It seems like a lot of people have been expressing interest in writing for Suite101, so I’d like to tell you why I perceive it to be a great place to write:

1. You have to apply to become a writer. As opposed to the other content sites out there in web land, Suite has an application process for all new potential contributing writers. When I applied in December (if I remember correctly) I needed to first register with the site and then fill out a very specific application. It included my resume and a description of ideas for potential articles as well as some samples of my previous writing. I guess this serves as a means by which to weed out those who are serious about writing.

2. They have their own “house style”. At first this was by biggest challenge, getting myself accustomed to writing both for the web and for their site. All of the articles that you write for Suite are expected to be of high quality and follow a formula which is key-word centric: title, subtitle, article summary, article body, keyword list and picture(s). While it may be a little bit tricky at first, they offer a plethora of resources to help a new writer become accustomed to what they expect. There is a writer’s handbook (which is incredibly useful) and a writer’s forum where you can chat with other Suite writers and get advice.

3. You have an editor. Again, as opposed to the other content sites on the web, Suite provides all their writers (both contributing and feature writers) with editors who review your work to make sure that it meets all of Suite’s strict quality guidelines and standards. Your editor will offer suggestions and tips for making your article the best it can be. This is good because it ensures that only writing of a certain caliber appears on the site, which boosts the reputation of everyone else who writes for Suite as well.

4. It is reputable. Writing for Suit101 is different from writing for other content sites because they have been around for 12+ years and they have a standard of quality. When you include Suite on your resume or you include samples of your work on Suite, people know that it is not only well-written and researched, but that it is written for the web in the most optimized way possible.

5. The Perks are great! As a writer for Suite, you do earn a portion of the revenue based on ads. And the money is a lot better than another content site that I write for but will remain nameless. But the perks I’m referring to here are the ones where you get offered to write for other publications as a result of your presence on Suite. Lots of Suite writers have shared success stories of having major magazines and websites approach them for work. Also, as a writer who enjoys reading, I get tons of review copies of books which to me is great since I save a ton of money by not having to buy books!

6. You can write about anything that interests you. As a contributing writer, I get to write about any topic I want. This is great because it gives me freedom as a writer to explore things that interest me, and then share them with my readers.

7. The Quota is Manageable. When I accepted my contract with Suite, as a contributing writer I was contracted to write 10 original articles in a three month period. Nothing that was too overwhelming.

8. You get amazing experience writing for the web. Writing for Suite really does prepare you and makes you a stronger web writer. It’s also a great way to show off samples of your work to potential clients.

Please feel free to post any comments or questions, and I’ll be more than happy to answer them for you. I’d also really love it if you are writing or were writing for them, to share your thoughts about Suite101.