Uncategorized | Words on the Page

Stocking the Larder

Posted on March 23, 2011 by lwidmer

What I’m reading upstairs: The Violent Bear it Away by Flannery O’ConnorWhat’s on the iPod: Ten Thousand Words by The Avett Brothers What a busy day yesterday. Devon and I have much, if not all the administrative stuff set up for our Webinar. I created a Facebook page for it, then went back and did…

Faking It: Knowing Your Limits

Posted on March 22, 2011 by lwidmer

What I’m reading downstairs: The Jungle by Upton SinclairWhat’s on the iPod: Moondance by Van Morrison Yesterday was like slogging through mud. I had one small project in the morning, then the administrative stuff for this weekend’s one-day Webinar. Hey, if you’ve not signed up, please do so. It’s 79 bucks – a cheap investment…

Narrowing the Client Focus

Posted on March 21, 2011 by lwidmer

What I’m reading downstairs: The Jungle by Upton SinclairWhat’s on the iPod: Nothing Like You by Frightened Rabbit Don’t forget to register for The Confident Freelancer seminar this Saturday from your very own computer chair! Devon Ellington and I have nine information-packed sessions for you covering fiction and nonfiction topics, plus two attendees will win…

Irish I Were Taller

Posted on March 18, 2011 by lwidmer

Quick Note: Yours truly got her wires crossed and posted the wrong link to the Webinar. This is the correct link. Devon and I would love to have you join us. Wow. Ten hours in one spot is something I usually reserve for this computer chair. But yesterday at 10 am I found a prime…

Faith, Begorrah, and Anniversaries

Posted on March 17, 2011 by lwidmer

What I’m reading upstairs: The Violent Bear It Away by Flannery O’ConnorWhat’s on the iPod: Shipping Up to Boston by Dropkick Murphys Quick Note: If you’re trying to sign up for the Webinar, we’ve moved the sign-up page because the ISP is heinous. Here’s the new link. If you have any more issues, please email…

Making It Happen

Posted on March 16, 2011 by lwidmer

What I’m reading upstairs: The Violent Bear It Away by Flannery O’ConnorWhat’s on the iPod: Hey, Hey by Dispatch Don’t forget – sign up now for the one-day Webinar hosted by Devon Ellington and yours truly! I’d love to see you there. Here’s the link. Interesting day yesterday. Because I’m awaiting approval on one project,…

The State of Freelance Mind

Posted on March 15, 2011 by lwidmer

What I’m reading upstairs: Shopgirl by Steve MartinWhat’s on the iPod: Shut Up and Let Me Go by The Ting Tings I’m getting a late start this morning. I don’t know about the rest of you, but when the time changes, it always hits me on Tuesday – not Sunday or Monday. Weird. Beware the…

Going Green

Posted on March 14, 2011 by lwidmer

What I’m reading: The Jungle by Upton SinclairWhat’s on the iPod: Fear of Falling by The Badlees Note: I’ve got a guest post up on About Freelance Writing, and I’m making an appearance on Susan Johnston’s The Urban Muse blog. Give them a visit. For some reason, I’m enjoying weekends more. Not that I don’t…

Things That Make Me Smile

Posted on March 11, 2011 by lwidmer

What I’m reading upstairs: Shopgirl by Steve MartinWhat’s on the iPod: Pumped Up Kicks by Foster the People Busy day doing nothing billable – yet. Worked out details with a partner on an upcoming project. Also put together a mailing list for an upcoming conference I’m attending. I’m trying to drum up business before the…

The Low-paying Rut

Posted on March 10, 2011 by lwidmer

What’s on the iPod: In These Shoes by Bette Midler Yesterday was one of those “busy” days where I didn’t accomplish much that anyone could see. But there was significant progress made on an upcoming project and more planning for yet another one. And I got a note from a client via Twitter – he’s…

Devon Ellington

March 10, 2011

1. If you're not contracted for regular, decently-paying work, sit down and write a few pieces because you're passionate about the topic, and then research and submit. There's always a market for a passionately, well-written piece. If you take the attitude that you never pick up a pen without a contract in place before you've got the track record to support it, your pen will stay on the desk for a long, long time.

2. Find a pro bono client or two to build up your portfolio with good material. Non-profits are desperate for great writers. Find an organization in whose mission you believe in, and do some work with them. Those samples will land you higher-paid work than any content mill sample, and there's a certain prestige in working with nonprofits, as far as legitimacy.

3. Pitch a column idea or a series of articles to a local publication. If it works out well, you can always look into syndication down the line.

4. Decide what you WANT to write. Instead of waiting until there's a job posted that kinda maybe interests you, decide what areas of interest and specialization you have, and actively pursue them. Convince them they can't live without you. And then deliver.

5. Learn to follow up and follow through. Sometimes, they're so busy they've put your materials aside. Regular "hey, how are you? Need anything?" contact will generate more work than your initial contact (in my experience).

6. Limit the time you spend with content mill writers. Most of them don't have the talent and the motivation to get out of the abyss. Don't let them suck the creative life out of you.

Eileen

March 10, 2011

I'll say what I always say: build a list of 100-200 companies in your niche or industry, complete with the names of marketing and creative directors. Create a lumpy mail campaign with an offer of a free report, checklist, or white paper. Follow up by phone.

If you aren't a copywriter, but an editorial writer, you can still use this method. But instead of writing magazine articles and target magazines, turn your talents to annual reports, white papers, and internal corporate newsletters (and target the appropriate department heads). Target that list of 100+ companies you've built.

