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The Freelance Nevers

Posted on January 13, 2011 by lwidmer

What’s on the iPod: Better Life by Keith Urban Wow. The last few days I went from running in place (and all around) to a dead stop. Amen. I can take a lot of work at once, but I can’t take multiple interruptions that make it tough to get a single thing done. Such was…

Worthy Tip: This Job, Not That Job

Posted on January 12, 2011 by lwidmer

What I’m reading: Gilian the Dreamer by Neil MunroWhat’s on the iPod: After the Gold by Neil Young Before I forget, I have a post up over at About Freelance Writing. Give it a look. The snow has come. I felt it the day before. You can just tell. The air is more static and…

Guest Post: The Magalog Market

Posted on January 11, 2011 by lwidmer

What’s on the iPod: Darlin’ Do Not Fear by Brett Dennen When Copywriting Queen (my term for her) Eileen Coale said something in a comment here about magalogs, little did she know she wasn’t escaping with just a mere comment. I asked for more – and like the pro she is, she delivered. Thank you,…

Endings, Beginnings, and Other Stuff

Posted on January 10, 2011 by lwidmer

What’s on the iPod: Summer Nights by Rascal Flatts I’m hating Blogger at the moment. I just typed out a nice long post, clicked Publish, and watched it disappear into oblivion. For the first time in nearly a month, I am alone in the house. First his daughter/boyfriend combo arrived, then his vacation, then my…

The Big Question

Posted on January 7, 2011 by lwidmer

What’s on the iPod: Magnificent by U2 Yesterday was a small part work and a large part distraction. After her 24-hour bout with the flu, daughter woke up and packed for her Disney trip. I dropped her and her boyfriend at the airport, then headed straight for 30th Street Station to pick up the stepson,…

Getting Back or Looking Back?

Posted on January 6, 2011 by lwidmer

What’s on the iPod: Keeping Warm by We Were Promised Jetpacks I love the wisdom of the writing community. This little gem came from Chaos in the Country’s Nikki, who said about her career: ” In not wanting to look back, I realize that I do need to get back.” This from someone who found…

When the Rules Change

Posted on January 5, 2011 by lwidmer

What’s on the iPod: Just Another Girl by Pete Yorn Interesting day yesterday. I had a conference call with my clients to clear up some projet inconsistencies, which went very well. I had just hung up the phone when an email came in on a project bid. The prospective client asked for an IM chat….

Seven Deadly Freelance Sins

Posted on January 4, 2011 by lwidmer

What’s on the iPod: Viva la Vida by Coldplay I’m fighting something. Not sure if it’s a cold, a flu, or some other ailment. Whatever it is, it has me tired by noon, my voice is feeling strained, and I’m congested. Here I thought it was all the loud singing I was doing on New…

Countering Bad News

Posted on January 3, 2011 by lwidmer

What I’m reading: Gilian the Dreamer by Neil MunroWhat’s on the iPod: Restless Days by The Clarks My daughter received an interesting call last night. One of her professors – one of her favorites, in fact – called to ask a favor. It seems a student of hers has lodged a complaint about her to…

Monthly Assessment: December 2010

Posted on December 31, 2010 by lwidmer

What I’m reading downstairs: The Civil War: A Narrative (Vol. 1 Fort Sumter to Perryvile) by Shelby Foote What’s on the iPod: Rain by Scott Blasey Oh, don’t we hate having to answer to ourselves when we have a lousy month? It’s no surprise that December was going to stink. It’s rare that a December…

Cathy

December 31, 2010

Pretty much like yours, Lori, although I don't think I did a plethora of queries. I did have the close of two bigger projects so the balance of the project fees was a nice Christmas bonus.

I do have three projects lined up for January and one is going to be an ongoing monthly project so that's good.

Hope everyone has a happy, healthy & prosperous New Year!

Devon Ellington

December 31, 2010

I knew there wouldn't be a great deal coming in initially post-move, so I was prepared. I also knew there'd be a great deal going out as I get settled.

Didn't query enough, didn't market enough. Worked on my classes for January and landed an article unexpectedly, which I turned around, and kept up wiht Confidential Job #1.

Serious marketing commences the second week of January, when I'm only teaching one workshop, company's gone, and it's just me and the cats.

I think maybe you've narrowed your focus a little too much. I think part of the reason you're not getting hits is the universe is pushing you in a new direction.

Take a few days, step back, reassess, listen to the possibility of new directions, and then try a fresh attack.

Lori

December 31, 2010

You may be right, Devon. Even as I sent things out, I felt adrift. I'm feeling something else coming.

No plethora, Cathy? 🙂 I'm glad things came in for January for you. It makes the coming new year that much sweeter. 🙂

Eileen

December 31, 2010

Best December ever. By far. One referral in the spring led to a new client relationship and a blockbuster year for me. Going forward to 2011, I will be the Copy Director for the client, and the work will comprise 80% of my workload. I know it's risky from a business standpoint, but everything else about it is right. Opportunities like this seldom come along, so I'm going to grab it and enjoy it.

Cathy

December 31, 2010

Congratulations, Eileen! Way to go!

Lori-no plethora, but I LOVE that word-used it in a Creative Copy Challenge. 🙂

Irreverent Freelancer

December 31, 2010

I haven't crunched the numbers yet, but I actually had a solid December. I worked steady throughout November and December this year, which are typically on the slow side for me. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that's a good economic sign for 2011. Because of the holidays and my busy-ness, marketing slumped a little, but I fit it in where I could. When (if) things slow down, I have a new marketing idea I want to implement in 2011. I'll let you know how it goes. ;o) Happy (and profitable) New Year to you and all your readers!!

