Six Reasons I Won’t Stalk Your Blog

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I’m a blog stalker. I’m also choosy about the blogs I regularly stalk. I wasn’t always this picky. I used to mainly write business copy, grants, and the occasional magazine article. Now that I mostly blog for a living I’m more selective. I chalk that up to being online too much. I don’t have time or the inclination to stalk blogs that fail to make a good impression quickly.

What qualifies a blog as non-stalk worthy is terribly subjective but some of these issues are problems that come up over and over again between my band of blogging pals and I. Additionally, some form of, “How come no one reads my blog?” is the number one email question I get from new bloggers and a questions I see frequently at blog-related forums.

There are major reasons I won’t read a blog; such as a blog is simply not my taste, (sports for instance). However, beyond content, there are six basic reasons that will stop me from stalking your blog. [Read more…]

5 Signs You’ve Made It As a Freelance Writer

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Freelancing is an adventure that can pay massive dividends but also carries many risks. The key, in my opinion, to being a successful freelance writer is to always remember why you’re doing it in the first place.

Most freelancers want to sip from the fountain of life…to enjoy themselves…to not be tied down to the prison of a 9-6 corporate job and long commutes. Most freelancers love expressing themselves….they love to write…to be creative.

So when is the last time you thoroughly enjoyed writing? When is the last time you worked less hours than a corporate employee rather than more? When is the last time you only sat in front of the computer for four hours in a day? When’s the last time you took off the weekend?

Freelancing tempts us all with the potential of freedom, but so easily binds us up with tons of tedious work and the feeling that we’ve never quite done enough. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, it shouldn’t be that way. Freelancers should take the opportunity to carve their own, ideal path seriously. But doing so takes work, and the ability to turn down work.

Here are five things to keep in mind as you continue on the journey that I affectionately call “freelancing towards freedom.”

[Read more…]

Freelance Writing Jobs for Monday, October 29, 2007

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Jodee

Freelance Writing Jobs for Wednesday, October 24, 2007

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Freelance Writing Jobs for Tuesday, October 23, 2007

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Freelance Writing Jobs for Monday, October 22, 2007

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Freelance Writing Jobs for Friday, October 19, 2007

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Freelance Writing Jobs for Thursday, October 18, 2007

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Cover Letter Clinic Day 2

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Welcome to day two of our cover letter clinic. Yesterday’s clinic was such a success. Thank you to everyone for your wisdom and insight. I’m sure by the end of the week, we’ll all have killer cover letters.

Let’s get it on.

To whom it may concern:

I am a mother of two children under twelve, and a woman with many passions. With constant challenges in my life, I am forced to find new and creative ways to keep my family whole and healthy. I write a parenting column for (withheld), a city magazine. I have had my work published in my local city paper. I have written and sold many articles, with many different word counts, and deadlines, on a variety of topics for one of my current employers, Article Authors. I have sold the rights to them, but can provide excerpts if desired. I am in the process of writing a children’s book of affirmations, inspirations, and meditations. I recently began my own column called Unconventional Reality that celebrates the differences in all of us. Moving from the big city of Miami to the heart of the Midwest gives me many perspectives to explore. I have been working in Healthcare for the past eight years, and I am in the process of completing my Bachelor’s Degree in Education. I feel I can make a valuable contribution as a writer and a mother to your magazine.

Please feel free to review my website at (withheld to protect writers identity) . I can be reached by e-mail, at (withheld). I am including two samples as directed. If more of my writing is needed for the consideration of this job, please do not hesitate to ask. Thank You greatly for your time and consideration.

Sincerely

 

 

I think your letter is too personal. Many stay at home parents or people in difficult situations like to detail their plights in their cover letters. I can’t speak for others, but I find this to be a big turnoff. When I worked in human resources every time our boss received a cover letter with a sob story she’d call out “Oh cry me a river…listen to this guys” and while one of our co-workers mimicked a violin, she’d read it aloud. Now I’m not saying she wasn’t mean about it (and thankfully I didn’t work for too long in that department) but every time I read an article with too many personal details, I’m reminded of my brief stint in human resources. Without trying to sound callous, I really don’t think anyone cares. They want to know you can write.

 

Something else, if you’re putting your family situation first in your cover letter, the client may see it as you always putting the family first. Now, this is the way it should be of course, but your client wants to think he’s first. He doesn’t want to think you’ll be dealing with your children and family problems and then make time for him.

 

 

Yesterday someone suggested listing your achievements with bullet points, I think that would work well here.

 

“Some of my noteworthy clients include:

 

  • (Name Withheld), a local parenting magazine
  • Name of the newspaper for which you wrote
  • Article Authors
  • List of other clients “

I’m not so sure I would mention how you wrote a variety of articles with different word counts because that’s a given. No one writes the same exact thing every time. Plus, your bulleted list shows your versatility.

If you have links to articles you wrote, regardless of who owns the rights, do list them on your cover letter. You’re also allowed to scan the article and attach it if the client accepts attachments. You wrote the article and you’re allowed to use it in your portfolio. It’s also none of the other person’s business who owns the rights. If you can’t provide a sample, don’t mention it at all.

I want to add that anyone looking to hire wants to know first and foremost how his business can benefit by bringing you on board. I’m not seeing much of that in the cover letters. Sure, it’s about selling yourself, but it’s also about proving you’ll be an asset.

Anyone else?

Freelance Writing Jobs for Wednesday, October 17, 2007

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Jodee

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