I was going to put a little something in the letters section because the topic of clips comes up often. Since it’s something a lot of people want to know about I thought I’d open it for it’s own discussion instead.
What are "clips?"
Everyone wants to see clips or samples of your writing. Usually clips refer […]

This is the time of year when we all start talking about our goals. Last year, on my (sadly now-defunct) Finding the Right Words blog, I listed my goals for 2007. I’m happy to report I met or exceeded several of these goals. For instance, I earned more than I had set out to, and […]

Yesterday we talked about flaky freelancers. Today I promised to go on a bit about flaky clients. It happens more than you think. Here are some ways to spot flaky clients:

They ignore emails.
They respond to emails days, weeks, even months later.
They rarely offer feedback.
They “forget” to pay.
They promise information and don’t get back to you […]

The cover letter clinic was on hold while I attended BWE and now that I had time to catch my breath and semi-catch up, I’m ready to post another.

Good afternoon,
My name is (withheld), and I would be thrilled to have the opportunity to help build withheld.com with copy that is accessible, persuasive, and fun. […]

Before introducing you to today’s cover letter, a few bits of business.

This is probably my last post for a day or two as I’m leaving early tomorrow A.M for Blog Expo in Las Vegas. Jodee, Ahmed Bilal, Ryan Caldwell, and Jennifer Chait will be blogging for you in my absence and I hope to […]

Good morning. Halloween is over, the house is full of chocolate and I’m on Weight Watchers. It’s shaping up to be a lovely day. Here’s today’s cover letter:
Hello,
Could you use a veteran, top-notch writer to assist you with marketing pieces?  I have over 25 years of part-time writing experience with traditional media and new media.  […]

As promised, we’ll continue to do this once or twice a week as long as we have letters.

Dear [always try for the name of an actual person in Design/Production]:
 
I am a freelance book designer and page layout artist. My experience goes back almost 15 years, working for book publishers, university presses, associations, book packagers, and […]

Please bear with me today - my cable keeps going. Again. I’m going to post as fast as I can so I can get some work done before it goes again.
The person who sent in today’s letter actually sent in two, but I’m going to only post one at a time to keep things less […]

Ok, comments seem to be fixed. If you can, stop by yesterday’s cover letter clinic since we had issues.
Here’s today’s victim…
Hello!
I read your ad on Craigslist seeking an experienced, creative editor to polish
your ____ word novel. If you haven’t already found someone to work with, I
would love to help you strengthen and develop […]

I want to thank everyone who is offering kind but constructive criticism. I think we’re all learning so much with this, don’t you? I am looking to get someone who is in a position to hire writers to do a Q&A with us about cover letters and samples. I’ll keep you posted.
Let’s get it on:
Dear […]