Tag: freelance writing

  • 7 Ways to Handle a Freelance-Writing Client Who Won’t Pay Up

    7 Ways to Handle a Freelance-Writing Client Who Won’t Pay Up

    It’s every freelancer’s nightmare.

    You send an invoice, and wait. And wait.

    After your standard term is up, you send a reminder. And wait.

    Crickets.

    You’ve got a non-paying client on your hands. Every attempt to communicate with them is ignored, or brushed off. Perhaps they make excuses (“cashflow problems”) or ask you to wait just a little longer.

    What should you do next?

    1. Persist: Keep up the pressure on your client

    Chances are, that non-paying client might be secretly hoping you’re going to eventually give up on your money.

    Don’t.

    Keep the pressure on: set a reminder in your calendar to email/call/text/etc. on a weekly basis.

    Yes, it might annoy them: good! They’ve got your money!

    If they’ve told you something like “I can’t pay you this month, but I’ll pay on June 30”, then follow up straight away the next day if they don’t pay. And keep following up.

    2. Contact other people who’ve worked with them

    If you think the non-payment might just be a blip (e.g. your client really has had an awful month), then it’s worth contacting other freelancers who’ve worked with them.

    Have they been paid? How promptly? Did they need to keep the pressure on to get money out of the client?

    This can give you a sense of what type of non-paying client you’re dealing with.

    Getting in touch with fellow freelancers can help you feel in a stronger position: you have a better picture of what’s going on, and you may well have the sympathy and support of other people who’re in a similar position to you.

    3. Ask them to take down your content

    If you’ve written something for a client’s website and you’ve not been paid, ask them to take it down. They may well not do so — but if they do, at least you can rework the piece and use it elsewhere.

    If you are in a position to take down their content (e.g. you host their website), then tell them that if payment isn’t provided by a specific date, you will be taking that content down.

    This may result in them suddenly finding the money for you…

    4. Decide when to let it go

    If you’ve lost out on a relatively small amount of money, at some point, you’ll probably decide it’s no longer worth your time and energy to keep chasing.

    Write it off as an unpaid invoice (you should, at the very least, not have to pay tax on the money you haven’t earned!)…and move on.

    I did exactly this with one non-paying client several years ago. It still rankles a bit, but I got half my money out of him, and it simply wasn’t worth the continued effort of chasing the rest.

    5. Don’t blame yourself

    When a client refuses to pay, you might start to think that it’s somehow your fault.

    Maybe you weren’t using a contract: it might have helped if you did, but there’s certainly no guarantee of that.

    Maybe you had a nagging sense that your client was going to be trouble, right from the start, but you ignored it. Next time, you might want to trust your instincts; that doesn’t in any way make the lack of payment your fault.

    Maybe you should’ve asked for half the money up front. Don’t beat yourself up over it, but do think about making changes next time.

    Maybe your invoicing system is, by your own admission, a bit scrappy. If you want a quick primer on creating invoices, check out How to Create Your First Freelance Invoice.

    Maybe you’re worried that your writing simply wasn’t good enough. That’s not the case! If a client took you on in the first place, that means you were good enough. Even if they weren’t 100% happy with your finished piece, they still should’ve paid you. (I bet you’ve paid for plenty of sub-par services in the past.)

    Whatever happened, it is not your fault. You deserved to be paid.

    6. Call them out publicly

    This can be a scary move: what if a client reacts angrily? What if other freelancers take you less seriously as a result?

    Sometimes, a client who has ignored every email, voicemail, text … will miraculously spring into action when you call them out in public. That could be with a single tweet (“Hey @deadbeatclient, my invoice is now 100 days overdue!”) or with a whole blog post.

    If you are going to take this tack, it’s probably worth priming a few friends to be supportive (particularly anyone else who’s been screwed over) and being very clear about the facts.

    As Deb Ng puts it (in her final update to her detailed post on The Sad, Strange Story of NMX — a post which, after 18 months, finally resulted in her being paid in full):

    The moral of the story? Sometimes you have to take extreme measures to get what you’re owed — even if they’re measures you wouldn’t normally take.

    7. Take legal action

    This is likely a last resort. But if you’re owed a significant amount of money, you’re well within your rights to pursue it. Even a letter from a lawyer may be enough to prompt action: you’re not necessarily going to have to get into court action.

    Do seek legal advice before starting down this route (find out whether it’s going to be more hassle than it’s worth). You may need to be very careful about your communications with your client, if you want to avoid jeopardizing your case — check out this cautionary tale for more on that.

    Have you ever had a non-paying client? What steps did you take? Did you eventually get your money? Let us know about your experience in the comments!

  • The 100 Best Websites for Writers in 2017

    The 100 Best Websites for Writers in 2017

    Editor’s note: Looking for our most updated list of best writing websites? Here’s our list for 2021.

    What do you picture when you imagine yourself writing?

    Are you quietly tapping away on your office desktop computer in the early morning hours? Maybe you’re scribbling new ideas and observations amidst the hustle and bustle of a coffee shop.

    It’s likely that you imagined yourself alone. And that’s not surprising, because when it comes down to actually doing the work, you — the writer — are the one who has to put pen to paper.

    But here’s the thing about great writing: it takes a village.

    They may be your words, but the words you write are a culmination of years of practice, learning from mentors, emulating your favorite authors, workshopping with peers and supporting fellow writers.

    Each year, The Write Life celebrates this “village” by releasing a list of the 100 Best Websites for Writers, and we’re excited to do so again this year.

    Thanks to your suggestions, you’ve helped us curate hundreds of websites to bring you the best of the best.

    Many are tried-and-true favorites previously featured in our 2014, 2015, and 2016 lists, and this year we’re thrilled to feature more than 50 newcomers. 

    Each website featured in this list meets the following criteria:

    • It was recommended by readers of The Write Life
    • It publishes content helpful to writers
    • It has been updated recently and regularly

    We’ve broken our 2017 list into eight categories: Blogging, creativity and craft, editing, freelancing, marketing and platform building, podcasts, publishing and writing communities. For the first time, we are excited to include a category for podcasts, which have proven to be a powerful and growing resource for writers. All sites are listed in alphabetical order within their categories, with numbers for ease of reading (not ranking).

    No matter what your writing goals are, there’s something here for everyone.

    And if you want to start your own website or blog, here’s our step-by-step guide. Your website could be next on our list!

    blogging

    1. Be a Freelance Blogger

    Sophie Lizard teaches you how to take your freelance blogging skills to pro level. Through her blog posts, free community and jobs board, you’ll increase your blogging income and become an expert in your niche.

    Post you’ll like: The Batman vs. Superman Guide to Freelance Blogging

    2. Beyond Your Blog

    Are you working to grow your blog audience? Beyond Your Blog provides practical tips and resources for getting published on other blogs and and in digital publications, so you can tap into new groups of engaged fans.

    Post you’ll like:  8 Things to Avoid When Pitching a Website or Print Publication

    3. Copyblogger

    Take your content marketing, SEO and community building skills to the next level with Copyblogger’s library of free ebooks, blog posts, forums and more. It’s a leading resource for professional blogging from the creators of the Rainmaker Platform for digital marketing.

    Post you’ll like: 10 Content Marketing Goals Worth Pursuing

    4. ProBlogger

    Founder Darren Rowse and the ProBlogger team bring you the latest news and tips to build a better blog. This site offers extensive resources on how to monetize your blog, as well as a job board constantly updated with new blogging opportunities.

    Post you’ll like: 10 Simple Hacks That Will Increase Your Blog Traffic

    5. See Jane Write

    At See Jane Write, founder Javacia Harris Bowser seeks to empower women to be “authors of their own lives and live a life worth writing about.” Consistently recommended by many of our readers, See Jane Write is a great place for bloggers who are looking to grow their platforms and turn their blogs into businesses.

    Post you’ll like: How to Blog Consistently Even When Life Sucks

    6. Aliventures

    Ali Luke provides both practical and motivational advice on writing books, blogging and building a business around your writing. Check out her Writer’s Huddle community and ebooks on blogging.

    Post you’ll like: Should You Be More Business-Like About Your Writing?

