I wonder why September wasn't so good for so many of us, Gabriella. Just like you, my October is looking really good. September? Meh.

I'm waiting for money, Paula. I love when the projects are handed in on time, yet the money takes a good, long time…

You're not the only one whose revenue stream isn't as steady as the workflow, Gabriella. I've been steadily busy most of the year but only two small (very small) checks came in during all of September….and none so far in October.

So September was mediocre, and October will be really good. These days, my months have been like that–a so-so followed by a great month. Wonder why my workflow doesn't feel like it has lulls to correspond with the weak earnings?

My earnings are lower because of the same thing. I'm literally a few pages away from finishing one project, so I'm hoping to see a check this month for it.

Congrats on the speaking engagement! Would love to pick your brain on that at some point.

Loving the book, by the way…

Earnings were a bit lower in September, but it was all about getting my books finished. (Yippee!) Mercifully, my highest-maintenance client takes a long break in Aug/Sept.

I've had a couple of over-the-transom contacts that may or may not turn into anything. I gave them high estimates, because I've got a busy month ahead, and I figured what the heck.

Got a speaking engagement lined up for a local chapter of National Speakers Association in January, so that will be something different…

Have a great weekend!

Work-wise I was busy throughout September. Income wise: worse month of the year, by far. (Remember, I only count income when checks are in hand.)

Queries & LOIs: No LOIs this month, but I sent a big batch of queries to Favorite Editor and nabbed three assignments. Followed up on another query, which I really want to do, but it's timely and there's a very finite window.

Listings: Replied to two.

Existing Clients: Turned in fives articles and two columns and picked up four new assignments.

New Clients: Turned in my first big project to a new client (hoping the check arrives soon, since one of my current projects is for them as well), and am working on a trio of Wikipedia entries for another client.

Earnings: Take "Pathetic," subtract 100, and divide by five. I can't recall the last time I took in so little money in a given month. The good news is two HUGE (for me) checks should arrive any day now. Maybe even today. The total amount already invoiced and the total I'll invoice within the next week equal more that double my monthly target.

Bottom Line: I wish more clients paid by direct deposit so payments would arrive a little bit faster.

Cathy, existing clients are great for those lean times, huh? I hope you get that bump in earnings. Can't wait to hear your report back from the walk!

I received a referral in September that looks like it's going to work out. I asked an existing client for it (from the company that acquired them). I received an email yesterday regarding a newsletter article they need.

I sent three email introductions in September. Nothing but crickets so far.

Existing clients keep me busy in posts, ghostwritten articles, and resource documents.

Acquired a new client (through an existing client's new partnership) and I am currently working on a marketing piece for them.

The earnings were the weakest of the quarter, but the quarter met target (since July and Aug were strong – go figure).

Bottom line-few prospects in the pipeline, but hoping for a bump this month (especially with me being gone two weeks in Nov).