by Becky Scott Many writers forget that as freelancers, we’re also businesspersons. There are things we must do, no matter how distasteful. Paperwork. Marketing. Deadlines (okay, so maybe some of us don’t mind deadlines). Our reality, though, is that we must take care of our business if we’re going to really make it as a freelancer. And there are things we can do to make it easier on ourselves so we can do what we love – write! 1) Find a system and stick to it.You can waste a lot of time chasing the newest, shiniest organizational system. You don’t [Read more…]

The last few days, I’ve seen a few too many ads posted online looking for writers where the client wants to pay something in other than legal tender. Being rather passionate about what I do and feeling a bit crusty today besides, I decided to share a few thoughts with you on this matter. Here’s a few examples of the “offers” I’ve been recently where employers are offering writers the chance to write for : Credit The Joy of Seeing Your Name in Print Exposure Good Karma Now, I can use good karma as much as the next person, but [Read more…]

by Carly Schuna 1. “We’ve chosen another candidate.” Somebody else just snatched up a gig you really, really wanted. This is a bummer, especially if you love the subject matter and/or you needed work badly. The Fix: Thank these clients for their consideration, and ask if they’re looking to fill any other positions. If they’re not, politely restate your interest and let the clients know that you’re available for future projects. 2. “This is all wrong.” You just turned in your work, and the client hates it. Nightmare! The Fix: Have a conversation with these clients to find out their [Read more…]

by Candidate #13 Find your niche. Don’t know what your niche is? What do you write easily or passionate about? Do you get excited talking about the color of trees in the fall time? Do you think ghost hunting should be a national pastime? Maybe you’d like to expose your crazy family for the whackos they truly are by changing their names to protect the guilty. Either way, if you like to write about it, chances are, this is your area of expertise. Who cares if it’s erotica or all about quilt making? Just know where you belong in the [Read more…]

Florida personal injury law firm seeks blogger for 25 (2-3 per month) articles of 350-400 words each, with 1-2 context relevant images with appropriate use rights. The topics include: Motorcycle & Car Accidents Head Trauma Bicycle Accidents Other Personal Injuries Will pay by the article or for a series of articles. Writer must write clearly. Please specify desired compensation prior to submission. Fee must be agreed in advance. ONLY ALL ORIGINAL CONTENT * Articles written must not infringe upon the copyright of any person, not be libelous, scandalous or obscene, or otherwise legally actionable. All content & copyright shall remain [Read more…]

It’s time for Monday Markets again. I’ve included links to all of today’s mags; please read through the submission guidelines carefully before you make your pitch. We’re always interested in hearing about your success stories; if you have successfully pitched a magazine, please feel free to share your experience and what worked for you. 5280 Magazine From the Online Guidelines: 5280 is Denver’s premier guide to the arts, entertainment, dining, and lifestyle issues in the Mile-High City. We’re looking for writers who understand the difference between newspaper and magazine writing. This is a subjective matter, of course, but it boils [Read more…]

Ten Great Resources for Writers by Renee Roberson Occasionally I get e-mails from other writers seeking advice on the best way to start freelance writing. I think sometimes people think they can just jump into it and start making a decent living. As with most things in life, that is the case sometimes, but 99 percent of the time, it is not. Before I really started expecting to make any money writing, I focused on doing my homework. I looked for the best online forums, books, and other writer Web sites and blogs to help me navigate my way through [Read more…]

Good morning. I have a couple of announcements this morning before dropping the links and starting my Saturday. The first is that my Patriot Media email account is no longer in existence. If you sent mail there in the past few weeks and didn’t receive a response it’s because it’s not forwarding as it should. Feel free to resend to freelancewritinggigs(at)gmail(com). Also, there will be big, and I mean big changes here in the next few days.I’m hoping they won’t break the blog, but I wanted issue a head’s up just in case. (Oooh what can it be???) Finally, when [Read more…]

When you are dealing with clients, the little things do matter. The way you decide to conduct yourself is an indication to them of the kind of person you are. The suggestions I want to share with you don’t take a lot of time, but it you incorporate them into your work practices, your work relationships will run more smoothly and you may find you are getting more work as a result. Make Them Feel Welcome One of my clients (who has now become a good friend besides our business relationship), used to e-mail and say, “I don’t want to [Read more…]

Good morning FWJ Friends! Not only is it a bit on the quiet side on the boards this morning, but my computer has been giving me some grief this morning. Anyway, I do have gigs for proofreaders, journalists, and bloggers this morning. There are a few book projects as well. Have a great weekend everyone! Leads… Journalism/Photography Internships @ Democrat & Chronicle – Rochester, NY ($10 per hour) Passionate Vista Blogger @ Blorge Freelance Proofreader – On Site – Full Time – Charlotte, North Carolina Writer/Administrator for Exciting Mobile Technology Community @ Huddler.com Freelance Copy Editor @ ForbesLife Executive Woman [Read more…]

In our discussion the other day of the things we dislike about freelance writing, a recurring rant had to do with the people who don’t take our jobs seriously. Boy, could I relate. In all the years I’ve been working at home. there were always people who didn’t quite get it. My family was good about it because my mom telecommuted  for her job as an Instructional Designer. My friends didn’t see it though. In fact, a trio of friends dropped me because I couldn’t always get together and sometimes had to cancel.in order to complete a deadline. This isn’t [Read more…]

My first job working online was as an Internet researcher. I found sites with educational content and reviewed them. I was very new to using the Internet back then: Until my editor mentioned it, I didn’t even know what Google was! It’s hard to think that I wasn’t familiar with one of the Big Three search engines (Yahoo and MSN round out the list), but it’s true. Now, Google is a great SE and I do use it regularly. But even the largest one can’t possibly index all the web sites out there. I want to suggest that you consider [Read more…]

One of the reasons I decided to return to full time work was because freelancing wasn’t allowing me to spend much time with my family – which is why I began freelancing in the first place. Missing the Little Things I’m thrilled my career took off as it did. I thought I’d earn a couple of thousand dollars each year to help supplement our income. I’m so glad it didn’t turn out that way. The problem is, almost every waking minute found me working. Yes, my son and I did things during the day, but I found myself with less [Read more…]