The WMF Archives

By Angela Atkinson

Free at wmfreelancewritersconnection.com

The WM Freelance Writers Connection is moving to a new URL. Beginning tomorrow, you can find us at http://wmfreelancewritersconnection.com.

This site will become The WMF Archives, and all of our existing posts will remain intact here, but new posts will be on the new site.

Now, here's the good news for you! 

We'd like to you to join us as we celebrate the move to our new home, so we've put together a very special gift for you: a free ebook.

This isn't just any old ebook, either. It's nearly 75 pages of tried-and-true advice, techniques and tips from the bloggers of The WM Network, and it's all about marketing yourself and your writing online.

About the Book:

Next to great writing skills, marketing yourself and your writing is the key to building a successful freelance writing career. Learning how to market yourself and your writing online can be a big challenge. Even those who are already successful can become more successful with strong online marketing efforts. This free ebook offers tips, techniques and advice from successful freelance writers who know what works.



1. Subscribe to free email updates on our new website. 
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3. Your confirmation email will also include instructions on how to receive your free ebook. Click the link in the email and enter your assigned coupon code after choosing your preferred ebook format. 


That's it! Just subscribe and confirm your subscription, and the free ebook is yours. 


So don't forget, beginning TOMORROW, February 1, all of our new blog posts will appear at our new URL: http://wmfreelancewritersconnection.com. Hope to see you there!

WMF is Moving: Get Your Free Ebook!

By Pam Houghton

I watched the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Reunion, Part 1 last night. (I'm writing this on Friday, a day ahead of my scheduled blog post.) Fell asleep promptly after I went to bed (those Housewives wear me out), then woke up two hours later and couldn't get back to sleep.

Aargh! I had three deadlines today and a meeting. Along with a bunch of tasky-type stuff I was hoping to get done.

How does a writer write on lack of sleep?

Luckily, I finished my stories though I might have made some slightly different literary decisions had I slept like a fully-satisfied newborn.

Oh, well.

The writer's life, eh? Can't stop just because we don't sleep well.

In my dead tired state, let me see if I can muster up a few reasons why sleep is an absolute requirement in order to fulfill responsibilities as a writer. And a human. 

1. So I can sit up straight at the computer.
2. Less crabby with kids (even though mine are teens and I really have no reason to be crabby).
3. Less likely to hate deadlines.
4. More likely to wear clothes. Instead of sweats I will return to bed in.
5. Don't need 12 cups of coffee to stay alert. 
6. Greater chance I'll remember to make the bed. 
7. And open the blinds.
8. It doesn't take two hours to edit something that might normally take 15 minutes. 
9. May change underwear before noon.
10. More likely to shower.
11. Happy when I receive e-mail.
12. Don't blank out when writing blog posts.
13. Less likely to watch DVR'd version of 30 Rock when I should be writing.
14. Ditto really stupid daytime talk shows.
15. Don't look at DVR and wonder how it got there. Or how it works.

Well, I think that's it. At least that's all I can come up with in my sleep-compromised state.

How do you handle the day after a crappy night's sleep?

Don't forget: We're moving! Starting February 1, 2011, you will find us at
http://wmfreelancewritersconnection.com. Don't worry, you'll still
have access to all of our existing posts here on this site, but future
posts will be on the new site. And, as an added bonus, new subscribers
on the new site will receive a free ebook from The WM Freelance
Writers Connection bloggers.

15 Reasons Why Writers Need a Good Night's Sleep

by Shakirah Dawud

My oft-repeated fear-of-the-phone story is my childhood avoidance of ordering pizza. I wasn’t afraid of the pizza man; I was afraid of messing it up somehow. Then as a college student, I was hired as a pharmacy technician at the largest chain in the US. My first day, I was trained on the telephone. The departing tech who trained me said I was doing fine. I thought she was joking. The hairs on my neck rose each time the phone rang, and my palms were sweaty when I hung up.

But it wasn’t long before I loved answering calls, and callers loved me (yes, they said so!). I realized what my tech trainer meant. I was doing fine because I was prepared for most requests callers made, so each call ended with a satisfied customer, whether I was nervous or not.

Now on my website, my contact form says e-mail is the best way to get me, “hands down.” Yet I make cold calls, discuss manuscript and other project issues, and check in on clients better accessed by phone than e-mail. Never in my life have I needed the phone more. But when the phone rings with an unknown number or I must make a call to an unfamiliar caller, my palms still sweat. How do I run a business this way?

My free hour-long consult is the secret that keeps me in control of conversations from new callers. There are no obligations, no ifs ands or buts. Anyone who wants to talk business can e-mail or call to schedule a consult. The scheduling allows me time to get my requisite phone gear together and prepare the caller as well.

Before the call, I offer a questionnaire. This is how I prepare the caller. I send the questionnaire I’ll be using during the call. I stress that recipients simply skim it to be prepared. Just having an idea of how to respond, even if it’s “I don’t know” really moves things along, and prevents awkward silences. Most callers appreciate this.

I have an agenda on the phone. After the opening niceties and introductions, I go to the questionnaire I’ve sent (I now use some that are posted on the Freelance Folder, but I've been using the more specific ones on page 20 of Peter Bowerman’s Well-Fed Tool Box (opens as a pdf) early on. I don’t ask every question; some answers I find from my own research or other correspondence, and sometimes the caller gives me answers without my asking. I keep it organic.

Most of the time, I don’t even do half the talking. When I schedule calls, I make sure I have a block of quiet time available so I’m not in too much of a hurry to really listen. I summarize what I hear and sometimes repeat it back in my own words. And I’m not afraid of silences as we draw breath or think about what’s been said for a moment before moving on to the next question.

I take my time speaking. I don’t sound like Eeyore, but I do try to think about the words before and as they come out, so I don’t get tongue-tied making a point or, worse, lose my point entirely. As a freelancer, I do so much of my work alone, I don’t speak at length very often during the day; sometimes the brain-tongue machine needs a little oiling. Hey, I’m a writer, not a speaker!

Even if the other person was a Martian, I’d remind myself I’m human. I am on the phone as I am face to face, which means wearing a slight smile. I use my signature dry humor (without sarcasm!) and laid-back vibe to keep either party from catching a serious case of the nerves.

At the beginning of one of my recent consults, the man on the other end said, “Will you lead the conversation?”

I said, “Certainly!”

He said, “Great, because I…”

Before he could trail off helplessly, I said, “I know exactly what you mean.”

The call went on without a hitch.

Freelancing Without Fear of The Phone

by Patricia Anne McGoldrick

It is a new year. January 2011 is just flying by so it is reassuring to look at my writing plan mind map and to see that I am making progress.

Let me reassure you that my writing plan is not carved in stone; however, it is a visual guideline to remind me of goals that I want to pursue in my writing, directions that I want to take.

