Things with my existing clients have been great, but a new-to-me client morphed into a PITA almost overnight. Everyone over at Anne's forum have had an earful – or is that eyeful? – about this mess, with names deleted to protect the guilty since she might just turn out to be an overly-stressed editor.

Short version: I started the week working on five articles for Favorite Editor and a revision for the new client due on January 13. Around 3PM yesterday the new client changed my January 13 deadline to TODAY. This morning she softened and said Monday morning was okay. I said I'd do my utmost to get it in today, but since I had to push three other projects to the back burner I'll need my weekend to catch up on those. She sent me an email that seemed to question my professionalism (because a couple sources I've been pursuing all week hadn't gotten back to me, but she had no problem reaching people…huh?). After I calmed down I reassured her I am a seasoned pro and I leave no rock unturned.

I now have everything other than one tiny bit of info. The editor said it's okay if I run long (I was 700 words over my word count at one point, but got it down to 600 and was dreading cutting things only to have the editor ask why I hadn't included them). She even wished me a nice weekend.

I'm glad we ended the day on a positive note, but this roller coaster of confusion ALMOST had be doubting my abilities. Then I remembered I've been writing for Favorite Editor longer than the new client's publication has even been around.

Yep. I gotz mad skillz.

It's not only my client who has changed but the services I offer. Originally, my clients were brokerage firms (and they remain in the mix). It was a hold-over from my corporate days and I continued to do almost any kind of work they wanted done. As I got more time and experience under my belt, I dropped the work I didn't like to do and much of what I call the "one and done" projects.

I stumbled into ghostwriting and really saw my market expand. There is a real need for writers with both industry technical knowledge and the writing skills to go with it. I now have health care organizations as clients (e.g., specialty practice management companies), vendors that service both the healthcare and insurance industry, as well as my original broker market.

My good relationship with my clients has also taken me outside that niche as contacts moved to new companies. They called me because they liked working with me and liked my work. For example, I learned about the logistics management industry (supply chain), which was fun.

It's been quite the ride and I love how it continuously evolves.

Paula, that's hilarious. 🙂 And you're right — companies like that do need our help!

Same question to you that I posed to Anne. Just wondering where and how other freelancers found their stride.

(Later hilarity ensued as Mike asked his college aged son to help him apply for a Twitter account. Kid grabbed the phone and had the account set up before Mike was done asking how long it would take to get it up and running.)

Companies like that seriously need our help!