Reviews Sell Books--and How to Get a Free Copy of Goodbye Byline!

I've posted already about the ASJA Writers' Conference, which I attended last month in NYC.  (You'll find a quick roundup of tips from the conference here.) I went to the conference with several goals in mind: 

• to introduce myself to book editors as a potential ghostwriter/book doctor for their authors who need collaborative help;  
• to meet more content marketing clients, especially those that need writers who cover health, fitness, and nutrition; and 
• to learn more about ways to sell my books through Improvise Press. 

Last week, I worked on the first two goals and sent six follow-up emails and pitches to editors I met at ASJA; I'll let you know how they fare. (Two book editors were particularly interested in my background, which is promising, and I came up with several solid pitches for print and online pubs as well, so I'm expecting an assignment or two as a result of the conference. Next week I'll send formal follow-ups on my pitches.)

But I haven't yet done a lot with my third goal. One of the tips I heard on the self-publishing panel, and that is that reviews sell books. Well, yes, I knew that. But what I hadn't heard yet was that according to Miral Sattar of Bibliocrunch, you should have at least 10 reviews on Amazon before you start promoting a book. (How do you get those reviews? By sending out PDFs and electronic copies of your book long before it launches.) 

So I'm on a mission to garner reviews, not only for Goodbye Byline, Hello Big Bucks: Make Money Ghostwriting Books, Articles, Blogs and More, Second Edition (which will be available in print this fall). It will be Improvise Press' third title, joining:  

• Six-Figure Freelancing: The Writer's Guide to Making More Money, Second Edition; and
• Dollars and Deadlines: Make Money Writing Articles for Print and Online Markets. 

As I write this, Goodbye Byline has only two reviews. (Sad face.) My goal is to have 10 reviews by end of the month, and that's where you come in. Post a comment here with a freelancing question, and you'll be entered to win a PDF of Goodbye Byline, Hello Big Bucks. All I ask is that you review Goodbye Byline by month's end.  

If you've wanted to learn more about ghostwriting (including content marketing), here's your chance. You'll learn how to get started, how to find clients, how to work efficiently as a ghostwriter, and how to avoid common ghostwriting pitfalls--and find templates of everything from LOIs to contracts to permission forms. So post your comment below, and stay tuned to see if you're a winner! 

 

Only $400 for 600 words? Why I Said, "Yes."

I've posted before about the difference between dollars/word and dollars/hour, and why the latter is a better indicator of whether an assignment is worth it. Don't get me wrong--I want to get the highest rate possible, believe me! But I take assignments that other writers might say "no" to--if I think I can make my hourly rate. 

For example, a couple of weeks ago, an editor I'd worked with before emailed me. The magazine she worked for had been sold, and she was now editing another publication, one that's new to me. She asked me if I'd be interested in taking on a brief assignment (600-700 words) that involved creating a workout plan and shooting photos of it as well. The rate? Only $400. That's a pretty low per-word rate, especially considering that I'd be providing photos as well. 

A few years ago, when the freelance environment wasn't as competitive, I may have turned this assignment down. After all, I used to do a lot of features for national magazines that paid $1-1.50/word--and I much prefer a $2,250 assignment to one that pays less than 20 percent of that. Plus, most of my work these days is ghostwriting/coauthoring books for clients, which typically pay at least $15,000.   

Well, I said "yes." Surprised? Well, let me explain my reasoning: 

1. I've worked with this editor before, and have always enjoyed it. She's smart and easy to work with, and I knew I wanted to to continue our professional relationship. 

2. I knew the piece wouldn't take me long to complete. I've written dozens of workout stories and they're relatively easy for me to draft. 

3. As an ACE-certified personal trainer, I didn't need to source this piece. In some cases, editors want me to rely on other experts, but here, I had the OK to create the workout myself. That meant I had to do no extra research--after all, I write workouts for clients. Now I was writing one for readers. 