    7. Ann Kroeker

    Author and writing coach Ann Kroeker is on a mission to help writers reach their goals by maximizing curiosity, creativity and productivity. Her website is home to numerous blog posts, podcasts and resources for writers.
    Post you’ll like: Write in the Middle of Traveling

    8. Australian Writers’ Centre

    No matter what type of writing you enjoy, the Australian Writers’ Centre has a course for you. Along with a full blog archive, this site offers dozens of online and in-person courses on freelance writing, creativity, novel writing, business writing, blogging and more. Courses start at $97.

    Post you’ll like: Why You Should Write Your Memoir Now, From Patti Miller

    9. Bang2Write

    If you’re a screenwriter, Bang2Write is for you. This site offers tons of advice on how to develop great stories and pitch your scripts, along with best practices for writing research.

    Post you’ll like: 9 Steps To Get Your Spec TV Pilot Written, Edited & Sent Out

    10. Barely Hare Books

    You are the hero of your own novel-writing adventure, and Rae Elliott of Barely Hare Books is here to help you defeat the monster keeping you from writing that fandom-worthy story. With blog posts, a podcast and several ebooks, this site has lots to explore.

    Post you’ll like: 5 Lessons Writers Learn from The Office About Crafting a (Genuinely) Funny Character

    100 best websites for writers 2017

    11. C. S. Lakin’s Live Write Thrive

    Author, editor and writing coach C. S. Lakin loves helping writers get their manuscripts ready for publication. At Live Write Thrive, she writes about proper scene structure, character development, editing and crafting a fantastic story.

    Post you’ll like: 3 Things You Must Have in Your Novel’s First Paragraph

    12. DIY MFA

    The folks at DIY MFA believe you can access the benefits of an Master in Fine Arts without having to go the traditional (expensive) route. It all comes down to a simple but powerful combination: writing with focus, reading with purpose and building your community.

    Post you’ll like: Writing Friends and Where to Find Them

    13. Elizabeth Spann Craig

    Prolific mystery author Elizabeth Spann Craig blogs about all things relevant to a writer’s life, including public speaking, productivity, gaining visibility and connecting with the wider author community. Her weekly roundup of writing articles is a reader favorite.

    Post you’ll like: Tracking Our Recurring Storylines

    14. Eva Deverell

    A passionate writer and creative writing teacher, Eva Deverell offers tons of resources for readers, writers, poets and people who just love learning. With worksheets, blog posts, writing prompts and ebooks, this site offers practical ways to deepen your craft.

    Post you’ll like: How to Write a Novella

    15. Every Writer

    At Every Writer, owner and editor Richard Edwards covers everything you can imagine about writing, including writing tools, website building, and how to overcome writer’s block. He even shares tips on starting a literary magazine. Check out his poetry and writing contests, too.

    Post you’ll like: Grow as a Writer: Critique Your Own Work

    16. Fiction University

    Janice Hardy understands there’s no “right” way to write. So instead of giving advice on what writers should do, she explains how to make industry rules work for you. With new articles and guest columns every day, you’ll gain valuable insight into the book-writing and publishing process.

    Post you’ll like: Why We Should Do Bad Things To Our Characters

    17. How to Write a Book Now

    At How to Write a Book Now, author Glen C. Strathy shares tips on everything about the writing and book publishing process, from where to start, to story model analysis, to creating compelling characters. Readers can also submit their questions about writing.

    Post you’ll like: Novel Writing Ideas: How to Get Them

    18. Inky Girl

    Inky Girl is the place for children’s book writers and illustrators. Debbie Ridpath Ohi shares original comics, interviews with industry experts, and advice on telling unique stories. Her series on writing picture books is a reader favorite.

    Post you’ll like: Why Picture Books Are Important

    19. Journalist’s Resource

    Run by the Harvard Kennedy School’s Shorenstein Center, Journalist’s Resource offers write-ups on the latest scholarly studies, reports and data. This is a great place to find reliable research as well as inspiration for your next freelance article.

    Browse the latest research here.

    20. Knockin’ Books

    The editors at Knockin’ Books are self-described “addicted” to reading, so they’ve created this site to help connect readers and authors. Whether you’re a reader looking for your next favorite book, or a writer looking for a beautiful cover design, you’ll find it at Knockin’ Books.

    Post you’ll like: Ways to sell your self-published book

    21. Lucy Flint and the Lionhearted Writing Life

    After eight years of a love/hate relationship with writing, Lucy Flint went on a mission to explore how writing can be more enjoyable, easy and fulfilling. In her blog posts, she shares tips on how to be more courageous in your writing, stop being stuck and more. Her site is a mini dance party for your writing life.

    Post you’ll like: Three Simple Steps Toward A Yummier, Happier, And Much More Sustainable Writing Life

    22. Market Meditations

    At Market Meditations, Charles Chu documents the experiments and lessons he’s learned in the pursuit of being more productive, successful and effective at the work he does. This is a great blog to follow if you’re looking to raise your potential at work.

    Post you’ll like: Why 95% of Blogs Fail

    23. Positive Writer

    In the pursuit of creating work that matters, all writers get stuck from time to time. Doubts can creep in, and it’s sometimes hard to get back on track. Bryan Hutchinson offers motivating blog posts to help you move beyond writing paralysis and finish the work you set out to create.

    Post you’ll like: The Audacity to Be a Writer

    24. PsychWriter

    At PsychWriter, Tamar Sloan explores the intersection of psychology and writing, specifically as it pertains to character development and reader engagement. This blog covers the art of making your characters and story believable.

    Post you’ll like: Why Readers Read: What every writer needs to know

    25. Re:Fiction

    No matter what kind of fiction writer you are, Re:Fiction welcomes you. This site offers resources to help you at all stages, from getting better at writing, to publishing, to marketing and building your platform. It also offers multiple scholarships for professional editing and critiques each month, on manuscripts of up to 5,000 words.

    Post you’ll like: 6 Tricks to Make You Better at Self-Editing

    26. The Write Practice

    What do all successful writers have in common? Practice. At The Write Practice, Joe Bunting and his team help you develop your writing rhythm and grow into your voice and identity as a writer.

    Post you’ll like: 10 Secrets to Write Better Stories

    27. The Writing Kylie

    Kylie Day’s blog is a great place for those who are in the midst of writing a novel. With tips on outlining and story structure, and a dose of inspirational posts about the writing life, this blog will help you on your path from story idea to complete manuscript.

    Post you’ll like: The Ultimate Guide to Outlining Your Story

    28. Tweetspeak Poetry

    Tweetspeak Poetry is the go-to site for “the best in poetry and poetic things.” Here, readers and writers alike can indulge in beautiful poetry, writing workshops, book clubs and more. This is also a great place to find resources for teaching poetry.

    Post you’ll like: Infographic: How to Write a Ballad

    29. Write or Die

    Writer Mandy Wallace believes that when it comes to writing, you can’t wait to become inspired or for luck to strike. Just “Show up, shut up, and write,” and sooner or later it will all come together. Wallace’s blog documents the writing lessons she’s learned and offers practical guides for upgrading your own writing.

    Post you’ll like: Where to Find Story Ideas So Good, They Practically Write Themselves

    30. Writerology

    The one constant when it comes to writing? It all comes down to the people: you as a writer, your characters and their development, and the audience you seek to connect with. At Writerology, Faye Kirwin combines her expertise in writing and psychology to help you hone your craft, understand people, and write amazing stories.

    Post you’ll like: False Memories In Fiction: How Emotional Scenes Can Create Unreliable Narrators

    31. Writers Helping Writers

    Authors Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi are dedicated to creating one-of-a-kind resources that writers will actually use. Their books and blog posts focus on helping writers become better storytellers, and their One Stop For Writers library is teeming with tools for planning, researching and writing your book.

    Post you’ll like: The Subtle Knife: Writing Characters Readers Trust But Shouldn’t

    32. Writers In The Storm

    Just like their characters during perilous times, writers must weather the storm of their profession — and shifting industry tides. Run by a group of authors, the Writers In The Storm blog provides inspiration and tips for writers during all stages of the process.

    Post you’ll like: Honey, I Broke the Writing Process

    33. Writer Unboxed

    Frustrated their analytical articles about books and movies were rejected, founders Therese Walsh and Kathleen Bolton decided to create Writer Unboxed in 2006 so they could freely publish their observations. It has since grown into a thriving community where writers of all levels can contribute their thoughts on the craft of writing.

