What I’m reading: The Maytrees by Annie Dillard
What’s on the iPod: The One Who Loves You Most by Brett Dennen
If agony had a physical presence, it would be my career this past month. I knew things would be slow post-surgery, post-vacation, and post-house guest visits. At a standstill? I never expected that. I had plenty in the works. Sadly much of it dried up. One long-time client cut back the number of projects per month, as did another. Ouch. I was hoping to cruise a little on those jobs until I signed on others. Nothing doing – $1K of that income disappeared. Right at holiday time. Egad.
Luckily I’d saved. Mind you, when my mother was here I went on a buying spree, but I still had enough to cruise through the holidays. Only with the month not producing much more, the cruise turned into a bumpy ride mighty fast. Such is the life of a freelancer.
Let’s look at the damage, shall we?
Queries:
It’s not for lack of trying that I sit idle. Between letters of introduction and queries, I blanketed new markets and old. I sent out over 14 queries and LOIs alone. One assignment and a few nibbles, but nothing beyond that.
Job postings:
One. I responded to one. It was for a new magazine, and as I suspected, they can’t afford me. The publisher sent me a lovely note thanking me, noting that my experience outweighed his, and offering an apology for not being able to work together. Classy guy – he didn’t berate me for charging a fair rate. That’s a professional business person.
Existing clients:
I’ve already mentioned the agony of losing some work with my two favorite clients. I did put out about six feelers for a client with whom I’m ghostwriting articles. And yesterday, I scored a placement for them. That may help salvage December.
Also, I managed to get confirmation of two upcoming assignments with another favorite client. It will be nice to start January with some potential cash in the works.
New clients:
I contacted a number of potential new clients, hearing much the same thing from many of them – they can’t afford me. And newbies, that is not the time to doubt your price. For me, it’s a time to doubt my sales avenues. Aim higher.
Also, two referrals, neither of which have gelled yet, but I’m working on it.
And one LOI netted the editor’s request for a resume and samples. Fingers crossed there.
Earnings:
Ugly. Just ugly. I’m 80 percent off my monthly goal. Totally unacceptable. Understandable given the length of time I was off, but I could have planned better and been working and earning much sooner.
Bottom line:
I can’t change what’s past, but I can change how I approach things from this point. I’ve been sending out oodles of queries and making good use of the 2010 Writer’s Market (don’t ask me why I didn’t buy the most recent – I have no idea). The LOIs are starting to get some notice, so I’ll continue along those lines. And since clients may be avoiding projects right before the holidays, I’m targeting more publications. They always need copy.
Now for the good news – how was your month?
21 responses to “Monthly Assessment: November 2010”
My month was a little lower than normal. One of my clients is revamping their website, and everything is on hold!
Lori, I also have a question for you. I have a client who routinely challenges invoices, which are always correct upon submission. Should I bill the time spent proving I was right in the first place? I bill in 15-minute increments. All the client had to do was count my posts (I'm a blogger for a company), and now they haven't approved my invoice on time for payout in the next cycle. I am pretty frustrated.
I moved.
And now I'm diving into more work than I know what to do with, which is great, but I also have to make the time to market so that there's no dry spell in the winter. I've got to update the brochures, join the Chamber of Commerce, come up with some new business cards and start unpacking, along with all my assignment and doing the edits on the novel slated to come out next summer.
I'm happy about all of it, and my new work space is much more productive, I just want to make sure I don't drop any balls.
Earnings were way off in November, especially in relation to spending, but I think I'll make up for it in the next three months.
I haven't even looked at a job listing in nearly three months.
Mei, that's awful! Unless that job pays mightily, I'd be looking for a replacement job. No client should hassle you regularly over the price. In fact, have a heart-to-heart with your client before the invoice shows up. Explain that you're not in the habit of having clients doubt your word or making you defend your invoices so frequently. And I would tell them exactly what you're doing going forward – each time you have to spend time scaring up proof of your invoice amounts, you'll be billing at the same 15-minute increments. Just remember you could lose the client by taking this stand, but maybe that's not a bad thing given the friction they're causing.
Aim higher, hon. I think you're getting treated like a liar. No one needs that.
You amaze me, Devon. With the colossal move and everything surrounding it, you still have work lined up. Amen to that.
