I turned down a book offer from a major publisher yesterday. I had prepared what I thought was a strong proposal on a topic I knew the editor was interested in, and which I was very interested in writing about, but the offer that came in was far below what I had expected. So I declined it.
A few years ago I don't know that I would have been able to do that. I mean, a book's a book, right? And who doesn't want to be published?! But there are also good offers and bad offers and, unfortunately, for me, this didn't qualify as a good offer.
It also helps that I've been inundated with book and magazine projects so it was easy to see that I simply couldn't afford to make time for this one at the rate that was offered. Sometimes that choice isn't quite so clear and I end up committing to projects that take much longer than expected and earn me far less than I had hoped.
But I'm getting better at saying "no" and this situation confirms it. When I can't get excited about a project - really excited - I say no. When the hourly rate for work that is offered is far below what I aim to make, I say no. Or when the time required to complete a project just isn't reflected in the offer, I politely decline and hope that another, better, offer will present itself, and it usually does.
I hope you're regularly evaluating writing opportunities that come your way and that you're saying no to at least some of them - the ones that aren't a perfect fit.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
Become a Six-Figure Writer - October issue
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Become a Six-Figure Writer
Tips and Techniques to Build
a Six-Figure Writing Business
October 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now that summer is officially over and everyone is back at work, new projects are filling my schedule, thanks in part to wonderful writers I’ve met in the last few years. Although we often focus on winning assignments from top editors, or catching the attention of a publishing big-wig, the truth is that the writers we know are probably more important to our long-term success than we realize.
Make plans this fall to extend your own personal and professional network and you’ll be surprised at the new opportunities that arrive.
Happy reading,
Marcia
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Your Best Source of Projects – Fellow Writers
Networking with potential clients is an excellent way to position yourself for new business. Getting to know other people – people who are decision-makers themselves or who know decision-makers – is much more fun and more effective than sending out impersonal letters of introduction, blindly pitching new editors, or making cold calls.
Interested in magazine assignments? Introduce yourself to editors and assistant editors at the publications you’d like to write for. Have an idea for a book? Track down acquisition editors at publishing houses that buy that type of book. Or if corporate writing is your goal, you’ll want to mingle with corporations, small businesses, non-profits, government agencies, universities, and other ventures in need of brochures, articles, web copy, and the like.
But just as important as becoming known to your target clientele is networking with colleagues – fellow writers and authors – who are doing what you’d like to do. Through them, you can be introduced to editors, referred to potential clients, and get the inside track on upcoming publishing and editing projects.
Although some writers have a tendency to view fellow writers as competitors, they are actually your ticket to more lucrative work. Thanks to my writer friends and colleagues, in the last two years alone, I’ve written for BusinessWeek, co-authored a real estate book, earned thousands of dollars writing for Black Enterprise, and am currently ghostwriting two books. All because of friendly writers who referred the work my way.
Fellow writers can be an invaluable source of leads and work, once you get to know them, and they you. Some of the best places to connect with other writers include:
Online. Discussion forums at writer websites, such as FreelanceSuccess.com and ASJA.org, allow you to ask questions of others and to share your expertise. Chatting electronically is a great way to dip your toe in the networking waters and introduce yourself.
Professional Associations. Joining local writing groups, such as Florida Writers, the League of Utah Writers, or Alaska Writers, is one way to get to know others like you, with whom you can share information. Or go national and become involved in organizations such as the Editorial Freelancers Association, National Writers Union, or Authors Guild, among others. Author John Kremer has an excellent list of local and national groups at http://www.bookmarket.com/writers.htm.
Events. Nothing beats face-to-face meetings for establishing and solidifying connections with clients and new contacts. The time and money invested in attending a decent-sized conference or industry meeting will be well worth it for the new friends and colleagues you’ll meet.
In print. Writers are also readers, and they notice bylines. Having your work appear in print – whether in a high profile magazine, a national daily, or a professional association newsletter – will catch the eye of your colleagues and start to build familiarity.
Volunteering. Another way to build relationships that can lead to alliances and friendships is to volunteer to assist with a writer organization or conference. Offer your assistance in organizing and holding the event. You’ll boost your visibility and earn the respect and appreciation of your colleagues.
Email. Although many of us shy away from new business cold calling, sending off a friendly introductory email asking for a specific piece of information or advice is rarely fruitless if you are not entirely unknown. That is, if the email recipient knows who you are. We writers are a helpful bunch when we are not on deadline, so simply asking for help may yield some useful tips.
Keep in mind that effective networking is a two-way street and that offering help or assistance before you ask for something in return is likely going to be met with better results. Share information about a new market you just found, a receptive editor you just met, or a great resource you just stumbled on, and when you’re in dire need of the spelling of a new editor’s name, you’ll be much more likely to receive it.
There is plenty of work available, so sharing what you know will help you tap into the larger network of writers who can move your career along and fatten your wallet.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
AUTHOR RESOURCE
If you’re like me, you’re always on the hunt for a product that will help you write more in less time, like a planner or organizing system. I’ve tried a million of them, but I just stumbled onto a site that is all about finding the planning system that is right for you, including designing one yourself. It’s www.diyplanner.com.
There are templates you can print out and use to schedule upcoming due dates or to map out all your commitments for the coming months, as well as discussion forums and tools to organize other parts of your life. Best of all, it’s FREE.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A NAME IS WORTH…
When you send out clips or letters of introduction, are you always 100% certain that you’ve sent it to the correct editor? Or that you’ve spelled his or her name properly?
Getting an editor’s name right the first time is critical if you want to make a good first impression and, more important, to get your packet opened. Many editors won’t bother to open correspondence if the addressee is incorrect.
