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Writers Worth: Getting More Client Respect
It’s been a nice, calm week. After going full steam for about four months, there’s been a break in the action. I managed to finish all but one project on my desk, and I’m waiting for a few more to arrive. What did I do with the time? Cleaned the desk, filed papers, figured more…
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The Clash of the Freelance Writing Promise
Yesterday started out with 3 additional inches of rain. Three. Additional. Inches. Yep, there went my morning. There was so much water, the basement window well was filling fast, threatening to leak through the window. I spent an hour in the rain, bailing. For the record, The North Face rain jacket does not repel water….
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The Freelancer’s Time-Saving Cheat Sheet
I was reading an article yesterday that was encouraging — nay, teaching — us to work just four hours a day. And be more productive. Yes, I was skeptical, too. Then I read the article. Damn. Those aren’t hard steps. In fact, many of them I can do. Some of them I do already. But…
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Your Freelance Rate Killers
I was writing a magazine article a while ago that, given the per-word rate — $1.25 per word, 1,500 words — was going to be a killer payday for me. Until I was 12 interviews and a complete rewrite in. That’s the trouble with some projects. The unforeseen can really hit your bottom line. Even magazine…
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4 Freelance Writing Life Lessons I’ve Learned (that you can learn, too)
A while back, I had an uncomfortable interaction with a would-be client. It was negotiation time. I gave my rate. We discussed. We agreed on a slightly lower rate. Then the communication became dodgy. Very dodgy. They asked for something that sounded a lot like a freebie. I repeated their request back to them. Is…
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Confusing Client Requests (& How Writers Can Handle Them)
It happens when I’m busiest. Probably happens at the same time for you. The client prospects start showing up in email, on the phone, and inquiring about your services. I’ve been getting quite a few lately (seems to pick up every year as August creeps up). Some are straightforward. Others are loaded with questions. Some…
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Your Freelance Writing Sweet Spot: How to Find It, How to Nurture It
I can’t tell you the last time I actively marketed. That’s a confession coming from me, the one who hammers “market constantly” into your brain. Aren’t I the one who convinces you to send those LOIs every day, follow up every week, and repeat the cycle often? And here I am, saying I’ve not practiced…
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The Freelance Writing Goal Adjustment Guide
I was reading an article about things successful people do in order to be, well, successful. One point was talking about getting your dream job. The advice was simple: Adjust your goal as you learn more about yourself. Hey, freelance writer — did you just hear that? They’re talking to us, too. We do tend…