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Freelance Writers: What Are Your Goals for 2011?

December 8, 2010 by 1 Comment

The New Year is approaching like a speeding bullet — will you be ready for it? Now is the time to evaluate your goals for 2011. Freelance writers who don’t have goals won’t have a plan of action to make 2011 better than 2010 and previous years. If you’re beginning your freelance writing business, you’ll want to make sure you have goals and a solid plan to reach them.

Anyone can set goals but it’s the plan that is most important. Freelance writers, if you don’t have a plan you’ll be fumbling around in the dark without any direction. Write down the five most important goals you want to reach in 2011. Ponder them before you create a plan of action. Give yourself time to reach your goals. If you don’t reach them within one or two months, reevaluate your plan and create a new one. Plans can be modified at anytime.

Here’s an example of a goal and what you can do to reach it:

Freelance writers, if you didn’t reach your goal of adding five new clients to your freelance writing business, come up with a plan to obtain them in the New Year. Perhaps you need to do more marketing and self promotion. Maybe you could utilize networking groups and commit to going to three meetings per week. Maybe you could purchase advertising in your local newspaper or online. Reevaluate why you didn’t reach your goal and create a plan to guarantee you’ll reach it in 2011.

Sample of goals

  • Find and retain five new clients.
  • Create a new website.
  • Write an eBook.
  • Create a class or workshop.
  • Find a literary agent.
  • Finish YA novel.
  • Find ghostwriting clients.
  • Create a newsletter.
  • Query at least five magazine editors per week.
  • Send out a direct mail advertisement.

Sample plan of action

Freelance writers, set your goals now and don’t them out of your sight! Visualize yourself becoming a published author or a popular ghostwriter. Visualize yourself obtaining five or more clients that are right for you. Believe in yourself and talents. Don’t listen to the naysayers and stay focused on your goals and plan. You can be, do, and have what you desire but you need to laser focus. Good luck in 2011!

Rebecca

What are your goals? Share.

Filed Under: Clients, Freelance Writers, Freelance Writing, Networking, Overcoming Obstacles, Publishing, Screenwriting, Social Media, Tips and Tricks, Travel Writing Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Purchase Jeff Herman’s Guide Book to Publishers, Editors, and Literary Agents

December 1, 2010 by 1 Comment

Jeff Herman’s Guide to Book Publishers, Editors, and Literary Agents 2011, 21E: Who They Are! What They Want! How to Win Them Over! (Jeff Herman’s Guide … Editors, Publishers, and Literary Agents) is a must for any serious writer who wants to become a published author.

This book is more comprehensive than any other book that’s out on the market. It blows away the Children’s Writer’s and Illustrators Market book. With over 1000 pages of filled with the names of literary agents, independent U.S. presses, Canadian book publishers, publishing conglomerates, advice for writers, and much more. You’ll get your monies worth if you purchase this book!

I’m in the process of querying agents for my children’s book. I’m surprised that some agents still require writers to submit their query letters and manuscripts via ‘snail mail’ versus email. Perhaps, they’re overwhelmed with email submission and ‘snail mail’ submissions are easier to weed out. Whatever the case may be, you’ll find many literary agents within the pages of Jeff Herman’s Guide to Book Publishers, Editors, and Literary Agents 2011, 21E: Who They Are! What They Want! How to Win Them Over! Make sure you purchase enough postage stamps and follow the submission guidelines; otherwise you could receive a rejection letter because you didn’t follow instructions.

I’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Jeff’s book and must admit it’s a bit overwhelming but I’ll take my time and follow his advice on The Battle of the “UNS” — Unagented/Unsolicited Submissions. As he writes, “No one is born published. There is no published author who wasn’t at one time an UN.” Reading these words gives me hope and faith that I’ll see my dream come true of becoming a published author!

If you have a dream of becoming published, purchase Jeff’s book right now. It doesn’t cost that much and the money you spend today can make a world a difference tomorrow when you’re presented with a publishing contract. Good luck!

Rebecca

Have you used Jeff Herman’s book in the past? Share.

Filed Under: Freelance Writers, Freelance Writing, Publishing Tagged With: , , ,

Review of CreateSpace Formerly Known as BookSurge

November 24, 2010 by Leave a Comment

I wrote a children’s book and am seeking a literary agent. I’m also 90% finished with a non-fiction book for teens. A client told me about CreateSpace, and I’m impressed with this self-publishing platform that is owned by Amazon.com. They have many packages and options. It may be worthwhile to self-publish your book before you embark on the journey to find a literary agent and publisher.

Create space offers a variety of self-publishing packages that range from $758 to $4,999. The Total Design Freedom Standard includes a unique book cover, custom interior, and ISBN assignment. This package costs $758. The Total Design Freedom Marketing Pro includes comprehensive copyediting (1 Round), basic copyediting, signature book cover, custom book interior, video book trailer, LCCN assignment (eligibility for sales to libraries), promotional text creation, and ISBN assignment. This package costs $4,999.

Instead of purchasing a self-publishing package you can purchase services individually. However, it may be more cost effective to purchase a package if you’re new to self-publishing. You’ll save time and headaches trying to find an illustrator and someone to format your book.

Benefits of CreateSpace

  • Community. Connect with other writers and network through CreateSpace’s community.
  • Member Showcase. CreateSpace showcases the work of members and they put members in the ‘spotlight’ which can help boost their sales.
  • Share Your Success. CreateSpace allows members to share their success stories with others. Your inspiring words will encourage others to write their book and publish it themselves.
  • Consultation. Before you get started, you can speak to a representative from CreateSpace who’ll help you select the right package or services for you. They’re professional and really want to help you.
  • Royalties. If you upgrade to the Pro Plan you can earn higher royalties and reduce the cost of ordering your own copies. The onetime fee is only $39 per book title. This nominal cost is well worth it to earn higher royalties. If you’re an aggressive marketer, you can make your $39 back in no time!