So where do you turn for up-to-date editor information? Your best approach is to get the latest issue of the magazine, look on the masthead to get the magazine’s direct phone number, and call to find out to whom you should send your pitch. Looking on the masthead will tell you who was the right editor three months ago, but because of the long lead times before magazines hit the newsstand, the right editor may be long gone by the time you’re skimming the pages.
Annual writers guides can offer helpful background information, but be aware that some editors purposely give misinformation as a way to identify writers who don’t bother to read the magazine or double-check information.
Become a Six-Figure Writer
Tips and Techniques to Build
a Six-Figure Writing Business
October 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now that summer is officially over and everyone is back at work, new projects are filling my schedule, thanks in part to wonderful writers I’ve met in the last few years. Although we often focus on winning assignments from top editors, or catching the attention of a publishing big-wig, the truth is that the writers we know are probably more important to our long-term success than we realize.
Make plans this fall to extend your own personal and professional network and you’ll be surprised at the new opportunities that arrive.
Happy reading,
Marcia
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Your Best Source of Projects – Fellow Writers
Networking with potential clients is an excellent way to position yourself for new business. Getting to know other people – people who are decision-makers themselves or who know decision-makers – is much more fun and more effective than sending out impersonal letters of introduction, blindly pitching new editors, or making cold calls.
Interested in magazine assignments? Introduce yourself to editors and assistant editors at the publications you’d like to write for. Have an idea for a book? Track down acquisition editors at publishing houses that buy that type of book. Or if corporate writing is your goal, you’ll want to mingle with corporations, small businesses, non-profits, government agencies, universities, and other ventures in need of brochures, articles, web copy, and the like.
But just as important as becoming known to your target clientele is networking with colleagues – fellow writers and authors – who are doing what you’d like to do. Through them, you can be introduced to editors, referred to potential clients, and get the inside track on upcoming publishing and editing projects.
Although some writers have a tendency to view fellow writers as competitors, they are actually your ticket to more lucrative work. Thanks to my writer friends and colleagues, in the last two years alone, I’ve written for BusinessWeek, co-authored a real estate book, earned thousands of dollars writing for Black Enterprise, and am currently ghostwriting two books. All because of friendly writers who referred the work my way.
Fellow writers can be an invaluable source of leads and work, once you get to know them, and they you. Some of the best places to connect with other writers include:
Online. Discussion forums at writer websites, such as FreelanceSuccess.com and ASJA.org, allow you to ask questions of others and to share your expertise. Chatting electronically is a great way to dip your toe in the networking waters and introduce yourself.
Professional Associations. Joining local writing groups, such as Florida Writers, the League of Utah Writers, or Alaska Writers, is one way to get to know others like you, with whom you can share information. Or go national and become involved in organizations such as the Editorial Freelancers Association, National Writers Union, or Authors Guild, among others. Author John Kremer has an excellent list of local and national groups at http://www.bookmarket.com/writers.htm.
Events. Nothing beats face-to-face meetings for establishing and solidifying connections with clients and new contacts. The time and money invested in attending a decent-sized conference or industry meeting will be well worth it for the new friends and colleagues you’ll meet.
In print. Writers are also readers, and they notice bylines. Having your work appear in print – whether in a high profile magazine, a national daily, or a professional association newsletter – will catch the eye of your colleagues and start to build familiarity.
Volunteering. Another way to build relationships that can lead to alliances and friendships is to volunteer to assist with a writer organization or conference. Offer your assistance in organizing and holding the event. You’ll boost your visibility and earn the respect and appreciation of your colleagues.
Email. Although many of us shy away from new business cold calling, sending off a friendly introductory email asking for a specific piece of information or advice is rarely fruitless if you are not entirely unknown. That is, if the email recipient knows who you are. We writers are a helpful bunch when we are not on deadline, so simply asking for help may yield some useful tips.
Keep in mind that effective networking is a two-way street and that offering help or assistance before you ask for something in return is likely going to be met with better results. Share information about a new market you just found, a receptive editor you just met, or a great resource you just stumbled on, and when you’re in dire need of the spelling of a new editor’s name, you’ll be much more likely to receive it.
There is plenty of work available, so sharing what you know will help you tap into the larger network of writers who can move your career along and fatten your wallet.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
AUTHOR RESOURCE
If you’re like me, you’re always on the hunt for a product that will help you write more in less time, like a planner or organizing system. I’ve tried a million of them, but I just stumbled onto a site that is all about finding the planning system that is right for you, including designing one yourself. It’s www.diyplanner.com.
There are templates you can print out and use to schedule upcoming due dates or to map out all your commitments for the coming months, as well as discussion forums and tools to organize other parts of your life. Best of all, it’s FREE.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A NAME IS WORTH…
When you send out clips or letters of introduction, are you always 100% certain that you’ve sent it to the correct editor? Or that you’ve spelled his or her name properly?
Getting an editor’s name right the first time is critical if you want to make a good first impression and, more important, to get your packet opened. Many editors won’t bother to open correspondence if the addressee is incorrect.
So where do you turn for up-to-date editor information? Your best approach is to get the latest issue of the magazine, look on the masthead to get the magazine’s direct phone number, and call to find out to whom you should send your pitch. Looking on the masthead will tell you who was the right editor three months ago, but because of the long lead times before magazines hit the newsstand, the right editor may be long gone by the time you’re skimming the pages.
Annual writers guides can offer helpful background information, but be aware that some editors purposely give misinformation as a way to identify writers who don’t bother to read the magazine or double-check information.
