career advice

7 Common Freelance Writer Problems You Need to Know Before You Take the Leap

June 1, 2016 by Noemi Leave a Comment

I remember my first ever freelance writing gig as clear as day. That was about 11 years ago, while I still had a 9 to 5 job and working on my thesis. It was an exhilarating experience, for I never thought I could make a decent amount writing on the side. I think that was a defining moment for me. I knew that one day, I would find a way to write full-time.

The universe had a different plan, though. It took me a while to finish that thesis, and I had to find a steady job to live. I stayed in the corporate world for another five years, all the while writing content on the side.

Then I got a break. THE break.

So here I am many years later, finally living that freelance dream. [Read more…]

Don’t Forget the Old School: Say hello to the library

August 11, 2010 by david 4 Comments

There’s this place with books and periodicals, a staff that has an acute expertise for researching just about every subject and best of all it’s free! It’s the public library. This installment of “Don’t Forget the Old School” will take on why visiting the library is important to writing.

Ambiance

It’s the library’s mystique – the rows of books, the smell of the pages, the weird looks from that one guy who appears to be talking to his toes…

Technically, writing and researching in a library won’t increase your I.Q. immediately, but it will be a more productive place to work. Picture your home office – cozy but full of distractions. It’s quiet unless you live with other people and then that’s optional.

Quiet in a library is not optional. I swear there are people who go there specifically to shush people. There’s no refrigerator, no comfy sleeping couch and definitely no annoying neighbors popping up to say hi or to ask you about your lawn, mail or any other inane topic. When you go it will be just you and your work. That’s worth the price of admission and did I mention it’s f-r-e-e-?

Knowledge Base

Spending time in the actual library will give you access to incredible amounts of information and to helpful librarians who often know more about the subject than the person whose book you are checking out. I know, the argument is that you can get the same thing on the ‘net, especially with online search mechanisms often powered by the library system in your area. Let’s take a closer look…

Face it, not all materials in book form are available to read online. Have you ever tracked down a source based on a book synopsis and then realize the person is either on a different track than your article, the book sucks or is so dry it would give sand a run for its money?

I have, it’s disappointing and a waste of time. I write mostly for consumer periodicals and websites now so when I pick people and sources for research, I do so with the audience in mind. Busy working moms do not have time, nor the inclination to pick up a dry medical journal citing the ratio of infants with reflux. They would be more interested in a ‘parent’s guide’ book that covers medical ailments in an easy to understand manner.

The people who wrote the ‘parents guide’ book will also fit my audience’s expectations when it comes to quotes and information. That makes my job easier and my research comprehensive and valuable to my target audience.

Source Magnets

The librarians often know someone in the field that you are intersted in or at least an organization or source that can take you on your next step. At public college and university libraries, finding the right source is only a short campus walk away from the library.

Don’t discount the public library, the Internet’s ease of use is tempting, but there are some times when immersion is the way to go!

Clips 'n Things

July 17, 2010 by david 1 Comment

This week my family is moving some things around and one of the places I dreaded attacking was my clip file. Wait, I should call it my clip bin, like one of those storage bins people store knick-knacks or winter clothes, etc… I have a bin full of clips.

I’m not saying this to brag, because there are multiple copies of each piece. Largely because my husband hordes my work. He picks up at least five copies and only because I begged him to stop picking up 10.

To be honest I don’t go through them often enough. So in the midst of the moving and dragging I sat down and went through a couple…

Wow.

It’s pretty cool to see a cross-section of your work back-to-back. It is an eye-opener for your style of writing, choice of topics and how far you’ve grown as a writer. I looked at a couple of my very first pieces and cringe. Hard. O.M.G. It was IM speak worthy. I used the word ‘that’ to often, had some weird turns of phrases and of course, used lay and lie wrong.

Now some of the things the copy editor should have caught, but in this business, you can’t rely on the copy editor, your clip is your entry fee into the next gig, at least that’s how I look at it. This is especially important for new writers who don’t have a large body of work on which to hang their hat.

So, when you get a chance within the next month, try this exercise:

Look through your clips and ask yourself:

Which topics did I enjoy writing about the most? Did it come out in the piece?
Which topics do I write about most often?
How has my writing style changed?
What reoccurring themes or items do I need to work on i.e. transitions, ledes, closings, etc.?
What do I do well?
Which clips are all purpose – meaning you can submit them for almost any job?
Which clips are specialized to a certain field?

When you’re finished with that exercise, use your research to plot your next move in your writing career. Think of the next magazine you’ll query or the next blog you’ll start. Then come back and tell us about it. What did you learn?

Persistent and Consistent – Keys to successful article writing

July 8, 2010 by david 3 Comments

I talked to a friend and mentor the other day and she stressed the importance of being persistent and consistent in whatever you do. Initially, I was inspired to apply those key terms to another area of my life when I realized she said, “in everything you do.” It applies to article writing as well.