4. The publication's subject matter focuses weight loss, fitness, and health, subjects I specialize in. It's likely that if I do a good job, I'll be offered other assignments--and hopefully become a regular contributor with the magazine. 

5. I hadn't shot photos for a story before. I'm a writer, not a photog! But I figured this was an opportunity to practice a skill that would be valuable to clients in the future. Plus, I already had a "fitness model" in mind and I thought it would be fun! 

6. Even considering a photo shoot (which took just 35 minutes), I thought I could write the piece and deliver the photos in five hours, which meant an hourly rate of $80, not bad at all. 

Get the idea? Well, the assignment ended up taking just over five hours, total. I turned in the story long before deadline, and my editor accepted it a few hours later. Better yet, she's so happy with the piece she's promised me more work soon--and now I've gained some experience "shooting" as well as writing. 

Remember, you can't control what a market pays, or what a potential client offers you. But you can make an educated decision about whether that assignment is worth it to you--and whether it may offer some long-term benefits as well. 

Readers, what about you? Do you say "yes" to assignments you think other writers would turn down? Tell me about a time you've done so, and I'll enter your name in a new giveaway for some free freelance consulting time! 

**Are you a new freelancer, or want to launch a career where you can get paid for your writing? My book, Dollars and Deadlines: Make Money Writing Articles for Print and Online Markets, will take you from unpublished to published and paid. If you have some clips to your name and are ready to ramp up your writing career, check out Six-Figure Freelancing: The Writer's Guide to Making More Money, Second Edition. 

And remember to use the discount code, IMPROVISEPRESS (all caps/no breaks) for 20% off of your order, which makes it cheaper than buying from Amazon. The discount is only available for a limited time when you buy directly from ImprovisePress, my new publishing company. 

Why It's Good to Be Steven...And What's YOUR Burning Question?

Because he won my latest giveaway! A complimentary copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Writers is on its way to him as we speak.

Thanks to all who participated, and bought copies of Six-Figure Freelancing: The Writer's Guide to Making More Money, second edition, and Dollars and Deadlines: Make Money Writing Articles for Print and Online Markets. They're selling steadily and I appreciate the support for my new business.

So, what question would you like to ask about freelancing? If you have a burning question you'd like me to answer--whether it's about money or contacting sources or time management or marketing techniques or anything else related to making money as a freelance writer, post it here. I'll be answering readers' questions in the coming weeks, so here's your chance!

I Need More Stevens...and Only Six More Days for the Giveaway!

Last week I received an email from a reader named Steven, which read in part:  

"Are you going to have any of your other writing books on your site?  I recently bought Dollars and Deadlines, Six Figure Freelancing, and Ready, Aim, Specialize before I knew about you selling your books on your site. I will probably buy Writer for Hire and Goodbye Byline, Hello Big Bucks on next unless you are bringing them out on your site any time soon. What I have read of the 3 books I mentioned previously, I have found very helpful. [my emphasis] They were actually a birthday present--my wife asked me wanted and she ordered them for me. I enjoy reading your artcles also because you make things easy to understand. Thank you."

I got back in touch with Steven to let him know I did have a few copies of Writer for Hire and Goodbye Byline in my office. (We authors tend to have extras!) I promptly thanked him, and sold them to him, signing them per his request. And I told him to get in touch with future freelance questions. 

Steven now has all FIVE of my books on freelancing. And I realized, I need more Stevens. 

No, you don't have to buy all five books (though personally I think Six-Figure Freelancing is the best book I've ever written on successful freelancing), but if you follow this blog, or turn to it when you're looking for proven, practical freelance advice, I hope you'll consider getting an entire book's worth of advice. You don't have to be Steven, but you can be a more successful freelancer if you follow the advice in my books.  