Become a Six-Figure Writer - August issue
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Become a Six-Figure Writer
Tips and Techniques to Build
a Six-Figure Writing Business
August 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As the summer winds down and the school year starts anew, you have the opportunity to make a fresh start in your writing business. What have you been meaning to do that you haven’t yet begun? Is there a magazine you’ve been planning to pitch? An idea for a book you’ve considered proposing to an agent?
Labor Day signals the start of a new school year, the start of fall, and your chance to wipe the slate clean and jumpstart (or create) your marketing plan for the remainder of the year. What are your big plans?
Happy reading,
Marcia
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Create a Marketing Plan
A marketing plan is a useful tool for defining your writing goals and formulating the steps you need to take to achieve them. You’ll find that reaching your financial goals is much easier when you think through what you really want your writing business to look like. While having a marketing plan document to refer to can be a very helpful tool, the process of preparing it is even more useful.
Your plan need not be lengthy or complex, but the more thought and detail you put into it, the more it will help you. Here are the basic sections you’ll want to have in your marketing plan:
A description of your writing business – your specialty or niche, types of writing projects you enjoy most.
An assessment of the current situation you are facing in the market – competition, opportunities, reprint opportunities, technology demands, etc.
An overview of your target market(s) – magazine markets, corporate projects, teaching, book publishing and/or editing.
An evaluation of your competition – what types of writers are you generally competing with for various assignments.
A summary of your pricing strategy – what is your minimum per-word and hourly rate.
Your goals for growth during the next one year and five-year periods – number of clients, number of projects, and income are the three biggies.
Details of your promotional methods and budget.
In trying to reach your most promising prospects, whether they are acquisition editors at major publishing houses, corporate marketing managers, or magazine editors, to name a few, consider using some of the following marketing methods to reach them:
Advertising. Promote your writing abilities through classified ads in professional organization newsletters, online pay-per-click sites, and writing websites, for example.
Direct mail. Consider sending postcards announcing your latest book, articles or information to your prospects, as well as birthday and holiday cards to clients.
Giveaways. To keep your name in front of people, give away calendars, pens and pencils, or writing-related mementos imprinted with your company's logo.
Public relations. Secure free media exposure by issuing press releases, writing articles, creating your own newsletter, making presentations or doing public speaking.
Conferences. Make contact with editors and fellow writers at writing industry events, where you can come away with assignments and new prospects.
By putting your marketing objectives down on paper, along with strategies for how you will use the marketing tools available to you, you'll be much farther along in reaching your goal of a six-figure income.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
AUTHOR RESOURCE
As I’ve said before, to make more money as a writer, you need to be more productive. To do that, you need to be more efficient. You can win the most coveted, highest paying projects, but if they take you all year to finish, your annual earnings will be abysmal.
However, most writers have no idea how long typical projects truly take them to complete – many underestimate how much time they invest in each assignment. Over time, a few minutes here and there can add up to several hours (I know this because I was shocked to discover how much time I was not accounting for on my own projects).
One of the best tools for tracking your time is TraxTime, which you can download at http://www.spudcity.com/traxtime/traxtime.htm, and which allows you to clock in and clock out on-screen every time you begin or stop work on a particular task. For $39, you can set up projects and then clock in and out every time you devote time to something billable. You can also track unbillable activities, too, such as marketing, accounting, and administrative tasks.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
SAVVY PRICING
Many writers pay close attention to the per-word rates that magazines and corporate clients pay, using that as the one and only metric for deciding whether to accept an assignment or not. However, this is rarely the best approach if you want to maximize your income. A better gauge is your hourly rate.
The most successful writers I know keep close track of how long various types of projects take them, so they can quickly and easily calculate the hourly rate they would earn for each assignment offered. Surprisingly, per-word rates have little to do with how profitable and assignment really is.
For example, national women’s magazines look great on the résumé and sometimes pay as much as $2 and $3 a word. But they are also time-intensive, so much so that in some cases, the per-hour rate writers earn approaches minimum wage. On the other hand, trade magazines paying less than $1/word are frequently very lucrative, especially for speedy writers.
It can be a real eye-opening exercise to keep close track of how long your articles, books, and corporate projects really take you, then divide the total amount you earned by the number of hours it took you to complete to determine your hourly rate. Once you know how much you’re earning each hour you work, you can shift the types of projects you pursue and accept, so you make more money!
Become a Six-Figure Writer
Tips and Techniques to Build
a Six-Figure Writing Business
August 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As the summer winds down and the school year starts anew, you have the opportunity to make a fresh start in your writing business. What have you been meaning to do that you haven’t yet begun? Is there a magazine you’ve been planning to pitch? An idea for a book you’ve considered proposing to an agent?
Labor Day signals the start of a new school year, the start of fall, and your chance to wipe the slate clean and jumpstart (or create) your marketing plan for the remainder of the year. What are your big plans?
Happy reading,
Marcia
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Create a Marketing Plan
A marketing plan is a useful tool for defining your writing goals and formulating the steps you need to take to achieve them. You’ll find that reaching your financial goals is much easier when you think through what you really want your writing business to look like. While having a marketing plan document to refer to can be a very helpful tool, the process of preparing it is even more useful.
Your plan need not be lengthy or complex, but the more thought and detail you put into it, the more it will help you. Here are the basic sections you’ll want to have in your marketing plan:
A description of your writing business – your specialty or niche, types of writing projects you enjoy most.
An assessment of the current situation you are facing in the market – competition, opportunities, reprint opportunities, technology demands, etc.
An overview of your target market(s) – magazine markets, corporate projects, teaching, book publishing and/or editing.
An evaluation of your competition – what types of writers are you generally competing with for various assignments.
A summary of your pricing strategy – what is your minimum per-word and hourly rate.