    Post you’ll like: Creative Work is Performance. Assess Your Creative Health Now.

    34. Write to Done

    Write to Done is all about learning to write well. Founder Mary Jaksch brings the age-old advice to keep writing to a whole new level, noting that it’s not practice that makes you a better writer — it’s practice directed in a positive way.

    Post you’ll like: 201 Ways to Arouse Your Creativity  

    35. Grammar Girl

    You may speak English fluently, but the language can still be quite a mystery. Grammar Girl is the go-to guide for all things “grammar, punctuation, usage, and fun developments in the English language.” She has a popular podcast, too.

    Post you’ll like: 9 Books to Give Your Favorite Language Lover

    36. Kathy Steinemann

    Kathy Steinemann loves words. On her blog, she shares master lists of adjectives and offers tips for avoiding overused words and being more descriptive and original in your writing.  

    Post you’ll like: Over 400 Redundant Words to Avoid In Writing

    37. Scribendi

    Scribendi is focused on the art of editing and proofreading. Their resources for writers cover everything from grammar, to finding inspiration, to the mechanics of writing.

    Post you’ll like: How to Use Social Media to Improve Your English

    38. Comps & Calls

    On the first of each month, Cathy Bryant posts an extensive list of competitions, contests and calls for submission. She notes whether they’re paid or not, for quick skimming. This site is a great one-stop shop for all recent writing opportunities.

    Post you’ll like: Comps and Calls for January 2017  

    39. Elna Cain

    Elna Cain believes you don’t need experience to be a successful freelance writer — you just need a passion for writing. On her blog, she shares tips and strategies to help new freelance writers succeed.

    Post you’ll like: How to Be a Freelance Writer (Without Leveraging Your Experience or Contacts)

    40. Freelancer FAQs

    You have questions, they have answers. Team members and guest contributors at Freelancer FAQs address all the things you’ve ever wanted to know about freelance life, including marketing, getting started, recommended resources, money management and more.

    Post you’ll like: How Does a Freelance Writer Stay Organized When They’re Too Busy?

    41. Freelance to Freedom

    You love to write. But in order to be a successful freelancer, you need to work those business muscles. That’s where Freelance to Freedom comes in. Founder Leah Kalamakis offers articles and e-books that teach everything from client management to setting up your business website.

    Post you’ll like: 6 Reasons your Website is Costing you your Freelance Writing Clients (and how to fix it)

    42. Freelance to Win

    At Freelance to Win, Danny Margulies wants you to stop compromising and start living a life of freedom — all by building a freelance career. Danny is an expert at landing gigs on Upwork, and his blog shares all the latest tips on how to use this platform for ultimate success.

    Post you’ll like: 7 Surprising Upwork Proposal Mistakes I See Every Day

    43. Freelance Writing

    It’s been around since 1997 and is still going strong: Freelance Writing has an extensive archive of articles, tutorials, media and resources all geared to helping you build a successful career. Its jobs listings get updated daily, so you’re always in the know about new opportunities.

    Post you’ll like: 6 Freelance Writing Niches That Are Often Overlooked

    44. FundsforWriters

    Hope Clark believes writing can be a realistic career for all writers. Her weekly newsletter lists the best competitions, grants and other well-paying markets, and her platform has grown to include a blog and a bi-weekly paid newsletter with even more high-paying opportunities per issue.

    Post you’ll like: No Room for Snark

    45. Horkey Handbook

    Within six months of starting her freelance writing career, Gina Horkey was earning $4,000 a month. Now, she wants to help others achieve their dreams of making a real living off freelance writing.

    46. LittleZotz Writing

    Lauren Tharp has found a way to write as a freelancer full time and is dedicated to helping other writers do the same. With bi-monthly newsletters, a blog, and a podcast, LittleZotz is a great source of practical tips for your freelance life.

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    47. Make a Living Writing

    At Make a Living Writing, Carol Tice helps writers move up from low-paying markets and earn more from their work. With her blog, e-books and paid community, you’ll find awesome advice, support and resources to grow as a freelance writer.

    Post you’ll like: How I Made 6 Figures as a Freelance Writer

    48. Pen & Pro$per

    At Pen & Pro$per, Jennifer Brown Bank shares more than 15 years of professional writing experience to help others reach financial success with their writing. As one The Write Life reader said, “With an outstanding array of diverse topics, tips and tricks of the writing profession, this is a blog well worth bookmarking!”

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    49. Untamed Writing

    “Your life is YOUR life. You should be able to do whatever you want with it.” So says Karen Marston, founder of Untamed Writing, her internet home for helping people build a freelance writing career they love without sacrificing their freedom. You’ll find a full archive of blog posts, resources and courses to develop your writing skills, fearlessly approach clients, and maintain a successful career.

    best websites for writers

    50. Writers in Charge

    With over 600 posts in its archives, Writers in Charge is filled with resources and leads for freelance writers who are looking to be well-compensated for their work. Don’t miss founder Bamidele Onibalusi’s master list of 110 websites that pay writers.

    Post you’ll like: The Ultimate List of Magazines that Pay Writers

    51. Writers Weekly

    Around since 1997, Writers Weekly is a tried-and-true resource for freelance writers. It offers regular updates on paying markets, as well as expert interviews and success stories.

    Post you’ll like: How To Be A Paid Freelance Writer While Attending School

    52. Writing Revolt

    At Writing Revolt, Jorden Roper is leading a revolution to help freelance writers and bloggers make serious money. Her site is filled with actionable articles, courses and resources that will help you become better at writing, pitching and landing great clients.

    Post you’ll like: How I Built a $5,000/mo Freelance Writing Business in 4 Months

    53. HubSpot

    For business, sales and marketing-focused writers, HubSpot is a great place to stay on top of the latest research, insights, and strategies for connecting with your audience and making them fall in love with your brand.

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    54. Kikolani

    Founder Kristi Hines brings you the latest strategies, trends and how-tos in digital marketing. Kikolani is a must-have resource for business and professional bloggers who want to make their brands stand out.

    Post you’ll like: How to Develop Your Blog While Stealing Content From Others

    55. MarketingProfs

    If you’re looking to grow your expertise in marketing communications, MarketingProfs is the place to go. It offers articles, podcasts, training events and more, so you can learn to use strategic, data-driven marketing.

    Post you’ll like: Five Steps to Integrating Your Blog, Social Media, and Email Marketing

    56. Seth Godin

    Seth Godin’s blog might not be specifically about writing, but his daily bits of wisdom on business, marketing and life will help you approach your work in new ways. His posts never fail to inspire an energy to “Go, make something happen.”

    Post you’ll like: Pumpkin Seeds

    57. Shelley Hitz

    Shelley Hitz believes everyone has a message, and she’s on a mission to help you reach your target audience and build your author platform. With her blog posts, podcast and Author Audience Academy, you’ll find tons of content on book writing, publishing and marketing.

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    58. The Creative Penn

    Author Joanna Penn has built a best-selling writing career, and she wants to help you do it, too. Her site offers a wealth of resources on self-publishing and platform-building — from her articles and ebooks to her popular podcast library of author interviews.

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    59. Beautiful Writers Podcast

    On the Beautiful Writers Podcast, host Linda Sivertsen features authors and thought leaders about their writing, business and publishing adventures. With a touch of spirituality, these conversations are great listens for those interested in creative contemplation.

    Episode you’ll like: Brené Brown: Daring to Create Greatly

    60. Create If Writing

    We all love writing, but sometimes platform building and promotion don’t feel as natural. That’s where Create If Writing comes in; host Kirsten Oliphant shares tips and tools on how to build an authentic platform for your creative brand.

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    61. I Should Be Writing

    With author interviews and a huge archive, I Should Be Writing chronicles the journey to becoming a professional author. Conversations focus primarily on speculative fiction and traditional publishing.

    Episode you’ll like: Crippling Fear

    62. Rocking Self Publishing

    Looking to be a published indie author? This podcast is for you. Each week host Simon Whistler interviews some of the top names in self-publishing, so you can create success for yourself.

    63. Science Fiction & Fantasy Marketing Podcast

    On the Science Fiction & Fantasy Marketing Podcast, the hosts interview successful authors, engage in group discussions and dive deep into specific writing genres and niches. This is a smart listening option for those looking for solid discussion around the science fiction and fantasy markets.

