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The Cover/Interview Letter

I’ve been doing some thinking about cover letters for freelancers and how the hiring process can be different from getting a job in the brick-and-mortar world. Some clients do through an interview process, either by phone or e-mail, before they decide whether to hire you, but for others, the way... [Read More...]

How Important is a Resume for Freelance Writers?

I guess the short answer to that question is that it depends who you ask. Some potential clients ask to see it, and if they do, I would recommend that you submit one. There are other people who are more interested in seeing your samples and getting an idea of your writing “voice” than reading... [Read More...]

Summer’s Here…Get Your Job Search in Gear!

Summer is finally here. I count the first day of summer as the day that school finishes, not the date on the calendar. When the weather is warm and kids are home, it may be tempting to put your search for freelance writing work on the back burner, too. There are good reasons for continuing to apply for... [Read More...]

Do You Ask for the Gig?

Successful salespeople know that at a certain point when they are talking to a potential customer, they need to “ask for the order.” Rather than make their presentation and let the prospect say something along the lines of, “I’ll think about it and get back to you,” they... [Read More...]

Writing for a Living: How Badly Do You Want It?

I often hear people say that they want to be writers or that they wish they could do what I do for a living. Some people ask whether I can “get them into writing.” I tell them where they can look for work and give them suggestions about preparing a resume and samples for prospective clients.... [Read More...]

Let Go of Your Fear of Getting Fired

Stop being afraid you’re going to get fired. When you are freelancing, you are working for yourself. The only person who can fire you is….you. The relationship between yourself and a client is not the same one that exists between and employer and an employee. When you are dealing with a client,... [Read More...]

Rejection: A Fact of Freelance Writing Life

No one likes hearing the word “No” when they are looking for work, and freelance writers are no exception. Part of doing this kind of work means that you are constantly talking to potential clients about your services, and you won’t get hired every time you answer an ad, submit a query,... [Read More...]

Sharpen Your Listening Skills for Freelance Success

When you work as a freelance writer, the actual writing is only part of what you do. Yes, you provide writing services, but I would argue that being a good listener is at least as important in this line of work as your ability to put words together effectively. When you are making contact with a potential... [Read More...]

Non-Paying Work and Your Resume

When you are preparing your writing resume, do you include work that you have done for free? You should! The purpose of sending a prospective client your resume is to share some information about your background, education, and work experience. All the writing you have done, whether you have been paid... [Read More...]

Have You Googled Yourself Lately?

Every now and then, it’s a good idea to type your own name into the search box on Google and check out the results. You may be surprised by the type and amount of information about you that is readily available online. Why should you take this step and what does it have to do with looking for freelance... [Read More...]