May Announcements
May 1, 2008 · Written by Melissa Donovan
It is with a sad and heavy heart that we say goodbye to poetry month at Writing Forward. Don’t worry my fellow poetry pals, there will more poetic posts in the future (and sooner than you might think). Remember, the monthly spotlight doesn’t dictate every single post during the month.
But now we move into May and before summer rears its burning head we are going to explore freelancing, and more specifically freelance writing. Since I started eight months ago, I’ve learned a lot of things about freelancing that I’d like to share with you.
A Sneak Peek
I’ve already started planning my headlines but I want to know what YOU want to know about freelancing. If you have any questions, ideas, or topics, then just say the word and I’ll do my best to add them to this month’s roster. And if you have some freelancing expertise, feel free to send in a guest post.
In the meantime, here’s the sneaky peeky:
Many people hanging around the blogosphere (which is highly populated with freelancers) find themselves thinking about freelancing as a career option. Should you quit your day job and make the full time freelancing leap? I’ll ask some questions to help you determine if you’re cut out for freelancing.
I’ll also share tips on planning your business (yes, freelancing is a business) and launching yourself into the madness that is a freelancer’s life. I’ll even tell you how I got those first clients and how I got my best clients. Plus, as always, I’ll put together a comprehensive list of resources for you to enjoy and explore.
Remember That Book I Mentioned, Like, Two Months Ago?
A couple of months ago, I showcased a book I had started to read titled Snow Crash by esteemed sci-fi writer Neal Stephenson. Well, I finally finished it and let me tell you, that’s not a book, it’s a ride! Check out my review on Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson at my other blog, melissadonovan.com and find out why you should read it as soon as possible!
In Other News
We saw the end of Grammar Mondays here at Writing Forward with the Grammar Wrap-Up announcing that while grammar will still be a beloved topic, it will no longer be a weekly feature.
Who knew writers were so interested in underwear? If there is one thing I’ve learned from this whole blogging experience, it’s to loosen up, be yourself, and let your personality shine through. Believe me, it’s not that easy to do after over a decade of mostly business and technical writing. Now that I know you guys don’t mind getting down and dirty, I’ll have to see if we can’t just get downright dirty a little more often.
Who’s with me?
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You want questions? Oh, I’ve got questions!
What kind of work should one have in a portfolio? Should it be specific to the kind of work I want to do, or well-rounded to show a wide range of things?
How do I *find* people who want me to write about what I want to write about? Or is that really an option?
What about pricing? I’ve heard people complain about people who have too-low rates, so what is reasonable for someone starting out, versus someone with experience?
If one wanted to begin freelancing, what can she expect - what kind of hours, what kind of work involved (I would assume it’s more than just writing…) um… etc.?
I’ll probably think of more questions later, but how’s that for a start?
Allisons last blog post..Taste and Create 7
This is great timing and I’m looking forward to your perspective.
I can totally relate to the dilemma of finding a situational voice. In both my blog and my weekly column I struggled with sounding informed but not like a textbook or a term paper.
As for a topic, and we’ve chatted in email a bit about this, how does someone figure out what they can do (to start because skills build) and communicate to a potential client that what they need the freelancer can do - and vice versa? I think crafting a marketable identity is a bigger worry than setting price points; but I’m haven’t tackled that yet so what do I know.
I don’t think I’m the only one to be confronting this obstacle and looking for ways to overcome it being the excuse that stops the process. I’m looking forward to this months posts.
Melissa,
This will be interesting to me as I tackle the question,
“I don’t mind freelancing, as long as I am interested in what I am writing!”
I just got in a conversation/semi-offer with a woman about finishing her book for her that she got bored writing…hmmm. What’s the first thought that comes to mind? Well if the subject was boring to you………..
And that might not be entirely fair.I think people can become burnt-out and that fresh eyes can bring some excitement back to a project.I want to be selective I guess and not just be writing willy-nilly for anyone cause I am chasing the dollar. I want to build a reputation in a certian area I think.
“Go to Wendi..she writes this…”
So..what is that?
All that to say…I guess I am working on my brand. And freelancers..do they have a brand? or are they more invisible?
That’s the subject I am interested in.
Wendi Kellys last blog post..Twiddling Thumbs
@Allison, I think the kind of work in your portfolio should reflect the kind of work you want to do. There’s no reason to have resumes in your portfolio if you’re not planning on writing resumes in your freelancing business (I, for example, don’t do resumes).
Many freelancers don’t have a portfolio at all, but they do have a blog and that acts as their portfolio, which is a good way to go if you’re going to primarily do web and blog writing.