    Episode you’ll like: Succeeding in the Super Hero Genre

    64. Self Publishing Formula

    Hosted by a writer who’s just starting out and another who is a best-selling author, the Self Publishing Formula podcast features interviews with some of the biggest names in the self-publishing game. Listen for tips on writing, publishing, marketing and more.

    Episode you’ll like: Dealing With Criticism from Editors and Readers with Dr. Debra Holland

    65. Story Geometry

    Ben Hess is an award-winning producer, director and screenwriter. After hitting a creative wall, he decided to start Story Geometry, where he interviews esteemed writers on their craft.

    Episode you’ll like: The Deep End

    66. Story Grid

    On the Story Grid podcast, author Shawn Coyne and “struggling” writer Tim Grahl discuss the art and science of writing a story that resonates. There’s a blueprint for great novels — and these co-hosts seek to crack the code.

    Episode you’ll like: How to Write a Great Love Story

    67. The Dead Robots’ Society

    Throughout the nearly 400 episodes in its archive, the many hosts of The Dead Robots’ Society gather to discuss their writing journeys and offer tips on the writing process. They also  occasionally invite guests on the show.

    Episode you’ll like: Being a Career Writer

    68. The Worried Writer

    On The Worried Writer podcast, Sarah Painter investigates how authors overcome anxiety, distractions and worried feelings on their way to publishing success. Listen to this podcast if you’re looking for practical advice on managing self doubt.

    Episode you’ll like: Siobhan Curham: ‘Keep Your Life Interesting

    69. The Writer Files

    On The Writer Files, host Kelton Reid uncovers the secrets of productivity and creativity of some of the most well-known writers. If you find yourself stuck, plagued with writer’s block or just need to get those writing gears turning again, this podcast is for you.

    Episode you’ll like: How Wired Magazine’s Senior Maverick Kevin Kelly Writes

    70. Writer 2.0

    On Writer 2.0, A. C. Fuller sits down with bestselling authors and publishing experts like literary agents and book marketers. This show offers great content around both traditional and self-publishing, as well as the writing journey.

    Episode you’ll like: The NY Publishing Scene with Susan Shapiro

    71. Writing Class Radio

    This show brings you inside an actual writing class, where you can hear other people tell their stories, witness breakthroughs, and hear the ins and outs of learning to write well.

    72. Writing Excuses

    In these weekly 15-minute episodes, writers Brandon Sanderson, Mary Robinette Kowal, Howard Tayler, and Dan Wells talk about all things writing. They often have season-long themes — check out season 10 for a masterclass-type season on creating a story.

    Episode you’ll like: Seriously, Where Do You Get Your Ideas?

    73. Your Creative Life

    On the Your Creative Life podcast, co-hosts Vanessa Carnevale and Kimberley Foster help writers connect to their creativity. With discussions on publishing, platform building and different genres of writing, this is a choice place to find inspiration.

    74. Anne R. Allen

    Publishing veterans Anne R. Allen and Ruth Harris created this online space to offer wisdom and tips for navigating the increasingly complex (and sometimes predatory) publishing world. Whether you’re an indie author or looking to land a traditional publishing deal, check out their archives and resources.

    Post you’ll like: Dreaming of a Writing Career? 6 Things New Writers Can do NOW

    75. Better Novel Project

    Christine Frazier takes a scientific approach to writing a best-selling novel. She deconstructs popular books to pinpoint the common elements they share. These findings are then incorporated into the “master outline” for a better, research-backed novel. Follow along for insights on plot, word counts and character development.

    Post you’ll like: How to Create a Remarkable Villain (Beyond the Cliches!)

    76. Go Teen Writers

    Stephanie Morrill knows a love of writing often starts at a young age. That’s why she created Go Teen Writers: to provide encouragement, community and wisdom to aspiring teen writers who want to learn more about how to finish a novel and get it published.

    Post you’ll like: What Teen Writers Should Know About Pitching Their Book

    77. Helping Writers Become Authors

    Consider K. M. Weiland your writing and publishing mentor. With hundreds of blog posts, instructional ebooks, and an exclusive e-letter, her website is the perfect place to find the answers to all your questions. She also responds to every email she receives (really!) about writing, publishing and marketing fiction.

    Post you’ll like: My Writing Process: How I Use Scrivener to Outline My Novels

    78. Jane Friedman

    Former publisher Jane Friedman explores the intersection of publishing, authorship and the digital age. With more than 15 years in the industry, Friedman knows her stuff — and her blog is a wealth of information on how to embrace “the future of authorship.”

    Post you’ll like: 5 Observations on the Evolution of Author Business Models

    79. Jenny Bravo Books

    Author Jenny Bravo offers personal anecdotes and guidance for writers who want to take a leap into the publishing world. From her blog full of tips to her “Blots and Plots Party” Facebook group, to her Busy Writers Starter Kit, Jenny is here to help you realize your dream of writing a book.

    Post you’ll like: 5 Ways to Create Your Own Writing Space

    80. My Story Doctor

    At My Story Doctor, author David Farland offers tips and workshops on how to write your story and get it published. He offers strategic advice on the business of writing, covering topics like how to get great deals and make the most of your publishing opportunities.

    Post you’ll like: Make the Bookstores Your Partners

    81. Nail Your Novel

    At Nail Your Novel, bestselling ghostwriter and book doctor Roz Morris shares her best traditional and self-publishing tips as well as musings on the writing process. Be sure to check out her radio show “So You Want to Be a Writer?”

    Post you’ll like: 5 Things That Established Authors Would Tell New Writers

    82. Novel Publicity

    The team at Novel Publicity believes every story should be told, and have its own platform and loyal fans. With that core belief in mind, it provides guidance on writing, marketing and publishing. Posts cover everything from social media strategy and book design to finances and author blogging.
    Post you’ll like: Money, Money, Money: The Finances of Publishing

    83. Self-Publishing School

    Chandler Bolt believes everyone has a book inside them. With proven systems and strategies, the Self-Publishing School blog will walk you through writing and publishing your book, even if you don’t even know what you want to write about yet!

    Post you’ll like: Find a Book Idea That Sells: 3 Things You Must Check Before You Write Your Book

    84. She’s Novel

    It took Kristen Kieffer two and a half years to finish her first draft — then she realized she had made every mistake in the book. She vowed not to let these personal lessons go to waste, so she created She’s Novel, a blog and resource hub that helps writers more-easily navigate the journey of crafting brilliant novels.

    Post you’ll like: How to Write a Book Series

    85. Standoutbooks

    You’ve written your book. Now what? Standoutbooks has tons of articles, templates, tools and resource recommendations for getting your book published and marketed to the max. While you’re there, grab your free Book Marketing Plan and Press Release templates.

    Post you’ll like: Understanding Cultural Trends Can Help You Write a Bestseller

    86. The Book Designer

    At The Book Designer, Joel Friedlander uses his experience in book design, advertising and graphic design to help writers “build better books” and get published. Along with his extensive blog archive, check out his book design templates and Book Launch Toolkit.

    Post you’ll like: 5 Favorite Free Fonts for Interior Book Design

    87. The Steve Laube Agency

    What better way to get book publishing advice than from an agent himself? From resource recommendations to eight years (and counting!) of blog archives, The Steve Laube Agency website is full of advice for writers who are taking their first steps into the world of publishing.

    Post you’ll like: Who Decides to Publish Your Book?

    88. Writer’s Digest Editor Blogs

    Writer’s Digest is home to many resources, competitions, and communities. Their editor columns are quite popular, and we particularly like The Write Life contributor Chuck Sambuchino’s Guide to Literary Agents, featuring all types of information on finding literary agents, sending query letters, building an author platform and marketing your book.

    Post you’ll like: 5 Things I Learned on Deadline

    89. Writer’s Relief

    For more than 20 years, Writer’s Relief has helped creatives successfully submit their writing to literary journals, book publishers, agents and more. The staff’s blog is full of publishing tips, and they also have a paid-subscriber-only classifieds section listing contests, conferences and residences.

    Post you’ll like: Top Ten Ways To Annoy Literary Agents

    90. Chronicles

    Chronicles is a thriving community for science fiction and fantasy writers. Community members gather to discuss favorite books, authors and common themes in science fiction and fantasy writing.

