The last time I scoured the web for “Write for Us” pages, the ensuing post was very well received. It’s not always easy to find some of the hidden markets – even though the web is filled with them. Doing a web search for “write for us” helped me to land some very lucrative opportunities and I’ve been recommending this method of searching for years. I know you’ve all been clamoring for more “Write for Us” pages, and I will continue to bring them to you as often as I can. Please note, it’s a frustrating and long process as [Read more…]
Luck v. Hard Work
April 28, 2010. 15 Comments
Does everyone tell you you’re lucky because you’re able to make a successful living as a freelance writer? Are constantly reminded of your “luck” because you’re able to work at home, support your family and still have some money left over for fun? Do your fellow freelance writers discuss your luck at finding high paying clients or having a kickass marketing plan? My friend, that’s not luck. It’s your hard work paying off. I don’t know why we write off someone else’s success as “luck,” especially when it’s clear that person put a lot of time and effort into reaching [Read more…]
Which Trait is Most Important to Freelance Writing Success?
April 24, 2010. 4 Comments
If you think about the people you know (or know online) that are successful freelance writers, what do you think they have in common? This question can be a bit challenging because freelancers come from a number of different backgrounds. They can be any age, and while some have studied writing in university, others hold degrees in other subject areas. Some successful freelance writers didn’t go to university at all. For some people, writing is something that they have done from the time they were old enough to put pen(cil) to paper. For others, and I’m in this category, the [Read more…]
Why are you writing that article?
April 24, 2010. 3 Comments
Is it because the rent’s due? You like to see your name in print? It’s a part of a bigger plan of total world domination? You’d anything not to go back to a corporate job? Think about it, we write article after article here at FWJ discussing the best way to write an article, interview techniques, source cultivating, how to make money at the craft, the pros and cons of freelance writing, etc. Today I ask, “What is your motivation?” Some of us are adrift. We write the articles, we send the invoices, we look for more work. A lot [Read more…]
Your Freelance Writing Business:Important Considerations for Choosing a Name
April 21, 2010. 9 Comments
I’m noticing more freelance writers are struggling with what to name their freelance writing businesses. Indeed, I’ve had the “I don’t know what to call my business” chat with at least three writers this week. As a freelance writer, I never created a business name and it worked fine for me. However, I understand most freelancers and clients see a business name as being more professional. One of the reasons I’ve been hesitant to create a name for my business is that I do more than write. I offer a variety of services and don’t want to limit myself. I’ve [Read more…]
Twitter Branding: Are You Confusing Your Followers?
April 20, 2010. 11 Comments
In the past few months I’ve noticed several freelance writers changing their Twitter handle more often than some of us change toilet paper rolls. I think that’s because when we’re confused about what to call ourselves online, or how to present ourselves to clients, we continue to reinvent ourselves. Here’s something to consider: if you’re confused about your branding, your followers are even more confused. If they don’t know what to call you, they may not call you at all. Hear me out on this one Defining Yourself on Twitter I don’t believe there are any hard and fast rules [Read more…]
Freelance Writers: How Other People Perceive Us
April 19, 2010. 10 Comments
Today’s topic for discussion at the Freelance Writing Jobs Facebook Group is how our family, friends and neighbors perceive us. It’s interesting because no matter how hard we work, there are some who feel that because we have no regular employer, we don’t actually have a job. Often times, having flexibility sometimes means people doubt you work very hard. It also means some folks feel you’re available any time of the day or night. I remember receiving a very innocent email from my son’s teacher asking me to come in and help with a classroom event because she knows I’m [Read more…]
Do You Quote by the Hour or by the Word?
