Notes from Minnesota Hey Freelancer! I've received tons of feedback about my last e-mail where I outlined my step by step money success formula for freelancing. It's funny, really, especially considering it featured an recipe for Banana Cinnamon Ice Cream. Some people wanted more information about the books I was talking about. Others wanted to find out how I've (easily) lost nearly 90 pounds. Either way, once you've got a great “recipe,” you'll experience great results. It's really that simple. So, in light of this information, you can check out the e-mail I'm talking about here. You can also get on my list where I'll outline exactly what I've done to slim down (nearly) 90 (!) pounds here. This has been an AWESOME project that I'm more than excited about. :) Enjoy! Beth P.S. Be sure to check out our best sellers. Here's the link P.P.S. Share Writing Etc. with your freelance friends by clicking here. Beth's Hot Pick of the Week Advice to Freelance Writers: Insider Secrets to Effective Shoestring Marketing, Managing a Winning Mindset, and Thriving in Any Economy, Volumes 1 - 3 is my final tribute to the freelancing community. Because I knew I wouldn't write any more books aimed at writers, I spilled all my secrets, every trick, held nothing back and created a comprehensive 3 volume set covering:
In Volume 3, I dig especially deep into marketing, revealing specific techniques, their pros and cons, and revealing which ones worked best for me, as well as which ones tanked. Finally, because your a Writing Etc. subscriber, I'm
tossing in five audio CDs including: Each book retails for $12.95 ($38.85 total for the three volumes). Each CD retails for $9.95 (49.75 total for 5 CDs). You'll get the whole sh'bang for $29.95. But, the 5 CD set is going the way of the dinosaur soon. Just an FYI. If you want this special set, be sure to order today.
Make Your Writing Sparkle Summer's here! This feature will be back when the weather turns cold. Until then, I'm hitting the bike trails! Prompts for the Week Yup. Still on the trails. Seriously. I really am. You won't BELIEVE what's up my sleeve this time. Feature Article How to Contact
Prospective Clients So... you’re surfing the Internet and stumble upon a
website that looks like a promising source for writing assignments. I think the golden rule should apply. “Do unto your potential clients as you’d have them do unto you.” First, it’s not wise to run in, guns blazing, yelling, “Your copy/article resources/websites/pay rate/whatever sucks!” This has actually happened to me on more than once. A potential writer will sometimes inform me that one of our web pages are a “waste of bandwidth” or perhaps tells me that a particular issue of Writing Etc. was a “disappointment… then turns around and asks if I’ll publish something they’ve written. I don’t hire those people, nor do I sign them to a publishing contract. I only work with people I thoroughly enjoy. Life is far too short to work with people who make your life uncomfortable in any way shape or form. I know a fellow publisher who actually has a clause in her contract stating that they “don’t work with jerks.” I used to think that sounded harsh until I found myself hip deep in the publishing/writing biz. I’ve come to believe that the anonymity of the Internet has stripped away an element of common courtesy. That’s too bad. Especially when in a flash of anger, a writer shoots an e-mail to a publisher who may wind up considering hiring them someday. I write fat checks to various writers every week; every one of them solid professionals who wouldn’t dream of offending a potential client. So, the million dollar question is this: how do you go about contacting and/or corresponding with potential clients without offending them? Easy. If a potential writer comes in saying they have a new angle, a fresh idea, an interesting way to tweak our audience’s imagination… I’m all for taking a peek at what they have to offer. I won’t go into a writing relationship with a writer… whether we’re publishing their book (while assuming all financial risk to do so), distributing their article, or hiring them as a copywriter… assuming the worst on either side of the table. Publishers, writers… we’re all human. It’s something to remember when you draft your queries, letters, and e-mail correspondence. I know I sure remember this every time I contact someone who may publish my work. I’m flexible and I like working with flexible writers. After all, this writing gig is a blast. Just a few thoughts from the other side of the desk.
Gotta get back to work! ~~~ P.S. You can use this article free of charge on your
own website or zine. Just don’t make any changes and be sure to include the entire byline. Enjoy! WRITERS FIND MARKETS EASILY - Worldwide Freelance has
a NEW fully-searchable Markets Database. Discover writing markets from North America, Europe, Australia and other
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