If you want the print edition of Dollars and Deadlines: Make Money Writing Articles for Print and Online Markets, or Six-Figure Freelancing: The Writer's Guide to Making More Money, Second Edition, don't wait. (Prefer an electronic edition. Here's the Dollars Kindle edition and Six-Figure Freelancing Kindle edition; if you don't have a Kindle, you'll find Smashwords editions of Dollars and Six-Figure here. 

Buy either (or both!) book by Monday, May 20 directly from my new company, Improvise Press, and you'll have a chance to win a FREE copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul Inspiration for Writers. It's chockfull of 101 motivational stories by both budding and bestselling writers that will help keep you in the game.

And remember to use the discount code, IMPROVISEPRESS (all caps/no breaks) for 20% off of your order, which makes it cheaper than buying from Amazon. The discount is only available for a limited time when you buy directly from ImprovisePress.

Inspiration Giveaway--and "On Spec" Versus "On Assignment"

Most of my freelance work is done on assignment, working for clients who have already hired me to craft an article, write a blog post, or ghostwrite a book. (That's different from writing "on speculation," or "on spec," where you write something without a formal assignment and then hope to sell it.)

Yet I do make time for what I call "projects of the heart." I write essays occasionally and hope that I'll be able to sell them, and when I do place one, I'm thrilled. I don't always know that I'll be able to sell an essay, but writing them lets me express myself and write in my own voice, not that of a client or market. It's a bonus when I sell one and see it published.

Years ago, I wrote a essay on writer's block that I sold to The Writer; it was reprinted in the ASJA Monthly. I forgot about the piece until last year, when I saw that Chicken Soup for the Soul Inspiration for Writers was soliciting submissions. I sent it in, and forgot about it again--until I learned that it had been selected for publication. The book just came out. Now I've got another check and another credit--plus a few complimentary copies I can pass on to readers.

So I'm doing another giveaway! Have you been meaning to buy the print edition of Dollars and Deadlines: Make Money Writing Articles for Print and Online Markets, or Six-Figure Freelancing: The Writer's Guide to Making More Money, Second Edition, but been putting it off? Make today the day.

Buy either (or both!) book for the next few days directly from my new company, Improvise Press, and you'll have a chance to win a FREE copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul Inspiration for Writers. It's chockfull of 101 motivational stories by both budding and bestselling writers that will help keep you in the game.

And remember to use the discount code, IMPROVISEPRESS (all caps/no breaks) for 20% off of your order, which makes it cheaper than buying from Amazon. The discount is only available for a limited time when you buy directly from ImprovisePress.

**My mention of "on spec" versus "on assignment" made me realize I'm due for a post on some publishing terms every writer should know. Stay tuned!

Thanks to Those Who Entered the Giveaway!

Thank you to all who commented for the chance to win a free PDF of my latest ebook, Dollars and Deadlines: Make Money Writing Articles for Print and Online Markets [Smashwords edition]! If you commented, please make sure you send me your email (send it to kelly at becomebodywise.com) so I can send you your copy. And stay tuned for another giveaway soon. :)

Want to Win a Free Copy of my Latest eBook?

Want to write for print and online markets--and get paid to do so? Dream of starting a freelance career but have no clue about how to do it? Here's your chance--I'm looking for a few people to review my newest ebook, Dollars and Deadlines: Make Money Writing for Print and Online Markets (which will soon be available in print from Improvise Press); if you're interested in receiving a complimentary copy to review on Amazon (or anywhere else you'd like), comment and tell me why I should choose you to get a free PDF of the book. Limited-time offer and I'm only giving out a few copies, so get your comments posted quickly!

And thanks to all who participate! :)

An Essential Word in Your Freelancer Vocabulary

I admit it. I have a hard time saying no. As a result, I often wind up taking on too much work, only to regret it afterwards. I’d rather say yes to just about everything, which leads to me being overbooked and overwhelmed.