Are you persistent – writing despite things going on in your life or business? This is important especially if you’re a blogger, but applies to magazine and web writers as well. Blogging on a regular basis despite sickness and strife helps build and keep your audience. They know your blog isn’t another fly-by-night fancy and they will come to look for and depend on it. Good bloggers can write through any upheaval. Great bloggers write ahead so they can manage unforeseen circumstances.

Persistent writing for magazines and the web means staying on schedule no matter what is happening. It means making the deadline even if you’ve got to run to the library and work on their computers next to the kid sneaking looks at porn at the terminal next to you. It means doggedly shopping queries after rejections.

If you veer off your schedule ahead of your deadline in favor of coffee with friends or a movie with your honey, you are counting on nothing to go wrong before your deadline. How many times has this happened: You knock off early or a whole day for a little extra fun and then the day before a deadline the computer goes out? Or your cat knocks over a glass of water on your keyboard or there is a storm and the internet is affected? Now instead of pushing through work on days you’d rather play, you have to scratch to the deadline with one arm tied behind your back and an elephant standing on your foot.

Consistency in work quality

Admit it. Sometimes you give a piece a little less love and attention than others because it’s for a small publication or a content site, or because you just don’t feel like it needs that extra tuck in and kiss on the forehead. Whether the publication is big or small if you blow off an article you are blowing off a clip.

There should be nothing in your portfolio you’d be embarrassed to show to a potential client. This is different than content that is appropriate for one client while inappropriate for another. If you write about ‘personal electronic massagers’ for one client and want to write about toddler tinker toys next week, I wouldn’t show a Parents Magazine editor your article “Buzz-worthy Products for Couples.” Though if you did, it better be written well! Stop giggling folks… This is a good time and place to move to:

Are you consistent about working within your niche? When you are committed to building yourself or brand within a niche, you have little time to take work from the four corners of the world about everything under the sun. Every piece that isn’t about fly fishing does help build your credibility as a writer, but can take away from where you want to be – the featured writer for Fly Fish Monthly.

Persistent. Consistent. For the next week check to see if you are living your life and managing your freelance writing career according to these principles. If not, figure out why!

Got a tip for other writers? What principles guide your freelance career? Share below!

Three Things to Do When You Lose Your Editor

June 24, 2010 by david 1 Comment

Freelance writers and editors often are portrayed as having an adversarial relationship. The long suffering writer has to bow down to the editor – supreme being of a publication. The editor has unfair demands and a fickle finger. One minute you’re in, the next you’re a kill fee.

On the other side, editors are rumored to be workaholics who have so much to balance and not enough time to do it. They are besieged by freelancers who keep spelling the editor’s name wrong and while mass pitching 1000 word/$5 per word pieces. They juggle writers who miss deadlines and who those who can’t tell the difference between a lede and a monologue. Chronically busy, they try their best to shoot off quick, kind notices of rejection or acceptance, but get harassed about the time they took to respond or the brevity of the response.

In actuality, the relationship between freelancer and editor is symbiotic, built on trust, mutual respect and often, long developed friendship. When this favorable and friendly relationship comes to a professional end the results can be mixed.

Editors switch publications, leave the business or take off for their own ventures almost monthly. One of the reasons why writing veterans tell newbies to check and double check an editor’s name and position is because by the time the publication comes out, especially in magazines, the editor listed could no longer be there.

So how do you deal with the new bloke that has filled your beloved editor’s shoes? With respect and courtesy. While surely your previous editor has filled them in on the great writers in the stable, you don’t have the same ‘star quality’ you once held with your friend. The new editor is not looking for a new BFF, they just want to get in, get settled and bring their vision to the job.

1. Be Open.

The vision the new editor has may include writers they’ve worked with at other publications. I can’t tell you how many times an editor of mine’s has moved only to call me up for a gig at their new publication. If you start seeing new bylines, don’t get your nose out of joint, just be prepared. Your steady gig with X Magazine may dry up or at least slow up some. Be prepared to show your stuff in any articles you have with the new editor and start looking to line up something else in case things don’t work out well.

2. Be Nice.

The first time you contact the editor it should be a quick hello and introduction. Don’t treat them like a visitor. Don’t treat them like the enemy. When you do contact them with a query, you can refer to a previous piece you did for the magazine, but only if it is relavent to the current query.

One thing editors hate is for writers to act as if they are entitled to continue to write for the publication simply because they are a “regular.”

3. Be Professional.

Your editor friend may understand your risky deadline behavior or doesn’t mind when you call them ‘homie,’ but your new editor may not appreciate you getting too familiar too soon. They don’t know how you always turn in a fab article at 5 p.m. on deadline day, they might freak at noon.

