Archives for March 2011

Revision Requests Getting Me Down

March 30, 2011 by david 6 Comments

Dear Jodee,

Most of the time when I submit my work to a client, it is accepted the first time. There are times, though, when I have a run where several pieces are sent back. During these times, I start to wonder about the quality of the work that I do and I feel a bit insecure about continuing to do work for clients.

What would you suggest?

R.J.

Dear R.J.,

I think that to be involved in creative work always involves a certain amount of insecurity. You can’t just show up and expect to get paid; instead, you have to not only produce quality work, but it has to be reviewed and accepted before you receive any money. There are times when it can be stressful – especially when you get a number of requests for revisions in a row.

If you are able to separate your self from your work it can be easier to deal with these situations. Yes, you put part of yourself into what you write (which is why you are good at what you do), but when a client asks for a change he or she is not rejecting you. It’s about the work, and the client has the right to get what he or she wants.

Everyone gets these requests, and in some cases there is more than one round of edits. You may have produced the work, but the request to make changes isn’t about you. As long as you have followed the instructions properly, just put it down to part of the job and make the changes the client has asked for.

Get up and stretch, take a walk, and then come back to work on the revisions. You will have a better perspective on the assignment by taking a break first.

Prospecting for Links and Referral Traffic

March 29, 2011 by david 7 Comments

You want links and traffic from some of the more popular, well-known bloggers in your niche. You want to promote your content because you you deserve a bigger audience. You want to make money online and need referral traffic to develop the crutial element needed for success. The problem is you’re not sure how to get those popular bloggers to drop you a link, they ignore your emails and don’t write back.

Maybe they are too busy. Maybe your content just isn’t all that great in the first place. At least those are the sort of thoughts that begin to fill your mind when there is lack of response, right?

What you should do, instead of giving into negative thoughts that will weaken your goal is consider how you might improve your chances, if you were on personal and good terms with that “popular blogger.”

It’s not difficult to get a link if you have something relevant and remarkable. However, it is fairly easy if you have prior contact or a close relationship with that blogger.

Let’s take a moment to explore how you should build a prospect list and use it to develop relationships that will benefit you later on.

Marketers define prospects as potential customers. A valuable prospect is sometimes characterized by their loyalty, spending power or level of interest, as it relates to products or services.

When trying to promote your blog, you should look for prospects with an ability to build your brand while sending you traffic. Prospect development is one of the most tedious processes, so I recommend focusing on a core set of individuals with established influence.

Instead of targeting a large number of bloggers, focus on a few that will ultimately matter most. You won’t be able to please everyone, but you can win the favor of a select few. Concentrate on letting them recommend you to their audience.

Build a List of Prospects

Create a list of keywords related to your website or niche. With that list of keywords, run a search on Technorati. This search will provide a list of websites or blogs ordered according to Technorati authority and favorites.

This list is a rough indication of the popularity of a specific blog, according to the number of links it receives from other blogs.

Once you have a list of relevant blogs, subscribe to their RSS feeds. I have created a separate folder in my reader in effort to organize my prospects. Having a bloggers prospect list is ultimately used as a means to get bloggers to send you qualified traffic or perhaps recommend you to their audience. This will help improve your personal brand.

A prospect list is a method you can use to enhance your ability in getting a favorable response from specific bloggers on yourlist. You will be able to adjust the amount of time invested on each prospect, according to its value and how their content ultimately relates to your own.

The second reason is reciprocation. A great deal of cross-promotion you see online is the result of intentional reciprocation; doing something for someone because they did something for you.

Keeping a prospect list helps you to systematically record and reciprocate favors done for you. This will improve the quality of relationship you have and will help you turn bloggers into friends and future assets that can sometimes be leveraged for your business/website.

You should track your prospects with a goal of acting on their content, along with building a meaningful relationship.

The trick is not to think of yourself as just another reader but as a loyal supporter.

