answer is by contacting us at TitlingTeam@DemandStudios.com. We're always ready to respond to your questions as best we can.

Duplicate Checking

What is Duplicate Checking?

The role of a Duplicate Checker is to decide if a title is a duplicate of another title. Duplicate checkers are presented with a list of potential duplicates and tasked with choosing whether or not a given title matches anything within the list.

How do I become a Duplicate Checker?

Send an email to TitlingTeam@DemandStudios.com, indicating that you are interested in Duplicate Checking. We will contact you if we have a position available for you.

Can I be a Duplicate Checker and still have other roles with Demand Media Studios?

Yes – but only in other departments. This means that if you are a Dupe Checking freelancer, that can be your only role within the Titling department. There are many freelance opportunities within Demand Media Studios, and everyone is able to apply for positions in multiple departments. We need Writers, Copy Editors and Filmmakers, too!

How much will I be paid for Duplicate Checking?

Duplicate Checking pays a predetermined fee for each title that is processed. Currently, that fee is $0.02 per title – however, Demand Media Studios reserves the right to change this fee at any time.

Where can I find the Dupe Checking Guidelines?

They are located in the Guidelines & Sample Work area of the Titling Resource Center.

I sometimes get errors when trying to dupe check titles. What does this mean?

How often will my performance be evaluated?

A Title Manager will be reviewing you regularly to ensure that the quality of your work is reaching our standards. If poor performance is discovered, immediate action will need to be taken to improve the quality of your titles. Depending upon the severity of the errors, the Title Manager may provide feedback and request improvement in a specific area, implement a probationary period, change or remove permissions, or ask you to leave the Titling program altogether. If abuse of our systems is discovered, you will be removed from Duplicate Checking, and your status as a freelancer with Demand Media Studios will come under review.

Is there a way to keep track of the number of titles I've dupe checked?

As you dupe check titles, you can track your earnings using the counter at the top right of your screen. It updates in real-time. It's recommended, however, that you use the information on the Earnings tab of your Workdesk as the official record of your daily earnings.

I want more titles to dupe check. How can I get more?

Duplicate Checking presents titles on a first-come, first-served basis. If titles run out, you may check back periodically to see if the queue has been replenished. We generally try to keep work available to our community.

Will I receive an email notification for payments related to titling?

Not at this time. Please check your Payment History for this information.

Where can I go to get specific questions answered?

The best place to get an official answer is by contacting us at TitlingTeam@DemandStudios.com. We're always ready to respond to your questions as best we can.

Category QA

What is Category QA?

The role of a Category QA is to determine whether the category and subcategory for any given title are correct or incorrect. The category of a Demand Media title is critically important for several reasons. Categories determine how we distribute content to appropriate destinations, how we match creators with relevant assignments, and how we program many of our sites. For these and other reasons, every title we create at Demand Media must have an accurate category.

How do I become a Category QA?

Send an email to TitlingTeam@DemandStudios.com, indicating that you are interested in Category QA. If we are hiring, we will send you a test that will help us determine if you're a good fit for the position. If your scores indicate that you'd make a good QA and a position is available, we may contact you with further information. Due to the number of tests we administer, we can't follow up with everyone who tests for this role, but we will contact you if we have a Category QA position available for you.

Can I be a Category QA and still have other roles with Demand Media Studios?

Yes – but only in other departments. This means that if you are a Category QA freelancer, that can be your only role within the Titling department. There are many freelance opportunities within Demand Media Studios, and everyone is able to apply for positions in multiple departments. We need Writers, Copy Editors and Filmmakers, too!

Where do the titles that I QA end up?

Demand Media Studios titles end up on brand-name websites throughout the Internet – sites like eHow.com, LIVESTRONG.COM and more.

Where can I find the Category QA Guidelines?

They are located in the Guidelines & Sample Work area of the Titling Resource Center.

I sometimes get errors when trying to QA titles. What does this mean?

How often will my performance be evaluated?

A Title Manager will be reviewing you regularly to ensure that the quality of your work is reaching our standards. If poor performance is discovered, immediate action will need to be taken to improve the quality of your titles. Depending upon the severity of the errors, the Title Manager may provide feedback and request improvement in a specific area, implement a probationary period, change or remove permissions, or ask you to leave the Titling program altogether. If abuse of our systems is discovered, you will be removed from Category QA, and your status as a freelancer with Demand Media Studios will come under review.

