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Why Rebecca aka Savvy-Writer Became a Freelance Writer

August 6, 2011 by Leave a Comment
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Question: Rebecca, why did you become a freelance writer? What’s appealing about it? How difficult is it to think of blog post and or article topics? What is your writing process? Do you suffer from writer’s block? How do you stay ‘sane’ in a competitive market? I want the 411!

Answer: Thank you for asking. I became a freelance writer for many reasons. Read them below.

Why Rebecca aka Savvy-Writer Became a Freelance Writer

1. I love to read and write; I’m grateful for my literacy. My favorite high school classes were art and history; English and literature; and marketing. Writing was natural for me. Completing writing assignments such as book reports, poems, and short stories was easy for me. I enjoy the creative process and creating in general.

2. I fell into freelance writing by applying for a marketing and writing opportunity with a travel company in Arizona. I was given a 2-week ‘trial’ period to see which position I was suited for. The writing position won hands down. The rest they say is history.

3. I enjoy freelance writing because of the variety it offers. I love variety and options! I have my favorite industries and writing specialties but the beauty of freelance writing is you get to decide what you want to write and who you want to write for.

4. It’s not difficult for me to think of a blog post or article topic. This goes hand-in-hand with writer’s block. I can write a blog post or article based on a phrase or word I hear or read. I read blogs, books, newspapers, and magazines. I brainstorm to discover different angles for ‘hot’ topics. I participate in the Creative Copy Challenge and play brainy and word games. I also pay attention to conversations. This may sound like voyeurism (Lol!), but I really listen to what people say. Believe it or not, there are many writing ideas within these conversations.  Finally, I used to believe in writer’s block but not anymore.

5. My writing process differs for each project. For example, if I’m working on YA, fiction, or non-fiction, I’ll create an outline. I never liked using outlines but it helps to keep me on track with my writing. I’ll write the synopsis and plot. I then move into character development; I use a character/action grid. I use this same process for screenwriting. The next step is to research.

Blog posts and articles are different. I research when it’s necessary, but I usually write directly in WordPress. I’ll journal ideas or keep a list in a Word document. Sometimes, I’ll keep ideas in WordPress. I review ideas and will delete the ones I know I won’t develop.

6. I stay ‘sane’ in a competitive market by realizing that which is mine can’t be taken away from me. I believe in the saying, “If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be.” I can’t force clients to work with me, nor would I want to. I like what Oprah says, “If you don’t want me, I don’t want you.” I also stay on my side of the road which means I don’t pay attention to what other freelance writers are doing or the accolades they may receive. If I constantly paid attention to what other freelance writers are doing, I would lose focus on what I’m supposed to be doing. I’m all for ‘congratulating’ writers on their accomplishments, but I have writing to do.

7. Becoming a freelance writer is a business. Luckily, I have business degrees and am comfortable in business. Sales and marketing are a part of the freelance writer’s life. There’s no getting around it. I’m confident in my writing ability and talent. I keep my writing skills sharp by taking writing classes and workshops; I read books about writing. I love education and enjoy educating myself.

Rebecca

Bonus!

*I love researching and solving problems! I’m a stickler meeting deadlines and exceeding expectations. First, I’m a natural problem solver and researcher. However, I can sit in front of my laptop and research for hours. I adhere to a ‘researching’ schedule. Second, I worked in accounting (real estate) and had to meet deadlines. Most of the time ‘corporate’ increased the closing deadline. I also had to solve problems like “Why is the marketing department over budget?” My controller would forget about the opening of a new property. Sometimes, we had to hire more temporary workers than anticipated. It happens!

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20 Questions Clients Could Ask A Freelance Writer

August 3, 2011 by 3 Comments
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Question: I want to hire a freelance. What questions do I need to ask? I’ve heard horror stories from business associates that hired freelance writers who didn’t complete the work. Some writers did a terrible job. I don’t want to hire a freelance writer only to turnaround and hire another one to fix mistakes.

Answer: It’s important to review a freelance writer’s website. First, look at their portfolio. Does their writing style match what you’re looking for? Most freelance writers can write in any style, tone, or voice. Second, look for references and or testimonials. Finally, ask a business associate for a referral. They should have worked with a reputable freelance writer. You’ll be guaranteed to work with a professional.

