The right way to Get Paid for Writing & Illustrating Greeting Cards

Have you ever ever wondered how you possibly can receives a commission to jot down greeting cards?

This appears like very fun, interesting work to me because as everyone knows, greeting cards are very short and to the purpose. Normally you do not need to jot down greater than three or 4 lines max.

Just about all greeting card firms (except Hallmark who doesn’t openly accept submissions) will consider work from freelancers.

You might even be in luck when you’re an artist or a photographer because a lot of these places will accept freelance submissions in those fields too!

Is writing greeting cards as easy because it sounds?

While it could appear easy, I keep reading that it’s actually NOT easy in any respect — even when you’re a really experienced author.

Most greeting card firms are very picky about what they’ll accept and though what you write doesn’t need to be long, it must be catchy and fascinating.

Give it some thought — how long does it take you to choose whether or not you want a specific greeting card whenever you’re browsing around in the shop before you place it down and go find one other? Probably not that long.

So your writing must be really, really good! It may additionally help when you may be funny since so many greeting cards are humorous.

How much does writing greeting cards pay?

Your pay for accepted greeting card submissions will vary depending on the corporate you are writing for. Generally, the quantity is anywhere from $25 as much as $300 per approved submission.

How selective are the greeting card firms?

They’re all pretty selective, they usually need to be because they should know their cards will sell. However the ones which can be probably the most selective are the more well-known firms like American Greetings.

There’s an interview with greeting card writer Lynda Schab here at Creative-Writing-Now that has some suggestions and data on getting began for people latest to greeting card writing.

Writing Greeting Cards

• Avanti Press – Their website says they do not currently need writers, but you possibly can still send samples.
• Calypso Cards – Pays $50 in case your idea is accepted. Makes a speciality of humorous cards.
• Comstock Marketplace – They appear for adult humor writing submissions.
• Oatmeal Studios – One other site that makes a speciality of funny cards. They pay $100 per purchased idea.
• Pomegranate – Pomegranate enjoys collaborating with artists and writers all around the world to supply the best quality books, calendars, puzzles, paper gift products, and more.
• RSVP – At all times searching for greeting card writers. Pay will vary.
• Warner Press – Warner Press publishes and distributes non-denominational Christian products worldwide, including ministry resources, church supplies, kids’ teaching resource books, and greeting cards.

Illustrations & Photography for Greeting Cards

• Artists to Watch – You might submit your images or a link to your website for review. They reply to all submissions but only review them quarterly.
• Caspari Online – Just illustrations, no photography. Caspari doesn’t accept submissions of photographic artwork as they don’t reproduce photographic images in our products.
• Comstock Marketplace – They appear for adult humor art and photography submissions.
• Design House Greetings – They are all the time looking out for wonderful, fresh artistic talent in every media. They love clever takes on classic concepts, lighthearted humor, inspiring quotes or mantras.
• Gina B. Designs – This company is in need of designs with excellent composition and use of color. Numerous details provided on their submissions page! Also try their current “Art Call” page.
• Great Arrow – This company does accept freelance art submissions for his or her award-winning line of cards. You’ll be able to download the rules for details.
• It Takes Two – It Takes Two is fascinated by art submissions that supply a fresh, unique design perspective that enhances their current product line. Submissions aren’t returned once submitted.
• Noble Works – Fill out a brief form on their site when you are fascinated by receiving their artist guidelines.
• Palm Press – Palm Press needs unique photos for special occasions (birthday, Christmas, etc.) for his or her greeting cards.
• Pomegranate – Pomegranate enjoys collaborating with artists and writers all around the world to supply the best quality books, calendars, puzzles, paper gift products, and more.
• R.S.V.P. Sellers – At all times searching for great talent, ideas, and ideas. Not more than 20 images per submission.
• Shade Tree Greetings – On the lookout for unusual or funny photos (old family photos) for his or her greeting cards. Has a number you possibly can call to get details on compensation.
• Up With Paper – To seek out out more about designing for Up With Paper, you could either contact them via email or mail in your portfolio.

Want to jot down electronic greeting cards?

There’s money to be made here, too, although from what I’ve read you possibly can’t earn as much money with electronic greeting cards. Writing-World has an insightful interview here with Nadia Ali, an experienced greeting card author who has done work for each the web and offline markets.

For more help and suggestions …

There have been a number of highly-rated e-books written about being profitable with greeting cards. Listed here are some  with good reviews:

Hopefully this list can show you how to start! For those who’re lucky enough to get your work published in a greeting card, it might be awesome so as to add to your writing resume or artist/photography portfolio! Good luck when you determine to present it a go.