Be mindful of push back. Your new editor will have a different style and approach to their job. A professional takes critique and uses it to produce work the editor wants. A dork will take a critique, read criticism into it and whine about how the other editor LOVED when they did x, y, and z. And yes, I said dork.

Relationships are great in the writing world. They open doors and present opportunities, they are also in a constant state of flux – at least professionally. Being adaptable is what sets the professionals apart from the hobbyists.

10 Popular Article Writing Questions – Answered!

May 20, 2010 by david 1 Comment

The FWJ mailbag is always pretty full and there are a few questions that pop up regularly. Deb reposted her super popular Frequently Asked Questions and made me think about the most popular questions I receive over here at the Article Writing blog. So here they are in no particular order:

10. How do you write an article?

It’s true, I get this one pretty often and it’s kind of like asking someone how to cook – there’s a lot to it. So in pretty general terms: start with a topic, research the topic and based on your research find an interesting angle to the piece. Make an outline and be sure to include references (and locations if you’re smart) of source material. Decide on a format, create that all important lede (lead), then develop the article. Let it marinate for a day or so, then edit it with a fine tooth comb.

9. What’s the difference between plagiarism and inspiration?

Plagiarism will get you fired, inspiration will bring you fans. When you use someone else’s ideas, quote or material you must cite the source. Even on informal blogs. Inspiration gives you ideas on where you can take the material further. It inspires you to think of how you can enhance it, change it or develop it for a different market.

8. How long does it take to write an article?

How long do you have for me to explain it? All jokes aside, the time it take to craft a piece really depends on the writer, length of article and complexity of assignment. I’ve had articles I sat down and birthed in an hour, while others have taken days of writing, editing, sulking, rewriting, etc. Really, the question should be, how long does it take to write a good article. It’s the quality of the piece that is important.

7. What are editors looking for in a pitch?

You should really ask them. Check the publication’s material for writers and/or send them a quick email asking a specific question about the work they accept. Whatever you do, don’t ask: “What kind of stuff do you like?” In general, editors are looking for fresh angles on evergreen pieces, fresh ideas in general, timely pieces and material that appeals to their target audience. Remember, many publications especially print magazines create an editorial calendar that operates several months ahead. Editors love writers who take the time to get to know their publication.

6. What are editors looking for in a piece?

Again, it’s a good idea to ask your editor. When you receive an assignment, it likely comes with a good amount of instructions. Editors want pieces that match the tone of the publication, follow the specific instructions given with the assignment and have a good number of cited, well researched sources. They love a clean copy so fix the easy mistakes i.e., spelling and grammar. Pay attention to the more abstract ideals such as tight writing and flow.

Stay tuned for Popular Writing Questions 5 – 1 coming up on Friday!

Got a writing question for me? Post it below!

5 Ways To Tell Your Article Angle Sucks

May 11, 2010 by david 2 Comments

Coming up with article ideas or interesting angles is one of the challenges of being a freelance writer. Throw out the thoughts of being in competition with other writers, your main competition is yourself. Can you continually come up with ideas and angles? Are those angles fresh and interesting or the stale standard? Do you have the determination to mine resources for new ideas?

I know, it gets tough out there. It seems there are a million “writers” and actual writers covering every topic under the sun. The internet has spawned a deluge of information and the average writer may get lost in a sea of evergreen articles. But, you’re not the average writer are you? The information tidal wave may seem like a negative, but in reality it’s a positive. A large amount of average allows for the different and extraordinary to stand out. So, that article you’re working on right now…does the angle suck?

1. Does it… Show up on Google?

If it does, can you switch out the sources with yours and pretty much have the same piece? Google is a great source of ideas, it’s also a great source of ideas that have been done to death. My favorite freelance writing dead horse is the editorial calendar. We’ve covered it at length here, will likely still cover it again in the future. It doesn’t make that horse any less dead.

2. Does it…Give you writer deja vu?

Like you’ve have the feeling you’ve written it before? Muuuaaaahh! Don’t just shrug this one off. Go back and find the article. It will help you avoid repeating yourself and if you’re like me, rereading your work you’ll find an angle you could have conquered differently, other sources you could have contacted. Learn from your past.

3. Does it…Take longer than a few moments to explain to a lay person?

Unless it’s a heavy tech or specialized niche article you should be able to spit out the basic premise. It may be interesting and definitely different, but if it’s too conceptual and you have trouble explaining it, readers may have trouble with the point of it.

4. Does it…Make you sleepy just thinking about it?

I’ve written about this before, if you’re bored writing it, I’m going to be bored reading it. Not every topic is going to have the passion and excitement that gives writers and readers goosebumps. That’s still not an excuse to go auto-pilot. Find a way to get interested in the piece. Talk to a kooky source. Talk to a stranger about your topic and take note of the questions they may ask. This is how you get to the heart of the audience.

