Comments on: How I Boosted my Freelance Career (and how you can, too)

By: lwidmer

lwidmer — Sat, 11 Nov 2023 00:32:06 +0000

In reply to Paula Hendrickson. Great example, Paula. Thank you! How nice to find a great client, right?

By: Paula Hendrickson

Paula Hendrickson — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 15:19:04 +0000

The situation works both ways, too. We need to be open to clients’ suggestions, too. With a different piece, the same client noted above trusted me to run wild with an idea I had for a listicle that required lots of research but no interviews. There was a TON of material to organize, and I did my best, but it was still unwieldily. Then the copyeditor suggested a couple simple tweaks. I said, “You’re a genius!” And he said, “Not really” and told me he’s picked up a few tricks from having edited a lot of lists over the years.

By: Jennifer Bohmueller

Jennifer Bohmueller — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 15:13:43 +0000

As someone new to the freelance/contractor game, this is great advice. Thanks!

By: Lori

Lori — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 15:55:41 +0000

In reply to Paula Hendrickson. You were fortunate to have your dad as a role model, Paula. What a great example of how one can define their own path! You're a pro, so it doesn't surprise me to learn that you turned that situation around. Terrific way to handle it!

By: Paula Hendrickson

Paula Hendrickson — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 15:18:22 +0000

I’ve always viewed freelancing as my only option, since I never wanted to go through the uncertainty my Dad went through as a full-time commercial artist almost always under threat that his job would be cut. He was laid off at least twice before he finally went freelance – he liked being his own boss and earned more when working for himself.

Over the years, I’ve weeded out clients that don’t listen to my suggestions or advice, but even today, I still get nervous to suggest big changes. For instance, several sources for a trend-type article recently fell through due to timing issues, but one came through who was an excellent source, so I suggested shifting the angle to focus on their experiences by profiling their team. My client liked the change and later told me they really liked the final piece. A newer writer might have been discouraged when key sources bowed out. They might have resorted to “borrowing” details from published sources, or they might have just given up and scrapped the piece entirely. But I went into “How do I save this and turn a setback into an advantage for my client?” mode.