I was reading an article yesterday that was encouraging — nay, teaching — us to work just four hours a day. And be more productive. Yes, I was skeptical, too. Then I read the article. Damn. Those aren’t hard steps. In fact, many of them I can do. Some of them I do already. But…
Your Freelance Rate Killers
I was writing a magazine article a while ago that, given the per-word rate — $1.25 per word, 1,500 words — was going to be a killer payday for me. Until I was 12 interviews and a complete rewrite in. That’s the trouble with some projects. The unforeseen can really hit your bottom line. Even magazine…
4 Freelance Writing Life Lessons I’ve Learned (that you can learn, too)
A while back, I had an uncomfortable interaction with a would-be client. It was negotiation time. I gave my rate. We discussed. We agreed on a slightly lower rate. Then the communication became dodgy. Very dodgy. They asked for something that sounded a lot like a freebie. I repeated their request back to them. Is…
Confusing Client Requests (& How Writers Can Handle Them)
It happens when I’m busiest. Probably happens at the same time for you. The client prospects start showing up in email, on the phone, and inquiring about your services. I’ve been getting quite a few lately (seems to pick up every year as August creeps up). Some are straightforward. Others are loaded with questions. Some…
Your Freelance Writing Sweet Spot: How to Find It, How to Nurture It
I can’t tell you the last time I actively marketed. That’s a confession coming from me, the one who hammers “market constantly” into your brain. Aren’t I the one who convinces you to send those LOIs every day, follow up every week, and repeat the cycle often? And here I am, saying I’ve not practiced…
The Freelance Writing Goal Adjustment Guide
I was reading an article about things successful people do in order to be, well, successful. One point was talking about getting your dream job. The advice was simple: Adjust your goal as you learn more about yourself. Hey, freelance writer — did you just hear that? They’re talking to us, too. We do tend…
13+ Essential (Free) Courses for Freelance Writers
It’s mid-July. You’re probably sitting there, post-4th slump, wondering what to do with the little bit of spare time between projects. How about learning something new? Right now? For free? What you’ll find on the list — plenty of free content from some of the top universities. Even podcasts (plenty of those) so you can…
Luck and the Freelance Writer
Luck. I’m seeing a lot of posts and forum discussions around how luck plays into the lives of freelance writers. Luck is why we found those clients, luck is the reason we landed that great client, luck is how we came across that one post that altered our business approach for the better. Luck gets…
5 Lessons Mister Rogers Taught Me About Writing and Life
In my hometown area, he was an icon, just short of a deity. But we worshipped Mister Rogers anyway — that quiet, unassuming man who just oozed love and understanding. When he spoke, it was in a soothing, quiet voice. Amid all the noise of television, it was a voice you couldn’t help but stop…
Tuesday Take: Writers With Borders
It happened again. Another would-be client restated the parameters of what would have been our working relationship. Not a little restatement, either. It was more of a major WTF involving the actual definition of freelance. What would have been a decent gig was suddenly a no-go from my perspective. It’s also not an uncommon occurrence, either….