20 Questions Clients Could Ask A Freelance Writer

1. Why did you become a freelance writer?

2. What do you like about being a freelance writer?

3. What is your most memorable writing project? What was your least favorite writing project?

4. Do you require a kill fee or a certain percentage up front?

5. What are your fees? Do you charge per word? What about per project?

6. Do you offer bundle packages? What are they?

7. How well do you meet deadlines?

8. How flexible are you if I have a ‘rush’ on a writing project? Is there an added cost for rush projects?

9. Will you notify me if you go on vacation?

10. What do you know about “black and white” SEO?

11. What other professional services do you provide besides freelance writing?

12. How well could you incorporate my keywords and phrases into blog posts?

13. Do I need to set you up as an ‘admin’ or could you send me blog posts and or articles in Word?

14. Do you provide multimedia with blog posts and or articles? Is this an extra charge?

15. How long have you been freelance writing?

16. How do you keep your writing skills sharp? Do you attend writers’ conferences? What about taking writing classes and workshops?

17. How much experience do you have with writing eBooks? What program(s) do you use?

18. Where have you been published?

19. What sets you apart from another freelance writer?

20. Why should I hire you?

Bonus!

Do you have any college or trade school degrees? What are they?

Rebecca

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Freelance Writer’s Words Are Magical … Clients Are Spellbound

August 1, 2011 by Leave a Comment
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Question: What tools do you recommend for a freelance writer to improve their vocabulary and copy writing? Obviously, I know about the dictionary, encyclopedia, and thesaurus. What else can I do to avoid overusing words or sounding boring when I write copy? I’d like to expand my ‘arsenal of words’ and dazzle clients with copy writing that hooks and sells.

Answer: To captivate clients and their audience, read long and short form copy to get a ‘feel’ for writing this type of copy. To increase your vocabulary, participate in writing prompts and or writing exercises. Play brainy or word games. Most importantly, read books, magazines, newspapers, periodicals, journals, etc.

When you write for clients, it’s important to remember you’re writing for their target audience. For example, some clients may expect you to use ‘jargon‘ because their target audience expects it; they’ll understand what you’re writing about. If you have a client who’s target market is the ‘every day’ consumer, avoid using ‘jargon’ because consumers may not understand certain terminology, especially abbreviations and or acronyms.

When you write long or short form copy, it’s important to convey a sense of urgency. Why does the consumer need your client? What problem needs solving? Why is your client number one? How much will it cost the consumer to have their problem solved? Read different long and short form copy to gain a better understanding on how to write this type of copy the right way. Pay attention to key words and phrases such as the following:

● Hurry! Offer Ends Soon
● Five Days Only
● Receive Two Bonuses When You Sign Up Now!
● People Just Like You Are (fill in the blank)
● You Won’t Find a Better Product For (fill in the blank)

When you receive long and short form copy, save it! Build a copy writing file and circle the most powerful words within the copy. Study it, learn it, and know it inside and out. Practice writing long and short copy because it will make you a stronger copy writer. Also, make sure your client uses the copy within a ‘layout’ that’s easy to follow; text should be a sizable font. If consumers can’t read the copy, they won’t purchase products and services.

How to improve copy writing and expand vocabulary

1. Participate in writing exercises and prompts. Writer’s Market and Writer’s Digest provide writing exercises.

2. Read magazines and newspapers — especially trade magazines.

3. Play word and or ‘brainy’ games to increase vocabulary.

4. Take a foreign language. Not only is Latin a great way to increase your vocabulary, but you’ll gain understanding of the ‘root’ and real meaning of words.

5. Read blogs such as Copyblogger in addition to other blogs you already read. Copyblogger is a great source for learning about how to write short and long copy.

6. Ask clients the following questions: What’s working? What’s not? What could be better? Have sales dropped in the past six months or year? How much? What happened?

7. Study long and short sales form. Consider taking a copy writing class or purchasing book about how to write effective copy that sells.

