Congrats on the LOI success! Paula introduced me to the idea, and I can't thank her enough. Until that point, I was just sending out random emails and brochures.

Paula, 2016 seems like a good year to start avoiding those job postings, yes. 🙂 I get notices from eByline, and while they do send listings to me, they're usually way off the mark (I don't translate) or they pay way too little (as in 50 bucks for an ebook). If they're vetting, they're not going about it the right way. Jenn's list is much better — have you tried it?

Cathy, congrats on a good month! I hear you on life's interruptions. It's tough to pull down the targeted earnings if your mind is elsewhere.

I also received two queries in December (both generated from LinkedIn). I have corresponded back and forth with both. One looks more promising than the other but I will follow up in the next week if I don't receive a "final" word.

I lost one existing client in December due to an acquisition by a bigger company. That being said, I just got off the phone with one of their Sr VPs who wants me to do some ghostwritten articles (and possible ongoing contributions to a site). The next step is him getting the green light from the powers that be. We'll see how that goes.

The good news was once that existing client's contract ended, I had already started with the new client. That client found me through LinkedIn also. ☺ Assuming they like what I do with this 1st one, I could be set up nicely with ongoing work.

The combination of the 3-Day Walk, some health issues for Mom (not serious-praise the Lord) ;-), and holiday madness has me lagging in my 2016 plans. Hmm…seems I recall that same problem last year at this time. I need to kick it into gear.

Wishing you all a great year!

Queries – sent two ideas to Favorite Editor, both were assigned. They also assigned me two more articles that I hadn't pitched. (Something tells me they liked the homemade toffee I sent!)

No LOIs.

Social Media – Can't say anything great happened via social media. Added a few followers here and there, and tried reaching out to a potential source on LinkedIn, who probably isn't even going to see it until this week.

Job Postings – Replied to two. No word. Maybe 2016 should be the year of ignoring job postings entirely, huh?

No referrals.

No new clients.

Existing clients: Turned in two columns and one article, and proceeded with work on six articles and one revision.

Earnings – Since I count actual checks received, December was probably my best month ever. Well over double my modest monthly goal. And I ended the year with two outstanding invoices that total more than half my monthly goal…and am working on projects that are slightly shy of half that goal.

Bottle Line: I like starting the year with several projects. And knowing one of my main markets is adding another issue this year should mean a few more assignments!

I've been trying to focus more on sending out LOIs the past few months, and have just gotten a great new client from them! I'd love to hear about your re-evaluation of your own LOI strategy.