Category: Freelancing

Going Solo: Managing Your Workload

~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment

As much as I like my independence, there are times I wish I had a work colleague, someone to bounce ideas off of or someone to negotiate on my behalf. The office pet doesn’t count.

One of the challenges of being a solopreneur is managing the workload. You are literally on your own to handle the mundane tasks like invoicing, marketing and fixing computer problems. There’s more to being a solo artist than meets the eye.

Managing a solo workload can be challenging for some writers, who would prefer to focus on developing their craft than developing their business. At a webinar presented by the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE) I attended recently, a couple of project management experts outlined their tips for managing a solo workload.

1. Plan for the week ahead. Look at your calendar and make a master list of all the projects that need to be done and another list of the tasks that can wait. If possible, do this on Sunday evening when your mind is fresh. It’s important to make time in your schedule for business development to keep the pipeline flowing with work. Figure at least an hour a day for business development if you’re already busy; spend more time for that task if you’re not.

2. Break down tasks into those you do weekly, monthly, quarterly and annually. Assign short term goals for how much time you want to spend on those tasks. Invoicing you might do weekly, while budgeting and reviewing marketing strategy might be done monthly. If you have a business plan (and you probably should have one), experts suggest reviewing it at least once a year or once every six months to make sure you’re on track to meet your business goals.  

3. Attach a deadline to open-ended projects to make them more of a priority. If there’s never a deadline to reach them, they’ll likely remain open-ended. Once deadlines are set, either by the client or the calendar, it’s a good idea to work backward setting intermediate goals and deadlines. For example, If you have a feature article due in three weeks, work backward to set mini-deadlines for source reviews, writing the first draft, completing interviews, and doing initial research. Tasks with tighter deadlines tend to be prioritized first. Breaking a bigger project into smaller chunks can make it easier to tackle.

4. Use systems to automate your tasks as much as possible. For example, use templates for routine tasks like sending out email blasts or invoicing so you’re not re-creating documents from scratch each time. Check out project management systems like Asana, Basecamp or Workfront to track your progress on major projects and set mini-deadlines.

Another option is outsourcing, especially the most tedious tasks. If you’re not numbers-oriented person—and most writers I know aren’t—hire a bookkeeper. If you’re not a fast or accurate typist, send transcription projects to places like Rev or Otter.ai. If you’re not a fan of social media, hire someone who can manage your social media accounts for you. If you schedule a lot of meetings, consider using Calendly so guests can view your calendar and set up the appointments themselves.

With so many tools available, it’s much easier to organize your time and your workload so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Once the most tedious tasks are out of the way, you can focus on the things that matter most for your business, like finding new freelance clients or finishing your current work-in-progress.

With a clear plan of action and the right set of tools, managing a solo workload can be a breeze.

Tax Prep Strategies for Writers

~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment
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No sooner have you put away the holiday decorations that it’s time to start thinking about taxes. It’s never fun, I know, to pull together all your important tax documents and receipts. Believe me, I’d much rather bury myself in my next writing project than deal with Uncle Sam. But with some sound advice and resources, tax prep can go smoothly.

In this post, I’ll cover several things writers and creatives should consider when planning for taxes, such as whether to hire a tax expert and how to keep your receipts organized.  

I’ve found in my 12 years of freelancing that the key to a seamless tax prep session is keeping good records and having a system for organizing your receipts. Trust me when I tell you that keeping good records will make your preparation easier and save you a lot of headaches later on. It’s surprising how many people don’t keep track of their income and expenses for their writing business.

Once I became a homeowner, I knew I needed help at tax time. So I didn’t hesitate to ask around for referrals from friends and colleagues. Working with a tax expert has been a godsend because they know the tax laws best and they provide guidance on how to reduce expenses and improve my tax deductions for the following year.

“A tax expert is not just for filing taxes. They also help you plan to reduce liabilities,” says Julia White, a Certified Financial Educator, Accountant and Tax Strategist, speaking to members of the American Society of Business Publication Editors as part of their Solopreneur educational webinar series.

White suggests hiring a tax expert when you have:
* Multiple income streams
* Significant business growth
*Complex deductions, such as a home office, vehicle usage, and retirement plans.

Conversely, you can try doing taxes yourself if you have a single income stream, a limited number of deductions and a simple tax situation. The more complex your situation becomes, the more likely you can benefit from getting professional tax advice.

No matter how you plan to do your taxes, White cautions against committing some of the common mistakes that people make. For example:

* Mistake 1: Not separating personal and business expenses. It’s helpful to track expenses on a spreadsheet, but make sure to keep the business expenses in their own categories. I also keep my business receipts in a file marked Tax Receipts, so I know where to find them at tax time.  