5. Is it…The result of low self-esteem?

There are times a writer, for whatever reason, doesn’t feel quite worthy of their position or craft. I know of writers who spend the first 10 seconds looking at their latest published piece with glee then the next 20 minutes pouring over it with a magnifying glass, gasping in horror at this turn of phrase or that choice of word. Low writing self-esteem may lead a writer to take a tried and true, or tried and through, angle on a piece. They don’t want to rock the boat, they are unsure of how the angle will be received, they don’t want to blow it with this editor, that publication, etc.

When I think of these folks I’m reminded of on my favorite moments from the movie The Incredibles, a woman is sobbing saying she doesn’t know what she’s going to do and her helpful friend smacks her about the head a couple of times and tells her to pull herself together and reminds her that she’s a superhero. On those low-esteem days when you begin to wonder what to do, I want you to remind yourself of who you are: You are a writer! Pull yourself together!

People can get information from a variety of sources, any day or night. Give them a reason to read your piece. If it’s an evergreen topic, give readers fresh pine aroma not dried stick with shedding needles.

Why are you writing that article?

April 24, 2010 by david 4 Comments

Is it because the rent’s due? You like to see your name in print? It’s a part of a bigger plan of total world domination? You’d anything not to go back to a corporate job?

Think about it, we write article after article here at FWJ discussing the best way to write an article, interview techniques, source cultivating, how to make money at the craft, the pros and cons of freelance writing, etc. Today I ask, “What is your motivation?”

Some of us are adrift. We write the articles, we send the invoices, we look for more work. A lot of us are very successful at our jobs. We put food on the table, pay the bills and have a little left over to buy gadgets that we swear is mainly for business purchases. More of us are lacking realistic goals for our freelance writing career.

Guess what? Paying the bills is not enough. It’s an important goal, nothing like flicking a switch and the lights coming on, but I’ve realized to say you’re a freelance writer has to mean something more, otherwise, go back, update the resume and plug yourself back into the Matrix.

My confession? I’ve lost sight of my goals. Which is why I have just recently let go several clients and spent time looking in the mental mirror. I had begun to feel like I did when I worked my hellish corporate job – no choice, little joy, over-scheduled, under motivated and under appreciated. A few health scares among my family has also given me a bit of a gut check.

Folks, life is too short, find your passion and use your writing to get you there. As a matter of fact, I dare you to declare it here an now: What are your goals? How will writing help you meet them?

My passions are writing, teaching, learning and my interests include media matters and issues that affect women and children. I will use my writing to:

Teach writers about freelancing here at FWJ.
Write articles on media/women/children.
Teach small businesses how effectively use their written materials for success.
Study for my PhD in Women Studies
Teach at the college level on media matters and how they affect women and children.
Write the four books that have been dancing through my head for the last few years.

Will I still worry about the pay – of course. My time is valuable and my kids’ seem to want to eat every day, several times a day. Will I allow it to drive me to insanity? Heck no! Chasing a dollar is not the same as chasing a dream.

Take the challenge! Post below your answer to: What are your goals? How will writing take you there?

Writer? Journalist? Is there a difference?

April 13, 2010 by david 7 Comments

On my web site and in bios everywhere I tend write “freelance writer/journalist.” Sometimes I alternate – freelance writer for one publication, freelance journalist for another. I feel compelled to highlight the difference, but I have to wonder does it matter, if so to whom? I also wonder if there is really a difference.

A person writing for a magazine or newspaper has to follow journalistic guidelines, except in first person narratives, so does that make them a journalist? When a journalist blogs like I do for a non-news blog are they a writer only? I tend to attach journalist to my profile because I have a degree from The Ohio State University School of Journalism (now Communication) that I am still paying for so I like to make that bit of effort known!

When I attach journalist to my profile, I seem to earn a bit more respect from sources (and other writers) and it clearly defines what I do for a living. On the other hand I also have corporate clients and attaching journalist sometimes scares off potential clients because they think I may a “down in the trenches, war-zone reporter,” not a flexible freelancer who may report about breastfeeding and local politics one minute and produce press releases for a business leadership trainer and surgical camera company the next moment.

If I say I’m a writer people ask about books, and while I’m working on one I haven’t been published yet so I am hardly an expert. If I say I’m a journalist, people ask on what channel I appear. It’s pretty sad people forget about newspapers these days! In my brain there’s a difference, what do you think?

The comment section here at Article Writing for Freelance Writing Jobs has been a bit quiet lately so I’d like to hear from everyone, including those lurkers – what do you call yourself? Is there a difference between the two?