As a former attorney, though, I should know better. As a law student, you study for and take what’s called the ethics bar exam, which tests your knowledge of the Code of Professional Responsibility that lawyers swear to uphold. The one thing I remember from the course more than 20 years later was this line: A lawyer is not a bus. Meaning that if you’re uncomfortable working for a client or don’t feel that you can adequately represent the person, you don’t have to take him on—and, in fact, you may be ethically obligated not to. (A bus, on the other hand, stops to let every waiting passenger climb aboard. Get it?)

This axiom applies to writers as well. As a freelancer, you don’t have to take every project that’s offered. Sometimes the gig doesn’t offer enough money or the contract terms are terrible or you’re already overloaded with work or you don’t feel right about the job. Sure, there will be instances where you take on work you’re not thrilled about because you need the money. After all, having to do things you don’t particularly want to do is part of any job. But if you never say no, you’ll lose control over your writing life and have no time for the projects you really want to pursue.

Still, many writers struggle with saying no, especially when they have a relationship with the person doing the asking. Years ago, my dad, who’s a dentist, came to me with a great idea. He wanted us to write a book together, on providing better-quality dental care to patients in nursing homes. (Imagine my thrill at the idea of covering this subject!) I had to turn him down.

I felt terrible about it. He’s my dad! But I knew that the project would take months, it wouldn’t produce much (if any) income, and it wasn’t a subject I had any interest in. He was disappointed and angry. But if I had taken on the book, it would have severely impacted my ability to make a living. As a self-employed businessperson, I can’t do that. (I would have also been resentful toward him and angry with myself for agreeing to do it, and those are not feelings I want to be embracing for months.)

When I say no, I start with a “thank you,” and then give a reason for my refusal, like, “Thank you so much for thinking of me for this project, but I’m afraid I don’t have time to take it on right now.” Or, “I really appreciate you getting in touch, but I charge at least $4,500 for a book proposal, so unless you can afford that, I won’t be able to work with you.” You may feel bad temporarily but you’ll feel much worse if you take on work that you don’t want and then have to actually do it!  

Repeat after me: You are a writer, not a bus. Start saying no to the work you don’t need and don’t want. You won’t regret it. And you'll leave room for more lucrative assignments as well. 

[This post is Secret 51: Learn to say no from Writer for Hire: 101 Secrets to Freelance Success. If you're serious about freelancing, I hope you'll check it out. Thanks! Or if you're a total newbie to freelancing and want to know how to sell your first article, you won't find better, more practical advice than in my ebook,Dollars and Deadlines' Guide to Selling your First Article. Or check out my other ebooks here.]

***And finally, stay tuned for my next giveaway to celebrate hitting 400 followers on this blog! It's going to be a good one. :)  

You Need to Celebrate Yourself as a Writer, Announcing the Winner, and Keep Those Queries Coming

Several weeks ago, I hosted my own book party to celebrate the launch of my latest novel, The Honesty Index. I debated doing so, thinking it might seem too self-promotional or worse, self-involved. And maybe it was both. 


But you know what? I'm a freelancer. If I don't celebrate myself, who will? (And besides, I sold 34 copies of the book at that event--plus had a chance to hang out, talk, and laugh with several dozen of my favorite women! So it was win-win.) 


Celebrating yourself as a freelancer is one of the topic's on my two-part interview series on The Writer's Place, where Nancy Christie is observing "Recognize your Accomplishments Day." Check it out here. 


**
And the winner is..."Kar!" (Thanks to my first grader, Ryan, who once again chose the winner of the giveaway.) Kar said her favorite reason to freelance is "working outside in the fresh spring air, drinking iced tea and still meeting my deadlines." (Love that, BTW.) Kar, please email me at kelly at becomebodywise.com with your snail mail address and I'll get a free copy of Writer for Hire: 101 Secrets to Freelance Success in the mail to you ASAP. 


**
Finally, keep those query letters coming! I'm doing another Query Critique Week again during the month of June. I'll offer personalized feedback on a select number of pitches here on the blog. Here's how to play: 

1. Send your one-page query (for an article, nonfiction book proposal or novel) to kelly at becomebodywise.com by Monday, June 11, 2012. Make sure you put "Query Critique Week" in the subject line. 