Your goals for growth during the next one year and five-year periods – number of clients, number of projects, and income are the three biggies.
Details of your promotional methods and budget.
In trying to reach your most promising prospects, whether they are acquisition editors at major publishing houses, corporate marketing managers, or magazine editors, to name a few, consider using some of the following marketing methods to reach them:
Advertising. Promote your writing abilities through classified ads in professional organization newsletters, online pay-per-click sites, and writing websites, for example.
Direct mail. Consider sending postcards announcing your latest book, articles or information to your prospects, as well as birthday and holiday cards to clients.
Giveaways. To keep your name in front of people, give away calendars, pens and pencils, or writing-related mementos imprinted with your company's logo.
Public relations. Secure free media exposure by issuing press releases, writing articles, creating your own newsletter, making presentations or doing public speaking.
Conferences. Make contact with editors and fellow writers at writing industry events, where you can come away with assignments and new prospects.
By putting your marketing objectives down on paper, along with strategies for how you will use the marketing tools available to you, you'll be much farther along in reaching your goal of a six-figure income.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
AUTHOR RESOURCE
As I’ve said before, to make more money as a writer, you need to be more productive. To do that, you need to be more efficient. You can win the most coveted, highest paying projects, but if they take you all year to finish, your annual earnings will be abysmal.
However, most writers have no idea how long typical projects truly take them to complete – many underestimate how much time they invest in each assignment. Over time, a few minutes here and there can add up to several hours (I know this because I was shocked to discover how much time I was not accounting for on my own projects).
One of the best tools for tracking your time is TraxTime, which you can download at http://www.spudcity.com/traxtime/traxtime.htm, and which allows you to clock in and clock out on-screen every time you begin or stop work on a particular task. For $39, you can set up projects and then clock in and out every time you devote time to something billable. You can also track unbillable activities, too, such as marketing, accounting, and administrative tasks.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
SAVVY PRICING
Many writers pay close attention to the per-word rates that magazines and corporate clients pay, using that as the one and only metric for deciding whether to accept an assignment or not. However, this is rarely the best approach if you want to maximize your income. A better gauge is your hourly rate.
The most successful writers I know keep close track of how long various types of projects take them, so they can quickly and easily calculate the hourly rate they would earn for each assignment offered. Surprisingly, per-word rates have little to do with how profitable and assignment really is.
For example, national women’s magazines look great on the résumé and sometimes pay as much as $2 and $3 a word. But they are also time-intensive, so much so that in some cases, the per-hour rate writers earn approaches minimum wage. On the other hand, trade magazines paying less than $1/word are frequently very lucrative, especially for speedy writers.
It can be a real eye-opening exercise to keep close track of how long your articles, books, and corporate projects really take you, then divide the total amount you earned by the number of hours it took you to complete to determine your hourly rate. Once you know how much you’re earning each hour you work, you can shift the types of projects you pursue and accept, so you make more money!
Become a Six-Figure Writer - July issue
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Become a Six-Figure Writer
Tips and Techniques to Build
a Six-Figure Writing Business
July 2007 – Part II
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yes, you did already see a July issue from me a couple of weeks ago, but this is the bonus issue I promised.
Although we usually think of summer as a time to kick back and relax, for many publishers – and writers – the summer months are some of the most hectic. July and August are when magazine editors put the finishing touches on the thick back-to-school issues and when book publishers gear themselves up for the important fall book releases. That can spell plenty of opportunities for writers like you and me.
I hope you’re as busy as you want to be right now!
Happy reading,
Marcia
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Finding Writing Opportunities
Not too long ago I was a writer in search of writing jobs. I had contacts in the book publishing world and a core group of marketing consulting clients, but I wanted to branch out. At the time, all I could do was network and scour job postings for potential freelance and contract opportunities. (If you’ve tried it, you know reading through job postings can be extremely time-consuming.)
Fortunately, there are now a number of freelance job sites that provide a steady stream of writing opportunity announcements. Granted, you’ll see job postings that are downright ridiculous – 5,000-word industry overviews for $25 each – but there are also plenty of lucrative gigs, too. You just have to watch for them.
To save you some time, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite sources of writing projects, in order of my personal preference:
Freelance Daily. http://www.freelancedaily.net/. This is my top source of job leads, which are culled from several job boards and emailed to me every weekday morning. The cost is $29.95 and well worth it. I’ve made thousands of dollars from projects I’ve found here.
Journalism Jobs. http://www.journalismjobs.com/. A free site that lists full-time, part-time, and freelance job opportunities in print, broadcast, and online media. Well worth checking out.
Media Bistro. www.mediabistro.com/joblistings. Although the large majority of jobs posted here are for full-time, on-site positions, I often find publications I hadn’t heard of before that I can add to my list of places to pitch. And once in a while, there is a freelance gig of interest. Mainly, however, this is a great place to see who’s coming and going at various publishers.
Monster. http://www.monster.com/. Although I can’t say I’ve found freelance gigs very often here, from time-to-time I search for writing jobs and have come across possible contract and local opportunities.
Craigslist. http://www.craigslist.org/. Yes, in addition to helping you find a roommate or sell off an old juicer, you can also use Craigslist to scope out writing projects. If you sign up for Freelance Daily, however, you can cross this site off your list of places to visit, since Freelance Daily does that for you.
There are many, many other freelance writing sites, too, and you should check them out for yourself. Places like elance.com, guru.com, writejobs.com, writerclassifieds.com, sunoasis.com – and many others – post writing gigs that may be right up your alley.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
CONFERENCE CONNECTIONS
Although you may not think of professional writing conferences as marketing opportunities, they are actually one of the best ways to develop relationships with referral sources. Yes, you’ll meet editors and publishers at these events, but more important, you’ll meet fellow writers – writers who often hear of projects that aren’t right for them, but might be perfect for you.
