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Are You a Special Freelance Writer?

March 1, 2010 By 2 Comments

The new “buzz” word seems to be specialization. Everyone who’s anyone is a specialist. Doctors specialize in areas such as cardiac, pediatrics, neurology or some other type of speciality. Freelance writers can become specialists as well. You may believe you’re limiting yourself but you can actually make more as a specialist — just ask doctors!

Freelance writers could specialize in web copy, ad copy, ghostwriting, newsletters, blogs, or articles. You can drill this down by industry. Perhaps you have years of experience in the health and wellness industry, you could write exclusively for this industry. You could be a freelance writer who writes web copy for the health and wellness industry. This is a huge industry!

Some freelance writers may not specialize and this is all right for now. In time, businesses will look to writers who write for one particular area. For example, on LinkedIn HR professionals will post jobs for specific writing such as writing health and wellness articles targeted to HR personnel not employees. You could make decent money if you have experience in this area.

Tip: When you begin your freelance writing career, you’ll probably write a plethora of copy. After you find your “writing legs,” you can begin to diversify and specialize. Until then, sample from the writing buffet and apply for opportunities that will improve your writing skills.

The “specialty trend” will continue to grow. Freelance writing is a great way to make extra income and or transition out of a career that no longer interests you. If you’re a HR professional, consider writing articles for your career area. There are many businesses looking for information on how to strengthen their human resources department. You’ll get the job since you have firsthand experience.

Being a specialist is the same as drilling down your “niche” market. The only difference is that you’ll write specific copy for different industries or for one industry. It’s about being an expert in your field. Clients like to know they’re working with a freelance writer who’s an expert in a certain area. This will give you an advantage over other freelance writers.

If you’re not specializing today, you may tomorrow. The world changes daily and you must change with it. This includes updating your skills and approach to writing. Embrace change and go with the flow because you never know where it will lead you!

Rebecca

What are your freelance writing specialties? Share!

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How do You Handle Personal Attacks?

February 24, 2010 By 2 Comments

Freelance writers often write articles that are a bit controversial. Not everyone will agree with what you have to say or your opinions. This means some readers may get so irate reading one your articles that they’ll call you a name that it feels like a personal attack. Many spiritual gurus would tell you, “…what you think of me is none of my business.” Being called a name stings, but you’ll get over it because controversy sells as does emotional and compelling pieces!

According to Wikitionary, a Personal Attack is…attack on an arguer that brings the individual’s personal circumstances, trustworthiness, or character into question.

Readers are entitled to their opinions, but when they spew their venom on a website or fan page, it could deter others from speaking their mind. If you’re a freelance writer who writes blog posts for a website, make sure the owners have a policy in place that states what is and is not acceptable as far as comments are concerned. Most administrators want to create a safe environment for readers to speak their mind.

Certain topics are “hot buttons” for people such as animal abuse, child abuse, any type of abuse towards another, addiction, and many other topics. Freelance writers tackling these issues will receive feedback. Some of which will be positive while the other half will be negative. Take it all in stride and move forward. Dwelling upon the negativity will only breed more negativity and no good will come of that.

Tips for handling personal attacks

Consider the source. Some people will not read the entire article. They’ll stop at the part that upsets them and make a comment.

Respond in a very professional manner. Avoid being rude when you respond to readers. There’s no reason for you to stoop to another person’s level.

Pat yourself on the back! You wrote an emotional and compelling piece that stirred something within readers otherwise they wouldn’t be so heated about it.

Freelance writers remember that you can’t please everyone. Write your posts or articles as you normally would. Avoid toning down articles (unless you’re asked to do so) because a few readers had their feathers ruffled, didn’t understand what you were trying to say, or didn’t agree with you. That’s the point of being a writer — to engage readers and allow them to draw their own conclusions. Congratulations to you if your writing does just that.

Rebecca

Were you personally attacked because of your writing? How did you handle it? Share your stories.

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Burned Out Freelance Writers Find Solutions

February 8, 2010 By 2 Comments

Being a freelance writer has its ups and downs. You get to work from home or wherever you’re at in the world and have no dress code. The flip side is you’re “hooked up” to the laptop and internet; you could suffer from information overload. Sooner or later you become burned out if you don’t take precautions when you begin your career.

The key to freelance writing is to schedule your projects and ignore emails unless they’re from your clients. This may be difficult for some writers to do, but it will help your productivity. Being focused on projects is number one priority. Answering an email from your friend is not.

Tips for dealing with burnout

  • Take breaks throughout the day.
  • Get up and move — do stretching exercises.
  • Stop and do some deep breathing exercises.
  • Go for a walk at lunch.
  • Connect with others through networking groups or social groups.
  • Take a vacation.
  • Schedule a day off; most people choose Friday!

Freelance writers hardly take breaks throughout the day. This is not healthy. In fact, some writers gain weight over time because they’re not moving. Take your half hour, 45-minute, or one hour lunch. Get up and move around to keep the circulation and writing juices flowing. Walk to the store or post office instead of driving — it will do the body good.