For me, I have found that making a mind map is the most convenient and helpful way to sketch out the directions that I wish to pursue in my writing.

For my purposes, I have made a mind map that reaches out in six different directions:

• Poetry


• Non-fiction


• Reviews


• Fiction


• Essays


• Blog
  

These are the focal points of my writing with varied emphasis on each branch.
From these, I have listed some preliminary topics or titles. As the year goes on, I may adjust these topic areas.

Along with my yearly plan, I make a more specific monthly mind map. This does not take a long time to construct by hand with paper and markers, or electronically with software such as Inspiration 9.

As I learn of markets, contests, and submission calls, I input them into branches of the monthly map. When the month is over, I check off completed tasks, note if work is done rejected or still awaiting a response.

This gives me a quick overview of monthly progress and provides a heads-up awareness of possible directions for the next month.

With the use of colour markers, graphics, or drawings, I have been inspired to monitor my progress each month. In addition, I can go back to the original yearly plan to check for directions, as well.

Mind mapping writing plans by year and by month is a useful strategy. It works for me!

Don't forget...

We're moving! Starting February 1, 2011, you will find us at
http://wmfreelancewritersconnection.com. Don't worry, you'll still
have access to all of our existing posts here on this site, but future
posts will be on the new site. And, as an added bonus, new subscribers
on the new site will receive a free ebook from The WM Freelance
Writers Connection bloggers.

Mind Map Your Writing Plans!- Guest Post by Patricia Anne McGoldrick

By Angela Atkinson

In case you haven't heard, Amazon.com, CreateSpace (Amazon's POD publishing company) and Penguin Group (USA) recently announced their 2011 Breakthrough Novel Award contest.

They're looking for the "next popular novel" and are awarding two grand prizes: one in General Fiction and one in Young Adult Fiction. Winners get a publishing contract with Penguin, including a $15,000 advance.

They are accepting submissions from now until Feburary 6, 2010 (or when they have received 5000 entries, whichever comes first.) If you want to enter the contest, go to www.createspace.com/abna. From there, you can register and submit your manuscript.

The Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award was first launched in 2008, and has since given wings to many previously unpublished writers.


Will you be entering the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest? Tell us in the comments!


Hey Readers!


We're moving! Starting February 1, 2011, you will find us at: http://wmfreelancewritersconnection.com. 

Don't worry, you'll still have access to all of our existing posts here on this site, but future posts will be on the new site. And, as an added bonus, new subscribers on the new site will receive a free ebook from The WM Freelance Writers Connection bloggers.

Fiction Writers: Get Noticed With Amazon.com's 2011 Breakthrough Novel Award Contest

By Pam Houghton

From the mailbag:

I aspire to write non-fiction and have long had a book lurking based on a writing of my great-grandfather's about advertising as a form of shaping human behavior.

Do you have a recommendation of writing software for MAC? I know there are various programs that organize all the components-characters, themes, outlines, etc, but wonder what a professional uses, if anything?

Apparently, I'm not exactly with it when it comes to the latest writer's software because I still start with a spiral bound notebook and pen. Then I go on the computer and use Word or e-mail or a blog template to give shape to my stories before I polish them for publication.(Using e-mail or a blog template seems to make me think I'm writing to an audience; which makes me think I'll write more conversationally. I think.)


But I think (I think again!) it's a very good question. I recommended that this reader take a look at Writer's Market online, as well as Writer's Digest and Poets and Writers to see if they had any programs that they particularly favored.


Then I figured I may as well scrounge around the Internet to see what types of programs are available. After typing in "writer software" in the Google search engine, I found a few that looked interesting. But they hardly represent the plethora of programs out there! So take a look at the following...they vary in functionality, price, user-friendliness, and quality. Then tell us what you think.


1. Story Craft Pro - Seems like it's geared toward fiction writers by "taking all the story ideas dancing in your head and transforming them into fully developed short stories, novels, and screenplays...for every skill level."  (Does it write the story for you?) Available in three different versions - Classic, Luxury, and Screenwriter, with prices that range from $69 to $119.00 (at least on the site I included in the link). Available for both MACs and PCs.

2. Writer's Blocks for Windows, Version 3 - According to the website, Writer's Blocks "helps writers pull together ideas, notes, and research for complex writing projects." Writers can also use blocks to "capture, organize, outline, and structure" documents. (This software = brain power!) Anyway, it's supposed to be useful for all types of writing including novels, songs, journalism, screenplays, legal documents, technical writing, full-length non-fiction books, and academic writing. Price on attached website: $149.00. (Pricey!)

3. Storybase 2011 - This one seems geared toward helping writers flesh out ideas more than it helps writers with structure and outline. So maybe it's more like bouncing ideas off a friend. You still have to think. Use your brain. Which is good. It also received a good review on a consumer website for its' ease of use and installation. Price in attached link: $59.00. 

4. Free software - Are you in touch with your inner cheapskate? I found this site, Spacejock Software, loaded with several free software programs for writers. Features help writers with novel writing, cataloging, formatting, and tracking. If you're tight with the buck, or would rather dip your toes in software before actually purchasing an pricey package, you may want to experiment with a free program first.


Do you use writing software? What program(s) do you like?

Do You Use Writer's Software?

By Shakirah Dawud

Much has been said and written about firing clients. But we seldom hear or read about how to deal with the "almost-client." They come in varying flavors: "definitely-be-in-touch-soon," "discussing-with-the-team," or even "that-was-great-send-the-contract." They keep us working hard at hardly working. They give us more bellyache than our most overbearing client, and they don't pay us a dime because they never sign on the dotted line. So here's how to politely disentangle yourself from an almost-working relationship.

Take preventive measures. Sometimes a prospect is in a hurry to get it all done as soon as possible until she gets to the "Total Fee" line on your proposal. Then she's a lot more thoughtful, busy discussing it with the team, or shopping for a lower price. It's a good idea to get a solid deadline for completion within the first phone call. Gently nudge and offer suggestions, but be sure it's an actual date you've both agreed on. When you send your proposal, make sure your fee and schedule are all hanging from that date, so when a week or two goes by, you have the excuse to say, "The proposal I sent you is no longer feasible, since your deadline is now too close for me to complete your work on schedule. I have another project scheduled for the following time period, but please call me if you'd like to arrange to have work done a little further down the line."

Keep phone calls brief. Some people want time off the books to keep test-driving your skills; milk you for helpful, honest tips; or just listen to your voice. You keep hearing from them, but you can never nail down a project. Try to discover the purpose of the call as early on as possible, fulfill it, and let them know you're always available on e-mail as well. Keep your goodies close and people will eventually decide either you're worth paying for or you're not giving them enough freebies to be worth their time. You win either way.

