But first, let's take a look at some of the most popular posts from 2011 you may have missed--and that are definitely worth reading:
- Struggle with writing queries? Most new freelancers do. Follow this proven query template and boost your pitching success rate.
- Many freelancers find that an LOI, or letter of introduction, is one of their most effective marketing tools. Here's how to write one.
- Miss a deadline, and you risk alienating your editor or client--for good. I've never blown a deadline in 15 years. Follow my advice and you'll never miss one either.
- Plenty of new writers break into national magazines with few or no clips. Use these tips and you'll see your byline in a major glossy, too.
- Networking with other freelancers is essential to your success--as long as you're able to sidestep certain writers. My post on Explosives, Waifs, and Users (and other writers to avoid) got lots of traffic (and probably had some writers worrying I was talking about them!) :)
- Email is an essential tool but a potential time-waster. My post on ways to use email more efficiently also garnered a lot of interest.
- More freelancers are adding ghostwriting to their repertoire, so it's no surprise that my roundup of ghostwriting posts was popular.
- Finally, writers were interested in what freelancers are making. The results of the 2011 income survey (and the 2010 income survey) always get a lot of hits.
Want to be a more successful freelancer in 2012? Why not preorder Writer for Hire: 101 Secrets to Freelance Success. You can write it off your taxes this year--and be one of its first readers when it releases in May. Win-win! If you're just looking for an entertaining read (which got good reviews from Publishers Weekly and Library Journal!), I suggest White Bikini Panties, or Did You Get the Vibe?, my first novel. Enjoy! :)