It’s quiet this week, isn’t it? Oh, there are a few client projects to wrap up perhaps, and maybe more being discussed, but for the most part, things are calm. And you’re itching to get earning at a time when the world is on holiday. I know I am. But instead of sitting here for…
Protecting Your Freelance Writing Rate
Saw a discussion online a while back among writers wanting to raise their rates. At one point, someone suggested that writers make sure to negotiate a raise with their clients. Couple of things wrong with that thinking. You’re not an employee; you are not talking to your employer. Your rates are yours to set. They’re…
The Worst (and Longest-lasting) Freelance Writing Mistake
This post is about entitlement. It’s also about the big mistake some writers are making while thinking they’re entitled to something. I saw an exchange on a forum I frequent that made me wonder about a lot of things, but mostly about how some writers must truly love shooting themselves in the foot. Here’s how…
5 Ways to Organize Your Freelance Writing (and still have time for fun)
My to-do list today: Finish summary article for Client A Continue on feature article for Client B Finalize article for Client C (and invoice) Get it all done by noon because my son is arriving and staying for the next four days ‘Tis the season, isn’t it? December used to be when my freelance writing…
Tales From the Stranger Side of Freelance Writing
This post is serious. Seriously weird. Know those clients and interactions and projects that you get that make you wonder WTF years later? For some reason, one of those popped into my head last week. It was random, too. I was playing Solitaire before I got to my emails and boom! I’m thinking about one…
What’s Your Best Freelance Writing Rate?
That title alone probably causes more than a little agita for freelance writers. It still does for me. In fact, I’d say most freelancers struggle on occasion with what to charge a client. That’s normal. What isn’t normal is what I’ve seen online when writers ask each other the “What should I charge?” question. Some…
4 Biggest Marketing Mistakes, Uncovered
When you cruise social media, you see some pretty weird stuff. I’m talking about business stuff mainly. There’s plenty of other weird stuff, but business stuff — specifically, how people are presenting themselves and their businesses — makes for some head-scratching moments. Maybe it’s the hashtags I follow, but lately, I’m seeing some appeals/advertisements/begging that…
This Dirty Little Secret is Killing Your Freelance Writing Career
There’s a good chance that if you’re a struggling freelance writer who’s been lamenting your inability to kickstart your freelance writing career, this post will blow your mind. There’s an equally good chance you won’t believe a word of it, either. And that’s okay. Just know that it’s your funeral. I’ve been doing this freelance…
How to Be a Freelance Writing Failure (and how to change)
Typically, I don’t get frustrated when another writer asks for help. But sometimes, the situation is far from typical. In a recent exchange, the writer expressed a level of angst that was troubling. Nothing in this writer’s marketing was working. Things weren’t coming easy anymore. The work wasn’t paying off. Been there. Haven’t you? I…
Writers Worth: This Job Not That Job
Sometimes, I want to hold up my hand and say “Just. Don’t.” That was my reaction when I had a bit of free time and decided to waste it on Craig’s List. Emphasis on the “waste” part, for I went looking for gigs that would be perfect for This Job Not That Job, and guess…