    Join the Chronicles community

    91. Fiction Writing

    The Fiction Writing Facebook group is a community of nearly 10,000 writers. Here, you can post your writing for critique or reviews, and veteran members can announce details about upcoming book releases and published pieces.

    Join Fiction Writing here

    92. Inkitt

    Inkitt is a data-driven book publisher and community where writers can share their work and find an audience for free, even if their novel is not yet finished. Inkitt’s algorithm analyzes reading behaviors to understand whether a novel has a strong potential to become a big success. If readers love your work, Inkitt will offer you a publishing deal.

    Check out Inkitt’s community groups

    93. Insecure Writer’s Support Group

    Whether you’re just beginning to write or a best-selling pro, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group is here to help you overcome whatever doubts and insecurities might keep you from being your best.

    Join Insecure Writer’s Support Group

    94. Now Novel

    The Now Novel program offers a structured, straightforward way to get your book done. With a step-by-step process that takes the guessing out of what to do next, personalized mentorship and community groups for even more support, you’ll be an author in no time.

    Join Now Novel

    95. Prose

    Prose is a social network platform for writers who want to focus on the work — not the superficiality of social media. This is a great place to publish your work, connect with other authors, and participate in writing challenges.

    Join Prose

    96. She Writes

    Over 27,000 writers of all levels of expertise have joined this buzzing community, founded by author Kamy Wicoff. At She Writes, you can create your own profile, build your network, share your work, get expert advice and feedback and discuss all types of topics in the forum.

    Post you’ll like: 5 Tips for Turning Your Career into a Novel

    97. Talentville

    Talentville is the online destination for screenwriters and storytellers. This community focuses on bringing together people across the industry — from novice script writers to top agents and producers — so high-quality work can be easily discovered.

    Join Talentville

    98. The Masters Review

    This community is focused on supporting emerging writers. They publish works from writers who don’t have published novels and haven’t been featured on larger platforms yet. Be on the lookout for their annual anthology, which features the 10 best emerging writers in the country.

    Post you’ll like: Submission Strategies

    99. Two Drops of Ink

    Two Drops of ink is a literary blog accepting submissions from writers of almost any genre. The editors also post book reviews and blog posts about writing and the publishing industry.

    Post you’ll like: Memory Lane: Memoir and Reverse Writing

    100. Wattpad

    At Wattpad, “Stories are made social.” Hailed as the world’s largest community of writers and readers, members are free to post and read original stories and engage in conversation with each other. This is a great platform to build buzz around your writing.

    Join the community here

    What writing sites would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!

    This post contains affiliate links. That means if you purchase through our links, you’re supporting The Write Life — and we thank you for that!
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  • How One Freelance Writer Made $87,000 in 2016

    How One Freelance Writer Made $87,000 in 2016

    We’re beginning a new year — which, in my case, means it’s time to tally up everything I earned in 2016.

    It also means it’s time to think about what I want to do with this column in 2017, and get ready to ask some new questions.

    First, the numbers for December:

    Completed pieces: 41

    Work billed: $5,707.81

    Income received: $9,638.88

    What about my numbers for the full year? I ended up writing over 527,000 words in 2016 — more than 700 individual assignments, ranging from a 60-word blog post to a 10,000-word ebook — and earning $87,709.33 in freelance income .

    As you might remember if you’ve been following this column, I earned $63,571.12 in 2015 — which means that I increased my freelance income by over $20,000 for the second year in a row.

    Do I think that’s sustainable for 2017? Should I look forward to my first six-figure freelancing year? It could happen, but I’m not planning my budget under the assumption that I’ll earn $100,000 as a freelancer this year.

    How I grew my income, and what might happen in 2017

    In 2015, I increased my freelance income by setting myself the goal of earning $5,000 per month. I achieved that goal by building my network and taking on every assignment I could, which often meant working long hours.

    In 2016, I wanted to keep my income sustainable while working fewer hours.

    Instead of writing a bunch of smaller pieces to earn $5,000 a month, I wanted to raise my rates, find higher-paying clients and earn the same amount with less work.

    Because I had done the work of building my network and my reputation, I was able to negotiate higher rates with several of my clients. I was also approached by a new client who was offering recurring, high-paying work. I got put on a large project that helped push my earnings to the $10,000-per-month level, but I knew that was only a short-term deal. After the project ended, my monthly earnings dropped back down to between $5-$6K per month.

    That’s where I predict my earnings will stay, at least for the first quarter of 2017.

    I’ll continue earning around $5,000 or so per month, while maintaining a 40-hour workweek. By the end of the quarter, I should know a little more about what the next few months of my year might look like.

    Building my career by asking the right questions

    I don’t yet know whether I’ll earn as much in 2017 as I did in 2016.

    I do know that having a high-earning year has allowed me to prepare for a variety of financial possibilities.

    With that in mind, I’m going to change up this column for 2017.

    After two years of monthly income check-ins, I’m switching to a quarterly income round-up, in which I’m going to ask all of us to consider five questions:

    1. How much money did I earn this quarter?
    2. What was the best thing I did for my freelance career this quarter?
    3. What was my biggest mistake (or, what am I going to do differently next quarter)?
    4. What do I want to achieve as a freelancer next quarter?
    5. What steps am I taking to get there?

    Every three months, we’ll check in with each other and with these questions, and I’ll share whether I’ve met my earnings goals. See you all at the beginning of next quarter!

    How much did you earn as a freelancer in 2016? Did you grow your income this year? If so, what do you think prompted that growth — and will it continue in 2017?

  • 3 Simple Tricks to Automate Your Freelance-Writing Business

    3 Simple Tricks to Automate Your Freelance-Writing Business

    Obviously, if you have a freelance writing business, you like to write.

    Like me, you may have even gotten started so you’d be able to write more.

    So how’d it feel when you realized how much time you had to spend doing anything but that?

    Finding clients. Pitching clients. Updating clients. Billing clients.

    Promoting your work. Promoting your client. Promoting yourself.

    Doing it all over again and again.

    With every new writing client, comes all this other stuff besides writing, pulling you away from the task that’s the core of your business in the first place. Eventually it gets to the point where you can’t even get excited about a new gig, because more work doesn’t mean more writing.

    But you’re not just a writer, you’re also a business owner.

    And any great business owner will tell you that the key to success is delegation. No worries if building an empire of writers isn’t in your sights – you don’t even need to delegate to other people.

    Delegate work to technology

    The future is here, my friends.

    We may not have flying cars yet, but there are still a ton of apps and gadgets to make your life easier. The real gems are the tools with automation. Those that don’t just make a task easier, they actually do it for you.

    And it’s not expensive or complicated, nor do you have to be tech savvy to get started.

    In fact, I’d bet you’re already using a lot of the best tools to get started with.

    Gmail? Pocket? Freshbooks? They’re more advanced than you think, and they can all help you make more time to write by automating admin and management.

    The only new apps you’ll want to look at are IFTTT and Zapier.

    They’re dedicated automation apps that integrate with hundreds of other tools to help you build your own integrations. It sounds way more complicated than it is. Basically, they help all the different tools you use talk to each other.

    Quick ways to automate your freelance-writing career

    1. Streamline research for new pieces

    Do you use Pocket to save articles and websites for later?

    Most people think of it mainly as a bookmarking tool, but it can also be used as “step 1” in a pretty fancy research process.

    You see, you’re wasting time if you research every piece you write individually. If you’re writing in a specific niche, most research you do can apply to so many different assignments that your life will be so much easier with a big swipe file of it all.

    Easily create a swipe file of different articles, links, documents and statistics that you come across and find super helpful. Just create a tag in Pocket to use for anything you’re saving for research. Then use this IFTTT recipe to create a spreadsheet of all those links.

    Next time you need to pull up a stat or article, you have a neat, sortable and searchable spreadsheet of go-to resources.

    2. Manage client workflows

    Your communication with clients lives in a lot of different places – Gmail, Freshbooks, Google Docs, maybe even Slack. It can feel like your whole process is pretty disjointed.

    But automation can help connect all the different steps of completing an assignment.

    By making apps talk to each other, things like Gmail labels, invoicing software and word documents can work together to make your life easier.

    Because both IFTTT and Zapier create automations based on “triggers” and “actions,” you can use to-dos in one tool or stage of your writing process to set off automations to complete others.

