What I’m reading: A History of Irish Fairies by Carolyn White
What’s on the iPod: True Believer by The Clarks
A number of years ago today, I looked for the first time into eyes that altered my world forever. A stranger then, he melted me when he latched onto my pinkie with his little hand. He became instantly my tiny little companion and I was blessed to be able to watch him grow into a respectful (except when he’s calling me Oldie Locks), compassionate young man. Happy birthday to my first born, who has grown into a person I’m proud to know. Too bad he doesn’t read my blog – he’ll have to wait until my card arrives to read that. 🙂
Yesterday was fruitful. Despite still warding off a potential migraine that threatened me all Sunday, I was able to get plenty done. I finished a same-day project, turned out the second of two articles due, talked with an editor, reviewed a contract, talked with a client about another contract, and started gathering interviews and info for another article. All before 3 pm. Preparations for February are under way, and the month is looking mighty good at the outset.
The chat with the editor went as expected. She’d called to give me a status update on her magazine. Sadly, the publication she works for is now under Chapter 11 reorganization, and her call was to tell me my invoice may not see any action. I expected it despite assurances in the media and elsewhere. It’s one time I’m thankful for a lower-paying gig. The hit is much less painful than it could have been.
I saw a post over on Susan Johnston’s Urban Muse blog last week that’s worth a read and a pondering. Susan outlines the emerging practice of job boards allowing you to view listings for free, but requiring payment for you to apply. Instead, she devised her own work-around and scored the gig. I love the creativity among our ranks!
It got me thinking about the stupid things people will do because they don’t consider either the other alternatives or the impact their choices will have on their careers/earnings. Here are some etched-in-stone truths about freelancing:
1. Working for $5 an article is just dumb. It will never be easier and more business savvy to work for chicken scratch than to build a lucrative business based on your respecting your own worth and expecting no less from your clients. Period.
2. Paying to apply for work is equally dumb. Unless you’re buying a reputable market listings book (Writer’s Market, for instance), never pay anyone to gain access to either the listing or the ability to apply for job listings. Ever.
3. Pretending to have experience you don’t have is really dumb. Don’t you think the client will find out you’re not an expert in Klingon the minute you turn in that first assignment? Never lie about your experience.
4. Thinking one client will sustain your career is just madness. And what happens when that client runs out of money, changes management, shifts focus, or just gets bored with the projects? Never toss all your business into one basket.
5. Focusing on one-time projects is creating more work than you think. Isn’t it easier to build relationships with clients who have several projects, not just one? Don’t focus all your energy on finding clients whose projects have a short shelf life. Mix it up.
There are plenty more, but these are some of the most frequent sins among freelancers.
What moves have you seen that are less than genius?
You know my feeling on this — writing for a content mill is the stupidest thing any writer can do. Shows both a lack of skill and a lack of motivation. But hey, let them — more good work for the rest of us!
Here is a mistake that I see newbie freelancers make frequently: getting fixated and anxious on landing one particular gig, and doing anything to get it – slashing your fee, doing it on spec, not requiring a contract. It can be hard to convince inexperienced freelancers that there are plenty of gigs out there, and that if this one doesn't work out, another one will.
Devon, I totally agree. They may not know any better, but it translates to the rest of the world as laziness or, as you say, lack of skill/motivation.
Good one, Eileen. Too many times writers compromise. For what? To make someone happy? If you're not making yourself happy too, what's the point?
“It's okay, we don't need a contract. I'll trust you and you'll trust me and everything will be just fine.”
I think we've all probably had a horror story or two with that one.
I've written for those $5 an article (and less)jobs. I wish I could say that I never did it. On the other hand, though, it taught me some valuable lessons. It didn't prepare to write online as some people claim, but I did learn to aggressively research to figure out how to get out of there and that I could, if I put my mind to it.
Lori, I think newbies cave in because of abject fear – fear of not getting any gigs, fear of not making it as a freelancer.
That's why I caved in at the beginning, Eileen. I know there were deals I took I shouldn't have. It feels good to finally have the confidence to say no to something that doesn't fit.
Wendy, in that respect, it wasn't all bad. I love that you've moved on beyond those places and you did so without looking back. Send me an email – I have a question for you. (lwbean AT gmail DOT com)
I think fear has a lot to do with it, but usually it's "Oh, I'm so lucky to be able to write for you that of course I'll pay you to let me". Friend of mine seems to have done just that and I haven't worked out how to reply to her yet without hurting her feelings. She thinks she's getting a lot of good work, but she's probably working all the hours just to make ends meet. And paying for the privilege to boot.
Congrats on your first born's birthday!
I've been amazed at the amount of fear writers have commented on on my blog… wonder why I'm surprised? I was a mess of fear around my writing for years.
hugs
The biggest mistake is assuming freelancers don't work just as hard – in most cases, harder – than nine-to-fivers.
It's like they get caught up in the romantic notion of the word freelance – free to roam around instead of being tied to an office, free to write about whatever they want, free to set their own rules, etc… With that much freedom they'll never get anything accomplished.
Hey Lori… watching The Weather Channel? They sent both Cantore and Bettes my way. That can't be good. LOL.
Lori – As a newbie, I want to particularly thank you for #5. Honestly, my biggest fear as a writer is to build long term relationships with clients rather than do one-off projects for many different clients. I have a fear of commitment that I should probably look into fixing… 🙂
I lurk REGULARLY (comment rarely) and I've learned so much from you and your commenters. It is my daily reality check/kick in the backside. So thank you.
Thinking that writing or editing skill is all it takes. You have to enjoy (not just tolerate) the business part (with all the ups and downs and lessons), or you'd surely be better off working for someone else.
Sorry about the Chapter 11, but congrats on the birthday. We just had some old videos converted to DVD, and laughed ourselves silly last night. Lots of birthday, holiday and travel footage from the kids' baby/toddler years. Strangely enough, my wife and I haven't aged a single bit! 🙂
I'll never understand the mentality that keeps people paying for work, Diane. I hope your friend comes to her senses!
Anne, fear. Perfect word for it. Fear of sticking the neck out maybe. Too bad, because the work is certainly there.
Paula, I saw that you had both Bettes and Cantore! You're getting the worst of it – we're getting the ice. I'd much rather have your snow!
Michelle, I'm really glad you lurk. I'm even happier when you comment. 🙂
LOVE those kinds of videos, Jake! I'd like to say I haven't aged, but hey, he's 27 now. I've aged. 🙂
Good point on the freelancing. It's a career – not just a job.
I'd rather have snow than ice, too. Hope you have some skates, Lori.
The main storm hit less than two hours ago and it's already a marshmallow landscape. And the heavy snow doesn't start for a few more hours (I'm so staying up late to watch the 3"-per-hour snowfall with 40MPH winds and gusts to 50.)
I hate that the storm will be followed by arctic cold (and sub-zero windchills) since I'll still have to shovel. With the blowing it doesn't help to shovel early since it blows right back.
Haha, Oldie Locks. I love it!
Oh Paula, that has to be beautiful! Stay warm, sister.
Mridu, isn't he cute? Fortunately, he's putting his sarcasm to good use – he's writing books. 🙂
We ALL have fears. That's normal. It's how we meet them and defeat them that defines us. Hide, remain a victim, be a doormat, people will continue to take advantage of you. I'm tired of the "fear" excuse. If you're going to be a professional writer, grow a pair or get out.
Exactly. Fear, once recognized, must be overcome. It's too big a brick wall, and it has no place in business.