Your goal should be to absorb their content, voice your opinion and then share or promote to others who might benefit from it. The result: You react to the blogger’s content while connecting on a personal level.

My personal philosophy to online networking is simply to make more friends than enemies and always seek a mutually rewarding outcome.

Bloggers are just people – just like you! They react more positively to friends or people they know.

Personally, I never forget a favor and I always remember to reciprocate when I can create a natural fit. This can be done in a number of ways, whether in the form of a vote, a link, a favorable mention, a social share, etc. This has become a personal policy I practice and find it does help in achieving personal goals.

List Management

I use Google Reader to maintain my prospect list and have my prospects broken down into individual folders based on niche or topic I wish to target.

Working on Your Prospects

Submit their content to social websites – When a new post is created, make an effort to promote it via social sites like StumbleUpon. I do this only when I can provide a natural fit and offer value to my contacts.

Collect articles for a link roundup – While the value of the content is obviously most important, I do pay attention to sites I’ve never linked to before. I bookmark articles of interest via del.icio.us and I will reference them at a later time.

Comment – Comments are a valuable networking tool. It’s usually a good idea to refrain from “pitching” any website unless you have commented on it several times. I usually comment more on new prospects and drop by sites belonging to friends just for fun.

Share links – I tend to track large amounts of news. I like to share links to articles with other bloggers, when I don’t plan to write about it. This is a great way to be helpful and to show you’re not just interested in pushing your own content.

Engage in Conversation – Engaging in conversation about a blogger’s article is a great way to show that you do pay attention.

Keep in mind that you can use any platform or method you like for networking as long as you feel you can manage your prospect list effectively.

Networking is a very important factor for success. Anyone who has launched a new website knows how important it is to have a group of supporters willing to give you a little attention from the earliest stages.

My Comment Commitment: If you leave a comment on any of my posts, I will visit your blog and “share it” in some way whether on StumbleUpon, Twitter or Facebook depending on if I can find a nice fit. This is my way of saying thank you!

To OMG or to LOL?

March 29, 2011 by Noemi 4 Comments

Dear FWJ Friends,

Have you heard about the latest updates to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED)? For people in our line of work, this might be old news, but let me share it with you nonetheless.

As of March 2011, several new initialisms have been added to the OED, initiliasms being “abbreviations comprised of the initial letters of a name or expression. If you’re thinking “OMG!” then you are hitting the nail right on the head! OMG, otherwise known as “Oh my God” is now included in the March release of OED Online. I suppose my hairdresser was actually correct when he kept uttering OMG while doing my hair last Saturday…

On top of OMG, the editors of OED have also decided to include LOL (laugh out loud) and FYI (for your information). For some reason, I am having an easier time accepting FYI. While many of us probably use LOL online when chatting or leaving Facebook comments, I cannot imagine anyone using LOL at work – unless you take on a writing gig that involves leaving comments on Facebook.

Of course, OED has stated its case rather well: ((OED’s release))

Of course in such a context initialisms are quicker to type than the full forms, and (in the case of text messages, or Twitter, for example) they help to say more in media where there is a limit to a number of characters one may use in a single message. OMG and LOL are found outside of electronic contexts, however; in print, and even in spoken use (see, for example, the 2003 quotation for LOL int.), where there often seems to be a bit more than simple abbreviation going on. The intention is usually to signal an informal, gossipy mode of expression, and perhaps parody the level of unreflective enthusiasm or overstatement that can sometimes appear in online discourse, while at the same time marking oneself as an ‘insider’ au fait with the forms of expression associated with the latest technology.

As such usage indicates, many people would consider these recent coinages, from the last 10 or 20 years, and associate them with a younger generation conversant with all forms of digital communications. As is often the case, OED’s research has revealed some unexpected historical perspectives: our first quotation for OMG is from a personal letter from 1917; the letters LOL had a previous life, starting in 1960, denoting an elderly woman (or ‘little old lady’; see LOL n./1); and the entry for FYI [FYI phr., adj., and n.], for example, shows it originated in the language of memoranda in 1941.