Rebecca

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Confession of an Author and Freelance Writer Addicted to That

July 23, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Confess

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Question: What if you’re an author and freelance writer addicted to a particular word? I have a confession: I can’t stop using “that” in my writing. I dream about that all of the time. I think about how many times I can use that. Finally, I see that in magazines, newspapers, marketing materials, books, and eBooks. I can’t get that out of mind. Help!

Answer: The first step is admitting you have a problem with that. Second, realize you’re not alone. Many freelance writers, authors, and bloggers are obsessed with that. Finally, there are other words you can use besides that.

Many writers have overused words at one point in their writing careers. For example, some travel writers will confess to overusing typical travel words such as azure, breathtaking, cramped, enchanted, enchanting, magical, and other words to describe the places they’ve visited; hotels and hostels they’ve stayed in. The good news is you can overcome an addiction to a certain word as long as you know and pay attention the word(s) you overuse. Keep writing references nearby such as dictionary, encyclopedia, thesaurus, AP or Chicago Manual of Style, and others. You’ll be able to find another word in place of that.

The next time you sit down to write be aware of your tendency to use that. When you feel the urge to type that, resist it. Walk away from the laptop or iPad. Don’t give that power over you; otherwise it will tighten its grip. If you don’t find the strength to use another word, you’ll be doomed to use that in your writing forever. Clients and editors will be disgusted by that and won’t read your writing. You don’t want that — do you?

Rebecca

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10 Easy Ways to Keep Writer’s Block Out of Your Mind

July 15, 2011 by Leave a Comment
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R.L. Stine, author the Goosebumps series, was interviewed by Gotham Writers’ Workshops. He was asked about his take on writer’s block. R.L. Stine says, “I never had writer’s block. I really don’t have time for it – too many books to write.” He tells writers to keep going even when the writing isn’t easy. He makes a good point by saying, “You know you can go back and fix it.” That’s good writing advice.

There really is no reason for writer’s block because every day life provides you with ideas. Whether you listen to the news or read the newspaper, read the news online, overhear conversations, read blogs, or participate in forums; you’ll find inspiration just about anywhere at any time.

10 Easy Ways to Keep Writer’s Block Out of Your Mind

1. Stop believing in writer’s block. This can be tricky when other writers tell you writer’s block is part of being the writer’s life. God knows I wrote my fair share of blog posts about writer’s block. Kick writer’s block to the curb. Start observing your surroundings with your ears instead of your eyes.

2. Participate in writing exercises and prompts. The Creative Copy Challenge is one of my favorites. You even receive feedback on your submissions. Now that’s a novel idea!

3. Do crossword puzzles. This is an excellent way to unlock the hidden ideas in your mind.

4. Play ‘brainy’ or word video games. My mom loves AARP and plays the word games on the website. Heck, I’ve played some of the games featured on AARP. Yahoo! offers brainy and word games as well.

5. Start affirming, “There’s no such thing as writer’s block.” Affirmations are positive statements that work when you’re in a ‘good’ feeling state. They don’t work if you’re feeling down and out. A couple of affirmations for writer’s block are:

1. I have plenty of writing ideas.
2. I easily think of writing ideas.
3. I’m able to create new writing projects.

6. Join a writer’s group or circle. Gathering with other writers is a fantastic way to think of writing ideas. If you need some help brainstorming for ideas, ask your group to help you.

7. Read. When’s the last time you read a good book. Reading is good for the mind and soul. You never know what ideas will ‘pop’ into your head after reading a good book.

8. Write. You probably heard this one repeated over and over again. Here it is again: write every day. Write a poem, blog post, article, short story, or haiku. The point is to write!

9. Subscribe to writer’s magazines. Check out Writer’s Market and Writer’s Digest. These are the most popular publications for writers. Sign up for their newsletters and writer’s block will disappear overnight.

10. Believe in your writing. Sadly, some writers don’t believe in their writing. They’ve probably read or heard too many ‘horror stories’ about writers receiving rejection letters. Remember, John Grisham received 30 rejections for A Time to Kill which was eventually published and made into a movie. This can happen to you if you believe in you and your writing.

Rebecca

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