I was tooling around the web today and finally clicked on the website HeliumKnowledge.com. It often pops up in the Google ads on my site, InkwellEditorial.com. So, I finally got curious enough to find out what it was all about.
Well -- love it! It's what I'd term a "personal experience site." Users GET PAID to lend their opinion/expertise on a subject.
As I focus on writers, I went to this section and found a wealth of FIRST-HAND information on writing for pay sites, what freelancers should charge, the easiest way for a new writer to get published, etc.
A lot of the information and sites mentioned I was well familiar with -- I've been in the industry for almost 20 years -- however, I ran across a few sites that I'd never heard of before, eg, LookingforClues.com, blotitive.com, paidwriter.com.
I'm well aware that for freelancers, even one new paying source can be the difference between getting a job and continuing to earn a living at home. So, check out this site. A lot of the topics will be specific to the craft, however, there are many that give advice, offer feedback and tell of personal experiences on various topics related to the busines of freelancing.
In my opinion, this site is well worth a bookmark!
Want to get paid for your opinion/expertise via this site? Click here to learn how.
DISCLAIMER: As of today (6/30/06), I have no affiliation with this site. However, time permitting, I'm thinking of signing up as a contributor because I saw several conversation streams that I could contribute to seamlessly.
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Coming January 2007!
InkwellEditorial.com E-Course: 5-Step Jumpstart Your Freelance Career Marketing Workshop. At the end of this one week, five-step course, you will have a concrete business and marketing plan for your freelance business. Even if you've been a freelancer for years, this course will help you "laser focus" your efforts and exponentially increase your income.
Learn everything you need to know to work from home as a Freelance Writer, Editor, Proofreader, etc. How? Order an InkwellEditorial.com E-book. Receive 7 EBooks in All!. Delivered right to your inbox immediately upon payment!
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Friday, June 30, 2006
Write for Pay Websites: Where to find them & much more
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
The 5 Effective -- and Profitable -- Habits of Successful Freelancers
Continuing in my quest to cover all the topics listed in the May 25th post, next Wednesday's topic will be . . .
The 5 Effective -- and Profitable -- Habits of Successful Freelancers
(Okay, as I went back thru my research, I realized there were 7, so . . . )
EXCERPT
I've been in publishing since 1987, have been a freelancer since 1993 and ran an editorial staffing agency in New York City from 1996 through 2004. Over the years, I've noticed that successful freelancers, eg, those who make their living entirely from freelancing (writing, editing, copywriting, web design, etc.), have the following seven traits in common.
1. Write/design every day: Many freelancers are drawn to their particular career because they love it. They love to write, design, draw - whatever it is, they would do it for free.
Once they decide to freelance full time, most work at it every day. They write articles, design sites, doodle illustrations, etc. In other words, they don't stop working on their craft just because there is no paying client.
Benefit to their career: These professionals always have a body of work to sell, show, update their portfolio with, etc. Beyond that, it keeps their skills fresh and allows them to work that much faster once they are being paid for a project.
As a personal example, when I first started to write articles to promote my business, it would take upwards of two hours to complete one. Now, I can knock one out in 30 minutes if I have to.
Side Note: I have run across more than a few freelancers who don't exactly love what they do. BUT, because they like the life of freelancing, they discipline themselves to do what it takes, eg, (work at it steadily) to make a living at it.
Stay tuned for full account next Wednesday, July 5th!
For my American counterparts, Happy Independence Day! Vive la France -- Happy Bastille Day (July 14)!
A little "Independence" brain food: The French Revolution and American Independence are different results of the same philosophical and societal evolution. The original storming of the Bastille took place on July 14, 1789. The storming of the Bastille was a huge step in the French revolution, symbolizing, liberty, democracy and the struggle against all forms of oppression. To everyone in France, Bastille Day today represents the solemn military parade up the Champs Elysées in the presence of the head of state. It is also a holiday on which each commune holds a local dance and fireworks.
Editorially yours,
Y. Black, Publisher
InkwellEditorial.com
InkwellEditorial.blogspot.com
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Learn everything you need to know to work from home as a Freelance Writer, Editor, Proofreader, etc. How?
