Elance provider interview: Allena Tapia
I recently had an opportunity to interview the voice of the New York Times’ About.com Guide to Freelance Writing, Allena Tapia. Allena has been published all over the internet as well as in numerous magazines. She owns a business called GardenWall Publications that serves as the flagship for her freelance writing career.
In addition to her writing, Allena teaches classes at a community college. She and her husband and children live in the great state of Michigan. She was kind enough to take a few moments from her busy schedule to answer our questions.
Elance Professional: How long have you been writing for a living?
Allena Tapia: Ten years now. When I graduated with my degree in English, I immediately took work as an editor for two local colleges.
EP: And how many years ago did you start freelancing?
AT: Seven now, although only full time for some of those, between having children and working part time.
EP: Do you spend your professional hours solely on freelance work, or do you also have a “day job�
AT: Now I’m full time freelance. I launched my business, GardenWall Publications, and went full time in 2006 and 2007. Before that I held full time editorial and marketing positions.
EP: When did you first become an active member of Elance?
AT: Since late 2007. I’m not sure I would call myself active right now!
EP: What has been the most interesting project you’ve been involved with on Elance?
AT: I was so excited to edit K-12 curriculum materials on things like SHAKESPEARE and other secondary English concepts. As an English student, you’re often told that you won’t find work in this “stuff.” Well, I made about $80 an hour on this particular project, over the course of about a year. I loved it!
EP: What has been the worst experience you have had on their site?
AT: I underestimated a copywriting project that ended up taking many more hours than I expected. At the end of it, I probably made about $7 per hour!
EP: How much of your business is derived from Elance or other similar sites, and how has that fluctuated over the years?
AT: Right now I’m not using Elance at all, but at times its 100% of my client load.
EP: Many people who are just entering into the freelance world struggle with pricing. Do you mind sharing the formula you use for pricing your work?
AT: I have a minimum hourly rate ($30 USD), and a preferred hourly rate ($45 USD). I estimate a project into probable number of hours and price it from there.
EP: What is your favorite reference book as a freelancer?
AT: AT: That’s a tie between Writer Mama and My So-Called Freelance Life. These books are my favorite as they are specifically aimed at me (people like me!). Writer Mama
EP: What is the number one tip you would give other freelancer writers who are considering adding Elance to their arsenal?
AT: Choose your clients carefully. There are certain segments who don’t know what they want, and want it cheap. They’re just window shopping. I tend to avoid new authors, as they have no idea how much editing costs, and what it involved. But then, there are certain segments who simply don’t know where else to find a freelancer, and Elance is the first thing that pops up in their Google search. I try to concentrate on clients who are bona fide companies and corporations for copywriting, as their rates are acceptable to me.
EP: Allena, thank you for sitting down and sharing your thoughts with my readers.