* Mistake 2: Ignoring quarterly tax payments. This is more important if your business is set up as a C corporation or an LLC. If you operate as a sole proprietor, like I do, you’ll likely pay taxes annually and file using Schedule C. Having a tax expert can help you with this.

* Mistake 3: Poor record-keeping for deductions. Any expenditure you make for your business should be recorded, either on a spreadsheet or some other platform like Quickbooks. At tax time, it will be easy to refer to that data when you need it.  

For example, after recording my business expenses on my monthly budget worksheet, I save the receipts in a file folder called Tax Receipts. At tax prep time, I sort through them to make sure I have everything I need for my accountant. While I may still have to track down additional receipts, mainly from online purchases, I know I have most of what I need at my fingertips.

Obviously, while there are common mistakes, there are ways to create healthy savings habits for success. In addition to regularly tracking income and expenses, White suggests obtaining professional advice early on and to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to making financial and tax planning decisions.

White also offers these professional tax prep tips:

1. Keep a personal budget. This will help you know your spending habits and see where you can cut unnecessary expenses.

2. Invest in business bookkeeping software. This will help you track your income and expenses for the year and prepare for tax season.

3. White recommended software programs like Quickbooks, Wave, Monarch Money or even a simple Excel spreadsheet. With Excel, you can create your own spreadsheet with categories customized for your business, or download a pre-formatted form from Microsoft.

Planning for tax time is never fun. But with the right tools and strategies, and an organized mindset, tax prep can be a breeze.

Learning to Work with a New Editor

~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment

I received disappointing news a few weeks ago. One of my favorite editors that I’ve worked with the past three years left his company. In his email, he complimented my work and introduced me to his colleagues who would be taking over his accounts.  

Still, the news stung. I’m now dealing with the shaky aftermath. It’s never easy to get used to working with a new face and a new name. It’s like learning to slow dance with a different dance partner. I have to figure out how to dance without accidentally stepping on the other person’s toes.  

There’s also no guarantee that the new editors will want to work with me. Who knows if they have other writers that they prefer to work with? That, of course, is out of my control. I can only control how I develop my relationship with them.   

Where to begin that relationship-building process? It’s never easy, but it has to be done, even if there’s no guarantee anything will come about. I have a head start with the introductions my previous editor made on my behalf. Now it’s up to me to follow through.

This isn’t the first time I’ve had to build a relationship with an editor that replaced one I had been working with. The first time resulted in the connection I had with Scott, the beloved editor who recently left his company. So there is a history of success.

Here are my tips for developing relationships with a new editor, whether you’re new to the publication or they’re replacing a previous editor. Mind you, these connections are still a work in progress. I’m still trying to navigate the relationship landscape with three new editors.

1. Send each editor a note introducing yourself. Keep the note brief. If someone referred you, reference that person in your note. Tell them how much you look forward to working with them. Offer to provide your writing services (or whatever services you offer). Remind them what you can do for them. It might be helpful to share your professional experience, such as the industries and previous companies. Conclude the note with your contact information and some wish for a long-term mutually beneficial relationship.

2. Show your professionalism at all times. If you get an assignment from them, thank them for keeping you in mind for the project. Review the writing worksheet to understand what they are asking of you, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if you’re confused about anything. No, you will not appear stupid. It will show them that you are conscientious and are willing to work with them. Bulldozing your way through an assignment when you’re unclear about what’s expected is asking for trouble. Most important, show that you’re reliable by meeting your deadlines and communicating with the editor if you can’t reach a source or can’t submit the story on time. I have found that if I am running behind schedule because of difficulty reaching a source, editors are usually pretty open about extending deadlines – as long as you communicate the delay. Keeping the lines of communication open will ensure a happy client.

3. Hold off on submitting story ideas. Even if you’ve been writing for a publication for several years and you’re used to pitching story ideas, hold off on doing that until you and the new editor become more comfortable with one another. Give them time to get used to the way you write. Allow them time to get used to their new role. Remember, the ball is in their court. In the meantime, you can stockpile story ideas until the time is right to present them.

4. Mind your Ps and Qs. Focus on work quality. Proofread your story several times to make sure there aren’t any grammatical or spelling errors. Make sure the article you write covers all the points described in the writing worksheet. I would also avoid using artificial intelligence to help with writing your story—unless the editor specifically tells you that you can. I have never used AI for my features because the editors I work with provide the sources I need to interview. The article content comes from these sources, and cannot be replicated by AI. However, AI can be used for brainstorming ideas or doing repetitive work. If in doubt, always ask the editor.