Is there a way to keep track of the number of titles I've QA'd?

I want more titles to QA. How can I get more?

Category QA presents titles on a first-come, first-served basis. If titles run out, you may check back periodically to see if the queue has been replenished. We generally try to keep work available to our community.

Will I receive an email notification for payments related to titling?

Not at this time. Please check your Payment History for this information.

Where can I go to get specific questions answered?

The best place to get an official answer is by contacting us at TitlingTeam@DemandStudios.com. We're always ready to respond to your questions as best we can.

Category Editing

What is Category Editing?

The role of a Category Editor is to assign the best category and subcategory from our taxonomy for the title presented. The category of a Demand Media title is critically important for several reasons. Categories determine how we distribute content to appropriate destinations, how we match creators with relevant assignments, and how we program many of our sites. For these and other reasons, every title we create at Demand Media must have an accurate category.

How do I become a Category Editor?

Send an email to TitlingTeam@DemandStudios.com, indicating that you are interested in Category Editing. If we are hiring, we will send you a test that will help us determine if you're a good fit for the position. If your scores indicate that you'd make a good Category Editor and a position is available, we may contact you with further information. Due to the number of tests we administer, we can't follow up with everyone who tests for this role, but we will contact you if we have a Category Editing position available for you.

Can I be a Category Editor and still have other roles with Demand Media Studios?

Yes – but only in other departments. This means that if you are a Category Editing freelancer, that can be your only role within the Titling department. There are many freelance opportunities within Demand Media Studios, and everyone is able to apply for positions in multiple departments. We need Writers, Copy Editors and Filmmakers, too!

Where do the titles that I edit end up?

Demand Media Studios titles end up on brand-name websites throughout the Internet – sites like eHow.com, LIVESTRONG.COM and more.

Where can I find the Category Editing Guidelines?

They are located in the Guidelines & Sample Work area of the Titling Resource Center.

I sometimes get errors when trying to edit titles. What does this mean?

How often will my performance be evaluated?

A Title Manager will be reviewing you regularly to ensure that the quality of your work is reaching our standards. If poor performance is discovered, immediate action will need to be taken to improve the quality of your titles. Depending upon the severity of the errors, the Title Manager may provide feedback and request improvement in a specific area, implement a probationary period, change or remove permissions, or ask you to leave the Titling program altogether. If abuse of our systems is discovered, you will be removed from Category Editing, and your status as a freelancer with Demand Media Studios will come under review.

Is there a way to keep track of the number of titles I've edited?

As you edit, you can track your earnings using the counter at the top right of your screen. It updates in real-time. It's recommended, however, that you use the information on the Earnings tab of your Workdesk as the official record of your daily earnings.

I want more titles to edit. How can I get more?

Category Edit presents titles on a first-come, first-served basis. If titles run out, you may check back periodically to see if the queue has been replenished. We generally try to keep work available to our community.

Will I receive an email notification for payments related to titling?

Not at this time. Please check your Payment History for this information.

Where can I go to get specific questions answered?

The best place to get an official answer is by contacting us at TitlingTeam@DemandStudios.com. We're always ready to respond to your questions as best we can.

Copy Editor

What kinds of articles will I copyedit?: Demand Media Studios copy editors edit made-for-the-Internet text articles, written by Demand Media Studios’ writers. These articles appear on brand-name sites like eHow.com, LIVESTRONG.COM and more.
How much will I be paid for copyediting an article?: Demand Media Studios sets a predetermined fee for each article you copyedit. The current standard rate for copyediting is $3.50 per regular article. However, we do offer higher rates for special assignments to our stronger-performing copy editors.
How much time do I have to edit articles that are in my queue?: Once you claim an article, you will have 24 hours to either edit it and approve it or send it back to the writer with rewrite instructions. A rewritten article will later be directed back to your queue, and you will have four days to either approve or reject it.
Am I required to edit every article that appears in my queue?: No. You can choose from any of the articles that appear in the general queue, but you will not be able to get new articles until those articles have been claimed by you or other copy editors. When articles get claimed, the queue will replenish with new articles.
What is an expired assignment?: An expired assignment means that you did not edit this assignment before the deadline.
If I do not edit articles in my queue in time, what happens to them?: They are released back into the queue for another copy editor to edit.
After I send an article to a writer for a rewrite, how much time does the writer have to resubmit the article with changes?: The writer has up to four days to resubmit the article with changes, but will often resubmit it sooner.
After a writer resubmits an article with the changes I requested, how much time do I have to approve or reject it?: You will have up to four days.
I let an article expire after it was sent back to me after a rewrite. Will I still be paid?: No. When an article returns to your queue after a rewrite, the assignment is not yet considered complete. If you fail to take action before the deadline, the rewritten article will go back into the general pool for another copy editor to claim.
If a writer lets an article sent back for a rewrite expire, will I still be paid?: Yes.
Can I be both a writer and a copy editor?: Yes. If you have an open account with us, please apply using the same account.