2. Cross your fingers and hope that your query gets picked to be critiqued here on my blog. (I'll only be able to choose a few.) And don't worry, I won't identify the writer of the query. I would, however, like permission to include some of them in an upcoming ebook on writing more powerful successful queries.  

3. Tune in throughout June for ongoing query critiques! 

So send them in ASAP...the earlier you submit yours, the more likely I am to choose it for critique.  

The Query Critique is Back! And Last Chance to Enter the Giveaway...

Remember my Query Critique Week from last year? Well, I'm doing it again during the month of June. I'll offer personalized feedback on a select number of pitches here on the blog. Here's how to play: 

1. Send your one-page query (for an article, nonfiction book proposal or novel) to kelly at becomebodywise.com by Monday, June 11, 2012. Make sure you put "Query Critique Week" in the subject line. 

2. Cross your fingers and hope that your query gets picked to be critiqued here on my blog. (I'll only be able to choose a few.) And don't worry, I won't identify the writer of the query. I would, however, like permission to include some of them in an upcoming ebook on writing more powerful successful queries.  

3. Tune in throughout June for ongoing query critiques! 


So send them in ASAP...the earlier you submit yours, the more likely I am to choose it for critique.  


**Finally, it's your last chance to enter the giveaway for a free, signed copy of Writer for Hire: 101 Secrets to Freelance Success. The winner will be announced Friday, June 1st. 

Hot Freelance Tip of the Day: Narrow your Focus

Hard to believe, but I've been writing this blog for two years as of this month. Today's Hot Freelance Tip of the Day calls back to one of my first posts, and one of my philosophies as a freelancer. It's simple. Narrow your focus. 

I get a lot of pushback when I suggest that writers specialize, so let me explain that specializing doesn't mean that you must always write in your specialty. It means, though, that you take a smarter approach to your freelance career, and focus your energies on several subject areas/types of writing as opposed to trying to write about anything and everything. 

Specializing in several subject areas (health, fitness, nutrition, and writing) means I have a background in most of the topics I cover. That means it's faster for me to research and pitch ideas than if I'm covering a subject I know nothing about (and trust me, there are many!). 

But I don't just specialize in subject areas. I specialize in types of writing as well. I consider myself a service writer. That's what I do the most of, and I'm good at it. Whether I'm writing an article, a blog post, or a book (whether my own or ghostwriting for a client), I'm likely explaining something to readers and then showing them how to do something. It might be how to become more active, or take more risks as a parent, or how to make more money as a freelancer (gee, that makes me think of Writer for Hire). 

I know not every writer is driven by money, or wants to freelance full-time. But if you do, you want to work as efficiently as possible and narrowing your focus will help you do that. (Here's a much longer post on reasons to specialize.) 

**OK, now for announcements and freebies. My second giveaway continues; the winner will be announced by month's end. Enter here--and get your queries/LOIs ready as I'm gearing up for a query critique in June. 

And if you're struggling with your writing, or looking for a way to breathe new life into your writing, check out Kelly Stone's writing class, Empower your Muse, Empower your Writing Self, which starts in June. She's an excellent teacher and the subject matter is a great one. 

Finally, remember my free ebook offer? Well, I'm keeping it going another week or so. If you're clueless about getting published, or know something who is, have them get a free copy of Dollars and Deadlines' 10 Truths Every Writer Who Wants to Get Published Should Know. 

8 Tips for eBook Authors: Post on ASJA's New Blog, The Word--and Another Giveaway!

Hi, gang...

If you're considering an ebook (and what author isn't these days), check out my post on ASJA's new blog, The Word, where I provide 8 important tips for ebook authors. In honor of the post, I'm keeping my ebook, Dollars and Deadlines' 10 Truths Every Writer Who Wants to Get Published Must Know, free for another week. Yay!

