Amandah Tayler Blackwell
According to Reggie Bennett owner of Mountain Shepherd Wilderness Survival School in Virginia, “a positive mental attitude” is the number one priority if you want to survive in the wilderness. It’s also the number one priority for freelance writers. Without it, you won’t succeed because you’ll listen to the naysayers who say you can’t make a living from writing or doing what you love to do.
Rebecca
How do you boost your mental attitude? Share?
I recently found out that a publisher I wrote for is facing a lawsuit because of a debt he owes to a printing company. Needless to say, I along with other freelance writers haven’t been paid, and I’m not sure if we’ll ever see payment. I should have known something was awry when the publisher didn’t want to discuss signing a contract. He wanted to do everything via email and told me to invoice him. I should have insisted on him providing and signing a contract, and walked away from the opportunity. This was a tough lesson to learn, but I know I’m not the only freelance writer who’s learned it.
7 steps for collecting payments
Bonus!
Owning and running a business means you have to deal with the good, bad, and ugly. Okay, perhaps bad and ugly are strong words but sometimes life throws you curveballs and you must know how to handle them. Don’t take it personally if a client or publisher doesn’t pay you. Remember, karma comes back to us in one form or another. Keep yours clean by running a professional freelance writing business and treat others how you want to be treated!
Rebecca
When has a client or publisher refused to pay you? Share.
According to Dictionary.com the word “No” has the following meanings:
Adverb
1. a negative used to express dissent, denial, or refusal, as in response to a question or request)
2. used to emphasize or introduce a negative statement): Not a single person came to the party, no, not a one.
3. not in any degree or manner; not at all (used with a comparative): He is no better.
4. not a (used before an adjective to convey the opposite of the adjective’s meaning): His recovery was no small miracle.
Adjective
5. not a (used before a noun to convey the opposite of the noun’s meaning): She’s no beginner on the ski slopes.
Noun
6. an utterance of the word “no.”
7. a denial or refusal: He responded with a definite no.
8. a negative vote or voter: The noes have it.
Verb (used with object)
9. to reject, refuse approval, or express disapproval of.
Verb (used without object)
10. to express disapproval.
Idiom
11. no can do, Informal. it can’t be done.
Many people, including freelance writers, find it difficult to say “No.” They feel bad telling family not to bother them between the hours of 9 am to 5 pm (unless it’s an emergency). They feel bad turning down family functions because they have a deadline to meet. They also find it challenging to tell clients they can’t take on anymore work. Not learning how to say “No” will stress you out!
Freelance writers often work from home. You’re still working; the only difference is you work from home versus a corporate office. Close the door and put a sign on it that says “Writer at Work, Do Not Disturb.” Learn how to set your boundaries with family. Unless the house is on fire or the school calls you to come and pick up your sick child, you’re not to be disturbed!
If you’re ghostwriting a book, tell family and friends you’ll be unavailable for a few weeks. They may get offended but that’s the way it is. You chose freelance writing as a career. If you enjoy what you do, missing a couple of parties and family functions won’t be a big deal. Freelance writing is your business — this is how you make your living.
Learning how to say “No” and mean it can set you free. Freelance writers sometimes take on more work than they can handle. Unless you can outsource work, gently tell clients you can’t take on more work at this time. Turning down work may feel painful at first but it will help you keep your sanity.
Freelance writers, the sooner you learn to say “No,” the better. If you’re overworked and overtired, you won’t be any use to family, clients, friends, or your community. Saying “No” can liberate you in more ways than one. You may want to practice saying “No” by looking in the mirror. Good luck!
Rebecca
How difficult is it for you to say “No” and mean it? Share.
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
Bonus!
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.
No matter where you live, a natural disaster could occur. There are some places that may be more susceptible than others, but how prepared are you if one strikes in your area? Freelance writers, what would you take with you? Are your files in one area? How many computers do you have? Are your computer files backed up? Take preventive measures now to avoid panic and catastrophe later.
If you live in certain areas of the U.S. or the world, you may face tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis, fires, violent thunderstorms, and other natural disasters. Most freelance writers probably don’t think about this. Make sure you back up your computer files on a jumpdrive or with an outside company. This way when you leave, your files and you will be safe and sound.
Freelance writers, do you know what you’d take with you if you had to leave your home? Freelance writing is your business. Make sure your home office is organized. This way you won’t panic or freak out if you have to leave your home for some time.
Here’s a list of business items you may want to take with you
Natural disasters occur and sometimes they are “freak” occurrences. Freelance writers who are prepared to deal with these will be able to resume their freelance writing business with ease. If you have precautionary procedures in place now, you won’t be scrambling to gather your materials later!
Rebecca
How prepared are you if a natural disaster strikes your area? Share.