I don’t know about you, but when I first heard about the inclusion of these words in the OED, I really didn’t know whether I had to say “OMG!” or to go “LOL”. Next thing we know, we’re going to have IMHO and TMI in the dictionary!

That’s it for now, folks.

Warm wishes,
Noemi xoxo

Image via cheezburger.com

Show, Don’t Tell for Freelance Success

March 28, 2011 by david 4 Comments

When you are communicating with a potential client about a freelance writing job, you want to present yourself in the best possible way. Unlike applying for a traditional job, you may not be asked to meet with the client for a face-to-face interview; your cover letter, resume and samples may be your only shot at persuading the client to hire you.

This is not a situation where you can hold something back and save it for the face-to-face meeting – there may not be one. Instead, make sure that whatever you submit gives the client the information he or she needs to make a hiring decision.

How can you stand out from the other writers who are interested in the same opportunity? Be specific in your cover letter and writer’s resume about your experience and how you would be a good fit for what the client needs. Here are some questions to help you fill in some details:

How long have you been writing? (Number of years)
What kind of writing have you done? List the different types of projects you have been involved in.
How many articles, blog posts, e-books, etc., have you written? (You don’t need to provide an exact count but do share an approximate number.)
What topics have you written about/are you most comfortable with?

Don’t underestimate the power of putting specifics in the materials you are sharing with clients. When you show, don’t tell details about your experience, you are giving the reader a frame of reference to determine whether you have what he or she is looking for. Offer the client something concrete and you will make an impression that could land you the gig!

5 Legal Questions Every Freelancer Needs to Answer

March 25, 2011 by Jonathan Bailey 5 Comments

Question Mark Image Over the course of this column, we’ve talked a great deal about how specific areas of the law can affect you and what some of the legal pitfalls of being a freelance writer are. However, today we’re going to take a look at the more broad legal questions every freelancer needs to answer in order to make sure that they are protected no matter what happens.

So, if you haven’t thought much about your legal situation and the steps you need to take in order to be certain you’re ready for any legal conflict that may arise, here’s a quick primer in some of the critical legal questions you should be asking yourself to get ready for the possibility that, some day, you may find yourself in a dispute

Bear in mind that this isn’t a definitive list by any stretch, but is meant more to get you thinking about the types of things you need to ponder to be safe(r) online legally and the be read for when and if bad things happen. [Read more…]

Freelance Writing – Turning “No” into “Yes”

March 25, 2011 by david 2 Comments

No. Every new writer is afraid of hearing it. Seasoned writers are used to it, but still wouldn’t invite it over for dinner. The good news is there is life and success after being rejected. Sometimes that success comes from the same publication that just rejected you. Why?

Every “no” is not rock solid. In fact, many have a little wiggle room if you look and listen closely.

Absolutely Not

“Not in this lifetime.” “Hell no.” “Your writing makes me weep for the educational system.” These are firm, but why dwell? Let’s move on…

Not right for us.

Ah, this is a good one. This says the piece or query:

In its current state doesn’t fit the the publication or site’s theme, audience or editorial direction BUT
It likely would fit another publication OR
With some changes it could be just what they need.

Turning “Not a Fit” into the Right Size

Send a follow-up communication to ask how you could change the piece to fit their needs. The follow-up should offer well-researched suggestions. This means going back to analyze the publication or site again. Look for the following:

Ledes – How do their published articles draw readers into the piece?
Perspective and tone – Did you match their tone if not, can you adjust your query to reflect their style?
Numbers and experts – What kinds of sources does the publication typically use? Will concrete statistics build up your pitch?
Editorial calendar – If you didn’t do it before, check their media kit and see what the publication has planned. Can you adjust your pitch to fit a different issue?

Not Accepting at This Time

Wiggle room! Investigate. Find out if they not accepting a particular type of piece or new work in general? A nice, quick follow-up can make the difference between your pitch never getting published there or simply published later.

Life After Death er, No

Research the publication’s competition and explore different markets. Mashable may not want your article but IT News might be interested.

Web – Everyone wants to see their pieces in print, but some articles may find a better home (and longer shelf life) online.
Trade – What industries would be interested in the information your piece provides? Trade magazines are an often overlooked source of revenue.
Local – Look around you. Try sending your pitch to local/regional sites and magazines. It may help to adjust your query to demonstrate it’s local angle before you hit ‘send.’
National – Writers are always advised to start local. Build up clips before going to national sites and publications. It is good advice, but really, there is nothing stopping you from taking that local piece and sending it to a broader market.

No is never the end. It may be a jumping off point for negotiations or an opportunity to move to another market. Look past the closed door to the open window right next to it.

Have you ever turned a ‘no’ into a ‘yes?’ Tell us!

How Do I Get Started as a Freelance Writer

March 23, 2011 by david 4 Comments

Dear Jodee,

I love writing. It’s always been one of my passions. I want to go to college but can’t afford it and am definitely not scholarship material. I want to get a job as a freelance writer to earn some money for at least a two year college. I’m graduating this year and I can’t stand thinking I might not be able to go to school anymore. Will you please give me some advice on what I should do? I’d really appreciate it.

Dear Jo,

It is possible to make enough money from writing to help you pay for school, but I should tell you that there is a difference between writing for yourself and taking on assignments for clients. You will need to be able to follow instructions carefully when doing paid writing work.

If you are going to be graduating this year, I would suggest that you find some non-writing work first and then start writing part-time. That way, you can give yourself some time to get a feel for whether this is something that you would like to pursue professionally while not putting all of your eggs in one basket.

There are many different ways to get paid to write, and I would suggest that you check out the information here at FreelanceWritingGigs, as well as other sites, to learn as much as you can before you start looking for work. You may have to try a few things before you find a type of writing that is a good fit for you but if you are passionate about words and willing to work at it, you can reach your goal. Good luck!

What exactly is ‘good’ content anyway?

March 22, 2011 by david 14 Comments

This really is a very interesting question because many blogging experts teach the importance of great content and how that one element is paramount above all other factors when it comes to growing a website.

You’ve heard the adage ‘Content is King’ repeated often, right?

Good content is the absolute foundation for most successful blogs. Quality content makes it easier for readers to recommend it to other potential readers. Content makes blog marketing much easier because it naturally supports the processes involved in promoting a website.

Successful bloggers recommend the same thing: Create killer content and learn to market it.

What exactly is great content? And if it’s so important, how do you create it?

It’s my opinion that there are three general elements surrounding content quality.

Content Quality is Subjective

Content quality is subjective because it is tied to the knowledge or experience of both the content creator and reader.

When someone feels an article is good, it is mostly because of their own knowledge and receptiveness to the ideas presented. For a reader who may be more experienced, the same article would appear a bit more amateur.

Content Quality is Comparative

Apart from relativity, the value of an article is comparative. Your article will likely be compared to others on within the same topic. The strength of another article will make yours less attractive. That’s why it’s a good idea to offer something unique.

On the flip sides, the weakness of other articles will make yours more valuable.

Techniques and advice can sometimes be unsuitable for your niche, unless you learn how to utilize them in ways that consider your audience expectations and demands within your industry.

For celebrity gossip and entertainment niches there is more benefit in providing news via short blog posts than trying to write bait posts for Digg type audiences.

Guidelines That Determine Content Quality

Even though content quality is subjective and comparatively determined, you can still create high quality content. One way is to study the popular articles of other bloggers within your same niche. These articles provide a basic measuring tool of possible content popularity.

