Whether you’re new to the world of freelance writing or you’re a seasoned expert in the field, there’s three things that you generally always want: better clients, high-paying clients and repeat clients.
So how do you get them?
[Read more…]
Archives for January 2009
Pitch Tips: Pitch Something You Need
By Terreece M. Clarke
What’s going on in your life? I’m expecting my third child so I’ve been thinking a lot about organization, time management, not to mention childbirth options! So guess where my pitches have been leaning?
Being a freelance writer is like having a master key to all of the world’s knowledge. You can tap experts and satisfy your curiosity while helping the public. Your curiosity is one of the most important virtues you have as a writer and your curiosity can carry you through to becoming an expert in your niche and beyond.
Remember what it’s like to write on a topic you have very little interest in besides the paycheck that accompanies it? The robotic research, the attention to detail simply because that’s what you do and the long suffering sigh when it’s finished and off to the editor.
Now think about an article that you were excited to write about. Remember how you checked, cross-checked and double-checked your work, your happy dance when you scored a fantastic interview with a great source and the “Yahooo!” you yelped when you sent the article off because you knew you had nailed it.
Curiosity is a great way to move beyond the doldrums of writing for money and getting you back to writing for the love of it AND getting paid for it. Nine times out of 10 if you have a question about something there is a publication with an audience that has a question about it as well. Your challenge is take your questions, match them to a publication and present them in killer queries with a great angle.
So folks, what piques your interest?
It's Just Business: Don't Take it Personally
I was struck by a comment made yesterday where one of our readers said that they were “insulted” when a prospective client offered a rate that was lower than they were prepared to accept. While I understand that is how the offer may have come across, I’m pretty sure that the people who are trying to hire freelance writers are not deliberately trying to be offensive.
Hit Your Word Count Every Time
By Terreece M. Clarke
It’s a normal predicament writers find themselves in from time to time – trying to hit their word count. Most of the time writers will end up with far more words than their editor asked for and need to find ways to slim down their article.
Turning in an obese article isn’t an option. It says several things about the writer: I won’t bother doing what you asked me to do, you figure out how to make all of this fit, and I expect to get paid for the entire length of the article, aren’t I tricky? So instead of adding a bigger burden to your editors, let’s figure out how to put your article on a diet.
Get to the Point
What’s the goal of the article? What is the main idea you want readers to understand? Now what in the article overstates, reiterates or strays away from your main point? Chop those things.
Pull A Pull Out
What if all the information is just too good to lose? Try a pull out box. Consolidate the info into a pull out box that can give the editor the option of adding one without having one of the assistants or copywriters come up with one.
Slice the introduction
How long did it take you to intro your piece? A paragraph or two or three? Cut to the good stuff and slice down that intro.
That, Very, Really, Ugh
Get rid of extra words. See? Easy!
Hitting your word count every time is an skill that editors will appreciate and remember the next time it’s time to assign work. Make sure you’re actively hitting yours.
What do you use to keep your articles in fighting weight?
Why Freelance Writers Should Include Employment Agencies When Looking for Work
I’m all for leaving no stone unturned when looking for freelance writing opportunities. When I look for leads for Freelance Writing Jobs, I have been seeing more of them being put out by employment agencies trying to find candidates for their clients. While many of them are on-site contract opportunities for copy writers and technical writers, that doesn’t mean the agencies can’t help other kinds of writers find work, too.
Using Bad News as a Motivational Tool
by Deborah Ng
So last week the Ng family received some bad news. Don’t worry, we’re all happy and healthy and will hopefully stay that way, but the news was unexpected and may result in the loss of an income. Then yesterday we received some more bad news. Another financial setback. Something that needs to get done is going to cost a lot more than we thought. Upon learning my news yesterdayI firstwent into my room and had a good cry. I recommed a good cleansing cry to everyone now and then, especially if no one is home because then you can get as loud as you want without having to worry about the kids or others worrying about you. After that I got up, showered and went back to work. When my work day was over, I figured out a course of action.
I decided I wasn’t going to use a financial setback as an excuse to sit around and wallow in pity. I was going to use it to kick my butt into gear and get going on a few projects that will help our situation. I finished my ebook and sent it off to another pair of eyes. Then I outlined my next ebook. I worked a lot later than I had in some time, but the words flowed smoothly and effortlessly. My bad news motivated me into action.