Many writers are choosing to self-publish their books instead of seeking literary agents and book publishers. Most believe publishers don’t have the money to take on new authors. I disagree with this. If you’re book catches ‘the eye’ of the right agent or publisher (happened to Stephanie Meyer), you could be signed. If money is tight, publishers will start to scrutinize all authors more carefully. Authors that aren’t successful could find themselves on the chopping the block. If book publishers aren’t making a significant profit there isn’t any reason to continue publishing authors no matter how successful they’ve been in the past. Publishing has become a numbers game that’s being taken more seriously which is why self-publishing is becoming more appealing. Authors can get their work published and have more control over the entire process.

If you’re contemplating self-publishing your book, consider using CreateSpace. I’ve looked at some other self-publishing platforms such as Lulu and I prefer CreateSpace. Their website is user friendly and straightforward, and they offer more packages. It’s up to you if you want to ‘pick and choose’ services but I recommend selecting a package. If you don’t know anyone who can design the front and back cover, provide illustrations, and format the interior, it may be worth it to purchase a self-publishing package.

It makes sense to select CreateSpace since they’re apart of Amazon.com. Do your research and compare self-publishing platforms but you may find that CreateSpace offers more than other companies. Take your time and select the right self-publisher for you. The more you know and understand how the self-publishing industry works the better. Good luck!

Rebecca

What self-publishing platform did you use? Share.

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

Recording Your Book is the Fastest Way to Write It

November 22, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Photo by Goncalo Gil_Stock Exchange

Many freelance writers and ghostwriters write their own books. Some of them will seek out publishers while others will self-publish their book. The bottom line is that you must write your book in order to get it published. What if you’re in a writing slump? What if time seems to be passing you by quicker than you expected? How can you write your book in a shorter amount of time? That’s easy, record your book and give it to someone to transcribe.

Freelance writers know that writing a book takes time, dedication, and perseverance. Many writers give up because it’s a daunting prospect to write 40,000 or more words. If the thought of writing a book appeals to you but you don’t want to type it, record it instead. This may sound crazy but it’s a fast way to complete your book. Make sure you hire a transcriber you can trust and have them type out your book. If you’re lucky, the transcriber you hire will also have editing expertise which will save you time having to find a professional editor.

Benefits of recording your book

  • You get to hear the audio version of it.
  • You can save time by recording it and allowing a transcriber to type it.
  • Recording your book is a fast way to get it published.
  • Once you record your first book, you can begin your second book.

Most freelance writers have 10 or more clients which means writing a book is usually shelved. It’s time to bring your ideas down from the shelf and finally have them written. The only difference is that you’ll record your books instead of actually writing or typing them. It may seem against your nature to allow someone else to type your book, but it could be the best solution for you if you can’t ‘squeeze’ in writing time.

When I heard that some writers actually record their books and have them transcribed, I thought the idea was kind of out there but it makes sense. Sometimes we speak quicker than we type. Our minds are going a million miles per second and our fingers can’t keep up. Recording your book could save you time and frustration. It will be finished and off to the transcriber.

Freelance writers, finishing your book ahead of schedule will be a great feeling. Tackle your book today; don’t wait until ‘inspiration’ strikes you. Grab a recorder and start recording your book today. Once it’s bound and ready to go, you can share it will family and friends and give it away as a gift!

Rebecca

How long does it take you to write a book? Would you consider recording your book? Share.

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

What Can McDonald’s Teach Freelance Writers about Business

November 17, 2010 by Leave a Comment

McDonald’s has many restaurants around the world. It’s one of the most recognized establishments in the world. Why is this? Is it because they have the best hamburgers in the world? No, it is not. They didn’t worry about perfecting the best hamburger in the world. They focused on perfecting the art of selling and delivering the hamburger. They’re the best at selling and delivering the hamburger and no other franchise compares to them. If freelance writers perfect the art of sales, delivering, and marketing they’ll go far.

If you’re focused on perfecting your writing, your dream of owning your own business may stay a dream. However, if you focus on the sales and marketing aspect of your business, you’ll succeed beyond your wildest dreams. This doesn’t mean you neglect improving your writing skills, it simply means you vehemently market you and your business and you learn how to do it.

Fun Fact: McDonald’s owns a significant amount of real estate that surpasses the Catholic Church!

Freelance writers are not in the business of writing. I’ve said it many times that freelance writers are in the business of solving problems and marketing. Think of it this way … your profession is writing but your business is sales and marketing.

How to grow your freelance writing business

  • Learn all you can about sales, marketing, and public relations by taking classes.
  • Read books by bestselling authors such as Robert Kiyosaki, Donald Trump, and other masters of business and apply their knowledge to your freelance writing business.
  • Get over the intimidation of selling. If you believe in you and your writing, others will believe in you as well.
  • Be persistent and patient. Sometimes it takes time to grow a business. Most people give up before the 11th hour right when their business is about to take-off. Don’t be one of those people!

Once you master the art of sales, marketing, and delivering there will be no stopping you or your freelance writing business. You’ll be more than a writer; you’ll be a consultant who knows how to help clients become successful through marketing and public relations. You’ll add more value to your clients than you already do.

Take a look at your freelance writing business and evaluate whether or not you’re doing all you can within the realm of sales and marketing. If not, takes a few courses because it can impact your business and you’ll be able to make a bigger impact on your clients. Remember, if you’re not learning, you’re probably dead! The more you know the more valuable you become to your clients and those around you. Good luck!

Rebecca

How is your freelance writing business doing? Share.

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