When you ask Jennifer Mattern for a guest post, what you’re not going to get is a cookie-cutter, rah-rah, you-can-do-it, smoke-up-your-skirt kind of post that cheers you on and encourages you through positive reinforcement. What you will get is a direct, no-bullshit post that tells the raw truth, even if it stings. Jenn doesn’t tell…
Freelance writing advice
The Confident Freelancer
What I’m listening to: Changed the Locks by Lucinda Williams Today, let’s explore confidence. Some of us are born with it in abundance (I’ve been known to think I can do it even if I can’t demonstrate that ability all the time). Some of us could use a map, while others are too easily discouraged….
Kicking Freelance Writing “But”
What I’m listening to: Never Let You Go by Third Eye Blind Yesterday on a private writers’ forum, I saw a post from someone I consider to be a smart, savvy writer. She was asking for help. She wants to lose her full-time gig and go 100% freelance. However, things were getting in the way….
19 Mistakes That Hurt Your Freelance Writing Business (and how to fix them)
What I’m reading: Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann What I’m listening to: Dani California by The Red Hot Chili Peppers List time! What are some of the worst mistakes you can make as a freelance writer? I could ask 100 writers and probably come up with at least that many different responses….
4 Myths We Freelancers Sell Ourselves On
What I’m listening to: Die Like a Rich Boy (Acoustic version) by Frightened Rabbit It’s been a busy few days. After a slow start to 2017, the work is starting to pick up again. Marketing is in full swing for the April conference I attend, and I’m hoping to make some new connections from it. I…
Wednesday Take: Professionalism in All Things
What I’m listening to: Pride (In the Name of Love) by U2 It’s over. Amen. I voted. You voted. Rather than go into who won/lost, I’d much rather talk about the day. Here, it was 33 degrees at 7:00 am (that’s Fahrenheit for my Celsius friends) with clear skies. I stood for an hour and…
5 Freelance Revelations That Can Boost Your Business
What I’m reading: The Optimist’s Daughter by Eudora Welty What I’m listening to: Iris (Hold Me Close) by U2 Thursday already? It’s been a slightly frustrating week. I’ve been trying to complete a project, but the things I need to get the thing done haven’t appeared. It’s like working with both hands tied behind my…
7 (More) Sins of Freelance Writing
What I’m listening to: Coastin’ by Zion I Yesterday was just one of those days where nothing significant was accomplished. I was waiting for calls, emails, and responses so I could get a project moving. I’m still waiting. I did get to talk with a new client prospect, and I hope I was able to…
The Best Freelance Mistakes I’ve Ever Made
What I’m listening to: Hello by Adele Wednesday already? It feels like it’s Monday and I just sat down at the computer. Not overly busy, but lots of busy work. After a few weeks of absolute madness, I was glad for the chance to exhale. I spent time reflecting too on the way things have been…
4 Ways to Stop Being a Whiny Freelance Writer
I’m about to piss off a few people. And I’m okay with that. That’s because I’m here to tell you if you’re still cruising job boards for work, if you’re still arguing with clients over your rates, if you’re still taking a verbal beating over simple edits from over-demanding client, if you’re still thinking that…