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Virtually
A Greeting Card Writer Becoming an online greeting card writer was not on my mind when I decided to become a freelance writer. Fortunately, I got a reply from an online greeting card website, welcoming me aboard. This was just over one and a half years ago and since then I have risen to be one of their stellar– their words, not mine. Virtual and Printed
Differences Unlike a printed greeting card writer who submits phrases, punch-lines, or even captions on index cards to various greeting card companies in the hope of capturing the eye of one of their editors, online cards require the writer to include graphical details of how one visually perceives one's idea. I have written only animated e-cards, which generally require a lot of description. This then goes to an online editor whose response is very fast, and depending on the amount of ideas submitted in a day, it is quite likely that by the end of the day you will know the results of your idea submission. Submission Process The submission page presents itself as a preloaded page with areas for writers’ input: the title of the card, the category best suited to the idea, keywords, and a summary for the overall idea. The actual description of the card idea is split into three areas; these represent the animation scenes. Once you know you have submitted your idea, the creative process begins. The idea is submitted and notification of whether the idea has been accepted, rejected or needs editing, along with suggestions, is sent via e-mail, normally within three working days. Conception to Completion To those paper greeting card writers who are apt at thinking up phrases, captions or punch-lines, the amount of work involved in making one e-card submission must sound mountainous. But the whole process takes a considerably less amount of time than print cards, as the ideas go directly to an editor who is awaiting submissions. Once the ideas are there and you can visualize how you want the card to look, it's just a question of informing the graphic artists. Internal Newsletter From time to time, we, the "developers" (that is, graphic designers and writers) receive an internal newsletter that includes accounting updates, animations tips and flash lessons. The writers tend to get advice on how to introduce characters, fonts, or items into scenes. The writers also receive further details on the topic; for example, for the topic of Thanksgiving, details pertaining to the history, how it is celebrated, the most popular forms of greeting card expressions, and so on, to give us a better understanding of the subject matter. We see the various camera angles and directions for looking at the objects in the scene or even how to move from a static pose to a dramatic pose. Present Needs List The month’s category listings for required cards are sent out via e-mail notices from the development network. These listings are usually sent about two months in advance. So Christmas cards are created in October, ready for online use in December. This ensures all cards are processed and online before the actual celebration or event occurs. The Pay The financial benefits are much lower than what is generally paid in the printed world of cards. An online greeting card writer may typically earn $10.00 per idea. The good thing is that you know from day to day how much you have earned as the editor’s response is within three working days. The Trend The work has a fast turnover and calls for creative writers who can not only aptly put into words their ideas, but can refrain from typical or clichéd ideas. The online greeting card trend has followed the same path as the printed card world by asking predominately for humor, though with the web being open to all walks of life and culture, there is a tendency to produce cards for minorities (such as religious celebrations) and to venture into new card areas where writers get to make up days of their own to celebrate, e.g. Banana Split Day Last, but not least For me, it has opened a door to my creativity and given me a better understanding of what editors want to see when considering a greeting card concept. The opportunity to work online in this field offers a valuable experience. It is a great springboard into the world of printed greeting cards and gives you the opportunity to work with editors, deadlines, and assignments in a virtual world of words and sentiments. Markets There are many online greeting card sites out there and with more being added daily, it’s a matter of approaching them at the right time. Many do write back stating they do not require writers at the moment whilst some will ask to see 10 to 12 of your best sample verses, just as with print greeting card writers. The terms under which you are hired, payment and what they require from you may differ from that described above. But, once you have impressed an editor, you will be on your way to becoming a virtual greeting card writer. Links: Nadia Ali (nadia@freelance-worker.com) began her writing career as an online greeting card writer and has had countless published since. She has also had success in the paper greeting card and slogan markets. If you're interested in writing greeting cards, you may be interested in the book Sell The Fun Stuff: Writers' And Artists' Market Guidelines For Greeting Cards, Posters, Rubber Stamps, T-shirts, Aprons, Bumper Stickers, Doormats, And More! Click here for details. |
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