Receive 7 EBooks in All, Which Include the Following:
Medical Editing/Copyediting: An Overview (Reg. $4.95);
The Truth about Participating in Surveys & Focus Groups (Reg. $3.95);
How to Really Make a Living as an Editorial Freelancer (Reg. $9.95);
Advice from Successful Editorial Freelancers (Reg. $9.95);
The Small Business Owner's Complete Marketing Kit! (Reg. 24.95);
and more.
P.P.S.: Place Your Order Now for Immediate Delivery into Your Inbox!
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Freelance Writers: 3 Ways to Start Making Money Within One Week – Guaranteed!
Well, there are a few ways on the Internet where you can start making money right away – as in, within one week. Following are three.
Click here to read entire article.
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Coming in August (right before the start of the busy fall season)!
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P.S.: Have questions about anything you read here? Leave your comment and I will get back to you within 24 hours (excluding weekends). I have somewhat of a social life now and desperately try to stay away from the computer on the weekends.
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Learn everything you need to know to work from home as a Freelance Writer, Editor, Proofreader, etc. How?
Receive 7 EBooks in All, Which Include the Following:
Medical Editing/Copyediting: An Overview (Reg. $4.95);
The Truth about Participating in Surveys & Focus Groups (Reg. $3.95);
How to Really Make a Living as an Editorial Freelancer (Reg. $9.95);
Advice from Successful Editorial Freelancers (Reg. $9.95);
The Small Business Owner's Complete Marketing Kit! (Reg. 24.95);
and more.
Place Your Order Now for Immediate Delivery into Your Inbox!
Thursday, June 22, 2006
A New Freelance Success Story Was Published to InkwellEditorial.com Today!
EXCERPT
I decided to try freelance writing when I was diagnosed with cancer and was too weak to work full time in an office. It was the best decision of my life because I really wasn't confident that I could make a living freelancing, and I don't believe, but for the circumstances that I would have tried.
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Coming in August (right before the start of the busy fall season)! E-Course: 5-Step Jumpstart Your Freelance Career Marketing Workshop. At the end of this one week, five-step course, you will have a concrete business and marketing plan for your freelance business. Even if you've been a freelancer for years, this course will help you "laser focus" your efforts and exponentially increase your income. Stay tuned for full details in July.
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I also am an award-winning photographer and since most magazines want to include photos, this was a big plus in the magazine industry.
I began with a horse magazine, because I have owned, trained and bred horses for over 40 years. Write what you know. We've all heard that bit of wisdom.
To read the entire story, click here.
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Learn everything you need to know to work from home as a Freelance Writer, Editor, Proofreader, etc. How?
Receive 7 EBooks in All, Which Include the Following:
Medical Editing/Copyediting: An Overview (Reg. $4.95);
The Truth about Participating in Surveys & Focus Groups (Reg. $3.95);
How to Really Make a Living as an Editorial Freelancer (Reg. $9.95);
Advice from Successful Editorial Freelancers (Reg. $9.95);
The Small Business Owner's Complete Marketing Kit! (Reg. 24.95);
and more.
Place Your Order Now for Immediate Delivery into Your Inbox!
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
How to Easily Make $200-$300/month as a Freelance Writer
Continuing in my quest to cover all the topics listed in the May 25th post, next Tuesday's topic will be . . . (drum roll please)
(I promise, you won't have to send out one query)
In the meantime, send in your freelance money-making tips. Do you bring in a nominal amount of money each month (eg, $50, $100, $200 or more) from freelancing? Share it. I'm seeking nominal amounts because most are never going to make $6K, $7K, $10K a month. But, that first $50, $200, etc. can be built on (baby steps, y'all, baby steps . . . )
Remember, my mission here is to help editorial and creative professionals earn a living as freelancers. I truly believe that it is through the sharing of knowledge that we succeed. I ran across a beautiful missive on the topic.
An excerpt: "During my journey of nearly 86 years on this beautiful planet earth, I have broadened my understanding of what I believe is a powerful spiritual and ethical law of life: that those who are truly grown up, give. The immature do not."
