What I’m listening to: I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’ by Scissor Sisters What’s the most common advice you see regarding freelance writing? Where to find work. Since beginning a freelance writing career has been a bit of a topic in the comments of late, I wondered why, since there’s so much advice on that very…
6 Traits of a Non-paying Client (and how to spot them ahead of time)
This is one of those really odd weeks for me lately — I have free time in my day. Actual free time. Three projects are in progress. Three others are ongoing work. One is completed. The occasional projects were completed last week, as well. Two others are on the way. So yes, free time. After…
Client Language Warning Flags
Sometimes the blog posts practically write themselves. Like when I get calls and emails from people looking for writers, for content, for freebies, for … fill in the blank. In most cases, anyone can see quickly how you’re about to be used (not hired — used), how this kind of “offer” for “exposure” will not benefit…
The Ultimate Freelance Writing Career Template
Last week a reader asked the question we’ve all heard or asked in some form or another — What specifically does one need to do to make a living as a freelance writer? Shawn, this post is for you. It’s actually for all freelance writers who find themselves stuck in a low-paying rut, in an…
How to Change Your Freelance Writing Landscape
What I’m listening to: Tupelo Honey by Van Morrison It’s been a week — a good one so far. Still, it’s not been without its head-shaking moments. If you’ve not noticed, there’s a bit of a movement swelling called #MeToo in which women are trying to raise awareness regarding sexual harassment/assault by tweeting or sharing…
4 Assumptions That Hurt Your Freelance Writing Career
What I’m listening to: Entitlement by Jack White Finally, a rest. This is my week away from the computer, away from email, and away from work. Every year, it seems my time off gets kicked further down the road, and this year it was nearly jeopardized by yet more work coming in. However, I did…
Free Advice Friday: Your Freelance Clients, Prospected
What I’m listening to: Song #3 by Stone Sour One of the toughest things I had to learn as a freelancer wasn’t how to do the job. It wasn’t how to run a business, how to market, or even how to chase invoices. The toughest thing about freelance writing is finding clients. Actually, it’s more…
Are You Freelancing with an Employee Mindset?
What I’m listening to: Backyard Skulls by Frightened Rabbit This week will be better. It has to be. I spent all last week pushing through projects and deadlines and working ahead so that I could take a slower pace this week. And I am. I have work and I will get things done, but I…
A Freelancer’s Month of Getting Nothing Accomplished
What I’m listening to: When September Ends by Green Day It’s been a rough September. Dad is ill. Mom broke her knee. The stepson, his wife and kids (ages 2 and 3 months) have descended on the house and show no signs of departure (which I normally don’t mind, but it’s been a week and…
Writer Wednesday: Fair Use and Mashups
What I’m listening to: Dark Nights by Dorothy For those of you freelance writers who work your asses off to do your jobs correctly, you’re about to feel some vindication. There was this book — a successful one, and one that was crowdfunded — that was no more than a mashup of both a Dr….