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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

Inspiration VS Imitation

//

I have this little thing I like to do. When I visit a blog post, read an article or have a conversation that provides the inspiration for a blog post I post “Credit where it’s due” at the top of the post with the story behind my inspiration. I do this because I want [...]

Freelance Writers: Are Just You Going through the Motions?

//

Here’s a discussion topic to keep you busy until I list the next round of markets.
I just had an interesting Skype chat with a friend of mine who also happens to be a former client. He hires many freelance writers each year, and pays them very well, especially by some of today’s web writing [...]

What’s Your Freelance Writing Back Up Plan?

//

Yesterday my cable was out for most of the day. Fortunately for me, I only had one freelance writing deadline and I was able to contact my editor using my Droid to tell her my assignment was forthcoming. Yesterday reminded me I’m only as good as my cable connection. Though I’m busy, there wasn’t [...]

Jumping to Conclusions: How to Go with Your Gut and Prove the Other Guy Wrong

//

My high school journalism teacher stressed the importance of reading between the lines. “Always jump to conclusions.” he told the class. “To do so means you’re thinking beyond the obvious.” I often remember his words when I’m researching for an article or blog post, or when I read something that doesn’t sit right with [...]

More Thoughts On Writing for Free, Guest Blogging, and Marketing Opportunities

//

I’ve been thinking about guest blogging a lot lately. Not a day goes by when I don’t receive emails asking about guest blogging opportunities at the Freelance Writing Jobs network. As you know, I don’t actively solicit guest bloggers for FWJ anymore because I feel it’s akin to soliciting free work. Instead, I look [...]

Appearances Count – Even When You Freelance

//

The other day I was at a holiday gathering when an attendee asked if I can get him some freelance writing work or recommend him to my clients. My answer to him was “no,” but that I would offer tips for getting started. I know that wasn’t the answer he wanted, but I wasn’t [...]

Next Page »