    For example, if you use Asana to keep track of your current projects, adding a specific tag to certain tasks can trigger this Zapier automation  to create a new invoice in Freshbooks.

    3. Find clients on Slack

    Finally, save some time looking for new clients by creating a big dashboard of new opportunities.

    Believe or not, the perfect place for this the team chat app, Slack.

    You can create a team for yourself or just create a private thread in a team you’re already a member of.

    Do this by collecting different sources you go to for work and getting notifications for new updates in Slack. The way to do it will depend on where you find work, but here’s one example:

    freelance writing

    I’ve gone to the ProBlogger Jobs board, along with a few others, and found their RSS feeds. Then I used this IFTTT recipe to send myself notification whenever a new item was published to those RSS feeds, linking to the new posting.

    Now, instead of going and checking those sites all the time, I can just go to that Slack team and skim through all new opportunities at once. So easy!

    You should be able to enjoy your business, not be afraid of all the extra work that comes with every new writing assignment. Start by automating just one or two things and pay attention to how much your focus shifts back to your writing. Then it’s just a matter of time before you become obsessed with it!

    Do you already use any tricks or tools to maximize your time spent writing?

    This post contains affiliate links. That means if you purchase through our links, you’re supporting The Write Life — and we thank you for that!

  • These Gmail Add-Ons Keep You Organized So You Have More Time to Write

    These Gmail Add-Ons Keep You Organized So You Have More Time to Write

    Freelance writing sounds like a dream career. You have a flexible schedule doing creative work you love. What could be better than getting paid to write all day?

    Except freelance writers don’t write all day.

    As any freelancer knows, your time is often eaten up by random administrative tasks, lengthy email chains and continuously pitching article ideas.

    You aren’t just a writer, you’re also a business owner.

    All those behind-the-scenes tasks keep your business running, but they also take you away from doing the writing that actually pays the bills.

    Luckily, these five Gmail add-ons are the perfect solution for freelance writers who want to spend less time on admin and more time on billable hours.

    Give them a try to boost your bottom line and avoid time-sucking administrative work!

    1. Boomerang

    How often have you sent a batch of pitches and forgotten all about them?

    By the time you remembered, you felt like it was too late to follow up. Or perhaps you always remember to follow up on pitches … but only because you spend precious time maintaining a detailed spreadsheet.

    That will never happen again thanks to Boomerang.

    Though it has several handy features, the one that’s most valuable for writers is the “reminder” option. When you send a pitch, simply set Boomerang to remind you to follow up if you don’t hear back within a certain timeframe.

    Say goodbye to lost pitches and wasted time and hello to professional, timely follow-ups.

    2. Canned Responses

    Ever feel like you’re writing the same email over and over again?

    This brilliant Gmail Lab allows you to save those emails and pop the text into a new email with just a few clicks. Much of a writer’s job involves getting in touch with sources and editors, so Canned Responses can save you tons of time in your inbox.

    Just select the message you need, fill in the blanks with the details, and hit send!

    Here are some e-mails you might want to set up a canned response for:

    • Formatting new pitches
    • Following up on pitches
    • Notifying sources that their article has been published
    • Telling a HARO source  their pitch has been accepted or rejected
    • Thanking an editor for responding to your pitch

    3. WiseStamp

    Think your e-mail signature doesn’t matter? Think again.

    There are thousands of writers out there trying to make a living as a freelancer, and editors are looking for clues that you’re the real deal.

    WiseStamp is the simple way to create a good-looking, professional email signature.

    A professional email signature immediately shows you take your business seriously—plus it encourages editors to follow you on social media or view your writing portfolio.

    Editors are more likely to take a chance on you when they can see where you’ve written in the past and get a feel for your writing style. And if they check out your social accounts and see that you follow their publication and have shared some of their recent pieces, you’ll really stand out.

    4. Rapportive

    This clever email tool makes it simple to connect with editors and sources across other platforms. Once you add someone as a contact, Rapportive displays their social media profiles, mutual colleagues you may know, and job info from their LinkedIn profile, right inside your inbox.

    Having a strong network is essential to your freelance writing career. Rapportive gives you the opportunity to connect with editors on social media, where you can interact with them and stay on their radar in between article assignments.

    You can also use the job information to stay current on where your favorite editors are working. If one of them moves to a new publication, you could get your foot in the door and snag some great new writing opportunities

    5. Sortd

    If your inbox looks like the email equivalent of a teenage boy’s bedroom, Sortd is for you.

    This inbox organizer will keep you from losing important emails and stop you from wasting time searching for specific messages.

    Sortd replaces the typical Gmail interface with a series of organized lists. You can customize each list with whatever title you want, making your inbox clutter-free and perfectly suited to your unique work system. Try these ideas for Sortd list setups to get started:

    • To-Do, for ongoing tasks or emails that require action
    • Currently Writing, for emails related to your articles-in-progress
    • Sources, for keeping track of email chains with your sources
    • Ideas, for when you email yourself that brilliant article idea so you don’t forget
    • “Insert Article Title Here,” for if you’d like to organize emails by the specific article they relate to
    • Editing, for tasks related to revisions and changes from your editor
    • Ongoing, for emails related to recurring assignments or regular columns

    Dealing with email and other administrative duties is never fun, but these Gmail add-ons are the first step to getting that drudge work off your plate. Once you get these systems up and running, you’ll be amazed at how much more time you can spend on the billable writing work you enjoy.

    Do you use any email add-ons to improve your workflow? Tell me about them in the comments!

  • Pitch Your Dream Clients: October Income Report from Nicole Dieker

    Pitch Your Dream Clients: October Income Report from Nicole Dieker

    When you started freelancing, did you have a vision of where you wanted your career to go?

    Does your current career match that vision?

    Today, we’ll look at a reader’s question about pitching “vision clients” and discuss why your freelancing vision might change over time.

    First, my numbers for October:

    Completed pieces: 61

    Work billed: $11,734.33

    Income received: $11,774.81

    In October, I earned over $10,000 in freelance income — a new milestone — and I should earn over $10,000 in November as well.

    These earnings are due in part to a large project that’s scheduled to complete by the end of the year, so I don’t anticipate $10K monthly earnings being “the new normal.” However, it’s a nice temporary normal.

    What am I doing with these high earnings? I’ve paid off my last outstanding debts, I’m putting aside a little extra for taxes and I’m saving as much as I can for the future. Freelancing is unpredictable, so I want to be prepared for income downturns, as well as upswings. It’s what the financial advisors would recommend, right?

    Advice on pitching higher-paying clients

    On the subject of advice: A reader recently asked if I’d give some advice on pitching higher-paying clients as well as pitching what she called “vision clients:” the clients or publications that represent where you want your career to go in the future.

    I have a lot of advice on pitching, so I’ll start with two links. If you’re looking for advice on how to write a pitch, please check out my Write Life “Pitch Fix” series, where I workshop real pitches from writers and make those pitches stronger.

    If you’re looking for a specific and actionable guide on getting better clients and earning more money, I wrote an ebook for The Write Life called “Get Better Clients and Earn More Money.”

    (Seriously. It’s worth reading.)  

    But let’s look closely at this reader’s questions: how do you pitch higher-paying clients, and how do you go after those clients that represent the next stage of your career?

    The short answer is that you pitch higher-paying clients the same way you’re pitching your current clients. You craft smart, tailored pitches that focus on how your skills and ideas can benefit that client’s audience. You also highlight your previous work to prove that you can deliver a quality product.

    I often reference Shane Snow’s video “Hacking the Freelance Ladder” for a great analysis of how a writer can use the clips and connections they build with their current clients to move “up the ladder” to better-paying clients. (Watch the video. It’s so good.)

    From my experience, the first steps on the ladder are close together, and don’t always represent a significant increase in pay; I remember feeling like it was a huge deal to go from 3 cents a word to 5 cents a word, for example. As you continue to build your freelance career, the steps on the ladder might feel more like jumps; instead of getting $100 more per piece, you might get offered $500 or $1,000 more per piece.

    As I moved up in my freelance career, I spent less time pitching potential clients and more time working with clients who had contacted me. When you’re pitching a client, they have most of the leverage; although you can negotiate, you often have to take or leave what they’re offering. When a client reaches out to you, you’re the one with the leverage and they’re the ones who have to take or leave your rates.