Hold tight to e-mail trails. You probably do this instinctively. It's a good measure against confusion as to whose court the ball's in, and sending an e-mail with "Re:" in the subject line is more compelling than a new topic, after a couple of weeks. It reminds the client that they left you hanging, so you have the right to cut them off (very politely) at this point to remove any awkwardness.

Don't wait for them to fire you. If you sit on a contact for a while, they'll either forget about you or convince themselves you're too busy for them anyway and then forget about you. Send a friendly note inviting further contact and questions and remind them what a lovely time you had corresponding earlier. If they don't respond with a "let's move to first base" (contract signing) after 3 weeks, they probably never will. Tell them you've been booked, but remain open to put them down next month. That's not so long that if they really want to work with you they'll forget, but still long enough that if they don't, they'll move on to other prey.

Why do I keep advising you to say you're booked? Isn't that... lying? No. Your time will be much better spent moving forward (looking for and landing paying clients? networking? enjoying time with family? munching chocolates?) rather than staring at the blank space on your calendar, gut knotted. And then, there's always the possibility you really are booked in the "working sense" by the time you hear "We've reconsidered/Can we negotiate the price/We're just not ready yet" from your almost-client.

Don't offer to refer most almost-clients to fellow writers. It's basically the golden rule: you wouldn't want to be handed a time-leech in a giftwrapped box labeled, "Money!" So don't do that to others. I did say "most," though. If you do have some idea why this client is waffling or when the time is right to contact them again, send it along. Just include a caveat or two for the sake of your professional relationship.

You may get a job out of an almost-client... eventually. It's happened. I moved on, minding my business (making my paying clients happy, filling in the gaps in my calendar, getting some fresh air) and I turn around and there's an e-mail from my ex-almost-client (is that a legal noun?). There's an apology for the last time and a new project this time, and please send the contract again. Sometimes it's another hurry-up-and-wait. Sometimes it's golden. As long as I keep my options open, my communications professional, and my prospects fresh, I don't have to worry either way.

Firing The Almost-Client

By Lindsay Woolman

I’ve been reading a book called The Happiness Project that talks about making small changes to make to increase happiness over the course of a year. One of the goals of the author was her decision to start a personal blog—and it is interesting to see that parts of her blog became the content for the book.


This has definitely got me thinking about restarting a blog for a personal project that might eventually be a print book or eBook, or even help me to break into more markets. This is one of the best times ever to write and publish your book because distribution is easier than ever before. It’s also one of the hardest times because if you self-publish, you’re in charge of everything.


Still, it’s an exciting prospect because one of the ways that blogs became successful is because the author publishes and sells a book. The two platforms really work hand-in-hand. Here’s why:


Participation: A blog gives you a taste of how readers might respond to your book. You can grow the project based on the comments or the most popular blog posts. You can also see what’s not working. If a particular blog topic doesn’t go over well, it might not go over well in a book either. You can also have parts of your book with actual content from the blog, such as comments that drive your point in a different font.


Built-in Readers: There is the potential to have a readership already in place that you can tap into. If you take your subject matter even deeper, you might have the potential of selling to people. This is even a way to gain attention from a publisher or literary agent who is looking for proactive writers. My agent asked me when we started discuss me self-publishing my novel, “Do you have a blog?”


It Gets You Writing: Many writers are writing to pay the bills, but if you have a topic of personal interest, it is rewarding to write for yourself. Good books seem to come out of passion—a person has a driving need to create a particular book—and they start exploring. Starting with a blog is a low-pressure way to take this leap. If a blog is constantly on your mind, it’s likely that the book equivalent will be too.


It’s a Sweet Marketing Tool: Even if you think you can write a book and get away without blogging about it, keep in mind that these days blogs are a primary way to advertise. Your blog could even be off topic if you’re known. The line of privacy has been blurred and readers are accustomed to knowing personal details about authors and their daily lives.


Blogs that Became Books


Here is a list of some well-known blogs that became books (on a variety of topics). Ones that seem to go over particularly well seem to be memoirs or personal subjects.


The Happiness Project
Crazy Aunt Purl’s Drunk, Divorced, and Covered in Cat Hair
Julie and Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously
PostSecret: Extraordinary Confessions from Ordinary Lives
There are also books from WM bloggers to check out.


If you’re a fellow writer and wrote a book based on your blog about writing, please share it in the comments. I’d also be curious to hear what the process was like turning your blog into a book.


Photo via Flickr user » Zitona «

Create a Blog that Becomes a Book

If the Ad Looks Fishy...

Look at the Craigslist ad well before responding. It should provide detailed information about the services the client is seeking, not just "I need a writer." It should provide links, experience required, and should look like a professional ad. It shouldn't be consumed by typos and wishy washy information. If the ad just doesn't seem right or seems low quality, chances are it's a scam or the pay they are offering just isn't worth it anyway.

We're moving! Starting February 1, 2011, you will find us at
http://wmfreelancewritersconnection.com. Don't worry, you'll still
have access to all of our existing posts here on this site, but future
posts will be on the new site. And, as an added bonus, new subscribers
on the new site will receive a free ebook from The WM Freelance
Writers Connection bloggers.

How to Avoid Craigslist Writing Scams

By Rebecca Sebek


It's time to answer a mailbag question. This one is from Michael Haas who wants to publish his travel writing and photographs. Michael writes:

Hi,

Thanks for sharing your experiences on the web. That´s quite helpful and very friendly.

I am German and live in Bali. I am a writer and photographer, a video guy and a diver. I worked as a teacher in Japan before I came to Bali. When my contract expired I wanted to do something else.

I am interested in environmental issues – there is a big garbage/pollution problem in Indonesia – animal protection issues. I write about traveling and take photos.

And I need to publish writings and photos to make money and get some feedback on what I am doing.

For photo samples: http://www.flickr.com/photos/9038210@N07/

Very glad if you find the time to give me some advice on how to publish stuff.

Best Regards,
Michael Haas

Michael, thank you for asking this question!


Travel writing is a fun genre. Popular niche markets for travel writers are eco and adventure travel. Volunteer travel is gaining momentum because people want to give back and make a difference. Like Michael, if you incorporate photography and video, you'll be an in demand travel writer.


Travel writing organizations

Joining a travel writing organization gives you tremendous benefits such as meeting other travel writers, journalists, editors, and videographers. Also, you can attend media trips and conferences. Some organizations charge an annual fee but the benefits you receive are worth it.


One of the most popular travel writing organizations is The International, Food, Wine, and Travel Association. I had the opportunity to meet board member Maralyn D. Hill in 2009 at a luncheon in Phoenix, AZ. She's very passionate about the IFWTA and its members. The benefits of joining IFWTA range from being surrounded by other travel writers to conferences and media trips. They have a strict membership policy. Writers must provide URLs, clips, or books from two years ago. IFWTA retains the right to audit members.


