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7 Things My Business Degrees Taught Me About Having a Freelance Writing Business

November 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Some believe higher education is a waste of time and money; the paper you receive isn’t worth the amount of money or time you spent attending classes. This is a matter of perception. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit but no business sense, you may end up sabotaging your business. Like it or not, freelance writing is more than writing, it’s a business. You’re in business to solve a problem and to market your business. And, if you’re solely in business to make money, you may not be in business for that long.

Many people romanticize freelance writing. They daydream about seeing their byline and picture in magazines and newspapers. There’s nothing wrong with this but you have to find the publications, pitch your ideas, agree upon a fee, work with an editor, and write the copy by a deadline. If you’re serious about freelance writing then you’ll realize that it’s a business and you need skills and common sense to run it. If you don’t understand how to market yourself, where and how to find clients/publications, how to research, how to create a budget, how to use accounting software, how to use programs such as PowerPoint or Excel, or how to speak with people, you may struggle to develop your writing business. This will discourage you and you’ll quit!

FYI: Two of my degrees are in accounting. I know how to use accounting software such as QuickBooks, Peachtree, MAS90, and other software. I can easily put together an Excel spreadsheet or PowerPoint presentation. If I have questions, I consult a CPA!

Organization is your friend. I never had a problem with organization; I enjoy being organized! If a client has a question about the scope of work or contractual fees, I grab the paperwork with ease and don’t keep them on the phone too long. I can easily email a copy of the contract in case the client misplaced their copy. Most people can’t find a pen to write with or their cell phone! Being organized is apart of being professional.

7 things my business degrees taught me

  • Building relationships with people is a key component to developing and continuing a business.
  • You’re in the business of solving problems and marketing.
  • Organization isn’t something to fear — it can be your friend.
  • You can’t get away from accounting no matter what career you have.
  • Develop and continue to develop research skills.
  • Pay attention to the latest trends within your industry.
  • You never stop learning.

These are the 7 Things My Business Degree Taught Me About Freelance Writing, and I hope they help you develop your freelance writing business. Perhaps it will help you decide if you really want to become a full-time full freelance writer. Whatever you decide, follow your dreams, and go for it!

Rebecca

How have your degrees helped you with your freelance writing business? Share.

Filed Under: Clients, Freelance Writers, Freelance Writing, Overcoming Obstacles, Tips and Tricks Tagged With: ,

7 Things My Business Degrees Taught Me About Freelance Writing

October 27, 2010 By 2 Comments

I have three degrees, two are in accounting and the other is a MSM degree. Needless to say, I had to write many papers and give presentations on my work. The biggest challenge was the business plan I wrote for my final project for my MSM degree. I created an outline and table of contents and stuck to a schedule. My business plan was 62 pages and had many appendixes — no presentation was required. My hard work paid off because I received an “A” and a high GPA. I didn’t realize my degrees would teach me about freelance writing but they did.

7 things my business degree taught me

  • Research skills are necessary and mine were reinforced. You must know where to find the information you seek. You must know how to narrow down your search. You may begin with a broad search but that could return too much information. Know how to “drill down” what you’re looking for.
  • Create an outline and table of contents to keep you focused on your subject.
  • You can’t get away from presentations. You’ll want to learn PowerPoint or some other presentation platform. Make sure you keep the slides short and to the point.
  • Make sure you proofread your writing and have someone else proofread it.
  • You’ll need to abide by writers guidelines and not go over pages and word count.
  • You’ll edit your work many times.
  • Deadlines don’t go away. As a freelance writer, you’ll have deadlines and sometimes they’ll change. Flexibility is the key when dealing with deadline changes.

Bonus!

  • Organization isn’t a bad idea. Whether you’re organizing your thoughts or your desk, implement a system that works for you. You may want to purchase a recorder to record your ideas and a filing cabinet to keep track of client contracts.

As a freelance writer, I pay attention to word and page counts, even character counts. I proofread my writing many times to ensure all typos are corrected and sentences make sense. Sometimes I have another proofreader read my work to make sure all mistakes are found and corrected. I use an outline and table of contents when necessary. I don’t freak out about deadlines; I’m an accounting major who’s used to deadlines. Yes, my business degrees did teach me many things about freelance writing.

Rebecca

How have your degrees helped you with your writing? Share.

Filed Under: Clients, Freelance Writers, Freelance Writing, Networking, Screenwriting, Tips and Tricks, Travel Writing Tagged With: , ,

The Lucky Number for a “Tips” Book is Seven

October 25, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The fastest way to get published is to write a “tips” book. These books range from dating tips to web design tips. But what is the best number of tips? According to Steve Harrison, co-founder of Reporter Connection, seven is the lucky number! Anything below or beyond this number may be too much or too little for readers.