And yeah, if you're serious about freelancing, or want to boost your bottom line, check out Writer for Hire: 101 Secrets to Freelance Success. It's my updated version of Six-Figure Freelancing, a book that has helped thousands of freelancers make more money.

Finally, if you read this whole post, you get another chance to win a signed copy of Writer for Hire. That's right, I'm doing another giveaway. Yay! To enter, post a comment below with one reason you love freelancing. Winner to be announced by month's end.

Didn't win the giveaway? Sad face. Here's another chance...if you're speedy!

If you weren't lucky enough to be Brenda M (and thanks for getting in touch, Brenda!) and win a free copy of Writer for Hire, here's another chance. Visit Erika Dreifus' awesome blog, Practicing Writing, for another way to win a copy (you'll have to check out my Hot Freelance Tip of the Day series)--but make sure you do it by Friday, May 11, when the giveaway ends!

FREE eBook for Every Writer who Wants to Get Published

Promotion for Writer for Hire: 101 Secrets to Freelance Success continues. Tomorrow I'll announce the winner of the first giveaway; get your entry in before midnight CDT (central daylight-savings time) tonight if you want to win a chance for a free copy of the book.

This week's promotion is something I've never done before. I'm giving away one of my Dollars and Deadlines ebooks for FREE for the next week. Yup, free. No charge. Not a penny. (Yeah, I know giving away work for free isn't my thing. But I have my reasons. Stay tuned for how this experiment turns out.)

Dollars and Deadlines' 10 Truths Every Writer Who Wants to be Be Published Should Know includes exactly that--straight talk to help take you from unpublished to published. (The link will take you to the book's Smashwords page; if you prefer Kindle, it will cost you $0.99 (you can't offer a book for free there) and will be available by tomorrow (May 7) morning.

Please spread the word to writers you know...and let me know what you think of the ebook! See you tomorrow! :)

And the winner is...

Thanks to all of the entries for my latest giveaway. The winner, chosen by my six-year-old, is Melissa Breau, who wins a signed copy of Ready, Aim, Specialize and a query critique. Melissa, please get in touch with me at kelly at becomebodywise dot com and I'll get your mailing address.

Coming up next...more advice on smart freelancing techniques, comparing articles versus books, and a report on a year's worth of POD sales.

300 Followers! A Giveaway to Celebrate

To celebrate 300 followers (and thank you, each of you!), I'm doing another giveaway. To enter, please post a comment and tell me a freelance subject you'd like to see me cover on the blog--or give me a specific question you'd like my opinion on. Then my six-year-old will pull several names at random (depending on how many entries we get) and I'll announce the winners next Monday.

The prize(s)? A copy of my book on more efficient freelancing, Ready, Aim, Specialize! Create your own Writing Specialty and Make More Money (Kindle version)--and the opportunity for a one-page query critique by me, which will be posted anonymously on this blog. Ready, Aim is a great resource for new freelancers and includes 20 successful queries and a how-to chapter that walks you through the process of pitching, selling, and writing an article from concept to clip.

***And speaking of efficient freelancing, stay tuned for next week, when I'll feature a Q and A from Gretchen Roberts, author of the new ebook, Full-time Income in Part-time Hours. Gretchen's running a fun contest for writing parents; check it out!

Feedback from Giveaway Winners--and News for Those Who Didn't Win

Remember last year's giveaway and my more recent one? Two out of three of my winners recently "collected" their prizes. I asked them for feedback after our consulting sessions, and here's what they had to say:

Janine has a book coming out next year and we spent our hour talking about her marketing/promotion plan and brainstorming ways to sell the book when it comes out. She said:

"My giveaway session with Kelly yielded pages of ideas, both for boosting my list of viable markets and for promoting my book once it's in my hands. She's a font of ideas, and served up a generous dose of encouragement. Just one hour went a long way to helping me along my path."

