Increase your Chances of Getting the Job
When applying for any writing job, it's important to read the advertisement
very carefully. If you don't, you might miss pertinent information about the position or application process.
Only apply to the jobs that you are qualified for. If the job lists very specific requirements that you do not possess, there's no sense in applying. Your application will be summarily rejected without another glance.
If, on the other hand, the job listing is vague about the specific requirements the client is looking for, there may be no harm in applying. If it's a subject you're interested or well-versed in, tailor your resume and writing samples to reflect that.
Unless the advertisement specifically requests your response be created to showcase your personality, treat the application as you would any application for an off-line job.
Personal details or an informal tone usually have no place in a job application. Ensure your response is professional while showing the client why you would be the perfect candidate for the position.
Most importantly, before you hint the send button PROOFREAD! When you're applying for a professional writing position, one of the worst things you can do is send that e-mail off without double checking your spelling and grammar.
While I can't guarantee you'll get the job by following these tips, I do know that these are requirements that simply must be met before you think about applying for a freelance writing position.
Do you have any helpful tips or information to increase a writer's chances of getting the job? Leave them in the comments!
Denise
Labels: applying for jobs, freelance writing jobs, freelance writing tips
Saying No to a Client
It's not always easy saying no to a client, especially when we don't always know where our rent money will be coming from at the end of the month.
I was very guilty in the beginning of my freelance career of taking on every project that came my way. If a client contacted me, I couldn't say no - not only did I need the money, I was also scared that if I said no this time, I might not get a second chance.
There comes a time in every writer's life, however, where we will need to learn to say NO.
If you already have a steady workload, there's no reason to take on more than you can handle. If you aren't able to devote your complete attention to the task at hand, then you should definitely pass on the assignment.
Why turn in sub-par work?
I'm not superwoman. I don't know many freelancers who would put themselves in that category, either. We work hard, but we shouldn't overwork ourselves to the point where we run ourselves ragged.
Oftentimes, it's a lot easier to just say no.
Labels: freelance writing tips
How to Maximize your Productivity while Working at Home
From an outsider's perspective, working at home seems like an ideal situation. Little do they know that working at home requires intense motivation, self-discipline and the ability to avoid distractions.
If you want to maximize your productivity while working from home, there are several important things you need to do.
First and foremost, you need to set up a working space that won't allow for distractions to hinder your work. If you're lucky enough to have a spare room that isn't being used, consider turning that into your home office.
For me (and for the majority of freelancers I've talked to), I don't have the luxury of dedicating an entire room for my work space. Instead, I carved out a small corner of my bedroom for my desk, laptop and important paperwork.
Additionally, you're going to need some type of filing system to store financial records, important paperwork and other documents essential to your work.
I know that when I let my desk get cluttered, I'm less likely to turn out as much work as I could when I have an organized, clean space in which to work.
Not only will creating your own working space allow you to separate yourself from the rest of your home, it will also serve to minimize distractions. Avoiding distraction is essential to maximizing productivity.
To avoid falling prey to distractions, create a work schedule for yourself, just as you would have if you worked in a regular office environment. Tell friends and family members not to disturb you during these hours, and stick to your guns!
It might take some getting used to, especially if your friends and family are used to dropping in for impromptu visits. However, regardless of the fact you are working from home it's important to treat your work like you would a regular 9-5 job.
Eventually, people will start to respect your work schedule and know not to interrupt you.
The beauty of working from home is the ability to set your own hours, so be realistic when planning your work schedule. Come up with a do-able, realistic schedule and stick to it.
If you find yourself becoming controlled by the schedule you've set in place, change it! The object is to maximize productivity, not hinder it.
Don't let your work environment become a place you loathe rather than love!
If you have any additional tips to add, please leave a comment. I'd love to hear your feedback.
Denise
Labels: freelance tips, freelance writing tips, productivity, work at home
How to Determine your Rates as a Freelance Writer
Albeit an old post, I'm constantly referring new writers to Jennifer Mattern's "
Crunching the Numbers" post at the All Freelance Writing Forums.
Many newbie writers don't understand or don't know how to set their rates to actually make a decent income without burning out.
Freelancers have to account for additional taxes, medical insurance, business expenses, etc. That's why it's so important to factor all of that in before coming up with an hourly wage you can live with.
I definitely recommend checking the post out, and stopping by to say hello! Jennifer runs a great ship over there, and we'd all love to have you join. :)
Warm Wishes,
Denise
Labels: freelance writing rates, freelance writing tips, how-to guides
Finding Your Voice
While established freelance writers have probably already understood the importance of finding their own voice in their writing, beginners may not realize how important that actually is.
Regardless of what you're writing, it's important that you remain true to your own voice, rather than trying to imitate someone else. They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but when you're writing, that can't be further from the truth.
Whether you're working on your own personal projects or writing for a client, you need to keep a few things in mind. First of all, do you want your readers to actually
enjoy what they're reading.? If you do, you need to find that words - your voice - that will keep readers entertained.
A dry, monotone article or blog post isn't going to captivate your audience.
The thing about a writing voice is that it will probably change depending on who you are writing to. For example, the tone you take in your writing (whether it be formal, chatty, conversational, etc.) will have a major impact on the way your writing voice comes across to other people.
For instance, let's say you're writing a blog post on your personal blog. Your writing will likely be informal, perhaps a bit conversational. If on the other hand you are writing a blog post for your professional blog, your writing voice will likely change drastically from informal to professional, direct, and friendly.
Or at least, it should.
Obviously, a romance writer will have a different voice than someone who writes horror. Similarly, if you're writing technical manuals one day and work as a gossip columnist the next, your writing voice will change to match the audience you're speaking to.
The concept of a writing voice may be hard to grasp at first, but the more you recognize the importance of directing your voice to fit with the audience you're writing for, it will be easier to notice your different voices in your writing.
If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments. I'm open to any and all feedback!
Best,
Denise
Labels: freelance writing tips, writing voice
Do's and Don'ts of Freelance Writing
The following list defines what I feel to be the key do's and don'ts when you're just starting your career as a freelance writer. However, many of these tips can be applied to your working life whether you are just starting out or have been in the business for years.
I'm guilty of making some of these mistakes, as I'm sure some of you are as well. This list isn't meant to be followed to the letter, but rather general guidelines that I believe can be helpful to those who aren't sure where to begin.
1. Perfect your Query Letter
Nothing shows that you don't consider yourself a professional more than a poorly written query letter. Your query letter is a reflection of you as a writer, and is supposed to show an editor why your article would be a great fit for the magazine. If you aren't confident in your ability to write a smashing query letter, practice writing them until you are!
2. Don't Burn Bridges
This may seem like common sense, but many young writers might not even be aware they are hindering their career this way. Editors talk amongst one another on a regular basis, and if you are working in the magazine industry especially, they have the power to make or break your career. To put it succinctly - don't piss off an editor.
3. Network, NOW
Networking is a key factor to success, and a strong network can land you jobs you may not have found out about otherwise. The sooner you begin building up your contact list, the better off you'll be in the long run. When a job lead comes through that doesn't fit with a contact of yours, they may pass it along to you knowing you're qualified for the job.
4. Don't Let Rejection Kill You
Face it - rejection is part of this career choice. If you learn how to deal effectively with rejection now, you'll be much better off in the future. Take rejection as a learning experience to improve your writing. Sooner or later, an editor will take notice.
These are just a few ideas I believe to be beneficial to any freelance writer, beginning or otherwise. If you have anything else to add to this list, please let me know!
Best,
Denise
Labels: freelance writing tips