Consider adding writing conferences to your list of things to do in the coming months. Not only will you learn new writing techniques, hear about potential opportunities, and find out how best to pursue them, but you’ll make friends who can send business your way if you make a good impression.
My favorite writing conferences include:
ASJA Annual Conference. http://www.asja.org/. Held in NYC in April each year. Great for networking and for learning more about the business of writing.
One on One Conference. http://www.magazinewriters.com/. Held in Chicago in July for established magazine writers interested in face-to-face meetings with select editors.
Neiman Conference on Narrative Journalism. http://www.nieman.harvard.edu/events/conferences/narrative2006. Held in Boston in November or December, all the discussions here deal with the craft of writing.
Become a Six-Figure Writer
Tips and Techniques to Build
a Six-Figure Writing Business
July 2007 – Part II
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yes, you did already see a July issue from me a couple of weeks ago, but this is the bonus issue I promised.
Although we usually think of summer as a time to kick back and relax, for many publishers – and writers – the summer months are some of the most hectic. July and August are when magazine editors put the finishing touches on the thick back-to-school issues and when book publishers gear themselves up for the important fall book releases. That can spell plenty of opportunities for writers like you and me.
I hope you’re as busy as you want to be right now!
Happy reading,
Marcia
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Finding Writing Opportunities
Not too long ago I was a writer in search of writing jobs. I had contacts in the book publishing world and a core group of marketing consulting clients, but I wanted to branch out. At the time, all I could do was network and scour job postings for potential freelance and contract opportunities. (If you’ve tried it, you know reading through job postings can be extremely time-consuming.)
Fortunately, there are now a number of freelance job sites that provide a steady stream of writing opportunity announcements. Granted, you’ll see job postings that are downright ridiculous – 5,000-word industry overviews for $25 each – but there are also plenty of lucrative gigs, too. You just have to watch for them.
To save you some time, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite sources of writing projects, in order of my personal preference:
Freelance Daily. http://www.freelancedaily.net/. This is my top source of job leads, which are culled from several job boards and emailed to me every weekday morning. The cost is $29.95 and well worth it. I’ve made thousands of dollars from projects I’ve found here.
Journalism Jobs. http://www.journalismjobs.com/. A free site that lists full-time, part-time, and freelance job opportunities in print, broadcast, and online media. Well worth checking out.
Media Bistro. www.mediabistro.com/joblistings. Although the large majority of jobs posted here are for full-time, on-site positions, I often find publications I hadn’t heard of before that I can add to my list of places to pitch. And once in a while, there is a freelance gig of interest. Mainly, however, this is a great place to see who’s coming and going at various publishers.
Monster. http://www.monster.com/. Although I can’t say I’ve found freelance gigs very often here, from time-to-time I search for writing jobs and have come across possible contract and local opportunities.
Craigslist. http://www.craigslist.org/. Yes, in addition to helping you find a roommate or sell off an old juicer, you can also use Craigslist to scope out writing projects. If you sign up for Freelance Daily, however, you can cross this site off your list of places to visit, since Freelance Daily does that for you.
There are many, many other freelance writing sites, too, and you should check them out for yourself. Places like elance.com, guru.com, writejobs.com, writerclassifieds.com, sunoasis.com – and many others – post writing gigs that may be right up your alley.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
CONFERENCE CONNECTIONS
Although you may not think of professional writing conferences as marketing opportunities, they are actually one of the best ways to develop relationships with referral sources. Yes, you’ll meet editors and publishers at these events, but more important, you’ll meet fellow writers – writers who often hear of projects that aren’t right for them, but might be perfect for you.
Consider adding writing conferences to your list of things to do in the coming months. Not only will you learn new writing techniques, hear about potential opportunities, and find out how best to pursue them, but you’ll make friends who can send business your way if you make a good impression.
My favorite writing conferences include:
ASJA Annual Conference. http://www.asja.org/. Held in NYC in April each year. Great for networking and for learning more about the business of writing.
One on One Conference. http://www.magazinewriters.com/. Held in Chicago in July for established magazine writers interested in face-to-face meetings with select editors.
Neiman Conference on Narrative Journalism. http://www.nieman.harvard.edu/events/conferences/narrative2006. Held in Boston in November or December, all the discussions here deal with the craft of writing.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Become a Six-Figure Writer - June issue
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Become a Six-Figure Writer
Tips and Techniques to Build
a Six-Figure Writing Business
June 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Websites of Six-Figure Writers
No matter what kind of writing you do, a website designed to market you and your writing talent is essential. Having an online presence makes it possible for potential clients – editors, agents, publishers, corporations, non-profits, and others you may not have even thought of – to find you. Once there, they can also move ahead to assess your fit for their needs. Being able to take that step – researching your experience and skills – now, rather than later, significantly improves the odds of your being considered for some work. A functional website is a key part of that income-generating process.
But all websites are not created equal. To emulate writers making a solid six-figure living, be sure your website has the following.
Clean design. I could go into a huge discussion about branding here, but I won’t. The key is that you need to come up with a “look” for your marketing materials that ties everything together nicely. These elements could include a color scheme, a logo, and a particular font. But there should be plenty of space on your website that does not include writing or graphic elements. It’s just easier on the eyes and looks more upscale.
Easy-to-follow information. When editors or publishers visit your website it’s because they want to learn more about you. Don’t make it more difficult to track down information about your background and the types of writing you do. Use a navigation bar and clearly marked tabs to lead visitors where you want them to go.
