Meet L. Woodrow Ross, a professional journalist and contributor to Helium.com. Ross writes about his experience freelancing at Helium.com. As an established journalist, with a rich background in print journalism, Larry shares insights for professional writers who are tapping into the vast opportunities offered at Helium.

As a professional journalist, you might question what participation in a group such as Helium would contribute to your success.  You may have worked hard and achieved some level of success and feel that Helium is for “amateurs” only.  Nothing could be farther from the truth!

 Helium offers the opportunity to polish your craft.  Your articles are rated by your peers, so you get immediate feedback on the acceptance level.  In addition, you have an opportunity to supplement earnings for your writing.  By meeting certain criteria, you will earn for each article you write.  Publishers post writing topics, and you can earn significant dollars for your articles selected in Marketplace.  This also is a barometer of the quality of your writing as more publishers select your articles for publication. To be chosen for publication over many fellow writers is very gratifying as well as profitable.

The site has a place for biographical information, and allows the writer to reach a wide range of readers and increase their readership.  The wide range of topics will allow you to hone in on subjects that fit your qualifications, but also stimulate you to branch into new “genres” and expand your capabilities.

 On a personal note, my wife was cynical when I told her I was planning to join Helium and write articles to be posted on their site.  The first couple of months were uneventful, and then the dollars began to accumulate.  Needless to say, she has a new opinion of Helium.

 You will find Helium to be very professional in their dealings with writers.  They are punctual in payment and honorable in the way they conduct the business end of the organization.

On the flip side, don’t expect a free ride.  If your writing is sub-par, it will show up in ratings, or the site stewards will provide feedback to let you know where the problems exist.  They want to see you succeed, but you have to be willing to work in order to earn at a reasonable level.

 If you are looking for a way to improve your writing, expand your horizons and earn some extra dollars, you couldn’t find a better place to start than Helium.

 L. Woodrow Ross

 Ross is a newspaper columnist/photographer, writing a weekly outdoor column for the Anderson Independent Mail.  He is a contributor to outdoor magazines, including South Carolina Sportsman and maintains a blog for the Greenville News.  He lives in Travelers Rest, SC, with his lovely wife Margaret.  

If you are interested in learning more about opportunities at Helium, email Barbara Whitlock, New Member Outreach Manager, at bwhitlock@helium.com.