Comments on: Easing Up on the Brakes

By: Lori

Lori — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 13:41:04 +0000

True enough, Wendy. I've rarely had the first contacts be lucrative (unless they're existing clients). It takes some knocking on virtual doors and some patience.

Becky, thanks. :) I'm pretty sure this new gig will be terrific, as you know. :)

whatlittlethings, parents are great when you need a boost in confidence. My mother thinks I should be writing books and that publishers are fools if they don't buy them. I like hearing that occasionally. :)

You're right about feedback from peers. The LinkedIn forums are good, as are your own email writing groups, online writing groups, or in-person writing groups. Any time you can rub elbows with other writers is usually going to be a good thing.

Rebecca, that one point is the difference between a successful writer and one who can't get that business going. :)

By: Rebecca E.

Rebecca E. — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 05:08:29 +0000

keep the keep trying on your list!

By: whatlittlethings

whatlittlethings — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 02:33:48 +0000

In terms of building confidence, I always like to get feedback from my family who speak English as a second language. My trusty and loving parents always love my work and it gives me that extra boost. =)

But seriously, feedback really helps! For example, I joined a writing community on LinkedIn and everyone there has been really supportive, encouraging and helpful. They give me feedback that I respect in a way and also motivate me to shed my shyness! =)

By: becky

becky — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 02:28:20 +0000

Aw, Lori. I have no doubt that you'll manage it all and rock it, no problem. 🙂

By: Wendy

Wendy — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 21:38:37 +0000

I like the 'keep trying' one on your list. Especially the part about the 500 letters and one response. How often have we pitched and heard No from clients A-Y, only to have client Z say yes? And client Z has business friends, who needs a writer.

By: Lori

Lori — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 19:36:54 +0000

Fake it until you make it. That was my post-divorce depression motto.

Bluffing confidence - better way to put it, Devon. :) You're right - fear is just the presence of an unmet challenge.

Jake, good perspective on it. Building an easier path to meeting career goals is a great incentive.

Paula, that had to be daunting! But you're right - she had all the elements needed. Didn't matter if she wasn't uber-smart like you. :) A valuable lesson, in fact. The best writers are often the most persistent and those who put all the pieces in place to get the job.

Good one, Eileen!

By: Eileen

Eileen — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 17:44:29 +0000

Simple: "Feel the fear, and do it anyway."

By: Paula

Paula — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 17:16:38 +0000

My first attempt at a query was in high school. One of our assignments for a writing class was to write a real query letter and send it. I was one of the top students in the class, so when one of the middle-of-the-pack kids came in one day saying a magazine about horses had bought her article my immediate thought was, "If she can do it, I certainly can!" (Meanwhile my pitch didn't even generate enough attention to elicit a rejection letter.)

What worked for that girl was: 1) as a subscriber, she knew the market, 2) her family owned and rode horses, so she knew the subject, 3) she came up with an idea the editor wanted. But most importantly, she followed through and sent the query.

By: Jake P

Jake P — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 16:56:44 +0000

What comforts/energizes me is the endgame — a successful effort now positions you to have to do less in the future. Your next solid client could be a wellspring of not only work now, but referrals for years to come.

Devon's bluff tactic is a valuable one. You can't stare at your shoes and shuffle your way into assignments.

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 15:50:39 +0000

If it scares me, that's a good sign that I should face it down and get experience in it. I research, explore it from different angles, and attack it.

Even if you don't have confidence, bluff. Don't lie about your experience or your knowledge, but compose a letter as a calm professional and WRITE your way into that confidence.

What you write you shall become.