Click here to read the full article.
Remember, send in your "nominal money-making tips." You can do this by simply commenting on this post. Please note: Ads disguised as comments will be removed; however, I will link to your website or blog if your comment is "legitimate."
Editorially yours,
Y. Black, Publisher
InkwellEditorial.com
InkwellEditorial.blogspot.com
****************************************************
Learn everything you need to know to work from home as a Freelance Writer, Editor, Proofreader, etc. How?
Receive 7 EBooks in All, Which Include the Following:
Medical Editing/Copyediting: An Overview (Reg. $4.95);
The Truth about Participating in Surveys & Focus Groups (Reg. $3.95);
How to Really Make a Living as an Editorial Freelancer (Reg. $9.95);
Advice from Successful Editorial Freelancers (Reg. $9.95);
The Small Business Owner's Complete Marketing Kit! (Reg. 24.95);
and more.
P.P.S.: Place Your Order Now for Immediate Delivery into Your Inbox!
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Tuesday, June 20, 2006
The 3 Most Common Mistakes Freelancers Make (Part 2)
Last Wednesday's post was entitled 1 of the 3 Most Common Mistakes Freelancers Make (& How to Remedy It). Here I will address the other 2 most common mistakes.
2. Not Targeting a Market: I call this lack of freelancer focus. Do you drive without a destination? Probably not. Most of us know where we're going when we get in our cars, on the train, on the bus. We have a specific destination in mind.
Because editorial and creative freelancing encompass such broad categories, it can be difficult to focus. Eg, writing. Huh? For what -- magazines, e-zines, newspapers, websites, newsletters, brochures, direct mail, etc., etc., etc.
What type of writing for what sector? Legal, medical, technical, scientific, real estate, financial, general (what does that mean?), etc., etc., etc.
What type of client? B2B, B2C.
As you can see, your choices are endless. And, you may be talented enough to write in many sectors. However, you will have a hard time selling this to potential clients, and you will almost always be beaten out for assignments by those who specialize and have the body of work to prove it.
I know this first-hand. When I was recruiting*, I ALWAYS chose freelancers who had a background in the discipline for the assignment. Why? Because clients demanded it and they made me look good. I mean, when you think about it, why would I choose someone who was a generalist when I had 15 or 20 just as qualified candidates who had years of experience in what I was looking for? It was a no brainer.
That's why I'm adamant that freelancers should specialize. It's not that you can't go outside your speciality, but if you target a specific market, you build your client list that much faster and can service them better. Once you have your bread and butter clients, you can choose a secondary market -- if you feel it necessary.
So, choose a niche market and focus all of your marketing dollars on it. Feel free to take other things as they fall in your lap, but give your chosen market your "laser focus," eg, ad dollars, promotional efforts, etc.
*I owned/operated Inkwell Editorial, and editorial staffing agency in New York City, from 1996-2004.
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Learn everything you need to know to work from home as a Freelance Writer, Editor, Proofreader, etc. How?
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Medical Editing/Copyediting: An Overview (Reg. $4.95);
The Truth about Participating in Surveys & Focus Groups (Reg. $3.95);
How to Really Make a Living as an Editorial Freelancer (Reg. $9.95);
Advice from Successful Editorial Freelancers (Reg. $9.95);
The Small Business Owner's Complete Marketing Kit! (Reg. 24.95);
and more.
P.P.S.: Place Your Order Now for Immediate Delivery into Your Inbox!
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3. Not Creating a Business Plan: Don't shut down! Come back. Focus. Pay attention. This is not more corporate mumbo jumbo -- I promise. I'm not saying spend 6 months to a year writing a 30-page document that has to be presented to a venture capitalist.
BUT, I am saying that you need the bones of a business plan in front of you. Eg, who's your target market; how will you reach them; via which advertising medium; what servies will you offer; how much will you charge; how much will it cost you to provide the service (remember, as an editorial/creative worker, your "product" is time); what is your ad budget; how much will you need to reach your goals (eg, quit your job, bring in an extra $x/month)? All of these questions -- and some more -- should be answered
Many freelancers fail at freelancing because they don't do this type of detailed thinking before starting out. You can take one weekend and flesh all of this out and be done with it. Just be sure to write it down and REFER TO IT OFTEN.