    Finding your “vision clients”

    Which brings me to those “vision clients.”

    Here’s one of the hardest truths about freelancing: you might have a vision of where you want your career to go, but there’s going to be a lot that you can’t predict. I would never have guessed that my primary freelance beat would end up being personal finance, or that I would become an editor, as well as a writer. I didn’t plan to earn much of my income through content marketing, either; when I started freelancing, I didn’t even know what that term meant.

    If you had asked me who my “vision clients” were four years ago, I probably would have named a few highbrow publications that focused on intellectual and cultural commentary. As it turns out, my greatest freelance success has come from the areas where my skills match a client’s vision; in my case, my willingness to be open about my finances and my earnings, or my ability to quickly research and analyze a subject in a way that is interesting to a client’s target audience.

    So here’s my advice: if there’s a client or publication that represents where you want  your career to go, absolutely pitch them. But pay attention to the clients and publications that are interested in you, even if they might be taking you in a slightly different direction. Sometimes your career might not match your vision — and that’s a good thing.

    Four years ago, I couldn’t have imagined the career I have now. I didn’t know the freelancing industry well enough to know which opportunities were available to writers, or which opportunities might be the best match for my skills. But I kept climbing the ladder, paying attention to which clients were most interested in my work, and my vision changed as my career grew.

    Expect your vision to change as well. That’s the best advice I can give.

    What was your first “freelancing vision?” How close or far away are you from that original idea?

  • Choosing SMART Goals: September Income Report from Nicole Dieker

    Choosing SMART Goals: September Income Report from Nicole Dieker

    Do you set freelance goals? How do you create those goals, and how do you know if your goals are any good?

    This month, I ask freelancer — and freelancing expert — Gina Horkey how to set smart goals for 2017, as well as how to take those first steps towards achieving them.

    First, the numbers for September:

    Completed pieces: 65

    Work billed: $9,751.83

    Income received: $9,628.65

    This is the highest income I’ve ever billed or received as a freelancer. I’m still putting in roughly the same hours, writing (and revising) a relatively steady 40,000-50,000 words every month, but I’m earning twice as much as I was when I started tracking my income on The Write Life two years ago.

    How did this income boost happen?

    Part of it was luck — one of my clients was able to offer me a large, high-paying project — and part of it came from consistent work, strong client relationships and steadily increasing rates.

    In my very first income report, I set myself the goal of earning $5,000 per month. Now that I’ve more than achieved that milestone, it’s time to think about my next big goals — and seek advice from an expert who knows a thing or two about setting goals.

    Talking to Gina Horkey about developing smart goals

    Last month, I wrote about planning for 2017, including preparing my finances for a potential drop in income and transferring my freelance tracking system to a software program like FreshBooks, Harvest or QuickBooks (which my CPA recommends). Since I’m in the middle of a large project right now, I haven’t had time to test out any of these new programs yet. I don’t expect to get to spend time with them until December.

    However, thinking about what I want to do in 2017 is the first step in figuring out how to get there, and “test small business software” is on my to-do list.

    One of my 2016 goals, as you might remember, was to turn this column into a collaboration — so I reached out to Gina Horkey, a freelance writer and webpreneur who has developed many courses and resources for freelancers, including the Write Life-recommended 30 Days to Freelance Writing Success.

    I wanted to talk to Horkey about how she develops business goals, and what advice she has for freelancers who are planning for 2017.

    “I’m of similar belief that you should get started before the actual year starts, ,” Horkey told me. “Even though I’m not ignoring the rest of 2016, we need to get started on 2017.”

    Like me, Horkey often focuses her goals on metrics.

    “I’m a fan of minimum and stretch goals,” she said. ” Horkey looks at the money she’s earned in the previous year, calculates where she thinks her business might go in the next year and asks herself, “Do I want to do the bare minimum and work less, or do I want to grow?”

    A successful business, as Horkey told me, isn’t always about the money. Having financial security is important, but so is having a solid work-life balance.

    Freelancers who are thinking about how they want to grow their business in 2017 should ask themselves what financial goal they hope to achieve: “Is it to leave work behind and replace their salary, or is it just to add some extra income to the household so things aren’t as tight or maybe [to] pay off debt?”

    You can ask that question at every stage of your freelancing career, whether you’re just getting started or whether you’re in your fourth year as a full-time freelancer (like me!).

    Understanding what you hope to achieve as a freelancer can help you set goals that will help you get there.

    Measurable milestones and simple steps

    For me, a minimum goal for 2017 might be to continue earning $5,000 per month, since that’s an income level I’ve proven I can consistently achieve — and an income that comfortably covers my expenses.

    A stretch goal for 2017 would be to earn $100,000 for the year, or a little over $8,300 every month. Since I’ve increased my income by about $20,000 every year for the past two years, this goal feels reasonable — but it will also take work, good client relationships and a little bit of luck to get there.

    “I try to follow the SMART goal philosophy,” Horkey explained. “Specific, Measureable, Actionable, Realistic and Time-Sensitive.” She asks herself what end result she wants to achieve, and starts breaking that result down into measurable milestones and simple steps.

    “Every goal has multiple steps. I’m a fan of breaking things down into their simplest form: what’s that first, smallest action I can take right now to get me closer to that bigger goal?”

    For me, the first, smallest action I can take to get me to next year’s income goal is to renegotiate my current rates. I can’t control whether or not an individual client will be able to do a rate increase for 2017, but I do know that having this conversation with all of my clients is likely to increase my overall income — without increasing my workload. Renegotiating my rates will also help buffer against the potential drop in income after my large project ends.

    Horkey also stressed the importance of flexibility: “If I’m trying something and it’s not working, I need to shift my plan. I don’t usually get too disheartened, I just try something different in order to make progress.”

    I don’t know yet what will happen in 2017, but I know that if I want to both increase my income and streamline my small business tracking and accounting, I need to start with small steps and be ready to make changes if the steps I take don’t actually lead me to my goal.

    In both cases, I can get started on my 2017 goals in 2016 by testing software programs and setting up rate negotiation conversations. Once I’ve completed those tasks, I’ll be ready to take the next small steps — and be one step closer to achieving my goals.

    Are you ready to set some smart freelancing goals? Share your goals and the next steps you can take to achieve them!

    This post contains affiliate links. That means if you purchase through our links, you’re supporting The Write Life — and we thank you for that!

  • What 200 Rejections Taught Me About Being a Freelance Writer

    What 200 Rejections Taught Me About Being a Freelance Writer

    When I started freelancing many years ago, it was with great enthusiasm and very little knowledge.

    I had a bachelor’s degree in journalism studies, graduating as one of the top students in my class. But whereas I could tell you all about the social meaning of news, I had no idea how to sell an article.

    I graduated a year before my husband, and while I waited for him to finish his degree, I decided to take up freelancing on the side. We were living in a small coastal town with limited media outlets, and I supporting us by working as a breakfast waitress at a local hotel. I reckoned freelancing would be an easy way to get a foot in the door and start establishing connections within the industry.

    I was wrong.There was nothing easy about it at all. I had a vague sense of the importance of market research, but decided I would be better off carpet bombing the whole market with ideas.

    Determined to get my first few assignments, I would send out query letter after query letter, indiscriminately. They went out to local papers and national newspapers, to regional magazines and high end consumer magazines.

    Each time I licked the stamp (Yes, really! This was at the time when SASE was still a familiar phrase) or hit the send-button, I did so with great confidence that this was a winner; this was the pitch that would land me an assignment.

    I was wrong a lot that year.

    In the course of 12 months, I sent out about 220 ideas. Around 20 of those ideas ended in assignments. In other words, I had a rather abysmal success rate of about 10 percent.

    But being turned down 200 times in one single year taught me a thing or two.

    1. Being rejected isn’t the end of the world

    Heck, not even 200 rejections equals the end of the world!

    I’m by nature introverted and conflict-averse. A single “no” could make me curl up in a corner, but being flooded by 200 of them? The sheer amount of them short-circuited my natural response and I quickly learned to just shrug them off and move on.

    You’re gonna be better at dealing with rejection than any of your friends, since about 80 percent of your job is composed of running headlong into it, according to Jamie Cattanach. If you give up after a few rejections, you are probably not fit for the freelance lifestyle.