Is it a lot of work? Yes. You'll spend at least two 40-hour weeks putting it all together. Is it worth it? You decide: I've been almost fully booked since my last direct mail campaign in 2007. My income this year will be double last year's, and even that was good for the midst of a recession.

Lori

March 10, 2011

Ladies, I knew I could count on you for help! Thanks, Devon and Eileen. I'll make sure she sees this.

Irreverent Freelancer

March 10, 2011

You gave up bitching and moaning for Lent? That's a LONG time, girl. ;o)

I've had the best luck keeping close contact with my existing (and well-paying clients). I would tell a new writer that every time you gain a new client (with whom the working experience was a good one anyway), maintain contact, ask for referrals, offer discounts on bulk assignments, etc. I've gotten in the habit of immediately adding every new client to my LinkedIn account. That way, I don't have to go searching for their contact info every time I want to touch base. I wish LinkedIn had been around back when I started freelancing.

Julie, the underpaid freelancer

March 10, 2011

Lori – thanks for posting this and reaching out! God Bless you!! It means a lot!!

And Devon – wow, great advice and things I did not necessarily think of!

Eileen and Irreverent Freelancer, I appreciate these ideas!

This has spurred me to write a blog post – stay tuned! 🙂

One question: should I create a whole new website just for my writing and clients? Or add a section in my current blog which gets a decent amount of traffic? Thanks again!

Paula

March 10, 2011

Eileen often mentioned "lumpy" mail, and I still am wondering what that means. Lumpy as in snail mail that needs more than one first class stamp? The image that always jumps to mind is the lumpy mail I sometimes get with promotional pens, key chains (or better yet thumb drive key chains!) enclosed.

Amen to all the tips above, but I'd add two things:

1) While continuing a relationship with good clients, also use those samples as stepping stones to get you to the next level. Have some great personality profiles in a local women's magazine? Use those clips to try to break into a national women's magazine.

2) Build relationships with helpful sources. Tangential things come up in most interviews, perhaps you can spin a different article on that source to a different publication. Helpful publicists are a great source for future article ideas. Bear in mind that you can help your sources as much as they can help you.

L.C. Gant

March 10, 2011

Julie and I are in similar positions, I think. I have about the same level of experience and have had the same kind of trouble finding work in the industry.

I will be transitioning from a full-time job into freelancing over the next few months, and I'm still learning what it means to take an "active" approach to marketing.

Anyway, I'd like to echo what Julie said: God bless all of you veterans for sharing your wisdom with us newbies! You may never know how many people you're really helping, but know that we're out here learning from you and being inspired. Thanks for all you do 🙂

Eileen

March 10, 2011

@Paula – yes, you have that exactly right. To be more specific, use a 6 X 9 Kraft (manilla type) envelope. In it, place your pitch letter that you have slaved over. The headline on that pitch letter will tie into the lumpy promotion item you enclose. The size envelope, the fact that it is hand-addressed, and the lumpiness will get it opened. I used Pete Savage's ebook, "The Freelance Copywriter's $64,000 Direct Mail Self Promotion Package" as my model.

Lumpy mail example: Headline on your letter would say something like "Is Your Website 'Sticky' Enough"? Lumpy item would be those gooey sticky hands that kids get as party favors. Your pitch letter would offer a free website checklist to see if it has "sticky" elements that will keep web users on the site. The prospect has to contact you to get the checklist. Some skip asking for the freebie and just engage your services right away.

Admin

March 10, 2011

Wow-not only is this post awesome in and of itself, but the comments are the icing on the cake! Such great, actionable advice! Lori, you're a sweetheart – you've helped me out before too and I'm so greatful. 🙂

I second the fact that you cannot exist by job boards alone. It took a minute for me to get it through my thick skull, but actively seeking opportunities is what freelancing is all about.

You guys have given me even more great marketing ideas to work with – LOVE the tip about adding clients to LinkedIn, Irreverent Freelancer!

Lori

March 10, 2011

I know, Kathy! I may not survive through it! LOL

Julie, glad you made it! If anyone can help you, these guys can. These are some of the hardest working freelancers out there, and they know what they're doing.

Paula, Eileen's lumpy mail IS intriguing. 🙂 Amen to the stepping stones. Good clients can help you secure more good clients.

Hi, LC! Haven't seen you in a while, but I was thinking about you the other day. You still tweeting on Twitter?

That's it, Eileen – I'm investing in some "lump" for my mail, too. 🙂

Lisa

March 10, 2011

What a great conversation. I agree that direct mail is one of the best ways to reach the clients you want to work with. I am right in the middle of pitching local businesses and already my phone is ringing and meetings are in the works with new clients.

I would have loved to do Eileen's method for direct mail, but working on a tight budget I went with the sales letter and business card only as my enclosure. This is my first attempt at direct mail marketing but it seems to be yielding positive results and increasing traffic to my website so I see only good things coming from it so far!

Lori

March 10, 2011

Glad to hear what you're doing is working, Lisa! And that's your process – what works for me may not be your thing. It's about finding what you like doing that works, and it sounds like you've found it!

Julie

March 12, 2011

All,

Thanks again for all your advice!! I was inspired to write a post about this…
http://www.inspiredtowrite.com/2011/03/what-are-you-worth-as-a-freelance-writer.html

Lori

March 14, 2011

Julie, you rock. Thanks for bringing awareness to other writers. 🙂