International Society for Travel Writers was founded in 1997. You can join ISTW at anytime and will receive a discounted subscription to Studies in Travel Writing which is published four times a year. Membership fees are $90.


Society of American Travel Writers is another popular organization for travel writers. You can apply as an active or associate member but need a primary sponsor who's a member of SATW or a secondary sponsor and two written references.


Connect with other journalists, editors, photographers, and tourism professionals by joining the
North American Travel Journalists Association. The annual membership fee is $150, plus a one-time administrative fee of $25. This may seem high but you receive benefits such as a resource center and forum; conferences, professional development, member database, eWire service, and much more.


Popular travel writing websites

If you want to connect with other travel writers and have your work published, visit the following websites.


Brave New Traveler
World Hum (Rick Steves writes a blog here)
BootsnAll
Vagablogging (Website of Rolf Potts)


Travel Magazines

If you're interested in publishing your travel articles along with photographs and videos, query these magazines.


National Geographic
National Geographic Traveler
Travel+Leisure
Outside (I just discovered this one -- fabulous magazine)
Budget Travel
Conde Nast Traveler


If you love being in front of the camera, contact The Travel Channel and pitch them a show or two. You must be affiliated with a production company; otherwise they won't accept your ideas.


Travel writing isn't for the faint of heart. As Michael pointed out, he's interested in environmental issues and animal protection. If you travel to a country that can be hostile to outsiders, you could face some extraneous circumstances. However, writers who are passionate about exposing and uncovering the truth will risk everything.


You can travel the world and get paid for it! Travel writing opportunities can be found on Craigslist, Freelance Writing.com, and other websites. Make sure you build your portfolio online and in print because publishers will request clips. If you don't have a blog, start one today. You can put samples of your work, i.e., writing, photographs, and or videos on it or have a separate portfolio website. Most importantly, remember what Mark Twain said, "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness."


*Photo by Justin Phelan_Stock Exchange

Get Paid to Travel the World

By Pam Houghton

I'm fresh out of advice today. No practical tips. No 5 ways to make a bazillion dollars. No inspirational posts.


Nothing. Nada. Zip.


So maybe I'll share an embarrassing story instead.


One of my New Year's resolutions was to make my writer's website more entertaining. Oh, sure, I had content on there, but it seemed like I'd plopped in my published stories and articles without adding any personality.


Home page: boring. Bio: boring. Writing page: boring.


Basically: My name is Pam. Here's my stuff. Bye.


My website worked well enough when I applied for gigs. But with over 1000 hits (it tells me that on the Admin page) I hardly had anyone contacting me. Without me contacting them first. Which seemed, oh, so unfortunate.


In lieu of hiring a Web/HTML/IT expert to throw in a ton of functionality which I had no idea how to do on my own, I thought I could at least spritz it up with some writing.


So that's what I did.


I removed the humorless, here's-what-I-do-and-oh-yeah-click-on-these-links stuff on the Home page, and the Bio page, and all the other humorless pages - and replaced them with humor. Maybe now I could convert one of these hits into a paying customer!


I'd give it six months.


Now, here's the embarrassing part.


I'm on some committee at my kids' school. Without going into all the gory detail, a very important announcement, provided my MOI to the committee's communications person, got sent out to thousands of parents. From the principal's e-mail account. But, they forgot to delete my e-mail signature first. (Or rather, I forgot to delete it before I sent the stupid thing to the communications person.)


Which wouldn't be so bad, except that I included a link to my website in my signature. Like all writers do, right? Maybe? Yeah?


I wasn't really ready to show it to anyone. But now, it could be seen by an audience of thousands.


Oye.


Oye!


OYE!


Of course, they'd have to take the extra step to click on the website...and hopefully, the vast majority will be too lazy to do that. But still! I wasn't ready to share it. With zillions of peeps, anyway. What if it's not funny??


I just hope nobody notices.


Do you have any embarrassing stories to share, Pam asked meekly?


We're moving! Starting February 1, 2011, you will find us at
http://wmfreelancewritersconnection.com. Don't worry, you'll still
have access to all of our existing posts here on this site, but future
posts will be on the new site. And, as an added bonus, new subscribers
on the new site will receive a free ebook from The WM Freelance
Writers Connection bloggers.

Sad Tale of Woe: How One Writer's Website Got Sent to Thousands a Bit Prematurely

By Shakirah Dawud

As experts, when we want to set someone or something straight, we can sometimes come off as know-it-alls, holier-than-thous, and snobs. It's natural: besides being well informed on them, often these are issues we're passionate about as well. But when this shows through in our writing, it can be off-putting to the reader, especially on personal or debatable issues he's taken a public stand on. He feels "talked at" instead of "talked with"--as if we're shaking a finger at his nose--and it's hard for him to remain focused on the lesson or advice we're offering. How do we avoid that slippery soapbox?

Take the focus off of the reader. Don't pin the reader with a gimlet eye--especially when telling him what he's doing wrong. "You should" sentences can be re-crafted into "Be careful" or "Be sure" sentences. Leave out second-person pronouns altogether in these cases when possible; it helps keep a safe distance between your passion and the reader's nose.

Talk about "us." I like using this method when making or arguing a point. For example, if I'd used "you" instead of "we" for all the pronouns in the first sentence of this article, it would have been kind of... well, know-it-all, holier-than-thou, and snobbish. Not to mention offensive to those who don't believe they fall in those categories.

Talk about yourself. My other favorite method: to tell a story about myself. It's almost a show-don't-tell technique, with a plus: it earns trust and allows people to open up to your pointers and advice. Stay humble, state the facts and the lessons learned, and never once mention the reader. Impressive way to keep attention and persuade. Bonus points if it's funny or self-deprecating. Medal for both.

Be understanding. Always see the other side of a situation. Do a little digging and find out what the other side is, if necessary. Some people bring in what they consider a valid excuse for an action, behavior, or decision you didn't realize they had. Try saying, "I know some may do this because... but the drawbacks are..."

Expose myths. People love to find out the truth about something. When you write in a "believe-it-or-not" format, readers have listened unresistingly to your thoughts and conclusions (which should be based on fact, not opinion), and will appreciate your showing them the light.

Leave questions unanswered. List facts, events, and other parts of your argument. Then leave it up to the reader to put the pieces together. Of course, the pieces should all be crafted in a way that creates only one complete picture: the solution or lesson you've been after all along.

Be funny. Some of my favorite bloggers can show me the error of my ways while making me snort into my cup of tea. And it works! Applying combinations of the techniques above with a sharp wit is something I wish I could do consistently.

Remember, sometimes preachiness serves your purpose, or suits the tone of your blog. I personally adore editors' rants.