5. Always stay in touch. If you don’t hear from the editor in a while, say several weeks or months, follow up. It may be that they’ve been too busy to reach out to you, or they didn’t need your writing services. Here’s a great tip from freelancer Kat Boogaard who shared this on LinkedIn: When you plan your schedule for the following month, reach out to editors you frequently work with and inquire about any upcoming assignments. Tell them that you’re in the process of planning your schedule and if they have any assignments, they can book them now so you’ll be prepared to jump on the project when it’s ready. It’s a great new approach for staying in touch.

Editors come and go. That’s par for the industry. At some point, an editor will depart, leaving you to establish bonds with the next editor. Don’t let that prospect throw you. While there are no guarantees, clear, consistent communication and producing quality work will get your working relationship off to a promising start.  

The Great Debate: Should You Call Yourself a Freelancer When Marketing Yourself?

~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment
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I came across an interesting debate on LinkedIn recently. Noted freelance writer Kat Boogaard posed this question to her followers: To be successful, should you call yourself a freelancer?

The question received a great number of comments, many from people who proudly call themselves freelancers, including Boogaard herself. A few claimed that there’s a lingering stigma attached to the title and clients either perceive you as cheap labor, a beginner or are an unreliable profession that can produce good quality work. Much of that is untrue.

Some responses surprised me. I figured I’d see more comments from people who preferred another title, such as business owner or writing consultant. But largely, most of the commenters were proud to call themselves a freelancer.

The conversation reminded me of a colleague I overheard at a networking event many years ago, who bemoaned her fate as a freelancer. I remember hearing her tell another colleague, “Why is it that when I tell someone that I’m a freelancer that they assume my services are free?”

I’d like to believe that we’ve come a long way since that overheard conversation and that today’s clients are more accepting of the freelance term. After all, as one of Boogaard’s commenters point out, freelance is the nature of the relationship they have with clients; it’s not the nature of the work itself. 

That’s an important distinction to remember. Freelancing is simply the way you choose to work. It does not reflect the type of work we do.

So this begs the question: should you include the term freelance in your title when you market yourself to potential clients? Does it make a difference at how they perceive you? Does it make a difference in the types of clients who approach you or the type of assignments you’re offered?

Like any other issue, that all depends on who you ask. I’ve broken down the arguments below.

I proudly call myself a freelance professional because….
 
* It’s how I market myself to clients. It makes it clear who I am professionally, the work I do (such as writing or graphic design) and how I work for them. I proudly own the label and the narrative of a freelancer, and there’s no doubt about what I expect from clients in return.

* Freelance is a term that editors use when searching for writing support. If an editor searches for a freelance writer, and I don’t have that term in my LinkedIn profile somewhere, they’re probably not going to find me.

* The freelance term makes it clear that I am an independent contractor. I am willing to work WITH clients, but not FOR them. It makes it clear that I cannot be treated as an employee of their firm.

* The freelancer term has become more accepted in the marketplace. Many writers have been in the freelance writing business for decades, and have worked successfully under that title. More companies are noting their professionalism, their reliability and their high-quality production. Over time, any  skepticism about freelancers has faded.

I don’t call myself a freelancer because …

* Freelancing can be perceived as a vague term that covers a lot of ground in the creative field. It doesn’t always explain the work you do or how much experience you have. For instance, a freelancer could have two years of business experience or 20. That experience difference can matter a lot to potential clients. It might be better to emphasize the type of writing or creative work you do first before identifying yourself as a freelancer.

* It can imply that you will work low-paying gigs or for free, and thereby attract clients who expect freelancers to do a lot of work for not a lot of money. It can suggest, often unfairly, that a freelancer is a starving artist who will do anything to get published. As more freelancers have hit the marketplace and turned down the low-paying jobs, those assumptions have faded. Still, there’s a certain mindset, especially among small businesses, that they can take advantage of your “free”lancing.

* The term freelancer sounds impermanent and temporary, like the title of “interim manager” in sports. It can imply that the freelancer is there for a short time to hold down the fort while those in charge look for a better qualified candidate for the job you’re already doing. It can also suggest that you’re doing this work short term until you find a better opportunity. In other words, you’re there to collect a check rather than build a long, steady relationship with the client.

As you can see, there are solid reasons on either side. Much of it depends on your comfort level with the term. I recently changed my profile description to include freelance to test out the theory that editors might find me. We’ll see…..

If you find yourself in the middle of this debate, unsure whether to call yourself a freelancer or something else, here are a few questions to ask of yourself.

* What impression do you want to make to potential clients? How do you want them to see you professionally?
* How comfortable do you feel calling yourself a freelancer?
* How do you want clients to find you (via LinkedIn, X, Instagram, other job sites)?
* How do you see yourself? As a business owner? A consultant? A writer and editor? A freelancer?
* How concerned are you about misperceptions in the marketplace?
* How much experience do you have? Are you starting out as a freelancer or have you been working that way for a while?

