Yes, it's that time again, Cathy. 🙂 Sounds like you did okay. I like that you've been touching base with people. Amen!

I'd forgotten one invoice, so my earning were slightly better than expected, but not where I want it to be.

For actual checks in my hot little hand, I was also down in June, although there are a few good-sized ones I should receive within the next week. Existing clients are rocking it as I have a 12-month blogging contract and several projects for another that will take me through September. I also had various single projects from existing clients throughout the month of June.

I've received three inquiries into my services in the last two weeks. Realistically, I think I may be lucky to land one, but we'll see. In June I sent 3 LOIs, and touched base with about 2 contacts a week. One reached out for a call and I sent a proposal but she has been traveling a lot (according to LI). A former client also sent my info. to a long-time colleague of hers. I will be following up on that next week.

Bottom line: Pretty good month but I'm working on getting more in the pipeline. I'm just about done with my new business site. I have begun to refer LOIs to that site.

Here's my June:

Queries: Sent several ideas in three queries. Four articles were assigned.

LOIs/follow ups: Sent an update/follow up to a publication I know I'd be a good fit with and had a couple of encouraging replies from in the past, but no response yet. On the advice of a friend, I sent an LOI to one of her editors (see referrals, below).

Social Media: I had 10 articles hit print this month, so I used social media to share links and had some good replies. The Property Brothers both commented and shared an Instagram post did of the Q&A I did with them (nice option for articles without URLS), but they still haven't retweeted the link I sent them. On Monday I tweeted about a great interview I had with a showrunner – he favorited and retweeted it, as did some of his writers and the show's star. I've picked up a few new followers as a result. Also posted updates on most of those articles on LinkedIn. And I FINALLY got my 10-year old niece to follow me back on Instagram! (Perhaps the biggest social media accomplishment of all.)

Job Posts: replied to two, one of which was tied to that LOI follow up noted above.

Existing Clients: Finished two articles for Alternate Favorite Editor; wrote four columns; picked up three assignments for Favorite Editor; and have one college planning article to complete.

New Clients: Signed a contract June 30, hoping the editor will assign me something in July.

Referrals: Another writer I know referred me to one of her clients (the new client noted above) who was looking for experiences writers, so I followed up with an LOI. The editor got back to me immediately. Terms sound fair, so I've got my fingers crossed.

Earnings: Actual earnings fell about $300 short of my monthly goal. My current invoices are only $700 shy of being double my monthly goal (the bulk of that won't be here until mid-August). The good news is the largest one of those invoices will cover the huge sum of money I paid the house painters this week plus almost all of the second half of my property taxes. Phew. And the jobs I'm currently working on total nearly half my monthly goal.

Bottom line: I still need to work on creating a smoother revenue stream. I like knowing I have a fair amount of money coming in, but that doesn't help pay this month's bills. (Well it will if a couple of the smaller checks come in soon!