What’s on the iPod: Flashed Junk Mind by Milky Chance
Did I mention I was busy? Last week I had three clients have come to me with projects. I’m in the middle of getting two of those clients sorted, and the third client is waiting for budget approval and a client statement of work. It’s going to be a nice first quarter.
I was noticing the onslaught of courses and workshops and seminars that plague January and target struggling writers. So many things to learn — so little time and money. Some of the offerings may actually be worth the money, but how can you be sure? So I like to approach things a little differently — when you’re trying to kick start your career or hit the reset button, try getting advice for free.
There’s little wrong with paying for advice when you need it. Well, there’s little wrong with it if your source is credible and the instructor/coach has the background proving the advice works. There are a few people I would trust. There are infinitely more people I don’t know and probably shouldn’t trust.
So why not look for free advice first?
Here are some great resources you can use right now that can help you improve your writing career and gain a little bit more knowledge on how to run a successful writing business:
Quick guides.
This one from Jenn Mattern is her personal experience in boosting her income by thousands of dollars through just one weekend of work. It’s a great read with some excellent examples.
Also, Freelancers Union, headed by Sara Horowitz, has a slew of great guides for freelancers.
Newsletters.
There isn’t anything Peter Bowerman puts out for writers that I don’t love. His newsletters are filled with great info and personal accounts.
Podcasts.
Two freelancers, in my opinion, are the king and queen of podcasts. Ed Gandia at International Freelancers Academy and Jenn Mattern at All Indie Writers. Both offer free podcasts and excellent advice. (Full disclosure – I’m Jenn’s guest on her next podcast.)
Plus, check out Mignon Fogarty’s quick-and-dirty podcasts over on Grammar Girl.
Blogs.
I’m a huge fan of Lexi Rodrigo. Her newsletters are terrific, but her blog is even better.
Another great blog is Freelancers Union.
Some of the best blogs on how to run a successful business include:
Planners, Checklists, and Templates.
If you need more in-depth help and ideas, chances are you’ll find it on the All Indie Writers resource page.
Another good resource comes from Sharon Hurley Hall, the brain behind Get Paid to Write Online. Sharon’s free ebooks and guides are golden, as are her other resources.
Search engines.
It’s the Internet — there’s nothing that hasn’t been covered. You can locate nearly any topic and get free advice just by searching for it.
Writers, where and how do you locate help for your writing career?
You're so right – so much free info out there for writers a all stages of their career.
Great list, Lori! This is incredibly timely for me since I've been thinking lately about finding a writing coach.
It's hard to know when to rely on resources like these, and when a paid class or coaching session would be more beneficial. I've been in kind of a slump the past few months, mentally and emotionally, so I was thinking a coaching session or two might give me some direction and accountability and help to re-ignite my motivation and passion. But I suppose there are other, free!, ways to do that, too. Hm.
Keri, try a coach with a great reputation — someone who has actually helped someone, not someone who has a huge number of followers (unless they're there because of the person's ability to deliver results). Shop around a bit first.
Anne, you're one of the free resources, too! Sorry to miss you on the list.
Thanks for the tip!! I think that once I find someone who seems like a good fit, I'll ask to speak to a couple of past clients as references.
Perfect idea, Keri.
I'll be sure to check these out when I have enough time to really explore them.
Oh my. Thank you for recommending so many of my resources Lori. Much appreciated. 🙂
Thanks for offering them, Jenn!