It takes some serious soul-searching and experimentation with assorted titles to see which one works best for you. No matter how you define yourself as a professional writer, the freelancing business is definitely thriving and is here to stay. There’s plenty of room for new faces in the freelancing pool.

How Writers Can Become Better Literary Citizens

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If you’ve ever purchased a book that a friend wrote and published, read a fellow writer’s essay and provided feedback, or passed along an article to someone who needed to know about self-publishing, then you know what it means to be a literary citizen.

Literary citizenship is a fancy term meaning “forming professional networking relationships,” writes freelance writer Robyn Roste. In the freelancing business, it might be referred to in other ways, such as:

* Investing in relationship building
* Finding ways to help people
* Becoming part of a writing community

The key to becoming an effective literary citizen, Roste says, is to approach it with a collaborative mindset, not a competitive one. There’s plenty of success to go around if you go into literary citizenship with an attitude of abundance rather than lack.

Because most writers work solo, there’s a tendency to look at fellow writers with an attitude of competitiveness. There’s a certain paranoia about sharing your work with others because someone might steal your idea or they might be overly critical of it. Sometimes you might feel envious when another writer gets their manuscript published while you’re slaving away on your third draft.

With a collaborative mindset, you approach writing as an opportunity to learn and share and grow along with other writers. The fact is we’re all on similar paths and we can learn from each others’ failures and successes. We might work alone in a corner of our home, but there’s a whole company of people who make our efforts pay off. No matter how much experience writers have or what genre of writing they do, writing is still a collaborative effort. It goes beyond clients, agents, editors, proofreaders and publicists. It also includes teachers, book reviewers, and bookstore owners—and yes, even our friends and family. It truly does takes a village. 

Publishing expert Jane Friedman has a similar definition. Literary citizenship is any activity that supports reading, writing, publishing and the growth of your professional network. “It’s a more palatable and friendlier way to think of platform building.”

Which is critical if you’ve got a book you want to promote.  

So how can writers become good literary citizens? Here are a few ideas:

*Join a writing community or writers’ group. As part of that group or community, you can provide writing advice to other writers, offer friendship, and give feedback on their works-in-progress. You can usually find writer’s groups at the local library or bookstore or online. But if you can’t find a group that fits your interests, consider starting your own group.

* Mentor other writers. By mentoring others, you share your knowledge and expertise with others, and guide them in their professional growth. Less experienced writers can benefit from your experience.

*Share tips and resources with other writers. Whether done informally at networking events or meetups, or through other resources, like blogs and newsletters, you can offer writing advice and resources that can help other writers further their careers.

* Post job opportunities for writers and creatives. In the creative field, you might hear of a job opening or about a client looking for a freelancer. Though you may not fit the bill, you might know others who are a better it. Don’t be shy about sharing career opportunities through your social media.

*Write book reviews. When fellow writers publish their books and you’ve taken the time to read it, write a short book review and post on your social media. You’d be doing that fellow writer a big favor by getting the word out about their published work. People do read reviews when they’re considering what to read next.

* Interview authors. Another way to help out a fellow writer is to interview them. Perhaps they’ve just published a new book or they earned some industry recognition. Highlight their success by interviewing them, and write up a summary for your blog or submit the story to a local newspaper or magazine.

* Develop relationships with indie bookstore shop owners. Don’t overlook the role of indie shop owners. Get to know them by visiting their store. Find out what authors and genres are trending. When you’re ready to promote your own new book, they’ll be easier to approach about displaying it in their shop.

* Sign up for an author’s newsletter or follow them on social media. I follow several of my favorite authors on Facebook but I also like to connect with writers I know. As writers, we’re always looking for ways to expand our audiences. As they get to know you, they may eventually decide to follow up in return.

* Celebrate the successes of other writers. Share their news about book signings, new releases, public appearances, etc. on your own social media sites. As the saying goes, “What you put out in the world comes back to you.”

I’ll end with a few final tips, courtesy of TweetSpeak.

  • Be generous. Whether giving of your time or sharing your knowledge, don’t be shy about spreading your wealth.
  • Reciprocate. If a fellow writer has done a special favor for you—read a draft of your novel, given you a positive review or started commenting on your blog, try to do something similar in return.
  • Be grateful. Express your gratitude for whatever your fellow writers have done for you, whether you received a valuable piece of advice from them or got a referral for a prospective freelance client.

    The more you share of yourself with other writers, the more likely they’ll want to do the same for you. That is what makes literary citizenship a valuable asset to cultivate.