P.S. Oh lovely, I see you've got a spammer.

Lori

December 31, 2010

Luckily I'm a dedicated spammer swatter, Kathy. Gone! 🙂

Bank it all, Eileen. It's fantastic to see one client with that much work for you, but you're so wise to recognize the risk. I agree – I wouldn't pass it up, either. But I'd be banking a LOT of the revenue as a cushion.

Glad to give you something to blog about, Cathy! LOL I love odd words used with purpose. 🙂

Kathy, once you're able, I'd love to hear your marketing idea, if you're willing to share privately (or in a post here at some future date). But congrats on a great end of the year!

Anne Wayman

December 31, 2010

Do we have to talk about December? Really?
Lost a major client, picked up a new coaching client which helps.
Loss has resulted in a fairly major reframe and a new blog with a friend… oldfatbroadsloseweight.com

hugs

Lori

December 31, 2010

LOL! Anne, I LOVE the title! 🙂

Sorry about the major client disappearing. You of all people will bounce back with flare. 🙂

Paula

December 31, 2010

Here I go, for the last time. One full year of playing along is enough. Is it wrong of me to be glad I wasn't the only one with a dismal December? I'm so ready for 2011 to arrive.

Queries – Sent one query (with multiple ideas) to the new editor of a magazine I wrote for a couple years ago.

Job Posts – Replied to two job posts. Positive reply from one (see below).

New Clients – One of those job posts was from a major software company seeking bloggers for their website. Have been filling in the necessary paperwork so I can start writing in January.

Received my first assignment from a cheese magazine (my cheese hound of a dog is finally proud of me).

Received contract from a potential client but don't care for the "work for hire" wording of their contract. I normally only agree with work for hire deals when they aren't ideas I can resell elsewhere, and if the client pays a lot. A whole lot. This place offers about half what the other new blog client does. Not sure I'll pursue it.

Existing clients – Had handful of small quick projects from one client. Turned in one blog post, did three Santa letters, turned in a 2,000 word article, but only managed to crank out two columns this month.

Remember the favorite editor who didn't have anything for me for the February issue? She had her EIC came up with some short assignments for several long-time writers whose story ideas weren't assigned due to budget constraints. See why she's my favorite editor? (The $1/word average isn't bad, either.)

Turned down three assignments from a client who has yet to pay me for articles that ran in November and December.

Earnings – Only took in about 1/3 of my goal. Blech. Invoiced a lot more than I made. Two clients are well past due. One said they will tack on a bonus to make up for the delay. The other has so far ignored the e-mail I sent earlier this week.

Bottom Line – 2011 can't get here fast enough. I'm still waiting to be paid for $1100 of work, more than $700 of which is for assignments completed in or before November.

Paula

December 31, 2010

Oh! I forgot to mention some marketing I did in December: I sent holiday cards to editors and clients.

becky

January 1, 2011

Well, considering I was on maternity leave for a good part of December, it's not a surprise about my earnings. I started a new project during the month, though, and will resume some others after the beginning of the year. My newest project has an end date, but it's a ways out. Planning to bank as much of it as I can (well, use it to get out of debt). 2011 is looking to far surpass both 2009 AND 2010. (And I am so very grateful for that – we needed a break.)

Gabriella F.

January 3, 2011

Hi Lori.

While I truly respect your use of "plethora," and I concede it's a perfectly good word, I don't like the way it sounds. So I can give you only half-hearted kudos for employing it. 🙂

As for business, like November, my December was solid but lower than I'd prefer. I stopped working on Dec. 22, so I can't truly complain after being a slacker for nine days of the month.

I did send one query. A friend is a Northwestern masters in communications grad, and she forwarded a great lead. However, I seldom get hits when I respond to those because (I think) people who look for work on them lean toward fellow grads. Alas. But I still had Lori W. in the back of my head pushing me to pursue new business!

Overall in 2011, I'm proud to say it was my best year ever, and I surpassed a earnings landmark I set several years ago. Yippee!

Here's hoping 2011 turns your luck around and is promising for the rest of us, too. Happy new year, and thanks for the steady advice and encouragement.

Gabriella F.

January 3, 2011

Oy, let me correct my mistakes.

In the third graf, it should read: "…people who look for WRITERS on them…"

In the fourth graf, it should read, "…I surpassed AN earning landmark…"

It's a wonder I've been able to support myself with mistakes like those.

Carry on.

Lori

January 3, 2011

LOL! Gabriella, we've all been there. And a big congratulations for surpassing that goal!!

Lori

January 3, 2011

Paula, if we have the respect of our dogs, we need nothing more. 🙂 I see why that one is your favorite editor. I see also why you turned down work for the other. Pay the bill or begone, I say! 🙂 (And I hope you can't help but report in each month in 2011 – I think it's helped us all, including you, to see your posts.)

Becky, nothing like facing a new year that's already looking that rewarding!

"Plethora" is one of those words that I could easily hate, Gabriella, like "bulghur" and "house finch." 🙂

And I'm glad I could be that voice in your head. I promise not to hum any annoying tunes, such as anything by Flock of Seagulls or Dexy's Midnight Runner….

Gabriella F.

January 3, 2011

Ooooh, "bulghur" is one I'll have to look up!

And did you notice I have a mistake in my correction? But I'm stopping while I'm behind. (God knows what mistake is in this brief note.) 🙂

Lori

January 3, 2011

LOL! Gabriella, I figure on blogs and comments, we're allowed to make mistakes. 🙂

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