Freelance Writing – Turning “No” into “Yes”

Rejection is not the end

Rejection Letter

No. Every new writer is afraid of hearing it. Seasoned writers are used to it, but still wouldn’t invite it over for dinner. The good news is there is life and success after being rejected. Sometimes that success comes from the same publication that just rejected you. Why? Every “no” is not rock solid. In fact, many have a little wiggle room if you look and listen closely. Absolutely Not “Not in this lifetime.” “Hell no.” “Your writing makes me weep for the educational system.” These are firm, but why dwell? Let’s move on… Not right for us. Ah, this [Read more…]

Why Your Freelance Writing Pitches Fail

The 5 Ws and 1 H of Writing Pitches that Work

query-letter-pitch

In journalism, writers learn that all news stories should answer the 5 Ws and 1 H: who, when, where, what, why, and how.  Did you know you can apply the same questions to your freelance writing pitches to identify the primary reasons why those pitches fail? It’s true!  By simply asking yourself the six primary questions every first year journalism student learns, you can fix fundamental problems in your query style and pitch success rate. Why do your query letters fail to generate interest in your pitches?  Check out the six basic reasons based on the 5 Ws and 1 [Read more…]

Pitch to the “Hidden” Places that Hire Freelance Writers

pitch

Have you ever done a search for “freelance writer” only to land on a gig that isn’t for a freelance writer at all? For example you may land on a job for an editor who has to “supervise freelance writers” or a managing editor who has to “hire freelance writers”.  Don’t click away from these gigs yet. They’re actually offering valuable information — they’re telling you these businesses hire freelance writers. Even though they don’t have  job ad requesting freelance writers, it doesn’t mean they’re not open to the idea of reading your pitch and, at the very least, keeping [Read more…]

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