Why you need to keep proving yourself as a freelance writer

~ The Regal Writer ~ 1 Comment
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Working as an independent writer has its perks—setting your own schedule, control over workload and the type of assignments you do, etc.

There are downsides too, such as inconsistent cash flow and long stretches of time without work.

There’s another downside that few writers acknowledge or talk about—losing clients. Many times, it’s  through no fault of your own. The client simply decides to pull back on their use of freelancers.

But when you depend on multiple and semi-regular assignments from that client, the result can be devastating for your freelance business. You’re back to square one looking for new clients and assignments to fill the void. That means having to prove your worth to potential clients all over again. I confess that this is my least favorite aspect of freelancing. I’m much better at writing than I am at networking.

Author Colleen Story at the Writing and Wellness blog believes there’s one good thing about having to prove yourself: It’s being able to re-assess your business. The loss of a client isn’t necessarily a hardship but an opportunity to grow her business in a new and different direction. Other experienced writers like Story have come to accept the proving process because it exposes them to potential new business, and they find that potential exciting

As difficult as it is to update the resume and website and compile new clips, that downtime is also an opportunity to work on personal writing projects you’ve put on the backburner, learn new skills, focus on a different industry, or develop a different style of writing.

If you find yourself in the position where you have to prove yourself as a writer, here are a few tips for navigating this difficult phase of freelancing with greater confidence.  

  • Study the freelancing business. This is especially important if you are new to freelancing and aren’t sure where to begin. Read up on the freelancing business. Understand what it takes to get started and become successful. Freelancing is a form of self-employment, and self-employment isn’t for everyone. Follow freelancers on social media and browse their websites. Freelancer Kat Boogaard offers great insights and information toolkits for budding freelancers on her website. Consider joining a freelancers group like Freelancers Union or American Society of Business Publication Editors, which hosts monthly online networking sessions for freelancers. Moxie is another site that offers plenty of resources available to learn about freelancing before jumping in.

  • Work your network. Seek assistance and advice from people you know, whether they’re previous clients, former colleagues, friends, fellow freelancers. They can provide moral support too if you get discouraged.

  • Figure out a specialty. Is there a type of writing that you want to focus on, say blog writing or magazine feature writing? If you want to write for blogs and websites, learn about blog writing then draft several posts that you can use as samples. Ditto with magazine writing. Learn all you can about how to write magazine articles, then draft a few to show potential clients. It may be easier to market yourself if you specialize than if you are a generalist who can do a lot of things.

  • Maintain a positive mindset. Stay positive no matter how difficult the process gets. Be realistic with your expectations. Don’t expect results overnight. Keep your eyes and ears open because writing opportunities abound; you just have to be aware of them.

  • Learn about artificial intelligence. In some circles, AI is a dirty word, but it’s here to stay whether you like it or not. It will continue to play a bigger role in our creative lives, so be prepared to understand it more fully. Take time to learn what AI can do—and what it can’t do. You don’t have to use AI for your writing (only if you think it will help you and if it’s okay with the client). Just be aware of how it works.

Armed with new knowledge and experiences, you can prove your worth as a freelance writer to any new client you meet.

What to Do When a Client Asks for a Rewrite

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For this week’s post, I had planned to write about how to use rejection to fuel your next writing project. In an uncanny coincidence, when I checked my email, I found I had received feedback on an article I wrote for a client. Imagine my disappointment when I learned they wanted a rewrite including an interview with a new source.

Talk about rejection!

I felt more frustrated than angry. After all, this is part of the editorial review process. Fortunately, rewrites don’t happen very often for me.

That said, I realize that not everything I submit will be accepted on the first go-around. I felt frustrated this time because the client had provided new information that I did not have previously. If I had been provided this additional information up front, it would have saved me the time and trouble of a doing rewrite later. 

I should note that this story was assigned to me; it was not a story I pitched to the client. The assignment came with a writing sheet outlining the details and sources I needed to interview.

So how do I move past the initial disappointment and tackle a rewrite? Here are my tips for dealing with rewrite pressure:

  1. Take time to cool down. If you are upset by the feedback, take time to calm yourself. Go for a walk, meditate, take a nap—anything to help you relax. You don’t want to rework the story when you’re  upset because you may not put forth your best work. Nor do you want to respond to the editor in anger.  Simply thank them for the feedback and tell them you’ll get back to them if you have any questions. That buys you time for your emotions to settle down.

  2. Review the manuscript carefully. After you’ve settled down, take a long look at your manuscript to figure out what went wrong. What does the client want revised, and why? If they don’t offer an explanation, or the explanation is vague, ask the editor to clarify. Ask: what do readers need to know about this subject?