How else have you seen writers creatively advise their readers?

How To Avoid Preachy Writing

By Lindsay Woolman

The bullseye is that target client who is at the top of your wish list.


Getting hired by a target client takes a certain amount of trial and error, but there are a few things that can help you hit the bullseye faster.


I’ve been reading The Wealthy Freelancer, which has some great tips about prospecting for clients.


Author Ed Gandia shares his story about hitting up 600 prospective clients with a targeted sales letter. With big numbers like that, I would think his plan was a sure thing to finding at least one potential client in the pile (and I’ve also had “sure thing” moments where I’m positive an idea will work). But what Ed found is stunning.


Instead of hitting the bullseye, he wasn’t even on the board. He got a zero response rate. So what gives?


Don’t Confuse Leads with Prospects


Prospecting is an introduction time, rather than a time to push your services. Even if you know it’s a good match, the prospect still needs to be warmed up.


That’s why prospecting is more the like equivalent of introducing yourself to strangers at a cocktail party. You say hello and share a little about yourself, leaving the prospect with a glimpse into your world and hopefully some curiosity.


Where to Start


Rather than trying to get lots of leads, prospecting works better when it’s about quality, not quantity. Everything I have read says to start with who you know.


Everyone has a network of people, so it’s important to tell as many people as possible about your search for quality propects. Referrals are a gold mine for freelancers.


I recently learned that on Linked In it does matter how many people you are connected to. If you want to contact someone outside your circle, you can actually do this through an Introduction. This is where one of your contacts can forward a message you’ve written to someone in their network.


Here are a few more tips for hitting the bullseye with prospecting:


Create a quality target list. I can almost guarantee you if you create this list, you will land at least one of these clients.

The next thing is to interact with this list. Have a place to check off when contact is made and what happened. Get a red pen ready to cross out names, and in the end you’ll likely be circling some instead. There is a saying I heard recently that says, “If you’re not failing, you’re not trying,” so give it your best shot.


Let prospects know about your background. Even though you might have tons of skills, only share what is be meaningful to the prospect. Using a “how I can help you” tone can help warm up a person you’re contacting for the first time. I have found it also helps to not just tell them about your services, but to give them a vision of how you can help.


Create a buzz piece. We’ve all downloaded one of theses at some point. This is that really enticing guide or special report that is free and available from you.


As explained in The Wealthy Freelancer, a buzz piece is “an information piece of some kind that is designed to attract prospects.” It could be anything from a checklist to a how-to guide or a workbook. It’s usually available as a downloadable PDF from your website.


After reading that a buzz piece only needs to be 5 to 10 pages in length, this is definitely a device I want to use.


Lastly, keep your eye on that bullseye. No matter what your target, keep aiming for it and you'll eventually hit the mark!

Photo via Flickr user jamespuckey.

Prospecting for New Clients? How to Hit the Bullseye

By Angela Atkinson

There was a time when I thought I couldn't afford to turn down freelance writing jobs, even if they paid well below my "bottom line" price. Not surprisingly, around that same time, if a potential client balked at my pricing, I would instantly respond with a lower quote.

This mindset led me to work really hard (and not really smart) for very little money. Because I am a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to my work, I still felt the need to do proper research and edit myself thoroughly, even though I was being paid peanuts.

Even so, I wasted a lot of time, and I dealt with a lot of unnecessary stress. Then one day, former WM blogger Carol Tice told me that I didn't have to take those jobs, that it was ok to hold out for the gigs I wanted. At first, I thought she was full of it, and wrote her off and kept plugging away. After all, I did have some high paying gigs mixed in there with the crappy ones, so I was doing ok, right? And, I thought, holding on to the lower paying jobs seemed like a way to make sure I'd never be without work.

But, when the time you spend on the low paying jobs starts costing you the ability to find the high paying jobs? Well, then, my friend, you're riding that self-destructive train, speeding on its way to writer burnout (and very little to show for it.) See, I could very easily spend 10 hours a day (or more) pumping out article after article for a content mill--and still not make the kind of money I can make if I'm working a solid 5 or 6 hours a day on jobs that I actually A. Like and B. Get paid a decent amount to do.

Are you stuck in the low-paying writing jobs spiral of self-destruction? Does it feel like you're in one of those movies where the train just won't stop? Well, my writer friends, it's time to step it up and jump off that train. So how do you do it?

Buck Up

Start by setting your rates. The 2011 Writer's Market has a great "pay rates list" starting on page 67 that can be really helpful, if you're not sure what to charge. Consider your writing abilities and the level of quality you expect to provide to your clients, and then just do it. I have a rate-range that I work with--one that includes my "low end" and "high end" pricing and requires me to consider the depth of work that might be involved with a particular project.

You don't have to publish this list--just keep it for your own reference. Then, when you get a nibble from a potential client, you can work up your quote based on your pre-determined rates. Personally, I found this practice very empowering, especially when I learned to stick to my guns and not totally freak if someone said I was charging too much.

Speaking of Guns

Stick to yours. Don't let yourself be low-balled. Don't be afraid to walk away--there is always another gig around the corner if this one isn't a good fit. If you're a decent writer who is committed to yourself and your business, you'll find the right gigs for you. Just keep your head up and your eyes open. They show up in the most interesting places.

I had a nibble earlier this week in which a novelist asked me to edit his book. It was around 130K words, and after reading the synopsis, I thought it sounded like a fun project. After I sent over my quote, the novelist responded, saying he was surprised that it cost so much and that he'd get back to me.

I didn't freak out because I knew that it just wasn't the right fit. And because, as a freelancer, I never put all of my eggs in one basket, so I'm all set with my other writing jobs. In fact, this one would have been just a little extra gravy. (One I probably didn't have time for anyway!)

Then today, it occurred to me that I have reached that level--I am officially off the train. I no longer feel obligated to take jobs that pay less than I feel comfortable accepting. And, I have to say, it feels pretty darn good.

So how about you? Are you on that train? Or have you taken that leap of faith and jumped off? Tell us all about it in the comments!

Low Paying Freelance Writing Gigs: Jump Off That Train, Quick!

 By Angela Atkinson

Have you ever been stiffed by a client?

A couple of years ago, I accepted a job at a much lower rate of pay than I'd have preferred, simply because the client came through a referral who had referred me several other high paying clients.

I liked the referral source and wanted to get more referrals--and from her, I learned that this particular client was short on funds and running her own business, so as a fellow female entrepreneur, I gave her an uber-great deal.

As it turned out, the client wanted much more work than I had originally agreed to (and did not want to compensate me for the additional work.) Eventually, she refused to pay the balance of her account. In the end, I decided to cut my losses--it wasn't worth pursuing due to the low dollar amount involved.