Thanks, Lori! I detest this client–I don't like the tone of any of his emails–and I've never felt that this job was necessary. I will start preparing my email!
Mel,
I second Lori's advice. Dump the SOB — you're worth more. There are plenty of better clients out there.
See? Two of us know you're worth more than you're getting. 🙂
Thanks, as always, Lori.
I know you're slow now, but we both know that's the nature of the bidness. Every time I get worried that a lull is actually a harbinger of business catastrophe, I get a few new projects. I'm betting that'll happen to you soon.
OK, here we go on my numbers. November was one of my highest months in 2010. I'm glad for that. However, it sure seemed that I worked harder! I have no real concrete reason to say that, but it felt like a really hard month!
Job postings–I actually replied to one–and didn't hear a peep. It was so in my wheelhouse that I dropped what I was doing and contacted them even though there was no pay mentioned. First one I've replied to in months.
New clients–Yippee! I mentioned in October that I had prior relationships with new editors at big-name publishers and was hoping to leverage them. I got positive responses from them and then utter silence in November. Bummed me out.
But both got back in touch at the end of November and made December assignments, one at $1 word. First new clients I've had in six months!
I still hear Lori Widmer in my ear emphasizing business development, and I know I need to do more of that. Thanks for the constant reminders!
There are many ways I would like to emulate you, Lori, but this is not one of them. 🙂
I have had similar results since getting back from my 3-Day Walk.
Marketings I do have a "meet and greet" with a local, biggie dental benefits organization next week. I released a proposal for a nonprofit that I don't expect to go anywhere because I'll be too expensive for them. I have a few queries out, but so far, no responses.
Existing clients I visited two while in San Diego. One is dropping a quarterly newsletter I have done for them the last two years. I am not surprised as it always was a challenge getting it finalized. I am working on the last issue this week. I sent off an inquiry to another about an article this month. They skipped the monthly article in November, and I suspect they will do the same this month.
Earnings I was hoping for a 20% increase over last year, but unless something happens in December, it looks like it will be just shy of 19%.
Being the Pollyanna I am, I am still excited about 2011. I will be going into my third year of freelancing – who said you couldn't teach an old dog new tricks? So, I survived the terrible twos and am looking forward to growing my business.
Thanks to you, Lori, and people like Anne Wayman (met her for lunch while in San Diego-yay!) and Jenn Mattern, I am learning every day. Happy holidays to all!
Cathy, if ever the phrase "Do not try this at home" applied, this month would be it! 🙂
Isn't Anne great? I've yet to hug her in person. I can't wait. And your terrible twos went extremely well!
Gabriella, sounds like you're working the plan! I love it. And I'm glad I can serve as a reminder, even if it's not exactly a positive one this month. LOL
Go get those new clients! They know you rock. 🙂
I need to carve out some time to think about marketing moving forward. Right now, I'm in hog heaven. Clients are practically throwing money at me just to get on my calendar. I know this won't last forever, and I need to be prepared for that.
Anyone else love that Cathy has a meet & greet with a dental benefits organization? After your recent dental trauma, Cathy, you'll probably have some really good insights that will help you land the job.
Second to last monthly update of the year….
Queries / LOIS: Sent one LOI to a magazine listed in a respected writing newsletter only to receive a reply saying it was folding. Sent one query to the new editor of a magazine I've written for beforr, no reply. Sent several ideas to my favorite editor, who will likely be assigning soon (with her shiny new 2011 freelance budget – woo-hoo!).
Job Postings – Replied to four postings. One is now a new client, an about-to-launch crafting blog. Right now it only pays $20 per post, but the first thing I did for them was a crafty Christmas gift I was going to make anyway. Even considering the $6 I spent on supplies, I'll wind up being paid for a gift I had planned to give anyway. That's pure profit. Not sure this will become a regular client, but when giving a Christmas gift pays you, it's hard to turn down.
The other job posting I heard back from is about writing for the website of a small cable network. The pay is reasonable considering the amount of work. I promised the editor I would send in some ideas by the end of the year.