Take Friday off! Yep, some freelance writers start the weekend early. They don’t answer email, post on Twitter or Facebook, check LinkedIn, or use anything electronic. It’s a day to begin resting and relaxing. It’s no wonder that writers suffer from burnout because they don’t relax or don’t know how to relax. Scheduling a day off is a great way to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. There’s no reason that you couldn’t take a day off if you’re meeting deadlines.

Freelance writers find a balance between work and play. All work and no play will make you one cranky writer! Take breaks throughout the day so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Stretch, go for a walk at lunch, or practice deep breathing exercises. It seems unimaginable that writers would get burned out from a career they love, but it happens. Be proactive before it’s too late!

Rebecca

What do you do to avoid burnout? Share your thoughts.

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

Is Freelance Writing in Your Future?

February 4, 2010 By 2 Comments

Many people want to become writers. Furthermore, a greater number want to become freelance writers. Why? What’s the appeal of freelance writing? If you focus on the “glamorous” side of freelance writing or being your own boss, you may be in for a rude awakening. Make no mistake about it freelance writing is a business and it’s all on your shoulders. You probably didn’t think about that. Keep reading.

Freelance writing is appealing because you’re the boss and able to write from anywhere in the world. All you need is internet access, a laptop or Mac, and cell phone. You may choose to rent a flat (apartment) in the UK for six months. All you have to do is let your clients know where you are and that you’ll continue to provide great service from another part of the world.

Before you become a freelance writer, interview a couple of writers and get their story. How did they get started? What obstacles did they face? How did they overcome them? What were their expectations? What training did they have? What business skills do they have? Getting the answers to these and other questions will help you make a decision about freelance writing. It may not be for you and that’s all right.

Freelance writing takes discipline. Are you easily distracted by Yahoo! IM or social media sites? How will you schedule your time? How good are you at meeting deadlines? How well do you handle pressure? These questions are not meant to scare you. They’re meant to open your eyes to the business side of freelance writing. It’s not all brochure copy, headlines, taglines, newsletters, web copy, and other copy writing. It’s your business!

The business side of freelance writing is almost never addressed. What tax form do you fill out? Are you aware of the tax deductions you can take? Do you know what CPA stands for? Do you know when to file your taxes? How good are you with saving? What are your expenses? What are your income projections for the year? You probably didn’t think about these business questions. They’re important to your freelance writing career.

Before you become a freelance writer, speak to other writers and editors. These people have a wealth of information. They can shed some light on the business side of writing. It’s not all glitz and glamour! You may find that you’d rather work as a contractor for a corporation or at a publication. Whatever you decide, make sure it’s the best decision for you!

Rebecca

What is the appeal of freelance writing? Share your thoughts.

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

Screenwriters Learn How to Speak to Investors

February 2, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Many screenwriters would like to see their work produced. However, they may not have the funds and require an investor to back them. This can be tricky because most screenwriters are not business people and don’t understand how investors think and work. It’s best to know what you’re up against before you ask for $50,000 to make your short film.

Screenwriters must know that it’s not about them — it’s about the investor. You may be passionate about your short film, but an investor wants to know what’s in it for him. He’ll ask what the ROI (return on investment) is. If you aren’t familiar with ROI and other business terms, a couple of business courses will educate you in no time.

Make sure you have a business plan when you speak with investors. This does not mean you have to give them a 30-60 page business plan (standard), but have an outline or proposal prepared about the project.

Investors want to back a good deal. Screenwriters must prove themselves to investors. What makes your film unique versus another? How do you know your film will make money? Asking yourself these and other questions will assist you when you approach investors.

Information to give to investors

  • Name of project.
  • Description of project.
  • Filming location of project.
  • Time frame of project. When does filming begin and end.
  • Budget for project.
  • Projections. How much will the investor make on the film?

Numbers and the “bottom line” are important to investors. Screenwriters who don’t know what they’re speaking about can kiss an investment in their film goodbye. That’s the way it goes. If you’re not confident to approach an investor, have someone who knows how to approach investors work with you. Otherwise, you could blow an opportunity of a lifetime.

Screenwriters focus on the creative aspect of the “entertainment business” instead of the entire picture. You are in a business of marketing and making films which solves the problem for the general public of what to do on a Friday or Saturday night. The sooner you understand that Hollywood is a business, the better off you’ll be.

Avoid being rude or arrogant when you approach investors. Screenwriters who lack non-verbal and verbal communication skills will benefit from classes on these subjects. Again, you’re in a business and professionalism is required. This may not sound glamorous but it’s part of the business!

Developing and building relationships is part of the entertainment business. If you’re not relationship savvy hang around people who are and learn from them. Taking a few classes on relationship building will not hurt you — it will only help you.

Screenwriters who are serious and want to see their work produced will do what it takes to get their name out there. Whether or not you make it as a screenwriter depends solely on you and how well you communicate with people. Good luck!

Rebecca

How do you approach investors? Share your thoughts.

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