Hot Freelance Tip of the Day: Sell What Clients Will Buy

I'm back from the annual ASJA Writers' Conference in NYC, and it was worth the time and expense. Went to great panels on book publishing and promotion/publicity and moderated the "Secrets of Successful Freelancing" panels on Friday, April 28. My panelists (Sam Greengard, Susan Johnston, and Katherine Reynolds Lewis) shared a slew of great ideas and strategies to make more money whether you're a new freelancer or a more experienced one--so I've got lots to share in coming posts!

When the panelists were asked about specific ways they marketed themselves, Katherine had a great suggestion. She asks clients what sections of the publication they're having trouble filling, or what specific types of content they lack writers for. Then she pitches the type of piece or the type of work she knows they need--and gets an assignment.

That's one reason I suggest that new writers break into writing for online and print publications with short FOB pieces. The editors for these sections have to fill them every month, and they need writers to come to them with ideas. Do that, and you're more likely to make a sale and get your foot in the door.

So, the Hot Freelance Tip of the Day: Sell What Clients Will Buy. 

**Special thanks to the people at ASJA who bought Writer for Hire: 101 Secrets to Freelance Success! If you've got it and find it helpful, I'd love a review on Amazon or BN.com.

And I'll be picking the winner for my first Writer for Hire giveaway by week's end, May 4. Enter here if you haven't already!