4. I know the title of the article was 3 things, but here's one more: Not creating a marketing plan. If you are building your business on the cheap, as many do just starting out, it will take much more time than you realize.
So, you will need to map out a plan of what you're going to do on a daily, weekly, monthly basis to reach your financial goals. Trust, trust, trust me that if you don't, you will make less money and become frustrated with what could be a wonderful career. It ALWAYS takes longer than what you think.
Doing even a scractch marketing plan will make you feel accomplished -- especially if you are doing something every day to market your business. It could be as simple as writing one article a day, pitching 10 potential clients whose info you found on the web, submitting one press release a week.
Imagine if you did just the above, that would be five new articles, 50 client pitches and one press release -- all in one week. Now, multiply this by four (a month); 12 (a quarter); 52 (yearly) and you can see how just garnering even a 2% response rate would net you 52 new clients a year (50 client pitches/week x 52 weeks x 2%).
I could go on and on on this topic because it can't be repeated enough. Many freelancers think that they can just get a website, put in a marginal effort and things will happen. And sure, it will, but it will be in trickles, dribs and drabs.
If you want to make a real go of freelancing, treat it like a real business from the get-go, and you exponentially increase your chance of success.
Entrepreneurially yours,
Y. Black, Publisher
InkwellEditorial.com
InkwellEditorial.blogspot.com
P.S.: January 2007!
E-Course: 5-Step Jumpstart Your Freelance Career Marketing Workshop. At the end of this one week, five-step course, you will have a concrete business and marketing plan for your freelance business. Even if you've been a freelancer for years, this course will help you "laser focus" your efforts and exponentially increase your income. Stay tuned for details in July.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
1 of the 3 Most Common Mistakes Freelancers Make (& How to Remedy It)
This week, I'll start tackling some of the topics mentioned in my May 25th post.
The original title of this post was The 3 Most Common Mistakes Freelancers Make & How to Avoid Them. I changed it to"1 of the 3 Most Common Mistakes Freelancers Make (& How to Remedy It) because this first mistake must be digested, ingested, internalized and ACTED upon because everything else flows from it. On Tuesday, I will cover the other two mistakes, but today, I will focus on this first one.
This morning, I attended a conference given at my local Chamber of Commerce. It was entitled, How to Bring Your Business to the Next Level. The reason I mention it is that the speaker covered several points that tie in with the 3 most common mistakes freelancers make. It is, to use the speaker's terms: Not Developing a "Company" Vision.
Most freelancers start out with various reasons for wanting to strike out on their own -- more time with family, more control over time, less commuting, etc. So, they say, "I want to freelance." Well, what you're really doing is starting a business. And, any business has to have a company vision.
But, "that's for big corporations," you say. NOT! Every for-profit business entity needs a company vision. You exponentially increase your chance of success with one, and decrease your chance of success without one. Why?
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Learn everything you need to know to work from home as a Freelance Writer, Editor, Proofreader, etc. How?
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Medical Editing/Copyediting: An Overview (Reg. $4.95);
The Truth about Participating in Surveys & Focus Groups (Reg. $3.95);
How to Really Make a Living as an Editorial Freelancer (Reg. $9.95);
Advice from Successful Editorial Freelancers (Reg. $9.95);
The Small Business Owner's Complete Marketing Kit! (Reg. 24.95);
and more.
P.P.S.: Place Your Order Now for Immediate Delivery into Your Inbox!
************************************************
A company vision forces you to dig deep to find out where you want to take your company. Even if your goal is as simple as "make $500 a week," a vision will force you to crystallize where you want to be and, more importantly, why.
I know this may sound like big biz, corporate mumbo jumbo, but trust me -- as someone who's had two businesses in the last 10 years -- it's these "intangibles" (eg, Corporate Vision Statement, Company Mission Statement, etc.) that lead to the "tangibles" (ie, writing a business plan, doing a SWOT Analysis, creating a marketing plan, etc.).