  3. Fix the problems. Do the best you can to fix the story and make it as strong as possible. If you need to interview another source, interview them. If you need to do more research, do more research. If you have to rewrite entire paragraphs, rewrite them so they are crystal clear. By sending back a better, stronger story, you show that you have the maturity to deal with adversity and not let negative feedback bother you.

  4. Learn from the experience. There’s always something to learn from every writing experience, no matter how positive or negative the experience might be. In my example above, the instructions for the writing assignment were vague. I decided to push my way through it the assignment rather than stop and ask for clarification. What this experience has taught me—and what you can learn from it too—is to ask pointed questions of my editor about the assignment so I understand exactly what her client wants. And I need to do this before I begin doing research or setting up interviews. Getting the most important details up front will prevent rewrites later on. 

  5. Don’t take the feedback personally. Rejection happens all the time. Requests for rewrites happen too. That’s part of working as a freelancer.  Remember that the editor or client has the readers’ interests in mind, and they want to produce a high-quality magazine that their readers will enjoy. It’s your job to help them achieve that. You may not like getting negative feedback from them, and you may not like having to rework an assignment, but without it, you won’t have a chance to prove yourself to the client.  

    Most important, keep a positive attitude. Feeling depressed or angry or frustrated won’t help your cause, and it won’t impress the client/editor. Don’t hold a grudge either. As soon as you submit the revised article, let go of any negative feelings you have and move on. I know that’s not always easy to do, but it’s necessary for the sake of your sanity and your freelancing career.

How Writers Can Support Other Creatives

~ The Regal Writer ~ 2 Comments
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Writers might spend a lot of time alone working on their craft, but they’re also part of the larger writing community. They’re also part of an even larger community of creatives that include graphic designers, photographers, videographers, even musicians.

So when members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) went on strike against Hollywood production companies several weeks ago, it struck a chord in me. While these members typically work in the film and TV production industry in New York and Los Angeles, any writer or affiliate creative can empathize with the issues they’re facing.

Issues of greatest concern are better compensation packages and improved pay equity structure. This article in Parade explains the strike much better than I can. The strike could possibly carry on for months, so it can have a detrimental effect on their income and business opportunities in the near term.

While the WGA strike may seem too far removed from the kind of writing you and I do, we should stop to consider how this might impact our own ability to build a sustainable creative career.  Because if WGA members can’t make a decent living wage doing what they do–create stories for movies and television—then how can we expect to do the same as staff writers and freelancers?

Seeing their plight made me think of ways we can support these writers, and all writers no matter what industry they serve. After all, we are all part of one large creative community, and we need to support one another.  

Here are a few ways you can support other writers and creatives, no matter what type of work they do or the industries they serve.

  • Buy their books, artwork, etc. This is obvious, of course. The best way to show your support for other writers is to purchase their work. After all, this is why many of them decide to become writers. They love sharing their work, and hopefully, make a living at it.  

  • Join a community of writers. When you join groups like Media Bistro, American Society of Business Publication Editors, or Freelancers Union, you learn about the industry and share best practices and techniques for working as a creative.  By being part of these networks, you build a strong support group for your work while also supporting others in theirs.

  • Donate to help striking screenwriters. When WGA members went on strike, it wasn’t just the screenwriters who were affected, but other related professionals in the TV and film industry, such as cinematographers, hair and makeup stylists, etc. Funds like the Entertainment Community Fund provide financial support to the entertainment crew who may suffer hardship because of the strike.

  • Be a beta reader. Whether it’s someone’s first book or their tenth, most authors need another pair of eyes (or two or three pairs) to understand how their work-in-progress will be received. It helps them gain insights about what’s working in their story.

  • Write a book review. Whether you’re part of Goodreads, Amazon or some other book site, writing a review of someone’s book can boost its popularity and sell more copies. It’s one more way to show your support for your fellow writers.

  • Follow an author on social media. Comment on something they’ve posted, or share their post to your network. By interacting with them on social media, you learn more about who they are outside of their writing career. You may even pick up a few writing tips along the way. By sharing their posts with your contacts, you help them promote their work while gaining access to theirs.

  • Promote an author’s work on social media. People are always looking for a good book to read. Don’t be shy about posting a raving review on Instagram or Twitter about an author’s latest novel. Post the book cover with one or two sentence summary of the story so readers know what the book is about. It’s also a great way to start a conversation about an author’s work.

  • Attend book signings. While they’re signing your book, tell them how much you appreciate their work. Authors, like everyone else, like getting compliments. They like to hear that they are appreciated, and they love talking about books. They’re usually happy to dispense a piece of advice too. Just don’t be too pushy.