I could have gone to the fridge for a pint and sat down and watched bad TV for the remainder of the day, but that wouldn’t have helped my situation any. I took my lemons and made lemonade. I outlined some projects for myself and even reminded myself I could take on extra freelancing or consulting work if need be. Now all of a sudden things don’t look so dreary. My bad news became my motivator. Things will be tight for a little while, but we’ll get through it. [Read more…]
Do You Have an Elevator Speech? You Should!
The idea of an elevator speech is to tell someone you have just met something about yourself and your business, in 30 seconds or less. This works out to about the same amount of time you would spend riding in an elevator with someone.
The elevator speech is something that you should practice before delivering, so that it feels natural to you when you use it. It’s a strategy that you can use every time you meet someone new and are asked the question, “What do you do?” Instead of simply responding, “I’m a freelance writer, blogger, copy writer,” or what have you, you can explain something about what you do, such as “I write content that helps my clients grow their business.” Which answer would you find more intriguing?
You will want to hook the listener in some way and make them want to learn more about you and what you do. After you have delivered your elevator speech, you can give out one of your business cards and ask the other person for theirs. You can also ask for an appointment to talk about how you can help the other person and their business with your writing skills.
Have you ever used an elevator speech for your freelance writing business? If so, did it help to bring in new clients?
8 Things to Do Before Submitting an Article
By Terreece M. Clarke
You’ve got it down to a science. Research, interview, write, spell check, submit. Assignments come in, articles go out – but are they everything they could be? Make sure you check these 8 things off your list before you submit:
- Check all names for correct spelling. Is it Allyson or Allison? Don’t count on the copy editor to catch your mistakes.
- Spelled write but used wrong. Spell check and even you’re grammar cheque may not pick up on these simple mistakes.
- Double check direct quotes. Nothing is more embarrassing than an editor calling you because a source is sure they were misquoted.
- Read aloud for flow. Sure it sounds great in your head, but reading your article out loud will allow your ears to hear what works well and what doesn’t.
- Look for holes. Read your article again. Are there any unanswered questions the reader may have after they finish the piece?
- Get rid of quotes for quotes sake. Quotes should add something to an article, they give voice to the piece. Make sure your quotes aren’t just thrown in leaving the editor and audience saying “So what?” Check out “Say What? A Quick Guide to Using Quotes.”
- Review the style guide. Whether a publication has their own or uses one of the popular standard style guides, be sure your work adheres to it. If you write for a publication often, make the extra effort and commit the guide to memory: “Writing Tip of the Day: Know your style guides“
- Let it marinate. The best articles are ones writers have had the opportunity to leave and see later with fresh eyes. Check out: “Letting Your Articles Marinate.”
What steps are an absolute must before you submit a piece? Share below!
Do You Include Samples with Your Freelance Writing Application?
A reader was asking the other day whether it’s a good idea to include writing samples every time you apply for a freelance writing job. I think that it’s a good idea to provide all the information that the person reading your application will need to determine whether you would be a good fit when you apply. A prospective client may not have the time (or the inclination) to contact you to ask for samples, since some ads get responses in the hundreds.
10 Things You Could Be Doing Instead of Reading this Blog Post
by Deb Ng
Don’t get me wrong. I love that so many of you visit our blogs every day and I hope you continue to visit. After all, we’re a great place to network and find leads, especially now with our new forum. However, I’m also aware that we’re a great place to procrastinate as well.
I’m not trying to scare you away, without you there wouldn’t be us. However, if you find you’re only here because you have no other writing tasks, I’d like to offer you a list of things you can do with your spare time.
- Troll for leads – There are so many places to look for freelance writing work. Some writers are complaining of slim pickings, but in my travels I see at least 20 to 30 good leads a day. How many are you finding?
- Network – As we discussed other times, networking is essential for a successful freelance writing career. You can meet people who hire, people who know people who hire, people who know places that hire, people who have ideas and tips to share and more.
- Go through your accounts – Have all your clients been invoiced? Have all your invoices been paid? Is your paperwork filed away? Tidy up your accounts and chase payments if necessary.
- Read – Read books, blogs and magazines about writing or the topics you write about.
- Answer your email – Stop procrastinating! If you’re like me your email piles up if you don’t get to it right away. Deal with it and move on. [Read more…]