I always overlooked the intangibles and looking back realized that if I had implemented even a quarter of what I now know, I would be splitting my time between two successful businesses.
FYI, a SWOT Analysis is where you analyze the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats of/to your business. From this you will be able to "identify critical success factors," eg, what are the keys to success for your business. From this will flow your marketing plan, eg, who to target, where, when, why, how, etc.
After identifying and analyzing all of this information you will be able to "Set Goals" for your freelance business (make sure all goals are measureable). Eg, "increase revenue" is too general of a goal. Try, add two new clients a month for the next 6 months. This gives you something concrete to focus on, a specific measure around which to build a marketing plan, etc.
As you can see, one measure builds on the next. Skipping one is like trying to build a house without a foundation. So, even though you are "just a freelance writer trying to make a living" you will have a much better chance of success if you take the time to do this type of critical thinking up front.
My mission statement for InkwellEditorial.com is to "help editorial and creative professionals earn a living as freelancers." Everything I talk about, write about, promote, etc., is centered around that. This type of laser focus is what you will need to succeed as a freelancer -- along with a concrete plan to get there.
Good luck, and feel free to send in your questions about how to go about implementing any of these ideas. Your questions/comments will be answered in this blog so that all may gain from the insight offered (you can remain anonymous if you wish; I will also post a link to your site/blog).
Sincerely,
Y. Black, Publisher
InkwellEditorial.com
InkwellEditorial.blogspot.com
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
International Screenwriting Contest is 2 Days Away!
The final deadline is June 15, so get those digital scripts uploaded or printed scripts postmarked. This year’s winning cash prize has increased to $15,000. The winner also receives a Microsoft® Tablet PC, Final Draft software and a Microsoft® software package--plus a trip to Los Angeles for meetings with industry professionals, for a prize package exceeding $20,000. All top-ten finalists also receive Final Draft scriptwriting software, and the top three winners receive a Microsoft® Tablet PC.
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Since its founding in 2000, Big Break! has awarded screenwriters with nearly $100,000 in cash and prizes and has provided exposure to the entertainment industry through meetings with industry professionals, studio executives and agents. Many winners and finalists have been optioned and produced.
For previous winners, judges, the Writers Hall of Fame and to enter for your Big Break!
Click here to enter.
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Learn everything you need to know to work from home as a Freelance Writer, Editor, Proofreader, etc. How?
Receive 7 EBooks in All, Which Include the Following:
Medical Editing/Copyediting: An Overview (Reg. $4.95);
The Truth about Participating in Surveys & Focus Groups (Reg. $3.95);
How to Really Make a Living as an Editorial Freelancer (Reg. $9.95);
Advice from Successful Editorial Freelancers (Reg. $9.95);
The Small Business Owner's Complete Marketing Kit! (Reg. 24.95); and more.
P.P.S.: Place Your Order Now for Immediate Delivery into Your Inbox!
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Ditch Queries, Cranky Editors & the Starving Freelancer Existence!
I'm writing this post in response to a request from the publisher of ProBlogger.net publisher, Darren Rowse, who blogs for a living. His post really got me to thinking and once I boiled it down, I thought:
"Why do I REALLY publish this blog and its accompanying website?"
Sure, the mission statement is to help editorial and creative professionals earn a living as freelancers. BUT, the real mission is for freelancers to ditch the notion of depending on the whim of large publications and/or companies to make a living.
I’m constantly amazed at the number of large, national publications/companies that want quality writing, design, artwork, etc. for their publications, but take months to answer queries, make freelancers wait even more months to be paid, pay paltry for the assignments to begin with, cancel gigs for no reason at all and treat freelancers little better than unnecessary cogs in their money-making wheel.
Freelancing is extremely competitive. I try to get freelancers (writers, editors, web designers, illustrators, etc.) to think beyond traditional outlets for getting work. This way, they become less dependent on the "majors" (eg, national magazines, blue-chip companies) for their living. There are so many ways for freelancers to use their editorial and/or creative skills that they don't have to turn their power over to any one company or publication.
Below are some of the more nontraditional ways that have been discussed in this blog to make money if you are an editorial and/or creative professional.
