Frequently Asked Questions

Writer FAQ's

I can't log in. What should I do?

If you're having trouble logging in, try these methods:

  1. Make sure you have confirmed your account by clicking ‘Confirm My Account’ in your confirmation email.
  2. Try resetting your password. Click on ‘Forgot Password’ in the Log In page and follow the instructions in the email.
  3. Refresh your tab/browser window. If that doesn’t work, try closing and reopening your tab/window and try logging in again.

If none of these methods work, please email us at [email protected] and include any details or error messages you received. This information will help us solve the problem faster.

I've signed up but it says I can’t pick up orders yet. How can I start picking up orders?

Upon sign up, you will be required to submit a Writer Application before you are able to pick up orders from the Job Board (found under 'Job Board'). This Application consists of two parts – (1) an on-the-spot sample writing test, and (2) an option to include your existing writing samples or resumé. Once your application is approved, you may immediately start using the Job Board.

How long does it take for my Writer Application to be approved?

It could take anywhere between 3 to 14 business days for us to process applications. We receive large volumes of applications daily – please allow some time before contacting us regarding the status of your application.

How is my initial Writer Level determined?

Writer levels are determined by the quality of your Application, which consists of three sections:

  1. Objective Grammar Test: This section will test your ability to spot the most common grammar mistakes writers make. You should score at least 4 out of 5 to pass.
  2. Content Writing Test: This section will test your content writing skills, which includes your ability to follow instructions, knowledge of best writing practices, use of keywords, voice, formatting or organization. This test is extremely important so read the instructions carefully and take your time.
  3. Resume section: Include a link (online only) to your professional portfolio or résumé. Your portfolio or résumé should contain samples or links to any previously published works with your name clearly displayed as the author. Knowledge in SEO or content marketing is advantageous.

I have more than 5 years of professional writing experience, can I start at Pro Level?

Initial Writer Levels are at the sole discretion and evaluation of Hotcopy’s editorial team. However, if you can present good samples of your past work (see 'How is my initial Writer Level determined?'), the better your chances are at being placed on a higher writer level.

Can I move up Writer Levels as I go along?

Yes, your Writer Level may move up or down depending on 3 factors: (1) client ratings/review/feedback, (2) account activity, and (3) periodic evaluations by our editorial team (at our discretion).

I live in [country], can I apply to write on Hotcopy?

Yes, anyone can apply.

How much can I earn?

For Open Orders, writers are paid according to:

(1) Content type / complexity

Orders that require a higher level of writing experience and research will pay better than simple orders that require less time or effort for the writer.

Note that higher-level writers can pick up work on lower-level orders; but lower-level writers are not able to pick up higher-level orders. For example: If a client opens an order for Advanced level writers, Pro writers can see and pick up those orders, but Standard writers will not be able to. If a higher-level writer chooses to pick up orders for lower-level writers, they will only be paid according to the level set by the client.

(2) The minimum to maximum word count set by the client.

Clients can set a minimum and maximum word count in their orders, and the writer will only get paid for the number of words that fall in between the set word count. The writer will not get paid for words written above the maximum word count. For example: If the maximum word count set by the client is 500, the writer will only be paid for the first 500 words of the article, even if he wrote more than the maximum word count.

On average we pay between $6 - $25 for a 500 word article. When viewing a job on our job board you will see how much you can earn before you decide to accept it. The value shown is based on the maximum word count for that order set by the client.

If I earn money on Hotcopy from [country], am I liable for local income taxes?

Depending on your country of residence, you may be responsible for declaring any income earned and/or subjected to relevant taxes related to earning income online. We advise that you check with your local state or federal laws regarding earning income online to ensure that you are protected from any legal outcomes. Hotcopy will not be held accountable for any legal outcomes arising from your failure to do so. For more on this, see our Terms of Service.

I am currently traveling/a digital nomad/a remote worker, am I liable for local income taxes?

See above.

Can I work on multiple jobs at once?

No, you are strictly allowed to accept/work on only one (1) order at any one time, until when you’ve completed your first submission for each order (notwithstanding revisions, acceptance or rejections by Editors or Clients).

I've been asked for a revision. How does this work?

Clients can request for a revision if they find that your text was not up to expectations, or that it doesn’t fulfill the criteria as laid out in the Order Brief. Such revision requests will come with the client’s feedback on what they want changed. In such case, you can revise your text as per the client’s request, or if you are unable to fulfill the request for whatever reason, you may release the article back onto the job board. However, releasing the article will not get you paid for the work you’ve done up to that point.

Clients may request up to two revisions from you, after which they will have the option to reject the article within good reason. Revisions are always free.

What happens when a client rejects my article?

The rejected article will be forwarded to Hotcopy’s editorial department for evaluation. Hotcopy takes rejections seriously and will evaluate each rejection on a case-by-case basis.

If we find that the client’s reasoning for the rejection is valid/justified and/or is fair, the article (and order) is then canceled and returned to the job board – the client will not be charged and the writer will not receive any payment for their work on the article up to that point.

However, if we find that the reasoning is not valid/cannot be justified and/or is unfair, we reserve the right to accept the article automatically – the client will be charged for cost of the article and the writer will be paid for their work up to that point.

How do payouts work?

Information on your income earned and payouts are available under 'Payments'. The payout option will only become available when the total of your earnings go above US$50.00, after which you may request a payout.

Please note that requesting a payout does not equal payment processed. Hotcopy processes all payout requests from the previous week on Thursdays at 11:59 GMT. For instance, if you were to request a payout on Friday, your payout will only be processed on the coming Thursday.

We only use PayPal for payouts. PayPal charges a small fee – between 2.9 to 4.4% depending on your country of residence – out of your total payout.

When will I receive my payout?

After we've processed your payout (please see 'How do payouts work?'), your payout should appear in your PayPal account within one to three business days.