I had done everything right, I thought--I required her to pay 1/2 up front before I even began the work, and I had given her a contract that clearly outlined what I would do for the amount she was paying. I made it clear that the balance would be due upon completion of the work we had agreed on.

So what went wrong?

The Client

1. The client had unrealistic expectations.The amount she agreed to pay me would have covered one article for any other client, and she wanted me to handle her social networking and publicity for several weeks. I did as I promised, and the results were not as she expected.
2. She wasn't flexible. She didn't want to give away much of anything, even though I explained to her that getting reviews on the product (an app for smart phones) would help to increase its exposure and potentially her sales. Giving a few apps away wouldn't have cost her anything. She could have even made a free version of it, but she felt that it would limit sales instead of increasing them.
3. She expected that her product would sell far more than it did--and then blamed me when it didn't. Her product was not universally appealing as she thought, and so generally people weren't as interested as she'd hoped. She refused to modify it to make it more appealing, and generally, the product just wasn't a big seller.  
4. Because of these unrealistic expectations, the client felt that she was justified in refusing to pay the second half of her balance, even though I had already done more work than the entire balance would have covered for anyone else. 

The Freelance Writer

1. I was too trusting. I offered her a rock-bottom price because of the relationship I had with the referral source, and because I could identify with her as a woman and an independent businessperson. 
2. I accepted her choice to refuse to pay the second half of her balance in an attempt to maintain a positive relationship with the referral source. Apparently, that didn't work out for me either, as I haven't received another referral from this person to date. 
3. I thought that giving her a clearly outlined plan of attack was enough--but I should have also included a projection/guesstimate of what I expected the results to be from the work I was doing. 

What I Do Differently Now

1. I still require the 50% up front deposit from all clients--but now, I try to communicate more clearly. I also get a contract in place, and generally don't pull any punches when it comes to the potential results of any social networking or social media marketing I might be doing for a client. (This is less often an issue with straight writing work.)
2. I also make sure to send detailed formal invoices, even if the client says it's not necessary. This not only helps me keep better records--it seems to help the clients too.
3. I don't give anything away. I am happy to let potential clients take a look at my writing samples, but I don't give them any work for free. If they want me to audition for them, I still charge them a reasonable fee for the work I'm submitting. If the working relationship has the potential to be long-term, I'm more likely to give them a bit of a discount for the audition piece--with full disclosure of the discount and the reason for it. (This is a personal choice for me--many freelancers would disagree with this policy. I use it sparingly and only when I feel like it's worth the risk.)
4. I choose my clients more carefully. I don't assume everyone is trustworthy, and I don't take gigs if I don't think they're the right fit for me. 
5. I don't bend on my pricing. I might be willing to work with a client within my own price range (I have a high-end to low-end pricing structure I stick within) but I no longer go below my bottom line pricing.

Now it's your turn! Have you been stiffed by a client? How did you handle it? What do you do differently now? Tell us in the comments!

Freelance Writing Business Practices: I Got Ripped Off

By Pam Houghton

I struggle with endings.


In one of my writing groups, we used to joke about how I needed to go to "ending school." I'd read my piece out loud to the group; it would skip along at a nice, brisk pace; then we'd get to the end, and clunk! Seemed like a buzzer went off - "Time to get the roast out of the oven!" - as I topped the piece off with some doesn't-make-sense ending.


I just finished a column that will be published later this month. The deadline was Friday (yesterday). I had the same problem - the piece moved along at a nice, brisk pace. It had energy, words, purpose - but I just couldn't eke out the ending. What was I was trying to say? How could I keep it engaging? Make it logical? Satisfying?


I kept trying...and trying...and trying. But I just couldn't get the right...words...out. Ugh!


Why do we have so much trouble with endings? Do we feel like we have to make a "grand point"? Are we in school again, feeling the pressure to write that tidy conclusion typical of the five-paragraph essay? Or do we suddenly lose confidence in everything we wrote prior?


Well, here are five things I've learned - and am still learning - to do to push past that point.


1. Let it simmer. Sometimes, my brain just needs a rest. It can't think anymore. It's out of creative juice. So I put the piece aside for as long as I can (depending on the deadline!) and see if my brain will refresh itself. After a day or two, sometimes the ending comes. Sometimes in the middle of the night. (Of course, if I don't get up and write it down, I completely forget about it by morning.)


2. Go back through the piece and look for threads. Earlier references can provide clues to a satisfying ending. Maybe they are metaphorical, maybe they are anecdotal, maybe they are humor-based. Whatever, there are frequently clues within the piece that, if I put my analytical hat on, help me write an ending that works.


3. Be brave enough to say what I really meant to say. Occasionally, I chicken out. I don't want to reveal my true feelings. Or my point-of-view. So that's when I get into trouble with convoluted endings that don't make sense. Just say what I have to say! And say it how I say it. Not how someone else would say it.


4. Call or e-mail a trusted writer friend or relative. Right now, that would be my brother. I'll send him something I'm struggling with. He understands language so precisely that he seems to know what I'm trying to say. Then he helps me get to my previous point, #3.


5. Relax. Sometimes, I just can't worry about the perfect ending. Maybe it's not gonna come. This time. And a decent ending will have to suffice. This is a great tool for those of us that get caught up in our neurotic tendency for perfection. IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE PERFECT!


How do you handle endings? Are they a struggle? How do you finally eek one out?


We're moving! Starting February 1, 2011, you will find us at
http://wmfreelancewritersconnection.com. Don't worry, you'll still
have access to all of our existing posts here on this site, but future
posts will be on the new site. And, as an added bonus, new subscribers
on the new site will receive a free ebook from The WM Freelance
Writers Connection bloggers.


photo by ba1969/stock.xchng

5 Ways to Write the Ending When You're Stuck

by Taqiyyah Shakirah Dawud

The new year ushers in bean-counting time! I interviewed Ryan Himmel, CPA, registered securities analyst, and founder and CEO of BIDaWIZ.com to get some valuable information on tax rules of thumb, and learned of some surprising mistaken and overlooked write-offs for freelancers. Read on.

Q: First of all, what makes a deduction acceptable?
The IRS requires business deductions to be “ordinary and necessary” for your profession. Take advantage of deductions for things like office supplies, mileage for travel to client meetings, professional books and journals, and means of communications such as cell phones and the Internet.

Keep in mind that only a portion of some purchases can be written off. If you buy new fonts for a project and use them half the time for work and half the time for personal use, deduct just half the cost of their purchase price. The same goes for things like landlines and Internet connections. Estimate how much you use them for business use, and deduct that portion.

Q: How should we use depreciations and deductions?
For bigger ticket items like computers, depreciate the purchase over five years, or deduct the entire amount the year they’re purchased. To determine what’s best, think about possible changes in your income over the next five years and whether you think tax rates will go up or down in that time. Take the largest deductions when income and tax rates are highest.

