Recent Posts from The Freelance Writing Jobs Network HQ

More on Freelancing, Blogging and Giving Out Free Information

At SXSW last weekend I had a chance to attend a small, intimate gathering made up of many of the top writing bloggers and social media professionals in the space. We had an interesting conversation regarding email and how many people write to us on a daily basis requesting advice. Most of us described receiving hundreds, if not thousands of emails each day requesting advice for getting started, setting rates and other questions. So herein lies the dilemma…. Every bit of advice folks email to ask about can be found on this blog. For example, I receive mail asking for tips on getting started,... [Read More...]

Seasonal Freelance Writing: Preparing for Summer Vacation

Summer is the best time for freelance writing. Freelance writers can work anywhere there’s WiFi and even plenty of places there aren’t. We can also rearrange our schedules for summer vacation or to coincide with outings or pool time. Summer is the time of year when my office working family members and friends don’t wonder if I really have a job, they wish they had MY job. Summer can also be a frustrating time for freelance writers because they can’t always do the activities they like because they have to meet deadlines. So if you’re spending too much time on the beach,... [Read More...]

On Reputation, Influence, Trust and Credibility in the Blogosphere

Several months ago a friend and colleague with a popular freelance writing blog sent me a letter saying how upset she was that I left a nasty anonymous comment under one of her blog posts. The next day, it happened again. To say I was confused is an understatement especially since I was away during one of those times. We did a little sleuthing and I learned someone I trusted in my home was going to blogs and forums as an anonymous me, making rude remarks. Today this situation still weighs heavily on my mind. Such things can ruin my credibility as a blogger. If my blogging colleagues and community... [Read More...]

Technical Writing–What’s It Like?

Technical writing–have you ever wondered if it could be right for you? We’ve talked about technical writing here on Freelance Writing Jobs before. In this post, I include technical writing as one of twelve high paying writing jobs. Even in this economy, technical writing is one area where one can still earn good money. John Hewitt, writing at PoeWar, lists the annual income of technical writers as ranging from $42,000 to $63,000. For a senior technical writer, the income range is $56,000 to $81,000. Fortunately, technical writing is one area where I can share my personal experiences.... [Read More...]

Writing a Book: The Beginnings

As mentioned in other posts, I’m writing my first book. This has always been my dream, but I’ve never actually taken the steps to write a book because I find the process so intimidating.  I decided however, that this would be the year. I also decided that I would blog the book process so that those of you who wish to experience this will know what to expect. If I make mistakes, perhaps you can learn by them. If something I do works, perhaps that will work for you as well. Book Writing So Far I already have my outline down and a couple of chapters. The funny thing about the outline... [Read More...]

Query Letter Writing: Querying Out of the Box

Last time I walked us through a successful query letter writing, pointing out a few tips for you to review your own query letters.  Now I want to talk to you about something that requires a little bit more confidence a few extra ninja skills; I just call querying out of the box. You might hear these called letters of interest, because it is when you are querying a potential client when there isn’t any writers guidelines or job posting.  For example, you might be an avid gardener and and want to send a letter introducing you and your services to the local garden shop, who you know has... [Read More...]

Why I Don’t Want to Be Number One Anymore

Being the top blog for freelance writers used to mean a lot to me and I worked very hard to achieve that goal. I wasn’t necessarily working to become number one, being a success was more important than being the top blogger in this very crowded niche. So I worked hard to be a success and the number one thing happened. You know what? I don’t want it anymore. I want to enjoy blogging without the pressure of being the top blogger. If that means I lose some traffic, so be it. Being part of a wonderful community of writers is more important than being a “famous” or “top”... [Read More...]

Fired! Do’s and Don’ts for the Recently Laid Off or Let Go

No one likes to be fired. If you were recently laid off or let go, you’re probably very angry or upset about losing a client. You may even think your client was unfair in his dismissal. Your first reaction might be to fire off an angry missive or trash your former client on a public forum, but this isn’t the best recourse. Before you act in a matter you might possibly regret Consider these do’s and don’t. Don’t Send off an angry email: Always let your first, angry reaction pass. If you have to fire off a nasty missive, do so and then delete, but certainly don’t... [Read More...]

Freelance Writing Opportunities in SEO Content

Many freelance writers are reluctant to explore the world of writing SEO content and many others dismiss the idea completely, believing that it’s a nickel-and-dime pursuit best left to low-pay grinders and other hacks.  For whatever reason, the term “SEO content” conjures up a lot of negative imagery with some writers. They’re missing out on great opportunities. There is a part of the SEO content world that is gruesome.  You will find the clients looking for keyword-rich articles at  a buck a pop on the bid boards.  They aren’t particularly concerned about quality, accuracy, style... [Read More...]

Your Freelance Writing Clients Know You’re Lying

Freelance writing clients are smart cookies. Most of them know when they’re being conned or lied to. In today’s public and open world of freelancing, you can’t call in sick and head to the beach. You can’t claim an aunt died when you really just want a few days off. If you’re going to lie to your clients, keep in mind that in most cases they’ll find out. Don’t Invite Clients to View Your Personal Details if You’re Going to Be Dishonest As freelance writers we work hard, but we still maintain flexible schedules. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t... [Read More...]

Your Turn: Where Do YOU Find Freelance Writing Jobs?

I often talk about how I find freelance writing jobs, but one thing we don’t really discuss is where YOU find freelance writing jobs. I know most members of this community come to the job lists here and at other blogs and websites. However, I was wndering… do you do anything else to find work? Do you: Attend networking events? Attend conferences? Cold call? Wait for clients to call you? Work primarily via word of mouth recommendations? Find clients via the social networks? My assumption has always been that the Freelance Writing Jobs network community uses mostly online tools to... [Read More...]

Yet Another Post About Why Face to Face Networking is So Important

I went to South by Southwest and all I got was a stinking t-shirt and a bunch of Zone bars….oh yeah and a kick ass part time job offer and publisher interest in my book. Yes, this is another post about why you need to step away from your laptop and meet people face to face. My extended weekend in Austin for SXSW is proof of this. It’s so easy to spend all our time behind our laptops without ever having to meet anyone. You might even be able to earn a very good living doing so. I did this for several years and was perfectly content to never have human contact. Until the day I decided... [Read More...]