How The Request System Works
The request system is how Constant Content handles all custom writing projects. Clients can request content on almost any topic, and we share these requests with writers through the “request” system.
This article will help you to:
- Understand what requests are
- Find requests
- Learn about the different types of requests
- Edit your request settings
Understanding Requests
Any of our customers can request custom content. When they do so, it can be added to our request system in several ways. This affects which writers will be able to claim the request and submit articles. This includes:
- Public requests – Requests open to all writers
- Writer pool requests – Requests open to certain writers based on experience, expertise and access level
- Private requests – Requests open only to you
How to Find Requests
It’s easy to find requests:
- Click on the “requested content” link in the top navigation bar
- You’ll see a list of requests
- The requests that are expiring soonest are listed at the top of the page
- Each request has a “request type” associated with it
- You can also filter the type of requests you see by using the dropdown boxes
- You can filter by “days remaining” to target requests to specific deadlines
- If you’re looking for a specific request, you can search by entering the title in the “filter keyword” box
You can filter by keywords and sort by various options, including:
- Start date – Filter by oldest or newest first
- Days remaining – Filter by most or fewest days remaining
- Article count – Filter by most or fewest articles needed
- Word count – Filter by largest or smallest word count
The box to the right lets you filter by type of request:
- Public requests
- All public requests
- Calls for articles
- Standing requests
- Casting calls
- Writer pool requests
- All writer pool requests
- Targeted requests
- Expert requests
- My requests
- Private requests
- Claimed requests
- Completed requests
“Claimed” requests will show you all of the requests you’re currently responsible for. Completed requests will show anything you’ve marked as complete. It’s good practice to mark requests as complete once the editors have approved your work.
Different Types of Requests
Public Requests
These requests are open to all writers on Constant Content and include:
- Calls for articles
- Casting call
- Standing requests
Calls for Articles
This type of request is created by customers who invite all writers to submit articles for their topics. Articles that aren’t purchased are added to the public catalog after three days. Submitting articles for these types of request is a good idea, as you know there’s a customer that’s ready to buy.
Casting Call
This type of request is created by customers who want writers to message them so they can find out if you’d work well together. If you’re interested in casting calls, contact the customer by clicking the Apply button to submit your application.
Standing Requests
These are calls for articles issued by Constant Content, based on what we think will sell. We’ll issue standing requests when we need more articles for parts of our online, ready to buy catalog. Articles that you submit for standing requests will automatically be added to the catalog.
Writer Pool Requests
These requests are only available to certain writers based on their Access Level and their credentials. A writer can claim these requests so they exclusively get to work on the project. The term Writer Pool refers to the system our site uses when creating the request; it will create a “pool” or group of writers who match the instructions a client has provided and make the request available to them. The following types of requests are considered Writer Pool Requests:
• Targeted Requests –These will be identified based on how the customer targeted the request. You will see Area of Study, Category, Certification, and Country. You will only see Targeted Requests if your Request Settings match what the client has targeted.
• Expert Groups – If you’ve applied and been accepted to write in an expert group you’ll be able to claim these requests.
• Project Request – Requests that are associated with a client’s Project. Only writers the client has added to their teams will be able to claim these.
Private Requests
These are requests where a customer has specifically requested that you (and only you) work on their request.
As your portfolio and reputation grows on Constant Content, you can expect to receive more of these exclusive, private requests. Please ensure that you “claim” private requests as soon as you receive them. This lets the customer know that you’re planning to complete the request.
Edit Your Request Settings
To be eligible for Writer Pool type requests, you’ll need to manage your requests settings on the “Edit your request settings” page. Here is quick guide to the different sections to focus on:
Status – Switch between Available and Idle. If you’re set to Idle, you won’t receive any requests and will be excluded from Writer Search results.
Expert Groups – If you have a professional certification or experience in the subject of one of the Expert Groups listed, please click the Apply button. You’ll be asked for a short written application and to provide any supporting documents you have. Our editors will review your application and if accepted, you’ll be able to claim client’s Expert Requests. These groups exist to provide clients with authoritative, expert level content.
Targeted Requests – Clients issue targeted requests so that a writer with credentials they’re looking for will claim them. You’ll want to ensure that your Education and Expertise and Areas of Expertise fully reflect your ability, as those sections are used to match you with clients’ targeted requests.
Eligible for Requests – This tells you if you will be sent requests. To be eligible you need to have at least 10 articles accepted by the editors and be given an Access Level.
Access Level – Your Access Level determines if you’re eligible for targeted requests. Access Level 1 gives you first access to claim all requests; subsequent access levels will be sent requests shortly after Level 1.
What determines your Access Level? It is built around a number of factors which include the number of articles you’ve had accepted, editorial feedback, attention to deadlines and profile completeness. The best way to increase your Access Level is to submit high quality, error free content regularly.
Education and Expertise – Be sure to enter these details as they determine if you’re a match for a client’s request. Some of this will also appear to clients when they view your profile, so the more info you can provide the more you’ll be able to impress clients.
Note: You can now enter custom certifications, just be sure to choose what category your certification belongs to.
Area of Expertise – Check all areas that you are confident writing in. Please note that in order for these to be included in targeting requests or on your profile, you’ll also need to have written 5 articles in that category.
Content Type – Choose all content types you would like to receive requests for.
Language – Enter any languages you have written fluency in.