April 18, 2010. 10 Comments
How do you quote jobs for new clients? Not everyone is specific about what they are looking for when they ask for a quote, unfortunately. I know some freelance writers talk about how much they charge per hour, but I want to focus on why it may be a better idea to offer a per-word rate than an hourly one. If you quote a client an hourly rate, the client may not understand what they are getting for their money. Although the freelance writer is probably more likely to eat some time than pad his or her bill when charging [Read more…]
The Dark Side of Freelance Writing: Other Freelance Writers
April 17, 2010. 41 Comments
Welcome to our latest installment on the Dark Side of Freelance Writing, where we discuss some of the negative aspects of freelancing. Past installments in this series featured freelance writing burnout and when clients rip us off. Today we’re going to discuss negativity from other freelance writers. This is something I’ve had on my mind for years but don’t like to talk about because of the delicate subject matter. Sometimes talking about these things bring out heated emotions and I’m an avoidance kind of gal. After a conversation last week with my friend Anne Wayman, I thought I’d toss it [Read more…]
Freelance Writing Jobs for April 13, 2010
April 13, 2010. 4 Comments
I woke especially early today to tackle my to do list. I tried for a working weekend last weekend and it just didn’t happen. I commented on another blog recently that the best way for me to stay focused and productive is to plan ahead. Everything I do is scheduled. Last week, I had a bunch of meetings scheduled at school and it through me off of my schedule, thus, the need to catch up. Sometimes I’m a huge fan of the four day work week. Other days, I’m ready to sign the petition for an eight day week. So [Read more…]
Where I Hunt for Freelance Writing Job Leads – and You Should Too!
April 11, 2010. 14 Comments
My list of places to find freelance writing jobs for our daily job lists changes on a regular basis. As I learn of new resources or remove resources that aren’t working for us anymore, I make adjustments to my list. I also like to make these lists available to you from time to time so you can do your own thorough searches for freelance writing jobs. Plus, I think it’s fair to link to those people who make gigs available to us all. Some of these places require a subscription fee, but many are free. I hope you find this [Read more…]
Freelance Writing Jobs for April 7, 2010
April 7, 2010. 3 Comments
Today at the Freelance Writing Jobs Facebook group we’re talking about our worst freelance writing job ever. Won’t you join us? Speaking of social networks, we’ll soon have a social network right here at FWJ. Stay tuned for details… New Around the Freelance Writing Jobs Network SEO Experts & Writers: An Interview with Kiernan Flanagan Addressing Your Questions About Being a Paid Mouthpiece for Demand Studios Create Job Security Lorna’s Top 10 Movies About Writing Recommended Reading Marketing for Freelance Writers: Hey Stranger, Give me a Job! at Carson Brackney 5 Things Depeche Mode Can Teach You About Effective Online [Read more…]
SEO Experts and Freelance Writers: Interview with Kieran Flanagan
April 7, 2010. 5 Comments
Kieran is a great guy with whom to work and his perspective on writing and search engine optimization is indicative of what I tend to encounter when dealing with the “right” people. He’s the kind of person I’d recommend to anyone looking for someone to provide link building services.
Don’t get any funny ideas about stealing my client, either. I’ve asked Kieran to tip me off if anyone tries to muscle in on my turf, lol!
Without further ado, here’s the Q&A:
Freelance Writing Jobs for April 2, 2010
April 2, 2010. 9 Comments
Good morning FWJ Friends! Please check out the FWJ Limerick contest. I knew our community had some very creative people in it, and the entries submitted so far have only confirmed that fact. The winning entry will receive a copy of “Kickass Copywriter in 10 Easy Steps” by Susan Gunelius, and the writer of the funniest entry gets $50 for giving us a chuckle. New Around the Freelance Writing Jobs Network Delays, Losses and Freelance Writing Confidence Query Letter Writing: World’s Worst Query Letter 3 Truths About Freelance Writing How Freelance Writing Businesses Bust Small Business Paradigms Recommended Reading Are [Read more…]
Freelance Writing Jobs for April 1, 2010
April 1, 2010. 5 Comments
Good morning FWJ Friends! It’s April Fools’ Day, and although we won’t be pulling any pranks here at FWJ, Darren Rowse begin_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlighting at Problogger pulled off a good one that got Twitter all flutter and generated a ton of comments when he issued a press release announcing that Google had acquired ProBlogger. Calling all poets in the FWJ Community! We want to see your skills in our Limerick Contest. Enter and you could win a copy of “Kickass Copywriter in 10 Easy Steps” by Susan Gunelius. New Around the Freelance Writing Jobs Network Are You Really Writing a Blog? The [Read more…]
Freelance Writing Jobs for March 29, 2010
March 29, 2010. 2 Comments