Q: What about home office space?
If you have a dedicated home office, you can write off related expenses. If your home is 1,500 square feet and your office is 150 square feet, deduct 10 percent of your mortgage or rent, utilities, insurance, real estate taxes, and similar expenses.

Q: What is the most common mistake freelancers make in their write-offs?
Commingling Funds. Many freelancers don't set up separate business bank accounts, or they don't account for personal and business expenses separately. Interest on credit cards and vehicle and travel expenses for business purposes can get mixed into personal funds, making it more difficult and time consuming to figure out what is really deductible. It also makes it difficult to provide a clear audit trail if you need to track down expenses for an audit.

Q: What is the most common overlooked write-off?
Self Employment Tax (13.3% = 10.4%* Social Security/2.9% Medicare). It’s shocking how many people miss this tax deduction. It may be so obvious that it's overlooked. You can deduct 50% of your self employment tax. Also, keep in mind that the new Bush Tax Cut Extension Bill provides a 1-year 2% reduction in social security tax; it’s normally 12.4%, but in 2011 it will be 10.4% for all wages earned up to $106,800.

Q: What is the most unique write-off you've seen legally submitted?
Customer clarinet lessons. Not for freelance music teachers, but for their students. The IRS maintains a rule that clarinet and lesson expenses can be considered treatment for the improper alignment of a child's upper and lower teeth, so parents can deduct it. Some teachers even use that as an incentive for prospective customers. Definitely one of the stranger deductions I've seen.

Q: Is there any other related information you'd like to provide?
Make sure you’re up to date on the ramifications of the Bush Tax Cut Extension recently signed into law by Congress. There are many changes impacting freelancers.

BIDaWIZ.com is a leading online marketplace where business owners and consumers alike can get answers to tough finance and tax questions from licensed business experts. Ryan Himmel has been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Fox Business, Crain’s New York, among other notable publications; and regularly contributes to the community with his finance and tax blog. Contact Ryan at ryan@bidawiz.com or on Twitter @BIDaWIZ.

2010 Tax Rules Freelancers Should Know

By Lindsay Woolman

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to become a better writer this year. Along with investing in classes and learning from others, there are a few things I want to do.


There's a quote by Tom Clancy that goes, "Life is about learning; when you stop learning, you die." It's important to realize that no one ever "makes it." Life is a continual process of growth and change. We're all in this together and making your writing even better makes you more valuable.

So, on the note of living more and starting 2011 with the best of intentions, here are some things I'm going to do to make my writing better:


1. Use the spell checker.

This is a small thing, but I've lacked my spell checker for far too long. When I recently realized my Microsoft Word was playing tricks on me and NOT spell checking every word, I knew I had to fight back. Since I’m not a champion speller, I decided I had to resurrect my use of the spell checker.

Those 30 seconds are worth my peace of mind!


2. Eliminate adverbs.


I dislike adverbs, except when they emphasize a point. I use “truly” and “very,” but only when I mean it.

Most adverbs end in “ly” and they slow the reader down. Sometimes this works, but for the most part adverbs add excess padding. They're like big boulders you’re climbing over. A few boulders add some color, but too many and you’re not going to get to the other side.



3. Capture readers with headlines.

Carol Tice writes about the importance of headlines on her recent blog post, why writing killer headlines will change your life. She explains that from blogs to query letters, strong headlines lead to more clicks.

This is how I think it works: We love to learn and have our minds opened. It makes us feel more alive. That’s why we love traveling to new places, riding roller coasters, and falling in love. Headlines that simulate the mind and ask good questions get us thinking and coming back for more.


4. Write with emotion.


If you can infuse emotion into your words, they will jump off the page. Better yet, if you can get the reader to feel something, you’re on your way to great writing. This is especially true if you’re trying to sell a product—or sell yourself.

Simply put, people make decisions based on emotion. If it feels good, they stick around.


5. Write with smarts and personality.


Before I jump into a project I’m going to think more about my audience and write to them more personally. I know that if I can capture their intellect and their desires, my writing is stronger. There is a small piece of myself in every project, so I'd like that piece to be great.


6. Take risks.

Most of the time when I do something that I’m uncertain about or that is new, the results are positive. Risks are where innovation happens. Risks create vision for you and your clients. They are usually worth any perceived "mistake."


7. Read more.


To make my writing jump off the page I vow to read more—and also read aloud. I am also going to read more books for pleasure because I think reading another voice expands my own.


8. Find clients who appreciate you.


If your clients aren’t rewarding you or giving you the appreciation you deserve as a writer, your writing will fall flat.

On the flip side, when you’re getting praise, you are on cloud nine. Each time your client is delighted—and is compelled to share this with you—you share in this delight. This makes your writing even better because you know it's making a difference.

Photo via flickr user :Ree

8 Ways to Make Your Writing Jump Off the Page

Photo Courtesy of "Large Group of Letters" by JR3

Writing Tips: Understanding Title Case Capitalization

By Angela Atkinson

Looking for a way to boost your writing income without too much extra work? Consider selling reprints! A reprint is exactly what it sounds like--a re-publishing of a previously published article or piece of work. Many writers make thousands of dollars each year on reprints alone.

So how do you do it?

Look Forward

Since you must own all rights to your work in order to sell is as a reprint, negotiate your contracts carefully the first time you sell your articles. If you sell "all rights" or sign a "work for hire" contract, you are signing over your rights to the publisher or client. This means that you no longer own the work and cannot republish it. So, if you know ahead of time that your article has reprint value, read the publishing contract thoroughly, ensuring that you understand exactly what's going to happen.

In some cases, publishers will include an exclusivity provision, which means that while you're temporarily selling your rights to reprint, they often revert to you after a specified time period. Other contracts will permanently prohibit reprinting the story in any competing publication. Bottom line: know what you're getting yourself into before you commit.

Look Back

Now that you know what to do to facilitate your ability to sell reprints in the future, look back at the work you've already done to see if anything has reprint potential. If you own the rights to an article or other piece of work, you can sell the reprint rights.

Make it easy on yourself by cataloguing any work that qualifies for reprint sales. Categorize titles, topic areas, word count and dates available for reprinting. Consider using an Excel or Google Docs spreadsheet so that you can easily sort and search your catalogue list. And, as you write new stories that may later qualify as a reprint, add them to the list.

Selling Your Reprints

Selling article reprints is an easy way to increase your freelance writing income with minimal effort. When you own the rights to your previously publsihed articles, you can republish them (and be paid more than once for the same piece of work.) Many freelance writers add thousands of dollars to their annual income by simply selling reprints.