Photo of you. One thing you’ll notice about many highly-paid writers is that they aren’t afraid to post a photo of themselves front-and-center. They want editors to get to know them, and part of that process includes seeing what they look like. If you don’t have a photo of yourself you like, have a nice, professional one taken.
Examples of a wide range of your work. You may write frequently on a particular topic, whether it’s pregnancy, or mergers and acquisitions, or technology, and it’s great to demonstrate to editors that you have this background. But if there are other topics you also write about, or want to write more about, you should also feature them to catch an editor’s eye. Showing the breadth of your work may help expand the number of opportunities you are presented.
Contact information. After reading through your site, visitors should be impressed and eager to hire you. So make it extremely easy for them to get in touch. List your phone number and have a link to your email, so clients can make contact right away.
Conversely, avoid the following, lest your credibility be damaged.
Unprofessional photos. You want a nice photo of yourself, but you in your bikini or Speedo holding a drink on a Caribbean beach is not a good image for you. Nor is a photo that is so dark that you can’t be seen, or one that is low resolution or jagged.
Ads. Yes, your website exists to bring in business for you, but keep the focus on you and not a slew of other products your web visitors might also be interested in. Steer clear of banner ads and Google AdSense for this, your “brochure,” site listing all your qualifications.
Take another look at your current website, or start plans for your first one, to make sure it reflects the successful writer you aspire to be. For inspiration, look at the sites of other well-known writers.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
AUTHOR RESOURCE
Some of my favorite resources and tools are those that cost next to nothing. Or, better yet, nothing at all.
Well, VistaPrint.com (www.vistaprint.com) specializes in printing small quantities of marketing tools like business cards, postcards, note pads, and calendars, all at very reasonable rates. And if you sign up to receive notices of special offers and promotions, you’ll frequently have the chance to get products for free if you pay the shipping. Not a bad deal!
I’ve used them several times, but I’m most proud of the business cards with my latest book cover featured on it – an idea I stole from my friend Sandra Beckwith, who teaches an excellent online course on book publicity (www.buildbookbuzz.com).
For a few pennies each, I now have a stack of cards on quality stock emblazoned with a color photo of the Unofficial Guide to Marketing Your Small Business alongside my contact information. Think about what you might feature on your business card.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
NEW CLIENTS GALORE
To be a six-figure writer you need to earn money consistently from a range of clients. While many writers work with newspaper, magazine, and book publishers, another group that few writers know about is custom publishers.
Custom publishers produce, print, and distribute magazines on behalf of their corporate clients, who send the magazine out to customers and prospects. The team putting out the magazine works for a custom publishing agency rather than Condé Nast or Hearst, however.
What that may mean for you is less competition, although the assignments and pay rival national newsstand publications.
Sound interesting? To find some of these elusive custom publishers, there is a great database you can access for free at www.custompublishingcouncil.com. There you’ll learn what types of clients the publisher works with and who to contact for more information.
If you’re looking to branch out, or you just want to upgrade your current client list, you may be pleasantly surprised at the lucrative opportunities with these companies.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Become A Six-Figure Writer is a free monthly e-newsletter
for freelance writers. Feel free to share this newsletter in
its entirety with anyone who may be interested, or have them
sign up for their own copy at www.becomeasixfigurewriter.com.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Email: marcia@becomeasixfigurewriter.com
Web: www.becomeasixfigurewriter.com
Blog: becomeasixfigurewriter.blogspot.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
© 2007 Marcia Layton Turner
Become a Six-Figure Writer
Tips and Techniques to Build
a Six-Figure Writing Business
June 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Websites of Six-Figure Writers
No matter what kind of writing you do, a website designed to market you and your writing talent is essential. Having an online presence makes it possible for potential clients – editors, agents, publishers, corporations, non-profits, and others you may not have even thought of – to find you. Once there, they can also move ahead to assess your fit for their needs. Being able to take that step – researching your experience and skills – now, rather than later, significantly improves the odds of your being considered for some work. A functional website is a key part of that income-generating process.
But all websites are not created equal. To emulate writers making a solid six-figure living, be sure your website has the following.
Clean design. I could go into a huge discussion about branding here, but I won’t. The key is that you need to come up with a “look” for your marketing materials that ties everything together nicely. These elements could include a color scheme, a logo, and a particular font. But there should be plenty of space on your website that does not include writing or graphic elements. It’s just easier on the eyes and looks more upscale.
Easy-to-follow information. When editors or publishers visit your website it’s because they want to learn more about you. Don’t make it more difficult to track down information about your background and the types of writing you do. Use a navigation bar and clearly marked tabs to lead visitors where you want them to go.
Photo of you. One thing you’ll notice about many highly-paid writers is that they aren’t afraid to post a photo of themselves front-and-center. They want editors to get to know them, and part of that process includes seeing what they look like. If you don’t have a photo of yourself you like, have a nice, professional one taken.
Examples of a wide range of your work. You may write frequently on a particular topic, whether it’s pregnancy, or mergers and acquisitions, or technology, and it’s great to demonstrate to editors that you have this background. But if there are other topics you also write about, or want to write more about, you should also feature them to catch an editor’s eye. Showing the breadth of your work may help expand the number of opportunities you are presented.
Contact information. After reading through your site, visitors should be impressed and eager to hire you. So make it extremely easy for them to get in touch. List your phone number and have a link to your email, so clients can make contact right away.
Conversely, avoid the following, lest your credibility be damaged.
Unprofessional photos. You want a nice photo of yourself, but you in your bikini or Speedo holding a drink on a Caribbean beach is not a good image for you. Nor is a photo that is so dark that you can’t be seen, or one that is low resolution or jagged.