  • Join a writer’s group. Some groups are critique groups while others are accountability sessions allowing members to chat about their latest work in progress, get advice to get unstuck on a plot point or simply to get away from the desk for a while.

  • Teach writing to aspiring writers. Whether you specialize in memoir writing, short stories or essays, consider sharing your expertise so novice writers gain experience writing in these genres. Not only do you gain experience as a public speaker and teacher, you and your students can learn from each other along the way and support each other’s growth as writers.  

  • Mentor an aspiring author. Everyone needs help every now and then. Young and aspiring writers have tons of questions about the writing process. Sometimes they need someone to listen as they vent their frustrations over their process. Be kind and listen. Dispense helpful advice, and give encouragement. Being a mentor can be just as rewarding as getting mentored.

  • Launch an online magazine. Then invite writers—especially novice writers looking to gain experience and clips–to contribute to the publication. Of course, you wouldn’t be able to pay them in dollars, but they will have clips for their portfolio.

These are just a few ideas to consider. You may have a few ideas of your own. Focus on one or two that best show your support for other writers.

I’ve always believed that what you put out in the world eventually comes back to you. Support your fellow writers and creatives today. You never know when the writer you help will one day help you in return.

Tips for Compiling and Submitting Freelance Writing Clips

~ The Regal Writer ~ 1 Comment
Photo by Anthony Shkraba on Pexels.com

When you’re starting out as a freelancer (or even if you’ve been doing it for a while), at some point a potential client will request samples of your work. This is common practice, so don’t fret if you get a request like that. If anything, you should celebrate because it means they’re considering working with you and they want to see what kind of work you’ve done previously.  

But what types of clips should you send to them? How many? What do you do if you don’t have many writing clips to show? Let’s start at the beginning.

Keep track of your clips.

Whether you’re starting out as a freelancer or you’ve been freelancing for a while, you should collect your clips and keep them in one place so you can quickly access them. If the article was posted on a blog or online content hub, save a copy to your hard drive, auxiliary drive, your website or online portfolio site you might belong to like Contently. To save, select the Print option, then in the drop down menu, select Save as PDF. Then you can save it wherever you want to keep all your clips. That way you know where to find them when you need them.

Wherever you keep your clips, it might help to sort them by date, publication or subject area, such as real estate or health. Again, that’s for ease in finding them quickly when you need them.

Follow the client’s instructions.

When a client requests your clips, be sure to follow their instructions. Some clients are very specific about what they want and how they want the clips delivered to them. Some may ask for PDF or Word documents sent as an email attachment. Others may want only links. Do as they ask. It’s their way of testing you to see if you can follow their instructions.  If they ask for three sample clips, send them three sample clips. Don’t send them four, and don’t send them one. If they don’t specify how many they want, stick with two or three, which is enough to give them an idea of your writing ability.

Consider several factors when submitting clips:

  1. Send clips that are as close to the type of writing that you’d be doing for them. For example, a client looking for someone to write SEO blog posts will want to see similar types of clips from you. In that case, don’t send them research papers or marketing proposals as your samples. Your chances of getting hired improve greatly if your samples closely match the type of work they’re hiring for.
  2. Make sure the clips are fairly recent. Most editors want to see work you’ve done within the past couple of years, not what you wrote 10 years ago. Although, if that is the only clip you have in that particular genre, send that along and explain why you’re sending an older piece.
  3. Send your best work. Some writers and editors will tell you to make this the number one priority, but in my experience, your best work may not fit their genre or it may not be the most current work you’ve done. That said, if you submit three clips, designate one as your best work, even if it doesn’t fit the genre, then include two others that do fit. Make sure they’re all recently published.
  4. Pay attention to the tone and writing style. Does your writing style mesh with that of the publication? To answer that, you’ll need to review their publication carefully to become familiar with their style. If it’s a light-hearted, humor magazine and you tend to write more serious, research-based articles, your writing style probably won’t work for them. You need to match their tone.
  5. Consider the publication’s audience. If your writing experience is focused on business publications, such as magazine features, newsletters, and blog content, it may be difficult to transition to consumer-focused publications because the writing styles are different. Consumer writing is more casual, usually written at a lower grade level than a technical business publication. If you want to write for a consumer-focused publication, it’s easier to get assignments if you’ve written for consumer publications in the past.
  6. Make sure the clips are error-free. If they’ve been published, they’ve obviously gone through a copyediting and proofing phase beforehand. But if your sample is posted on a friend’s blog and hasn’t been proofed, it’s possible that a misspelled word or other grammar mistake has slipped through. Make sure your work is clean before submitting.

But what should you do if you’re starting out as a freelancer and you don’t have enough clips or the right type of clips, you might ask?