It’s my opinion, good content contains some of the following characteristics:

Thought-provoking. Present new ideas or give a new look to old ideas.
Entertaining. These posts can come in the form of text, images or video – It’s been said many times – you should be educational or entertaining.
Breaking News. Important for the changes that impact those in the same industry or niche. Be the first to cover news and people will naturally talk about your blog.
Comprehensive. Set the shining example. Bloggers love referencing comprehensive articles because it gives their readers a good starting point.
Well Researched. Multiple links to related discussion on this topic are especially valuable you can insert yourself into an ongoing conversation.
Completely Unique. The less you repeat what others say, the more you’ll stand out.

What are some of the elements by which you measure quality content? Leave your comments below.

You’ve Got Email, Not E-mail.

March 22, 2011 by Noemi 16 Comments

The other day, this creature of habit encountered something that shook her life. I am not talking about the recent quakes that have been – literally – shaking our part of the world, but the entry written by Paul Carr did make me snap out of my lethargy. So what could have been so world-shaking?

E-mail. E-mailing. E-mailed.

No matter how you use the word or which form of the word you use, according to the Associate Press, the official spelling is now email. ((Source: TechCrunch)) On March 18, AP published a press release stating that the style guidelines are being updated and that the hyphen in e-mail is being removed. ((AP’s Press Release)) Here’s a snippet from that advisory.

email Acceptable in all references for electronic mail. Many email or Internet addresses use symbols such as the at symbol (@), or the tilde (~) that cannot be transmitted correctly by some computers. When needed, spell them out and provide an explanatory editor’s note. Use a hyphen with other e- terms: e-book, e-business, e-commerce.

More so, the words smartphone and cellphone are to be spelled the way I just wrote them.

I suppose that this is a prime example of how language evolves. Call me a stubborn gal, but for someone who has been a stickler for the use of that hyphen, this news is not welcome. Forget the fact that it is easier to write email without the hyphen. Forget the fact that I just might be the only person still using e-mail (the spelling, obviously). Forget the fact that AP and its host of editors know ten thousand things more than I do. The change from e-mail to email just doesn’t sit well with me. As Paul Carr said in his post: “Out of my cold, dead hands, AP. Out of my cold, dead hands.” ((Pardon me for ranting in this entry. We all have our days, don’t we? Oh, and just for fun, check out AP’s Contact Page, which seems to need an update as per their new guidelines. ;)))

What about you, readers? Have you been using email or e-mail? Which spelling do you prefer, and will you follow AP’s addition to its style guide?

Photo via iaff1286.com

Should You Take a Survival Job as a Freelance Writer?

March 21, 2011 by david 5 Comments

I’ve seen a number of web sites recently that suggest freelance writing as a survival job for people who are in between employment opportunities. While I admit that I do find the idea that anyone who can string a couple of words together can get paid to write until they find something better to do with their time a little insulting, this post isn’t about that particular topic. I want to talk about people already working as freelance writers who may be faced with having to work for less than they are used to making.

Many of us are familiar with the feast or famine cycle that goes along with working for yourself. There are times when you are tempted to pull out your own hair because you have so much to do and there are other times when you find it hard to round up even one client who has work for you. During these times, do you keep looking for new work or do you take a freelance writing job that pays a lower rate than you are used to getting?

My advice would be to do both. Not every gig that you take on is going to be your dream job. If your priority is to (A) keep body and soul together, the lights on and not have to think about sleeping under the stars unless you choose to go camping, and (B) to continue to develop your skills as a writer, then taking a survival job makes sense.

Set aside some time every day to send out queries, contact prospective clients, apply for advertised gigs or whatever job search strategies you have decided to use and complete the project you have in front of you. It may lead to something better down the pipe; if not, at least you are working.

The valleys in a freelance writing business don’t last forever, but neither do the peaks (unfortunately). I’m all for doing what you need to do to keep bills paid and the money coming in, even if it pays less than what you normally charge until you find your next great gig.