Ads. Yes, your website exists to bring in business for you, but keep the focus on you and not a slew of other products your web visitors might also be interested in. Steer clear of banner ads and Google AdSense for this, your “brochure,” site listing all your qualifications.
Take another look at your current website, or start plans for your first one, to make sure it reflects the successful writer you aspire to be. For inspiration, look at the sites of other well-known writers.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
AUTHOR RESOURCE
Some of my favorite resources and tools are those that cost next to nothing. Or, better yet, nothing at all.
Well, VistaPrint.com (www.vistaprint.com) specializes in printing small quantities of marketing tools like business cards, postcards, note pads, and calendars, all at very reasonable rates. And if you sign up to receive notices of special offers and promotions, you’ll frequently have the chance to get products for free if you pay the shipping. Not a bad deal!
I’ve used them several times, but I’m most proud of the business cards with my latest book cover featured on it – an idea I stole from my friend Sandra Beckwith, who teaches an excellent online course on book publicity (www.buildbookbuzz.com).
For a few pennies each, I now have a stack of cards on quality stock emblazoned with a color photo of the Unofficial Guide to Marketing Your Small Business alongside my contact information. Think about what you might feature on your business card.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
NEW CLIENTS GALORE
To be a six-figure writer you need to earn money consistently from a range of clients. While many writers work with newspaper, magazine, and book publishers, another group that few writers know about is custom publishers.
Custom publishers produce, print, and distribute magazines on behalf of their corporate clients, who send the magazine out to customers and prospects. The team putting out the magazine works for a custom publishing agency rather than Condé Nast or Hearst, however.
What that may mean for you is less competition, although the assignments and pay rival national newsstand publications.
Sound interesting? To find some of these elusive custom publishers, there is a great database you can access for free at www.custompublishingcouncil.com. There you’ll learn what types of clients the publisher works with and who to contact for more information.
If you’re looking to branch out, or you just want to upgrade your current client list, you may be pleasantly surprised at the lucrative opportunities with these companies.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Become A Six-Figure Writer is a free monthly e-newsletter
for freelance writers. Feel free to share this newsletter in
its entirety with anyone who may be interested, or have them
sign up for their own copy at www.becomeasixfigurewriter.com.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Email: marcia@becomeasixfigurewriter.com
Web: www.becomeasixfigurewriter.com
Blog: becomeasixfigurewriter.blogspot.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
© 2007 Marcia Layton Turner
Become a Six-Figure Writer - May ezine issue
Subscribers to my Become a Six-Figure Writer ezine have been asking to see back issues, so I've decided it makes the most sense to post them here when the new one comes out, like an archive.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Become a Six-Figure Writer
Tips and Techniques to Build
a Six-Figure Writing Business
May 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Snapshot of Six-Figure Writers Revealed
A couple of months ago I asked my colleagues in the
American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA)
and Freelance Success to complete an anonymous,
10-question online survey about their income and writing
habits. My goal was to identify what writers who earn
$100,000 or more a year do differently
from writers who don’t yet earn that much.
A total of 113 writers participated, including me, and I wanted
to share with you some of the most striking results.
Of the 113 respondents, 17 writers make more than $100,000 a
year and four of those make more than $150,000. Yes, the sample
probably isn’t large enough to be statistically significant, but
there are still lessons to be learned.
First, writers making six figures earn that money from a variety
of sources – magazines, books, web content, corporate writing,
teaching, newspapers, and editing. Writing magazine articles,
however, was the one income source common to all six-figure writers.
While some six-figure writers made the bulk of their money from
a handful of profitable projects (1-9 projects per year), the vast
majority of writers completed at least 20 projects last year, with most
writers tackling more than 40. Yes, six-figure earners are busy.
The good news is that they’re not killing themselves to earn all
that money. Very few six-figure writers work more than 50 hours
a week – most work less.
And they can make a six-figure living because the value of each
project they take on is typically worth at least $1500 if not
more. At that rate, they need no more than 67 projects annually
to hit the $100,000 mark.
What was most interesting to me, however, was the breakdown of
marketing activities six-figure writers invest in. Just under
100% of the six-figure writers reported having their own website
(but 100% of those making more than $150,000). And nearly 100%
of the writers send out queries, probably because everyone is
working with magazines. Most surprising to me was that private
meetings with editors was the third most common marketing
activity of writers making more than $150,000 – 46.2% of writers
making more than $100,000 also set up these editor meetings.
Many writers also sent out letters of introduction and
book proposals. Writers in the $100,000 camp, however, were more
likely to pay for online directory listings and online ads and
to participate in associations, like ASJA, while those in the
$150,000 and up category were more likely to have a blog and to
pursue publicity.
So what’s the take-away from all this? I’d say it’s that you
don’t have to be a workaholic to earn six-figures, nor do you
need to focus on landing that $10,000 feature from O or Vanity
Fair, although it certainly wouldn’t hurt. But do take another
look at your marketing plan for the year and consider adding
some editor visits to your to-do list.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
BETTER TIME MANAGEMENT
Although I must admit I go into withdrawal without my regular
dose of incoming email messages, I’ve recently heard from
several experts, including Timothy Ferriss, author of The
Four-Hour Workweek, who advocate cutting yourself off from
constant email.
Instead, schedule two or three times a day when you’ll take a
look at your email inbox. By limiting your access, you can
reclaim minutes or even hours of productive time every day.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
COOL TOOL
Anyone trying to map out a complex project, such as a feature
article or book, take a look at this mindmapping website:
www.bubbl.us.