Existing Clients – One regular client alerted me that work really drops off between Thanksgiving and January, so I was prepared to see less work come in from them. I turned in one article (and have a second due today – yes I got a brief extension), but only did three columns and two blog posts. The blog has a backlog right now, and I just needed a week off from the column.
New Clients – the two found through the job postings, and I completed my first article for another food industry trade magazine.
Earnings – Closer to my target than I've been in a long time, but still a hundred or so dollars shy of he mark.
Bottom line – I'm already expecting about $1,300 for work I've recently completed. Once I finish this pesky article I plan to focus on marketing, marketing, marketing.
It is pure irony, isn't it? Cathy, tell me you planned that meeting – or was it completely ironic? LOL
Paula, great point about being paid to do the work you would have done anyway. Smart!
My goodness, Cathy and Lori… back atcha… and what a nice surprise to arrive here to discover I'm being talked about… thanks both of you.
My income took a major surprise hit about 10 days ago… love the aim higher motto Lori… I'm aiming higher and aiming differently… will post about it as the dust settles. Meanwhile I'm hip deep in business planning things.
Let's see… one existing client backed off on articles again, but hoping to do a couple for them in Dec. Newer client gave same amount of work as in Oct., so over all, income was on the way up by about 20%. BUT, with maternity leave figured in there, the month actually went down.
Got a new gig that starts in December. Lots of work, and I'm really excited about it. Hoping it lives up to my expectations. 🙂
How's the baby watch, Becky? Isn't this the week?
He arrived just before Thanksgiving. Sending you an email with details.
I'm a couple days late and a total newbie, but here's mine:
Monthly Assessment for November, 2011
Queries: I didn’t dare send out any more queries this month as I already had two projects on the boil from September and I’m only able to freelance part-time.
Job postings: I also didn’t respond to any job posting but mostly because I have yet to get a decent resume, website and portfolio together. Once I do that, I think responding to job posting will become much less of a chore.
Existing Clients: In September I sent out an e-mail to five local non-profits offering to donate my writing services in order to build my portfolio. Two out of the five responded right away. I’m still working on a project for one that includes line editing and web/sales copy. I wrote a press release for the other that they “loved” and they said they would let me know if they had any paid (yay!) work for me in the future.
New Clients: One client I contacted in September surprised me by responding two months later. I am now set to work on writing a grant for them. I have never written a grant before so I’m teaching myself as I go along. I think it will be a great skill to have, though.
Earnings: $0, all volunteer work for now. Happily though, once these three projects are completed I think my portfolio will be fleshed out enough for me to start looking for paying work.
Bottom Line: I am very excited to start the new year with a nice portfolio and finally start looking for some “bread and butter” clients in earnest. I am worried that my 3 out of 5 client conversion score is going to drop considerably once my services are no longer free.
Hi Jessie! Sounds like you're well on your way. Your newbie status is in serious danger. 🙂
I think you're already ready for paying work. Understand that most freelance writers starting out charge something. I like that you're volunteering for nonprofits, but even these have budgets they could be spending on quality writing. I would suggest instead of volunteering, try sending out the proposals without mentioning volunteerism or pay and see what happens.
Your conversion rates don't have to drop. It takes some practice, but you can soon understand how to approach specific clients and win the business. For each writer, it's a different process, but you'll know when you hit upon it what works best for you. Some love the phone, others have great success with letters of introduction, and others with proposals. The key in all is to understand your potential client before you make that initial contact. It takes a little research, but it's worth it.
Finally got around to wrapping up November details this weekend. I ended up having a really good month. Normally, I'd be quite pleased with my November earnings, but unfortunately they weren't high enough to totally make up for my dismal October. December is already starting on a high note, with most of my schedule already lined up. I owe that to marketing even when I'm busy. I've landed a few new projects with new clients, and in an unusual twist, I've actually done pretty well with the job ads. The well-paying clients I land that way are usually in my niche, but occasionally I'll snag a mainstream project as well. I don't expect 2010 earnings to be quite where I was prior to the recession, but I'm getting there.
Lori, that is definitely my next step. Hopefully by the time December's assessment rolls around I'll have a paying client to report back on!
Fingers crossed for you, Jessie!
Kathy, that's great to hear you've had success with the ads! There's still work out there, I guess. I must be hitting it at the wrong time or wrong place.