Last year's giveaway winner, Jan, worked as a writer before lauching a service business with her husband. Now the couple is planning to move cross-country and she wants to launch a specialized freelance business in her new town. We talked about ways to get started, find new clients, and how to set herself apart from other freelancers based on her specific background. Here's what she said afterwards:

"Whether you're a seasoned freelancer or just starting out, I highly recommend a coaching session with Kelly. I'm in the planning stages of launching my own writing business, and Kelly worked with me to fine-tune my marketing strategy and offered advice on transitioning from employee to business owner. She encouraged me to consider areas of opportunities I may have otherwise overlooked. Kelly is generous with sharing her knowledge of the industry and her personal experiences, and is very accessible. As my business takes off, I look forward to working with her again."

Sometimes freelancers need advice about taking their careers to the next level; sometimes they need encouragement; and sometimes they just need a coach to help them stay accountable and reach their goals. If you're looking for this kind of personalized consulting, contact me through email (kelly at becomebodywise.com).

We can work by phone, email, or a combination of both--that's up to you. My consulting rate is $100/hour and many of my consulting clients find they only need an hour or two's worth of one-on-one consulting to jump-start their freelance careers. If this sounds like you, get in touch!

Congrats to the Giveaway Winners!

My five-year-old son, Ryan, had a great time selecting the winner's for my most recent giveaway. Congrats to sjvercelli, who won the first prize: an hour's worth of consulting time with me ($100) and one of my three books on writing:

• Goodbye Byline, Hello Big Bucks: The Writer's Guide to Making Money Ghostwriting and Coauthoring Books (Kindle edition)
• Ready, Aim, Specialize! Create your own Writing Specialty and Make More Money, second edition (Kindle edition)
• Six-Figure Freelancing: The Writer's Guide to Making More Money (Kindle edition)

Due to the large number of entries (46 in all), Ryan pulled a second-place winner as well. Congrats to Joanna, who won a half-hour's worth of consulting time with me!

sjvercelli and Joanna, please shoot me an email at kelly at becomebodywise.com so we can set up your consults. Looking forward to working with both of you!

And stay tuned for more advice on how to make more money in less time as a freelancer.

Celebrating 200+ Followers: A Valuable Giveaway

Hi, readers...and a special hellow to all 202 of my followers!

To celebrate hitting the 200+ mark, I'm offering a special giveaway.

First prize gets an hour's worth of time with me (a $100 value) and a free copy of one of my three writing-related books:

• Goodbye Byline, Hello Big Bucks: The Writer's Guide to Making Money Ghostwriting and Coauthoring Books (Kindle edition)
• Ready, Aim, Specialize! Create your own Writing Specialty and Make More Money, second edition (Kindle edition)
• Six-Figure Freelancing: The Writer's Guide to Making More Money (Kindle edition)

You can use your hour any way you want--have me review and critique query letters, ask for advice on growing your career, have me help with marketing your business, you name it.

Depending on how many entries I get, I may offer a second prize, too, which will be 30 minutes of consulting time with me.

How do you participate? Post a comment on this thread and tell me about an aspect of freelancing you'd like to know more about--or a topic you'd like me to see me talk more about on my blog--by Saturday, March 12, 2011. I'll then have my five-year-old son pull names at random, and will announce the winner(s) here.

Thanks and I look forward to working with the winner(s)!

Coming Soon: Free Freelancing Teleclasses

Recently I wrapped up two big projects--a book for a ghosting client, and a book proposal of my own and am finishing a proposal for another ghosting client this week. As a result, I've had some time to think about this blog and how I can give my readers more tools and techniques to help them make more money as freelancers (in addition to the blog and my books, of course). So, next month I'll launch a series of teleclasses on freelancing topics. If you have a particular subject you'd love to learn more about, drop me a comment below and I'll keep your suggestions in mind.

Also coming soon: a look at my latest royalty statement and what it means, and a giveaway for readers when I hit the 200 followers mark! So stay tuned!