You can start with your core pieces of information and add more
over time. It will help you keep track of those brilliant
thoughts that come to you, as well as helping spot the
connections between all the pieces.
I just used Bubbl to map out a new book project. Seeing all
the pieces in front of me helped generate new chapter
ideas.
And it’s FREE! How cool is that?!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Become A Six-Figure Writer is a free monthly e-newsletter
for freelance writers. Feel free to share this newsletter in
its entirety with anyone who may be interested, or sign up
for your own copy at www.becomeasixfigurewriter.com.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Email: marcia@becomeasixfigurewriter.com
Web: www.becomeasixfigurewriter.com
Blog: becomeasixfigurewriter.blogspot.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
© 2007 Marcia Layton Turner
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Become a Six-Figure Writer
Tips and Techniques to Build
a Six-Figure Writing Business
May 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Snapshot of Six-Figure Writers Revealed
A couple of months ago I asked my colleagues in the
American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA)
and Freelance Success to complete an anonymous,
10-question online survey about their income and writing
habits. My goal was to identify what writers who earn
$100,000 or more a year do differently
from writers who don’t yet earn that much.
A total of 113 writers participated, including me, and I wanted
to share with you some of the most striking results.
Of the 113 respondents, 17 writers make more than $100,000 a
year and four of those make more than $150,000. Yes, the sample
probably isn’t large enough to be statistically significant, but
there are still lessons to be learned.
First, writers making six figures earn that money from a variety
of sources – magazines, books, web content, corporate writing,
teaching, newspapers, and editing. Writing magazine articles,
however, was the one income source common to all six-figure writers.
While some six-figure writers made the bulk of their money from
a handful of profitable projects (1-9 projects per year), the vast
majority of writers completed at least 20 projects last year, with most
writers tackling more than 40. Yes, six-figure earners are busy.
The good news is that they’re not killing themselves to earn all
that money. Very few six-figure writers work more than 50 hours
a week – most work less.
And they can make a six-figure living because the value of each
project they take on is typically worth at least $1500 if not
more. At that rate, they need no more than 67 projects annually
to hit the $100,000 mark.
What was most interesting to me, however, was the breakdown of
marketing activities six-figure writers invest in. Just under
100% of the six-figure writers reported having their own website
(but 100% of those making more than $150,000). And nearly 100%
of the writers send out queries, probably because everyone is
working with magazines. Most surprising to me was that private
meetings with editors was the third most common marketing
activity of writers making more than $150,000 – 46.2% of writers
making more than $100,000 also set up these editor meetings.
Many writers also sent out letters of introduction and
book proposals. Writers in the $100,000 camp, however, were more
likely to pay for online directory listings and online ads and
to participate in associations, like ASJA, while those in the
$150,000 and up category were more likely to have a blog and to
pursue publicity.
So what’s the take-away from all this? I’d say it’s that you
don’t have to be a workaholic to earn six-figures, nor do you
need to focus on landing that $10,000 feature from O or Vanity
Fair, although it certainly wouldn’t hurt. But do take another
look at your marketing plan for the year and consider adding
some editor visits to your to-do list.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
BETTER TIME MANAGEMENT
Although I must admit I go into withdrawal without my regular
dose of incoming email messages, I’ve recently heard from
several experts, including Timothy Ferriss, author of The
Four-Hour Workweek, who advocate cutting yourself off from
constant email.
Instead, schedule two or three times a day when you’ll take a
look at your email inbox. By limiting your access, you can
reclaim minutes or even hours of productive time every day.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
COOL TOOL
Anyone trying to map out a complex project, such as a feature
article or book, take a look at this mindmapping website:
www.bubbl.us.
You can start with your core pieces of information and add more
over time. It will help you keep track of those brilliant
thoughts that come to you, as well as helping spot the
connections between all the pieces.
I just used Bubbl to map out a new book project. Seeing all
the pieces in front of me helped generate new chapter
ideas.
And it’s FREE! How cool is that?!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Become A Six-Figure Writer is a free monthly e-newsletter
for freelance writers. Feel free to share this newsletter in
its entirety with anyone who may be interested, or sign up
for your own copy at www.becomeasixfigurewriter.com.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Email: marcia@becomeasixfigurewriter.com
Web: www.becomeasixfigurewriter.com
Blog: becomeasixfigurewriter.blogspot.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
© 2007 Marcia Layton Turner
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Get Organized
There are many strategies you can use to earn more money from your freelance writing, but in the end, you really need to learn to get more done in less time. Being more productive will really boost your income potential.
Having recognized this a while ago, I'm in constant search of the latest and greatest tool for time management, project management, and office organization. Yes, I'm an organization junkie.
Well, today I heard about a webinar that Office Depot held in February about a five-day makeover plan for your office, so I listened in. There are some good basic tips for getting and staying organized, and you can jump from topic to topic if you get bored, so if you have 45 minutes or so, consider tuning in at http://www.officedepot.com/renderStaticPage.do?file=/promo/webcafe/general.html&template=promo
For me it was a good refresher and a reminder that putting everything (back) in its place will help me reach my income goals faster.
Having recognized this a while ago, I'm in constant search of the latest and greatest tool for time management, project management, and office organization. Yes, I'm an organization junkie.
Well, today I heard about a webinar that Office Depot held in February about a five-day makeover plan for your office, so I listened in. There are some good basic tips for getting and staying organized, and you can jump from topic to topic if you get bored, so if you have 45 minutes or so, consider tuning in at http://www.officedepot.com/renderStaticPage.do?file=/promo/webcafe/general.html&template=promo
For me it was a good refresher and a reminder that putting everything (back) in its place will help me reach my income goals faster.
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