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Sunday, March 17, 2013

Post Round-Up: 10 Posts New Freelancers Should Read

So, it's St. Patrick's Day but I've spent the afternoon working. I'm in the final stages of finishing the galleys of Six-Figure Freelancing: The Writer's Guide to Making More Money, second edition; it goes to print once I approve them. I have to say that the updated version is even better than its predecessor--partly because there's a lot more stuff in it (new chapters on marketing and on writing books, advice about social media, and new advice from successful six-figure freelancers--along with a dozen queries, eight letters of introduction, and five proposals), and partly because I'm just a better writer than I was ten years ago, when I wrote the first edition. I'm not bragging--that's what happens when you do something for years. You get better at it!  

And I will have Dollars and Deadlines: Make Money Writing Articles for Print and Online Markets available in a print edition in the next week or so. Been busy with that, too. In other words, I am swamped with things other than my blog, so I'm hosting another post round-up. And I have a question for my readers: Do you have any great promotion ideas for me as I launch Improvise Press' first two books? I'll be doing some giveaways; writing articles and blog posts for a variety of markets; seeking reviews; and hosting some events for freelancers in coming months. And yes, I will Tweet about it. But I'd love to hear from you! Please let me know. 

Okay, now for our post round-up--10 posts that every new freelancer should read: 

* If you want to write articles for print and online pubs, you have to be able to write a compelling query
* The other essential tool in your marketing toolbox? The LOI, or letter of introduction
* If you lack experience, you should be pitching the FOB, or front-of-book, section. Here's why.
* Don't be afraid to follow up. In fact, plan on doing it with every pitch. 
* Focus on relationships, not assignments. 
* Worried about interviewing someone? Five tips for better interviews.
* Use the "TK" trick to write faster, or "swim like a shark," as I say. 
* Make your editor love you--it's not that hard. 
* Know the perfect time to pitch an editor
* Understand what attributes play a vital role in your freelancing success. 

--Til next time! 


2 comments:

  1. If you are still looking for some reviews, I write for I've Tried That and would like to review your upcoming book, Six-Figure Freelancing 2nd. ed., on the blog. Please let me know if you'd be interested in this proposition.

    ReplyDelete
  2. That would be great, Halina. Email me at kelly at becomebodywise.com and I'll get you a PDF ASAP! (Print version won't be available for a few weeks.)

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete