Folks who use Money Line when looking for freelancers or staffers are often overwhelmed by the number of responses they receive from postings. However, quantity isn’t always what they’re hoping to receive. Listers are looking for quality candidates. So, listers and responders, follow a few simple tips before making a post or replying to a post to get the most out of POMA’s Money Line.

Listing Agents/Companies

The keys to getting what you need, when you need it from Money Line are clarity and detail. Spend a little time up front on your listing and save hours of effort on the back end trying to sort through replies that don’t fit your needs.

Listing One

Writer needed for outdoor publication covering hunting, fishing and shooting. Send a resume with payment requirements.

Result:  Everyone in POMA might respond to this call to duty.

Listing Two

Writer needed for outdoor publication covering hunting, fishing and shooting.

Requirements:

  • Five or more years experience writing about the shooting sports
  • Large base of contacts/sources and knowledge about shooting competitions
  • Two written references from buyers who have worked with you in the past six months (not just a name and contact information)

Process:

  • No telephone calls, only e-mail inquiries
  • Provide resume, references and two links to tearsheets no later than X date
  • Listing person/company will contact finalists only on/before X date

Details of Assignment/Project

  • Cover several three-gun matches. Shoot images and craft an 800-1,000 word article and image package.
  • Buy first North American serial rights and non-exclusive website rights
  • Payment on acceptance
  • Pay: $300 up, depending on overall package

Result: Those who respond should meet an exact criteria and have references. In addition, they know what you’re buying and gives a starting pay range. So, someone who wants $1,200 knows they’re out of your league. Those who can’t see web rights of any kind need not apply.

Responders to Money Line Listings

The keys to getting what you need, when you need it from Money Line are clarity and detail. Spend a little time up front on your response. Give the listing agent/company everything they want the way they want it, and you’re name will go to the top of the candidate list.

  • Read the full listing then address the exact needs of listing agent/company.
  • Put forth a professional presentation — don’t send a “Hey what ya’ lookin’ for?” e-mail.
  • Don’t insist they take your phone call, if they specifically as for e-mail inquiries.
  • Give the requesting agent/company everything they want, before the stated deadline. And yes, the early bird often does get the worm.
  • Forget being high-maintenance. If the agent/company is asking for a link to examples of your work, they don’t want to receive Word attachments.
  • Badger or argue with an agent/company about acknowledging your reply at your own peril. Understand that no response to an initial inquiry and perhaps a follow-up generally means a lack of interest by the listing agent/company. Why burn a bridge when you don’t have to?
  • Once contacted, negotiating is a part of doing business, but if/when payment and process guidelines are listed, understand this is the buyer’s comfort range. Don’t waste everyone’s time with unreasonable bids/requests.