    To survive as a freelance writer you have to get used to being turned down. And the only way to get used to it, is by trying and failing. Fail fast, learn fast, succeed fast.

    2. You can save time by spending time

    By the end of my year of rejections, I finally started to realize I was wasting a whole lot of time shipping out half-baked ideas that never got anywhere. I wised up and learned that you are better off pitching one good idea to the right market than a dozen mediocre ideas to whoever.

    By studying the market, pinpointing the publication that best matches your idea and making sure you truly understand the audience they are aiming for, you will stand a far better chance of getting a yes from the editor.

    It is always better to take the time to do the research that will get you a “yes” than to waste your time writing generic query letters that will only get rejected.

    3. Get curious

    The 220 ideas I submitted didn’t just teach me about rejections. They also taught me a lot about what it takes to get a “yes” and which ideas will end in an instant “no.” When I left freelancing, my acceptance rate had gone from the abysmal ten percent to being closer to 75 percent.  

    So what had changed between the 10-percent and the 75-percent conversion rate? Mainly one thing: I had learned how to generate ideas that sell to paying markets.

    If you find yourself being turned down continuously, learn from it. Don’t get defensive, get curious. Figure out how you could have done it better and then apply the lessons you’ve learned next time you submit your ideas.

    It might take time to succeed, but it will go a whole lot faster if you are willing to learn from your mistakes.

    What have you learned from the rejections you’ve received as a writer?

  • 3 Simple Tips for Better Communication With Your Writing Clients

    3 Simple Tips for Better Communication With Your Writing Clients

    Anyone who’s been in the freelance-writing game for any length of time has a horror story or two (or 10) about a client.

    Maybe it’s multiple revision requests from some wayward editor who doesn’t know what they want, or perhaps it’s 30+ days post wrap-up and you’re still waiting to get paid. These debacles can often be prevented with some good old-fashioned communication.

    I’ve played on both teams. By day I’m managing editor of the ClearVoice blog; by night and weekend, I’m in the trenches with y’all, making a little extra money to keep the dog in Alpo. Here’s my advice on how to improve communication with your editors and clients and, in turn, get fewer revision requests and more work.  

    1. Never assume anything

    Is it OK to write in the first person, or will only third person do? Do they want you to include images with your copy, or will they pull those themselves? Are they paying extra for you to promote it in your social channels, or is that rolled into the assignment price?

    Don’t guess. Ask.

    Get clarity on everything before you begin, and get it in writing. If you get hired with a phone call or meeting, send an email summarizing the scope of the project and ask for confirmation. Nail down such details as:

    • The type of content they want produced and the minimum/maximum word count
    • Who the audience is
    • Any links or keywords to include
    • Deadline, price, and how and when payment will be made
    • Tone and voice
    • Any brand and project guidelines
    • Will the content be ghostwritten or bylined?
    • Who the editor is (this is who you’ll work with the most) and how they prefer to communicate (email, phone, IM/Slack)
    • Any relevant resources/marketing materials that will help you better understand the subject matter
    • How many rounds of revisions are included in the price (two is industry standard)
    • Are you expected to promote the content on social?
    • And of course, make sure you understand what they want covered, including whether you’re expected to find an expert source

    2. Ask for feedback (and give it in return)

    Reasonable people want to know how and where they can improve. So if you’re a reasonable person, ask for feedback — and be a good sport when it arrives.

    The more information you have about what you’re getting right and what you’re missing, the quicker you’ll learn exactly what the client wants. Editors love working with writers who can hit the mark on the first try. Once they’ve invested time in you and see you “get it,” the’ll likely want to use you on future projects.

    Try not to be defensive or argumentative when the feedback rolls in, either. Take it graciously and ask questions, but don’t argue (unless it’s a ridiculous request, in which case, you have bigger problems).

    Similarly, if you’re working with reasonable people and you have insight about how they could improve something on their end, don’t be afraid to give them honest (but tactful) feedback. But if you’re unsure about how your feedback would be received or if you’re overstepping your bounds in giving it, hold off.

    3. Be yourself (just be smart about it)

    Yes, you want to be professional. But you can be professional and have a personality. When I finally took off my “board room” face and was just me, it was like breathing a huge sigh of relief. My clients responded in kind, and it helped us form a relationship.

    You know there’s a caveat, right? Here it is: Be you, but be you within the confines of good taste. If the real you curses like a trucker or doesn’t like to wear a bra, may I suggest you skip this tip. But if the real you sticks an emoji at the bottom of an email, why not? Everyone appreciates authenticity.

    Ditto for disclosing personal things about yourself. Appropriate self-disclosure strengthens bonds with clients — so if you’ll be back online after you pick up your kid from softball practice, say so. Again, “decorum” is the key word here. People want to work with people they like and view as genuine.

    How have you formed relationships with your freelance-writing clients?

  • How to Plan for Successful Freelance Writing

    How to Plan for Successful Freelance Writing

    When do you start planning for the next calendar year?

    We’re getting ready for the fourth quarter of 2016, which means it’s time to think about where my freelance career might be in 2017 — and the work I need to do now to prepare myself for the year to come.

    Here are my numbers for August:

    Completed pieces: 67

    Work billed: $8,449.91

    Income received: $8,553.89

    I wrote a little over 44,000 words this month, although that number is starting to make less sense to me as a metric because half of my workload is now longform writing that involves multiple drafts and revisions – and I only track the words I turn in on the first draft, not the words I add/delete/revise.

    So that’s a metric I’m going to want to rethink for 2017. Is it worth it to keep a running count of the number of words I write every month? If so, do I need to start tracking the number of words I add or change during revisions?

    I like keeping a word count because it’s a useful metric for clients. Saying that you write 44K words a month establishes that you’re producing content at a certain level, and it also implies that you can turn around a lot of assignments quickly. I also like being able to say I write the equivalent of a short novel every month.  

    But if my workload is changing, the way I track word count needs to change as well.

    Upgrading my bookkeeping

    My word-count system isn’t the only thing that needs to change for 2017. Ever since I’ve started freelancing, I’ve kept my books via a series of handcrafted spreadsheets — and I’m at the point where I want to invest in a better tool.

    Right now, I spend a lot of time setting up spreadsheets, making sure my formulas are correct, typing in numbers, tracking paid and unpaid invoices, and comparing all of this against the money that goes into my bank account — not to mention the hours I spend trying to figure out why I’ve made an error! I’d like to outsource this to an online system, in the hopes that it will streamline not only my day-to-day income management but also my quarterly and yearly taxes.

    I know that The Write Life recommends both FreshBooks and Harvest, so it might be time to start exploring small business software and see what tool I want to use in 2017.

    Planning for 2017’s workload

    When I started freelancing, I thought it was a huge deal to have assignments booked two weeks in advance. As you might remember from last month’s earnings report, I currently have assignments booked through the end of 2016.

    This means I need to start thinking now about what might happen in January 2017, when those assignments end.

    I’m guessing that my current clients will continue to offer me new assignments, and that we’ll probably start discussing those assignments at the end of the year — which will be an ideal time for me to open a conversation about renegotiating rates. (I try to have this conversation annually, usually in early December.)

    If something happens and I don’t have enough work to fill my time, I have a list of clients I’ve written for who have expressed interest in working with me on future projects. I’ll reach out to them to see if they’re still interested.

    I’ve also been saving money to make sure I have an income buffer in case I see a drop in my workload. I just met my three-month emergency-fund goal, so I have enough money to go three months without earning any income — although I hope that won’t be the case.

    The big question is whether I want to change anything about my workload for 2017. I’m happy with my current clients and the assignments I’m completing; the work is interesting, I get to work with great people, and I’m getting it all done in 40-hour weeks.

    I’d like to keep this balance for as long as I can, which means I’m not thinking about changing my workload as much as I’m thinking about how to sustain it — and in my mind, that means doing the best work I can and maintaining those good client relationships. That’ll set me up for the rest of the year and give me a good foundation for whatever comes next.

    Three questions for this month: Have you started thinking about 2017? How do you track word count on assignments, especially when several rounds of revisions are involved? Also: what’s your favorite bookkeeping software?

    This post contains affiliate links. That means if you purchase through our links, you’re supporting The Write Life — and we thank you for that!