As I get longer in the tooth with this freelance writing business of mine, I’ve come to realize some truths. As your client is interviewing you, so too are you interviewing your client. That’s a big one, actually. It’s one a lot of new freelancers don’t recognize. It’s a truth that can take a ton…
Tag: client advice
Writers Worth: Getting More Client Respect
It’s been a nice, calm week. After going full steam for about four months, there’s been a break in the action. I managed to finish all but one project on my desk, and I’m waiting for a few more to arrive. What did I do with the time? Cleaned the desk, filed papers, figured more…
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…
The Power of Being Busy
What I’m listening to: Shape of You by Ed Sheeran Quite a busy week for me. I’m not overrun with work, but I’m working on projects that require a little more time and energy. The work keeps flowing, too. I had a conversation a few months back with a potential client that would have landed…
Writers Worth: 7 Nevers Every Writer Should Espouse
If you know me at all, you know I hate absolute statements. It’s because they’re usually in this form: “Freelancing is dead.” “Journalism is dead.” “There’s nothing out there but low-paying work.” Or this form: You MUST take my course or you’re leaving money on the table! You CAN’T live without my secrets to freelance writing…
Writers Worth: Owning Your Value
In an online exchange recently, I noticed a writer having a difficult time convincing her client that she was worth her rate. Been there before, haven’t we? And like this particular writer, we all struggle with the notion of “I’m worth your money” when the client pushes back. There are a few cases that clients…
The Importance of a Serious Freelance Rate
What I’m listening to: Get On Your Boots by U2 Here it comes. A snow day for my region. The state of emergency for my town was put out early yesterday when the sun was blazing and the skies were a gorgeous blue. Not today. The latest forecast: 18 to 24 inches. That minimum number kept…
The Freelance Client Mix
What I’m listening to: Out Loud (Live) by Dispatch I forget where in conversation I was the other day, but the topic of clients came up. Hey, I’m a freelance writer — the topic will always come up. That’s a promise to you writers out there and a warning to those who aren’t. But I…
31 Days of Freelancing: The Client-Winning Trick
What I’m listening to: Rocking by Roger Whittaker It’s getting real now. Today’s the winter solstice. The shortest day of the year. The day I look forward to because every day beyond this one means the sun will take a little longer to set every night. It’s all uphill from here. Then there’s that holiday…
31 Days of Freelancing: Reliving the Past
What I’m listening to: The Loneliness and The Scream by Frightened Rabbit Last Monday before the holidays erupt. I’m not ready. I always think I am, but then I realize there are several more things to do around the house, there’s always one more client project to clear up (that goes out today, I hope),…