Start a Virtual Assistant's Business: 9/01/2005 Topic
Create a Niche Writing for Business Professionals: 5/23/2006 Topic
Start a Joke Site (Entrepreneurial Profile): July 25, 2005 Topic
Create Online Educational Seminars: 7/28/2005 Topic
Scriptwriting: 7/18/2005 Topic
So, instead of composing a query and waiting months just to hear if you got the assignment – much less get paid for an assignment – QUERY YOURSELF about how you can make freelancing a profitable way of life, not a starving existence. Happy writing (editing, designing, illustrating, etc.)
Sincerely,
InkwellEditorial.com
InkwellEditorial.blogspot.com
Learn everything you need to know to work from home as a Freelance Writer, Editor, Proofreader, etc. How?
Get Our Entire Library of Work-at-Home Ebooks for only $19.95! Save $47.70!
Receive 7 EBooks in All, Which Include the Following:
Medical Editing/Copyediting: An Overview (Reg. $4.95);
The Truth about Participating in Surveys & Focus Groups (Reg. $3.95);
How to Really Make a Living as an Editorial Freelancer (Reg. $9.95);
Advice from Successful Editorial Freelancers (Reg. $9.95);
The Small Business Owner's Complete Marketing Kit! (Reg. 24.95);
and more.
P.P.S.: Place Your Order Now for Immediate Delivery via Email!
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Tuesday, June 06, 2006
How to Increase Your Client List During the Slow Summer Season
REDESIGN NOTICE: InkwellEditorial.com is currently being redesigned. I appreciate your patience over the next 2-3 weeks. I had hoped to be finished by the end of May, but it's going to take a little bit longer.
Sincerely,
Y. Black, Publisher
InkwellEditorial.com & InkwellEditorial.blogspot.com
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Increase Your Client List During the Slow Summer Season
As you know, the slow season is here -- June, July & August are notoriously slow for the editorial industry. Read this article for more on why.
Following are three things you can do to ensure that work continues to flow during this slow period:
1. Continue to advertise: Many freelancers stop marketing because they aren't getting the response they're accustomed to during this period. BUT, this is a mistake. Why?
Because you have to be top of mind with customers. And, if you are a regular reader of this blog, you know that I advocate consistency, consistency, consistency when it comes to marketing. How is NOT advertising going to bring in more customers?
Further, as everyone else is on vacation (hence, not advertising either), you will have less competition during this time. Who knows, your mailer could land on that prospective client's desk just as his regular writer, editor, graphic designer, etc. is off on that month-long summer cruise. Bang, a new client!
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Learn everything you need to know to work from home as a Freelance Writer, Editor, Proofreader, etc. How?
Get Our Entire Library of Work-at-Home Ebooks for only $19.95! Save $47.70!
Receive 7 EBooks in All, Which Include the Following:
Medical Editing/Copyediting: An Overview (Reg. $4.95);
The Truth about Participating in Surveys & Focus Groups (Reg. $3.95);
How to Really Make a Living as an Editorial Freelancer (Reg. $9.95);
Advice from Successful Editorial Freelancers (Reg. $9.95);
The Small Business Owner's Complete Marketing Kit! (Reg. 24.95);
and more.
P.P.S.: Place Your Order Now for Immediate Delivery via Email!
************************************************
2. Prepare new marketing/sales material: Been meaning to update your brochure, change your website (or get one), start a newsletter? Now is the perfect time to do this and get them out to clients. A fresh look can bring in new clients and it is the perfect time to contact old clients and announce a new service, a sale, discount, etc.
Be sure that when you contact clients, you offer a benefit to them, not just an announcement about you. Eg, we have a new website. Why is this important to you? This will allow you to contact us 24/7 with your project details and receive a quote/proposal much quicker.
3. Update service offerings: Summer is the perfect time to learn that new software, learn AMA, develop a webinar. Whatever it is, this is the perfect time to update the services/skills you offer clients.
So, instead of slogging thru summer waiting for the busy season to roll around again (unless that's what you want), you can keep growing that client list while laying the groundwork for an even more profitable busy season.