The Talent and Experts Network

What is the Talent and Experts Network of Demand Media?

The Talent and Experts Network is the community from which we select contributors for our premium, high-profile projects.

Demand Media operates a network of websites with a combined audience of over 100 million and creates thousands of videos a month. We are committed to creating relevant, high quality content for our sites. In doing so, we have had numerous opportunities for topical experts and on-screen talent to extend their professional brands and reach a targeted online audience. Using our network we have created premium video series, expert articles, offered guest blogger opportunities, and much more.

The Network is currently in BETA and we are working on providing more opportunities and features as we speak. If you are approved for on-camera assignments, you may search and/or create video series in your area of expertise. If you do not hear from us in the short term, please know that we have your information and that we hope to match you with a suitable project or opportunity when it arises.

What publishers use the Talent and Experts Network to find feature contributors?

Members may be offered opportunities to work with one of Demand Media's premium websites or a Demand Media partner brand. Examples of Demand Media sites include eHow.com, LIVESTRONG.com, Golflink.com, Trails.com, Cracked.com, and many more. Examples of Demand Media partner brands include USAToday.com, YouTube, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and more.

What happens after I apply?

Once you have applied your information will be captured in our database. If you are approved to be an Expert on-screen, you will have the opportunity to claim and create projects in your area of expertise. In addition, editors from Demand Media's network of premium sites will have access to your information and will look to match you with opportunities or projects that may arise. If such an opportunity is available, a representative from Demand Media will contact you with more details.

What types of opportunities will I have as a member of the Network?

As an Expert that is approved for on-camera assignments, you can create video series that highlight your expertise. Additionally, we have worked with members of the Network to develop numerous premium and high-profile projects. We have developed premium video series for sites such as eHow.com, LIVESTRONG.com, USAToday.com, and more. These series have been featured on sites with millions of viewers and were hosted by members of the Network. We have also used Network members for on-camera interviews, to write featured articles and blogs, and for general consultation.

We are in our BETA stage and we are constantly looking to add new and interesting ways to work with our Network members. We will announce new features and project opportunities whenever we have any updates.

I am currently a member of Demand Media Studios (as a Writer, Filmmaker, Editor, or Title Editor). Can I join the Talent and Experts Network?

If you have an account with Demand Media Studios, you can apply with our internal application. From your account page, find the 'Positions' tab and then the Expert role. From there, you will be taken through the application process. Please note that since you already have an account, you should not apply from the main application page.

Who should apply to the Talent and Experts Network of Demand Media?

In general, we are looking for not only those who possess expert knowledge but who are comfortable in presenting and sharing this knowledge on camera or through writing feature articles. We typically are only able to match you with feature projects if you fall under any of the following groups:

A recognized expert in your field or category
Examples include: Professors, small business owners, licensed professionals, or anyone who is looked at as a recognized expert in their field.
Individuals possessing a unique talent in a given field
Examples include: Published authors, actors/performers with television or film experience, elite athletes, or others who are at the top of their field.

How will I be compensated for any projects I am able to work on through the Network?

Demand Media's web properties and partner brands have a combined audience of over 100 million users, giving us the unique ability to promote your personal brand or small business to a large audience of interested viewers. Many of our featured experts have seen their brands and businesses grow through partnering with Demand Media. In addition to promotion, we occasionally pay a flat fee or offer revenue sharing for services provided. Each assignment is different and payment is clearly designated for your consideration prior to acceptance of the project.