Today was supposed to be our first day of spring break. However, we’re at school making up snow days instead. Though I miss my son, the extra day will go a long way in working ahead on some things in anticipation of the rest of this week’s break. Flexibility is a beautiful thing. New Around the Freelance Writing Jobs Network How to Write a Book: Editing, Criticism and Agents Outright.com: All the Bookkeeping a Freelancer Needs in One Little App 10 Habits of Successful Freelance Writers Technical Writing: Seven Challenges Why Freelance Writing Businesses Fail Is the Freelance Writing Jobs [Read more…]
Stretch Yourself When Applying for Freelance Writing Jobs
March 29, 2010. 1 Comment
Most people, whether they are working for an employer or freelancing, want to feel like they are working toward something better. They may be trying to get a better salary or qualify for a promotion. Whatever the individual’s personal “carrot” hanging on a stick in front of them, they need something to keep them motivated on the job. The same thing is true for freelance writers. We have an idea of what “success” means to us, and while what it looks like is as unique as the writers themselves, part of it usually involves a writer stretching him or herself [Read more…]
Connect With a Potential Client Through Your Cover Letter
March 26, 2010. 3 Comments
Have you ever thought about why you would write a cover letter to someone? It’s not simply a way to let them know that you are forwarding your freelance writing resume and/or samples for their review. Your cover letter is a way to introduce yourself to the potential client and invite him or her to enter into a discussion about whether you can effectively work together. If your goal is to invite further discussion, you need to add something more than a simple laundry list of your qualifications. By all means tell the client something about your background, but share [Read more…]
Freelance Writing Jobs for March 22, 2010
March 22, 2010. 1 Comment
My very best wishes for a positive and productive day. New Around the Freelance Writing Jobs Network Freelance Writing Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions More on Freelancing, Blogging and Giving Out Free Information Seasonal Freelance Writing: Preparing for Summer Vacation On Reputation, Trust, Credibility and Influence in the Blogosphere Technical Writing: What’s it Like? Recommended Reading Blogging Lessons from TechCruch and Mashable at Daily Writing Tips In Defense of Web Writing at Writer’s Roundabout 5 Kinds of Blog Posts that Attract Clients at Freelance Folder Don’t Make Your Freelance Writing Career Just About work at PoeWar Beware the Copywriting Sample Bandits [Read more…]
Seasonal Freelance Writing: Preparing for Summer Vacation
March 20, 2010. 3 Comments
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 if I really have a job, they wish they had MY job. Summer can also be a frustrating time for freelance writers because they can’t always do the activities they like because they have to meet deadlines. So if you’re spending too much time on [Read more…]
Freelance Writing Jobs for March 19, 2010
March 19, 2010. 8 Comments
What’s everyone working on lately? Any cool projects or just the same old – same old? Share! New Around the Freelance Writing Jobs Network Writing a Book: The Beginnings Query Letter Writing: Querying Out of the Box Why I Don’t Want to Be Number One Anymore Fired! Dos and Don’ts for the Recently Laid Off or Let Go Try Not to Suck as Much as Chris Garrett How to Score Blogging Gigs in One Easy Step The Job Pyramid and What it Means to You Freelance Writing Jobs Content Writing Jobs Fashion Writer Needed Writer/Editor for Decorating Website Web Content [Read more…]
Freelance Writing Jobs for March 17, 2010
March 17, 2010. 3 Comments
It’s good to be back home! My trip to Austin for SXSW was awesome and productive, but after almost a week away, I’m ready to get back to it. A lot of interesting stuff came from my trip, some I’ll bring to you here. As mentioned in other posts, I’m in the process of writing a book and have decided to blog about my experience writing and trying to find a publisher to share with the Freelance Writing Jobs community. I hope those of you who are considering writing books will benefit from this experience. New around the Freelance Writing [Read more…]
Your Freelance Writing Clients Know You’re Lying
March 17, 2010. 15 Comments
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 to your clients, keep in mind that in most cases they’ll find out. Don’t Invite Clients to View Your Personal Details if You’re Going to Be Dishonest As freelance writers we work hard, but we still maintain flexible schedules. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t [Read more…]
Your Turn: Where Do YOU Find Freelance Writing Jobs?
March 17, 2010. 13 Comments
I often talk about how I find freelance writing jobs, but one thing we don’t really discuss is where YOU find freelance writing jobs. I know most members of this community come to the job lists here and at other blogs and websites. However, I was wndering… do you do anything else to find work? Do you: Attend networking events? Attend conferences? Cold call? Wait for clients to call you? Work primarily via word of mouth recommendations? Find clients via the social networks? My assumption has always been that the Freelance Writing Jobs network community uses mostly online tools to [Read more…]