When I started, I wanted to be open to doing various types of writing, editing, and proofreading so I included a variety of samples in my portfolio. My strategy was to try different things to see what I liked best and what would pay the bills. I’m figuring that out now and planning some serious changes to my business site and offerings.
I think your other questions will be answered in upcoming posts
@Deb (gscottage), I have seen many freelance writers that are plying the trade without a stand-out marketing identity. However, I think having one is a great benefit. For example, Men with Pens and Itty Biz both have strong brands that leave a positive and lasting impression.
As for what you decide to offer in your freelance services, it should be work that you’re comfortable or have some experience with. But if you want to get into an unfamiliar area of writing, I would suggest doing practice samples on your own, then offering them as part of your services. Or, you can offer to do some pro bono or barter projects for non-profits or other perspective clients to get your feet wet!
@Wendi,
Well, I would say you write self-help and inspirational or motivational nonfiction. That is probably a great area for specialization, by the way. Those are hot sellers!
What you’ve mentioned here sounds like ghostwriting. I have mixed feelings about ghostwriting actually. A client recently asked about it and I had to give some serious thought to where I would draw the ghostwriting line.
It’s hard for me to imagine any business model that wouldn’t benefit from having an identifiable brand. I started with a very general one, nothing catchy, but I’m working on something new and shiny, hopefully to be launched in the fall.
I’m not a professional writer so I’m gatecrashing on this one but I could really relate to what you said about blogging, Melissa. The blogs I enjoy most are the ones that have heart, where the unique perspective of the writer comes through. Since starting to blog myself, I’ve realized that this is not so easy to achieve! I agree with Deb that it is very difficult to share what you know about a topic without sounding like a term paper.
It is heartening for me to know that this is something you pros deal with :).
Hi Melissa
I’ve been wanting to publish a kids book for the longest time. I have the idea, I have the drawings, I’m working on a draft.
What I’d like to know more about is how does one go about getting a book published in the first place? Who do you even begin to contact? What kind of format does your manuscript have to be in? How do you handle illustrations? Do you need an agent, etc? Also, is it worth considering an E-book format?
I’ve read “Writing Children’s books for Dummies” but mabye you or other bloggers might have some other suggestions for me.
Friars last blog post..Beware the Soup Martyrs
@Greer, It’s also sort of strange letting your personality shine to strangers. I mean, with commentators and people who I talk with online it’s one thing, but there are others out there… lurking. They can see me but I can’t see them and don’t know who they are! Anyway, it’s odd.
@Friar, That is a good question and one I’d like to know the answer to myself. Here’s what I do know… You have several options, which are self-publishing, small press publishing, and major publishing. I don’t think e-books are ideal for children’s books, but that may depend on the age the book is directed toward.
I do know that the traditional route would be to send a query letter to an agent or maybe directly to the publisher. I would guess the little I know is probably in your Dummies book. Actually, I may have to get that book!
Anyway, I’m not very knowledgeable about publishing other than having a general idea but maybe one of the other readers will share what they know about this topic. Anyone?
I hadn’t thought about it as ghostwriting. that is a good point. I don’t think I am really interested in that right at this point because right now, money isn’t my primary motivator. Doing what I love is.
I think you have helped to clarify- put in words- my narrowed down area of focus and that is what I want to stick with. I am going to specialize in that! Now if I can freelance that..as in articles for magazines, newspapers…other motivational blogs, I would be up for that!
Wendi Kellys last blog post..Slow Cooking Frogs
@Wendi, I imagine someday you’ll be on Oprah inspiring millions of viewers
Seriously, you’re so good at it, I think it’s perfect for you specialize in inspiring people!
I have been a freelance writer for many years. From ghost-writing to articles, books, and communications, writing and I are friends…most of the time.
Having said that, I am the first one to want to hear what others will say and offer …
A few questions I could pose and would love to hear your comments on:
What are some of your favorite sources for research?
Do you still spend much time at the library or do you do most of your research online?
Do you charge by the word or the project?
Do you practice the upsell in your bids?
The list goes on…..
Thanks I look forward to your series!!!!!
Harmonys last blog post..Are You BIG Enough To Take Up Space?
@Harmony, For the writing I do, the bulk of my research is actually about the clients. I do a lot of marketing copy like writing home pages. I get most of my other research on the Web and of course I always use my writing reference books! No, no trips to the library for me.
For proofing and editing I charge by the word and for most other work it’s by the project. I practice upsell when I see an opportunity that will benefit both myself and the client.
These are great questions! I think toward the end of the month I should open a Q&A in the comments (kind of like this). That could be interesting!