Sorry to be blunt about this, but realistically you’re probably not ready for a freelancing career. Freelancing is highly competitive, and editors want to hire only the best-qualified individuals that have experience writing about certain topics. To gain that experience, try taking a few writing classes where you can accrue samples. Or volunteer to write website articles for a non-profit group (which I did early in my career to gain experience), create your own samples or start a blog. Some editors do view a person’s blog as a legitimate writing sample so don’t overlook its potential.

When you do submit clips, it might help to keep a spreadsheet or note to yourself about which clips you sent in case the client asks questions about it later.

Keep your best published clips organized in one central place, and make sure they’re polished and error-free. When a potential client asks for clips, you’ll be ready to send them the best work you’ve done.  

12 Ways to Spend Downtime between Freelance Assignments

~ The Regal Writer ~ 1 Comment
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Busy freelancers don’t always enjoy a lot of downtime between assignments. When those down times do occur, however you may breathe a sigh of relief, then wonder, “What’s next?” It could be a few days or a few weeks before the next assignment drops in your lap. So what do you do in the meantime? Here are a few ideas to keep you busy until the next assignment comes along.

  • Research new potential clients. A freelancer’s job is never done, even after you’ve submitted the most recent assignment. You always have to look ahead for the next publication to write for. You can’t always depend on current clients for a steady stream of work. Down time is perfect for exploring your options. Read publications that you’d like to write for, review the editorial guidelines if there are any, find out if they accept submissions or if all writing is done in house. Even if it is, the editor might accept a freelanced submission if it fits their audience.

  • Take care of your billing and invoicing. If you’ve fallen behind on invoicing because you were too busy writing, it’s time to play catch up. Those invoices are vital to keeping the money flowing into your bank account. You don’t want to miss a single payment.

  • Update your website. Freshen up the content. Add links to the newest articles you’ve written. Update photos. Contribute an article or two to your blog. An updated website can entice visitors keep coming back. Don’t overlook your social media profiles either. As you gain new clients or complete assignments, be sure to add those accomplishments to your sites so readers can appreciate them.

  • Practice writing outside your usual style. If all you write are magazine features, use the down time to try your hand at writing poetry, an essay, or a short story. Experimenting with different writing styles can freshen up your own writing.

  • Take a day off (or two). If you’ve been working hard to meet deadlines and haven’t taken time for yourself, then you owe it to yourself to take a few days off. Don’t think about work. Instead, hit the beach or spend a day at the museum, or go hiking at a local forest preserve. Time away from the job can give a fresh perspective and renewed energy. Then when the next assignment or client comes calling, you’ll be ready to go.

  • Reach out to your network. Down time is perfect for catching up with your network or expanding it. This could be as simple as sending out an email to a friend or client to say hello, or meeting a former colleague for lunch. You never know if any of those casual contacts will produce a hot lead on another assignment.

  • Assess your office supply needs. Make sure you have working pens, pads of paper, ink cartridges for your printer and anything else you need to keep your writing business going. It might also be a good idea to assess your computer equipment needs. Is it time to upgrade your laptop or printer? Do you need update your security software? You don’t want to run out of supplies during the next assignment, so make sure you have everything you need.

  • Take a quickie online course or webinar. As writers, it’s important to keep up with professional development. There’s always something new to learn about the industry. There are plenty of self-study courses at Writer’s Digest University, Media Bistro, or try a more general business c course on Udemy or Coursera. Even learning one new thing can help you serve clients better.

  • Catch up on housekeeping chores. If writing has taken you away from household chores and the dishes are piling up in the sink, then down time gives you a chance to clear the space. Clear out a closet, declutter your bookshelf of books you’ve already read, or clear out old client files, whether in file drawers or in your digital work space. Unloading stuff somehow makes you feel lighter and freer.

  • Spend time with family and friends. Make time for the people who mean the most to you. Enjoy a picnic lunch, go see a movie with them, or just hang out over coffee. Sometimes writers can get so caught up in the day-to-day obligations of their writing business that we forget we have friends. When downtime hits, spending time with them can make you feel grounded again.

  • Catch up on sleep. In my opinion, you can never get enough sleep. Sleep is what gives you energy to get you through the day, especially the rough ones with difficult assignments and demanding clients. Without proper sleep, you can’t always do your best creative work. So indulge yourself. Sleep in.

  • Immerse yourself in a good book. There’s nothing like a novel from a favorite author to make you forget your work problems – at least for a while. Books are the perfect escape, no matter if it is cloaked in romance, mystery or fantasy. On the other hand, reading up on writing craft, marketing or social media can be just as beneficial.

If all you have is a few days between freelance projects, there’s always something else you can do to stay busy and stay motivated with your writing career.