Transcribers

What does a Demand Media Studios Transcriber do?: A Demand Media Studios Transcriber creates a transcript for every Demand Media Studios video.This transcript is important for making videos more visible to search engines.
How can I become a Demand Media Studios Transcriber?: We are currently not recruiting for more Transcribers. However, if you would like to be notified when we are, you can fill out the Demand Media Studios Application and we will contact you when we have a need for more Transcribers.

Demand Media Blog Distribution Network

General Info

What is The Demand Media Blog Distribution Network?: The Demand Media Blog Distribution Network syndicates high quality blogs to a network of premium websites, offering bloggers the opportunity to build their online brands, drive more traffic to their blogs, and position themselves as industry experts.
How does it work?: Once you apply, our editorial team will review your blog on a number of dimensions, including topic focus, writing quality, strength of titling, frequency of posts, and our ability to match your posts with the publishers in our network. When your blog is approved, we use a combination of editorial selection and contextual matching to determine which of your blog posts appear on which sites. Every time one of your posts appears on one of our sites, we provide full attribution to you, including links back to your blog so readers can visit your site directly.
Does it cost anything to join?: No. There is no cost to join.
What information will I have access to?: Your Blogger Workdesk will give you valuable insights into where your posts have appeared, how many views your posts received, how much traffic was driven back to your site and how much you've earned through our revenue share program.
How will publishers use my blog and its content?: Publishers will display your blog's content on their site as they would any of their normal pages, all the while providing full attribution to you and promoting your brand, message and referrals. Display of your blog or your blog posts on any of our distribution sites requires a full byline and link back to your blog. This is part of how we ensure the network is valuable to both bloggers and publishers.
What sites can my blog appear on?: We syndicate blogs to popular Demand Media sites including eHow, LIVESTRONG.COM and typeF.com, plus premium publishing partners including USAToday, the Houston Chronicle, the San Francisco Chronicle and Salon. We’re also busy expanding the network to include new sites.
Can I choose which sites my blog appears on?: No. At this time a combination of contextual matching and editorial selection determines which blogs appear on which sites. As an active member of the Blog Distribution Network, you are consenting to have your blog syndicated to any or all of the sites in our network.
Do I retain ownership of my blog and its content?: Yes. You retain sole authorship and ownership of your blog posts. You grant us the right to syndicate them, so long as you choose to remain in the network, and you may opt out at any time. For more information, see our Network Agreement.
Does joining the network require an exclusive agreement?: No. Our network agreement is non-exclusive, so you may continue to work with other distribution or advertising networks as their agreements permit.
Can I apply for other positions available within Demand Media Studios?: Yes. All current Demand Media Studios freelancers and bloggers can apply for and, upon acceptance, work in numerous positions. While logged into your Demand Studios account, you can access our internal application here. You may be asked to upload additional information, depending on the position you wish to apply for.

Revenue Share

What is Revenue Share?: Revenue share means that you receive a portion of the earnings generated from your blog posts that are syndicated through Demand Media. Our revenue share program enables network members to earn additional income simply by continuing to post to your blog.
How do I start earning revenue share?: In order to start earning revenue share, you must fill out your tax information through your Demand Media Studios account. You can access that page here. Earnings will not start to accumulate until you have filled in your tax information.
How much will I earn?: Your earnings are determined by a combination of several factors, including the number of times your blog posts are viewed on our websites, the category your blog belongs to, the site(s) your blog appears on and more. You will be able to see your earnings on your Blogger Workdesk.
Who is eligible for revenue share?: At this time, we can only pay revenue share to bloggers who are U.S. citizens.
How do I get paid?: Revenue share earnings are paid once a month via PayPal. You must earn a minimum of $10 before any payment is issued.
Will I be charged any fees by PayPal?: No, the amount deposited into your PayPal account will be the full amount owed to you. You will not encounter any additional fees.
I don't have a PayPal account, can I still get paid?: No. At this time we can only issue payments via PayPal. If you do not have a PayPal account, you can open one for free at www.paypal.com.

General
Account & Payment
Writer
Writer's Revenue Share
Filmmaker
Title QA
Title Editing
Title Selection
Duplicate Checking
Category QA
Category Editing
Copy Editor
Talent and Experts
Transcriber
- What does a Transcriber do?
- How can I become a Demand Media Studios transcriber?
DM Blog Distribution Network
- General Info
- Revenue Share