You're having good success with your efforts! An 11-percent conversion on your LOIs is good.

Most of my work came from ongoing clients, but I was $500 short on my monthly target. The amount was invoiced, just not collected.

In March I sent out 18 LOIs and applied for 5 gigs on job boards. i also emailed clients I haven't worked with in a while, pitching them for projects and/asking for work.

The old clients brought in 3 gigs and the LOIs brought in two. The job boards didn't bring anything.

My focus in April is going to be on sending a lot more LOIs to PR agencies. They tend to pay better rates in my neck of woods. They can also bring me work in larger volumes.

Oh, the irony of that particular executive canceling the interview is the focus of the story was supposed to be a positive, helpful approach he's brought to his chain's staff, encouraging them never to say "no" to a customer (unless they're asking for something illegal or unethical), but instead to seek creative solutions to keep customers happy. Yeah…. right. Then again, I'm not a customer.

Sounds like the source would be the last one I call next time. I don't like the single-source stories for that very reason.

Mine was busy, but I've yet to see the fruits of my labor.

Queries & LOIs – I should have done better here. Only sent three queries (two were assigned, the other is a longer range idea but the editor replied right away saying we're on the same wavelength). I followed up on one LOI.

Social Media – I still haven't figured out a way to measure it, but the past week or two have been pretty hectic for me as well, and I've gone entire days without checking any of my social media accounts.

Job Postings – I replied to two. One is for a company I already have an "in" with, but the application was automated, so who knows if it will count for much.

Existing Clients – Thank goodness for my regulars! I turned in three articles to Favorite Editor; did one massive listing for one client (am neck deep on a second big list for them now); sent in an article from one of the queries (am working on a second article for them from one of the other queries; picked up a more manageable listing assignment from another regular market; and turned in four columns.

New Clients – I had an assignment from a promising new-to-me client, but the sole source bailed at the last minute, citing he'd be "on the road"…yeah, um, he runs a major hotel chain, so I think he'd have phone and internet access, but whatever. It was disappointing for that to happen on the first assignment. My graphic designer sister referred one of her clients my way. My sister is creating a website for her and knew the client wants to incorporate a blog but knows she's not a good writer. She also needs help with social media (contrary to a lot of people, she's good at sharing via social media but not good at promoting her own accomplishments). We discussed her needs this week and I sent her a few options.

Income: Actual income was about $350 below my goal, but my outstanding invoices total more than my monthly goal, and the three projects I'm working on now (all due within 10 days) equal about 75% of my monthly goal. So not bad.

Bottom Line: More queries and LOIs are needed.