People like to receive information quickly. Experts believe the attention span of people keeps declining each year. We’re used to sending instant messages through texting, IM, or emails. Although, some experts believe email is on the decline but that’s another blog. Most people don’t like to search for hours on the internet or read a monstrosity of a book. They want information that’s “down and dirty” and gets straight to the point.

If you’re unsure how to write or structure a “tips” book, find one you like and mimic it. Use it as a guideline to write your own book. Remember to construct an outline and table of contents. If you find it difficult to create these, you may want to reconsider your book idea. Perhaps you’re not passionate about it or it’s just not working.

Freelance writers won’t have a problem writing a “tips” book because they work with clients and give them advice and some are writing coaches. Use your expertise to write 7 Tips to a Successful Freelance Writing Career, 7 Tips to Writing Blogs, or 7 Tips to Writing Web Copy. You could sell these books on your website or give them away for free when people sign up for your newsletter. Not only is this a great marketing tool but it will get you published!

Stop struggling and write your book today! Brainstorm for ideas and choose the one that most resonates with you. Don’t stop writing until you finished because you can always go back to edit and proofread or hire someone to do this. Good luck!

Rebecca

Did you write a “tips” book? How many tips did you offer? Share.

Filed Under: Freelance Writers, Freelance Writing, Publishing, Tips and Tricks Tagged With: , ,

How to Write a Good Book Quickly

October 22, 2010 By Leave a Comment

It seems that almost everybody is writing a book today. But how many of them will finish? Sadly, most people won’t complete their book. They may think it’s too hard or will take too long. A pessimistic attitude doesn’t help! Follow these tips to writing and publishing a good book quickly.

The first step to writing a quality book in a short amount of time is to have a clear idea about your book. What is the major concept or theme? You may want to do a brainstorming session to narrow this down. Once you decide on the big idea it will become your “author” brand.

You may consider writing a book on tips. Not only is it a quick way to finish a book, it can lead to speaking engagements. A tips or how to book is a great way to promote you and your book, and it can lead to more books and speaking engagements.

How to write a good book quickly tips

  • Decide on the major concept or theme.
  • Write an outline.
  • Create a table of contents.
  • Try not to edit while you write.
  • Use your workshop or speech as the basis for your book.
  • Have a good attitude.
  • Establish a deadline and stick to it.
  • Imitate or mirror a successful book. The point is to use a successful book as a guideline.

If you already wrote a book, you can publish a Version 2.0 of it. Microsoft, WordPress, and other companies like them are always producing different versions of their software and or programs. You can do the same with your book and have it in the hands of readers in no time.

The key to publishing a book is to write it! This is the most important part. If you’re stressed about creating an outline or table of contents, you may want to concentrate on writing your book. Once you have a few chapters or complete your book, you can go back and create a table of contents. You can edit your book or have someone else edit it because they’ll have an objective mindset about it. Make sure the person has editing experience and ask for references. Good luck!

Rebecca

How long is it taking you to write your book? Share.

Filed Under: Freelance Writers, Freelance Writing, Overcoming Obstacles, Publishing, Tips and Tricks Tagged With: , , ,

What Color is Your Press Kit?

October 20, 2010 By 1 Comment

Many authors, speakers, writers, and professionals may not have a press kit because they don’t know what to include or feel they don’t need one. If you want to get on TV or radio or speak at corporations, schools, colleges, and universities, you’ll need a press kit. It’s your ticket to the front of the line on your favorite talk show!

Producers and marketing personnel are inundated with press kits. Make yours stand out by sending it in a red, blue, green, orange, florescent yellow, or some other bright colored envelop. Sending a press kit in a boring manila envelope won’t make an impression. Make sure you address the envelope (use a Sharpie) to a specific person and tell them the color of your envelope. This way they’ll know to look for it.

What to include in your press kit

  • Articles you wrote
  • Press clippings
  • Headshot
  • CD or DVD
  • Cover letter (personalized) with logo
  • Testimonies
  • Brochure
  • Business card
  • Post card
  • Curriculum Vitae (academic and or author) and or list of accomplishments
  • Autograph copy of book, CD, or DVD (especially if you’re an author)
  • One sheet (glossy) with quotes from you, paragraph blocks, sample of client list, and picture of you.

The above list is a sample of what you can include in your press kit. If you’re sending a press kit to a radio producer, you’ll want to include one sheet that bullet points what you’ll be speaking about on the show. List at least five to ten points that will grab the producer’s attention.

A press kit reflects how you’re an expert in your field and how you solve peoples’ problems. You want to make sure message is received loud and clear. Remember, …”A radio producer wants to attract current and potential listeners. A television producer wants to attract old and new viewers. A school wants to inform students and parents.” Your press kit could catapult you onto the radar of many influential people. Are you ready for it? If you are then go for it!

Rebecca

What do you have in your press kit? Share.

Filed Under: Freelance Writers, Freelance Writing, Publishing, Tips and Tricks Tagged With: , , ,
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