As to “how did you drift..” keep your eyes open for opportunities. Again, I knew the editor of the telecom pub and suggested an article on a wireless ATM (new at the time) similar to the one I was doing for a financial pub. Depending on your niche(s), you just have to put your thinking cap on about what would be natural (or not too much of a stretch), then pitch it — perhaps again and again. I’ve been doing that with one prospect for months who does nothing about complain about the freelancers he has now (hello).

Sue and I might travel in similar writing circles. Wnile I don’t speek engineer (even though I went to Purdue), I do spend a lot of time trying to interview technical types, then de-geeking the info to make a readable (for a somewhat technology-oriented audience) copy.

I agree with you about basic manners. Common courtesy is very much lacking these days.

I think honesty is always the best policy.

A month ago, I applied to a gig and stated that I needed a flexible working arrangement, I also provided a great deal of interesting tips for the potential client. It all looked very promising, until I saw the gig re-advertised using some of my info. in the ad.

The client basically wanted someone to work as an intern and therefore accept lower pay with longer hours.

… One month later, I heard from the client saying she was interested in my proposal and stated she had been away on business. It looks like that intern didn’t work out

Well, a few weeks ago I was offered another position which I gladly accepted and must say, I enjoy working for the company.

So in a nutshell, I had to tell the other person that I was offered a new opportunity and therefore could not dedicate enough time to her project.

That’s how the story goes I’m afraid.

How did you drift? Job boards, pitching, did someone approach you?

1. I am writing on subjects I know a lot about from my own interests but not necessarily through former jobs. I am an English teacher and want to make the switch to writing. But I don’t want to just focus on educational writing.

2. The niche I am writing in is VERY competitive and not a lot of money, at least right now.

I know that if I move in to copywriting versus editorial writing is would be more lucrative.

Thanks for your tips.

For example, I’ve been working on hotel summaries for a travel website and they want 300 words to cover hotel restaurants, room descriptions, amenities, and area attractions. I’ve had some of these descriptions go up to 800 words, even though I know I’m not getting double the pay. In the end, I’ve heard that many of their other writers quit because they refuse to go over the suggest word count without getting more money. This has tripled my word load, but after just filling up my 300 gallon propane tank (I’m in New England – heating my home isn’t an option) at the staggering rate of $3.39 a gallon, I need all the work I can get my hands on.

Look for natural cross-overs. I was fairly strictly in the financial niche, but added telecom in 1995 as telecom via ATM and call centers (and a former co-worker relationship with an editor at a telecom mag) became more of a critical part of the financial services industry. Within four years, I was writing more telecom and tech than financial services. The dotcom bust forced a refocus on financial services until tech started recovering a couple of years ago.

All this from a former sportswriter — WHO REALLY LIKES FOOTBALL (just a note for Deb)