When you're ready to begin selling reprints of your articles, it's time to start scouting out the appropriate markets. First things first, consider the types of articles you write, and seek publications that typically print similar stories (and that are interested in publishing reprints.) So where can you find these publications?

Check the Markets

Check well-known markets, such as Writers Market and The Freelance Writing Jobs Network (FWJ.) You can also look at places like our writing opportunities and Writing Job Resource for leads. Look specifically for publishers who are interested in purchasing previously published work. These might include small-circulation and regional newspapers and magazines, as well as trade publications. Be sure to read writers guidelines carefully.

Direct Contact

Call or email your local regional newspapers and magazines as well as those in neighboring states to find out if they'd be interested in purchasing reprints of your articles. This works especially well with stories that are seasonal, evergreen or otherwise universally appealing.

Repurpose for the Web

Another high-potential reprint market for your articles is the Internet. There are countless websites purchasing content every day. Whether you sell a reprint for online publication as is, or you optimize the article using SEO first, the 'net offers an endless supply of possibilities for reprint sales.

Sell PLR Packages

PLR (private label rights) packages include a specified amount and type of content for a flat fee.The customer who purchases this package is able to modify the content to fit his own needs, including changing it to his liking and even claiming it as his own. This works well for blog posts and other online content as well as ecourses, and many writers report that they do very well selling PLR packages.

Make Extra Money With Reprints: How Freelance Writers Can Legally Double Dip

by N. Strauss

Have you thought about offering freelance editing services in addition to your freelance writing? We asked freelance editor Stan Carey to share some tips based on his experience.

This is the second part of our conversation with Stan Carey. Click here to return to Part 1.

WM: What kind of training or background do you think a freelance editor needs?

SC: You can arrive at editing from almost any background, I think, so long as you have the appropriate aptitude and skills. My path was quite unorthodox; as a freelance editor I’m largely self-trained. I have a background in science, a TEFL qualification, and a lifelong love of art, writing, and literature. All these elements have helped train me for a career in editing; they have fostered in me a critical eye, patience and flexibility, attention to detail, enthusiasm for research, endless curiosity, creativity in problem-solving, a love of clear communication, and an appreciation of the diversity of people’s ideas and their means of expressing them.

WM: What types of editing clients have you had? How did you find these clients? Has your blog been helpful as a marketing tool?

SC: My clients are a diverse group. They include business people, researchers, academics, creative writers, human rights organisations, webmasters, students (mainly mature students), civil servants, law firms, and entrepreneurs. Usually it’s the clients who find me. This happens through referral from a previous client or from another editor, or after they see an ad or come across my website or blog.

The blog, Sentence First, has been helpful in many ways. From a business point of view, it lets potential clients see that I know what I’m doing. It also enables them to get a sense of my editing style, and to get to know me a bit if they don’t already. It’s not always easy for writers to submit their prose for alteration, especially by an unknown party. So the blog helps with credibility and trust.

As an aside: Writing a blog can also bring unexpected rewards in the connections you make with people around the world. Twitter, too, is useful and fun; it’s full of writers and editors sharing links and ideas and talking shop.

WM: Could you offer some advice to new freelance editors on how to market their services and find clients?

SC: I’m reluctant to advise on the marketing side of freelance editing, because it’s an area I have much to learn about! It helps that Ireland is in some ways like a big village — it’s a good size for business based on word of mouth. A lot of my work comes from returning clients or through referrals.

You could place ads in suitable publications, directories, and venues. Join local business groups and online social networks. How to market your services will differ according to personal circumstances, such as the circles you move in (online and offline) and the types of editing you’re interested in. The most important thing is to do impeccable work.

WM: Could you offer some advice on communication with the client during or after the editorial project?

SC: This depends on the client and the project. I offer various channels of communication, because some clients like to discuss things by email, while others prefer phone conversations or text messages. Often there’s a mix. Sometimes there’s very little communication, for example if a client has a busy job and a family and other commitments. The type and extent of communication can change. Now and then, especially on long projects with local clients, we meet to chat in person.

Taking editorial changes as an example: Normally if I see something in the text that I’m unclear about, I insert a comment. Whether it’s a one-off problem or a recurring one, it’s important to bring it to the client’s attention, but not to do so intrusively. Clients can review comments whenever it’s convenient for them. Some are very interested in the editing process, and we might discuss, say, the best way to cast a certain sentence. Others just let it happen and don’t get involved in what I’m doing any more than they need to. I’m happy with either approach.

When I’ve completed and returned a project, I usually make a point of stressing my availability for last-minute advice. I know from experience that clarifications are apt to be sought right up to (and after) a deadline. Writers are under a lot of pressure, particularly towards the end of a project, so I let them know I’m just an email or phone call away. With repeat clients, where the rapport is likely to be stronger, this goes without saying. But I say it anyway.

WM: When and why should a freelance writer hire an editorial service?

When to hire an editor depends on a lot of things, such as the project type and requirements, whether there’s a deadline, and how much the editing would cost. If a writer is struggling to give a project shape, they might want to involve a developmental editor early in the process. (I’m not a developmental editor.) Attending a writing course or seminar might be a better option at a given moment, or simply spending more time practising the craft and applying it effectively and ruthlessly to the material.

Why hire an editor? It’s partly the wood-for-trees problem. If you write, you’ll recognise the difficulty of assessing your work accurately beyond a certain point. We end up too close to our text, emotionally and intellectually. Mistakes and weaknesses become invisible through overfamiliarity. If we abandon it for a while, we gain a measure of critical distance from it, but never quite enough; and taking breaks is time-consuming. An experienced pair of eyes, fresh to the text, will spot things the writer won’t. A faulty comma here, a dangling modifier there, a lapse in logic in between — right there, in that knot of abstraction.

Joseph M. Williams put it well. “When we read our own stuff,” he said, “all we’re doing is reminding ourselves of what we wanted it to mean when we wrote it. That means that we are our own worst editors. We are constitutionally incapacitated from looking at our own writing the way others will read it.” As a writer and an editor I’ve found this to be true, and it’s why clients commonly express surprise at how much they find their prose improved by even light editing.

Automated grammar- and spell-checkers are unreliable, and a single typo can undermine a lot of hard work. People spot mistakes, and they make decisions based on the quality of communication. In a UK Royal Mail survey in 2005, 74% of people said they wouldn’t trust a business that used poor spelling or grammar. Careful readers can tell at a glance when prose has not been professionally edited. Whatever you’re submitting, distributing, or trying to publish, it should be free of basic errors. This makes a strong and lasting impression, and shows respect for readers' time and attention.

You can learn more about Stan Carey from his professional website and from his language blog, Sentence First.

Want to see some language train wrecks that could have been prevented by a good editor? Check out Italian to English translation bloopers on the TA Professional Translation Services blog.

Stan Carey on Freelance Editing - Part 2