I think I heard it on Gilmore Girls.

Now if we could just get Louden Wainwright to record Carrickfergus. If you watch Boardwalk Empire, you heard the song and you're searching for it on YouTube (it's there).

Stacey, sometimes I get the same sense from projects. I've all but sworn off ghostwriting, though I did have one good experience with it. Sometimes, you have to try more than one project (and client) to make sure you're judging it correctly. And sometimes you just know. 🙂

I'm just building my freelance writing business, so I've been experimenting with the types of work I want to do. Right now I have a steady stream of work for a few local publications, but recently I picked up a PR project and talked with a potential client this week about some corporate work.

I've found that PR work isn't for me right now. I'm completing the project because I said I would, but it makes me feel uncomfortable to work on the PR side of the business in the same market I work in as a journalist. Once I finish the project, I plan to let my client know that I appreciate the opportunity, but in the future, I prefer to work with them as a journalist, not as a contractor. I'm kind of old-school that way, I guess, but I don't like muddying the waters.

I'm excited about the corporate work, though. Hopefully it will pay well and be steady.

Lori, I admire you for being able to keep your blog updated on a regular basis. My blog is pitiful… but mind you, it's been around since 2000. I've been too busy (thankfully) to update it and I just don't work after hours or on weekends unless it's for a client.

Ooh, I hear a secret chord. Gotta run! 🙂 Enough being off topic.

You're one year away, Paula. 🙂 And you ask a good question – how to know what the market pays. Sometimes you can find that info on their website, but more often it's hidden. I look first at "About Us" sections – sometimes they'll bury guidelines in there, complete with payment terms.

Not sure how to get it out of them beyond just asking. Anyone?

I used to buy the new WM every other year, but with so many guidelines available online these days, I've put off buying a replacement.

I do much the same as Susan and ferret out markets on my own. The only downside I've found doing it this way is not having any idea how much the market pays. I've wound up getting enthusiastic replies to me LOIs only to learn they don't pay well. Any tips on finding out how much someone pays before wasting my time on the LOI, Susan?

With LinkedIn, now and then I'll mention I'm available for more work, but one friend uses her status update to list everything she's currently working on. It seems to be working for her – she's always busy – but if I were an editor and saw she was juggling four feature articles and a cover story I'd assume she was too busy for more assignments. To each her own…

Lori, you asked how long it's been since we've expanded to new areas: last week. A new crafting blog (started by someone with pretty strong credits) wanted writers. The starting pay isn't great, but for a new blog it's not that bad, so I thought I'd give them a try. It's fun, and my first project is something I was going to make anyway. (Yes, in the end I will end up being paid for making a Christmas gift for a family member.)

That said, I'm still actively seeking more $1+/word markets, because I totally need a raise!

I make do with a copy that's a few years old. I got it free from a library that buys a new one every year. What I usually do is go through my copy at home to identify markets, and then check the up-to-date one at the library to make sure there's no new info for those markets.

I've heard good things about FLX. Anybody have an opinion about how that compares to Writer's Market?