Have you ever come across someone whose appeal is instant, whose manner is so easy or so charming that you can’t help but want to know them? I had that experience this week. The client was calling me to go over changes, normally a tense situation for both client and writer, for one or the…
The Ultimate Hangover
Never fails that after a really cool party, you end up with either a headache or a hangover, right? Yesterday was no exception. Still high on the fumes of a Friday full of surprises, I got a rude awakening. One of my regular clients – an association magazine – has lost its freelance budget. No…
After the Party
Know that feeling you get just after the last guest goes home and you start picking up plates and glasses? You’re tired, you’re reliving conversations and moments, and you’re happy that your friends are indeed the best. Yes. It’s like that today. Thank you to every one of you for helping make the Second Annual…
The Second Annual Writers Worth Day
It’s here! It’s here! At the risk of my having a “phone book moment” like Steve Martin in The Jerk, the long-awaited Second Annual Writers Worth Day is here! Today is our day, writers, editors, and freelance creatives of all sorts. Today is the day we as an industry proclaim to our peers and to…
Writers Worth Tip #6: It’s Not About the Money
Oh, you didn’t see that one coming, did you? What’s she smoking, eh? Hasn’t this woman been preaching endlessly about valuing yourself enough to demand the fees you deserve? I have and I still do. But I still say it’s not about the money. Here’s what I mean – too many writers go into each…
Can You Tell Them the Truth?
There are two days left before the Second Annual Writers Worth Day! If you’re posting something on that day or you’re putting up the widget, Twittering, or Facebook-ing it, let me know in the comments section here, send me an email, send a pigeon gram… just let me know and you’ll be entered in the…
Writers Worth Tip #5 – Getting Help
I had a pretty decent career going, but there was something missing. It wasn’t until I took one teleclass from Lisa Gates that I realized everything was there except confidence. Sure, I’d been successful to that point, but I wasn’t focused. In one hour, Lisa helped me turn things around and find the perspective I…
Take Part, Win a Prize
I’m astounded by how many of you have given your blog, email, and Twitter support to the upcoming Second Annual Writers Worth Day cause. Friday’s the day! Here’s the plan – if you post something to your blog this week before Friday that is dedicated to the mission of the Writers Worth Day (and includes…
Writers Worth Tip #4 – Getting Involved in Your Career
Oh come on, you know you’ve been taking a passive approach to your career, don’t you? No? When was the last time you actively sought out new clients? I’m not talking about cruising around the job boards looking to see who’s hiring. I mean when did you last contact a prospective or current client and…
Writers Worth Tip #3 – Walking Away
You put that query together and attached your URL samples or clips, and you got a response. Great! But there’s something amiss – the client is saying “I need this yesterday, and I’m going to pay you $20 for 1,000 words.” No he’s not. Okay, so you’re sitting there idle thanks to a lousy job…