Comments on: Cover Letter Clinic Day 2

By: Mel

Mel — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 18:23:00 +0000

The first line is a bit too close to the first lines of many scam/spam emails (Dear so-and-so, I am Mrs. Blahdeblah from Nigeria and I need your help). An editor reading quickly might trash it right off.

By: Amy Derby

Amy Derby — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 15:43:06 +0000

Phil,

Just received your email and responded. You’ll be my first writer neighbor.

LS,

I feel the same way you do on the ghostwriting issue, although I can see where there would be cases in which people would need to be able to show ghostwritten samples. I suppose if I were in a situation where all my samples where ghostwritten, I’d feel differently. I think I’d still get my clients’ permission to show the samples to potential clients. I suppose it depends on who you work for and what sort of agreement you’ve signed. Some clients might be fine with the issue while others wouldn’t.

By: Shell

Shell — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 13:14:47 +0000

I thought I’d try the “Good morning” opening today and see what happens. I’ve had quite a good response with my other letters in the past, but thought I’d give this one a try.

Don’t forget guys the actual email subject line has to be very eye catching too!

By: Phil

Phil — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:16:26 +0000

The ghosted materials I mentioned aren’t written for other writers, but for firms or execs who wouldn’t be seeking writing positions (they would be seeking CFO, CEO, tech, or other non-writing positions). Releases are blinded in such a way that name of firm doesn’t appear and I mention that they’re blinded to protect identities of clients.

By: Phil

Phil — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:13:27 +0000

Amy,

We are neighbors…I’m about 10 miles east of you. I’ll e-mail you separately.

By: L S

L S — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 03:31:44 +0000

It never occurred to me that you can use ghostwritten pieces as samples. I thought that selling the rights and allowing someone to list themselves as the author would make it inappropriate to claim credit for it. When I see a gig that requires relevant samples, and the only ones I have were ghostwritten, I just don’t apply. Wouldn’t a client be pretty mad to buy something to present as their own only to have the ghostwriter claim it?

By: Micah

Micah — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 03:07:02 +0000

I struggle with removing the “I” statements as Phil pointed out also.

I find listing links to my articles works well and a simple high point list of my two columns and blog help.

It’s getting into another niche that I find difficult.

This is a great topic and I am learning alot from everyone.

By: Amy Derby

Amy Derby — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 02:24:16 +0000

Phil,

I live in Tinley Park. Feel free to email me. It would be nice to know a local writer.

By: Mariella

Mariella — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 02:06:02 +0000

oh wow, all this talk about ghostwriting made me realize that I actually ghostwrite for a living.

Let’s see…I started out my career with ghostwriting and it’s only recently that I’ve been published as, well, me.

When I was very new, I submitted ghostwritten clips but I did include a “This piece is only for sampling purposes, don’t use it bla bla bla…” When I began gaining experience though, I knew better, built a portfolio and submitted those for clips.

By: Mark L

Mark L — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 23:28:37 +0000

To reiterate what I said yesterday — customer focus. What will you do for your customer? Why should your customer hire you? What reasons are you giving?

Freelance writing is a business. What I would carry away from this letter is that the author is self-absorbed, and carries a lot of personal baggage. In fact, it sounds like someone that is going to be trouble — late, and more interested in expanding her horizons than delivering copy.

That’s counterproductive. Write a cover letter that explains why your potential customer is being clever and safe by hiring you to write for them.