POST #29: 40 Days to a Successful Freelance Writing Career

PUBLISHER NOTE: If you are a regular reader of this blog, then you know about the upcoming freelance writing seminar this month. Details.

Many have inquired about what will be discussed at the seminar. So, in order to answer your questions and to get you prepared for what to expect, I started a series of posts entitled "40 Days to a Successful Freelance Writing Career (which will continue, despite the notice below)."

Freelance Writing Seminar Cancelled: Unfortunately, due to my stepfather's illness, which I wrote about in the last newsletter, the seminar has been cancelled. But, you can still take a class on how to start a freelance writing career. Click here for details.

To start at the beginning of the "40 Days" series, click here. And, welcome to the blog. Now, on to today’s post . . .

Part II of How to Make Money Interviewing Experts for Your Newsletter (Website, Ebook, Blog, etc.)

In last Thursday’s post, we discussed why interviewing experts can lead to a money-making newsletter. In short, people like to read about – and take notes from – successful people.

So, now that you’ve interested readers by drawing them in with an informative interview, how do you turn that interest into profits?

Primarily, in two ways:

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FREE E-Report: How to Make $100/Day as a Freelance Writer! Simply send in your email address and the report will be emailed to you absolutely free.
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Monetizing your brand: What I mean by this is quite simply, selling stuff. While you may be thinking, “this is not original,” it is simple – and that’s the whole goal. And, this can turn into megabucks.

For example, I was perusing CafePress.com recently (I’m going to start selling t-shirts soon via InkwellEditorial.com) and ran across a guy who makes $100,000/year selling dog t-shirts.

Now, I know we Americans love our pooches, but to the tune of shelling out $100K/year in t-shirts? Hey, if it works, don’t knock it I say, figure out how to join it. FYI, the shop is here.

The litany of things you can sell with a high-quality brand is amazing – ebooks, special reports, t-shirts, gift baskets, etc. BUT, it all starts with putting out a top-notch (in my opinion, niche) product – like a newsletter.

Monetizing on the front end: What I mean by this is, charging for ad space. Once your subscriber rate hits a certain level – and it will if you consistently publish a high-quality newsletter – you can start to take ads.

What do you need to successfully sell ad space?

Credibility: Publishing a newsletter builds your credibility simply because you conducted the interview. In essence, you ride the coattails of the "expert" simply by association. After all, if they agreed to be interviewed by you, then you must be successful too, right?

Subscribers: Why do people like to read about experts/famous people/successful people? Because they want to learn how to duplicate that success.

Publishing a newsletter that caters to a specific need of a “targeted market” will consistently garner high-quality subscribers. The reason targeted market is in quotation marks is because you want high-quality subscribers.

High-quality subscribers are more likely to purchase because you speak directly to them and their needs. That’s why publishing a niche newsletter is extremely effective – and profitable.

When most think of self-publishing, they think of books. However, newsletters fall squarely in this category and are easier, quicker and cheaper to publish.

Further, as illustrated here, publishing a newsletter where you interview experts can be a wonderful way to self-publish your way to profits. I like it because it’s free; can provide an income for life; and provides a way to build a brand which can lead to innumerable opportunities (interviews, jobs, joint ventures, etc.).

Good luck if you decide to go this self-publishing route.

Until then,
Yuwanda (who is this person?)
P.S.: Tomorrow’s post: Freelance writers do a lot – writing, designing, marketing, building websites, etc. Sometimes, outsourcing some of your duties can pay off big – in a lot of ways. Tomorrow we’ll look at how to figure out what you should be paying if decide to outsource some of your duties.
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What’s in Inkwell Editorial’s Newsletter? There are freelancers who make very good livings at what they love. Inkwell Editorial's newsletter features these successful professionals who put to rest the phrase, "starving freelancer." Subscribe to read all previous issues.

Current Issue: For all you artists our there (illustrators, cartoonists, photographers, this one is for you). I interviewed successful cartoonist Dan Rosendach. He’s been a freelancer since 1976 and lays out some very interesting marketing tactics for keeping the business rolling in.

Next Issue: 10/17. Sue Fagalde Lick, author of Freelancing for Newspapers, has graciously agreed to be interviewed. Whether you are an experienced or inexperienced freelance writer, this is one market that eagerly accepts freelancers, as Sue outlines in her book.

Gain clients, web traffic and brand awareness. How? Let us interview you for our popular newsletter? Full details. Read the first issue here.
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Copyright Notice: May be reprinted with the following, in full: Yuwanda Black is the publisher of InkwellEditorial.com: THE business portal for and about the editorial and creative industries. Freelance success stories, e-courses, advice on the business of freelancing, and more! Get the e-report, How to Make $100/Day as a Freelance Writer -- free! Log on to http://www.freelancewritingwebsite.com/ for details.
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Newsletter Profits: How to Find Experts to Interview for Your Newsletter

I recently relaunched my company's newsletter, How to Start a Successful Freelance Career.

One of the reasons I initially stopped publishing the newsletter was because I wanted to revamp it. A major change I wanted to make was to providing more first-hand information -- from more than just myself.

I think one of the best ways to learn something is to ask someone who is already doing that exact thing. So, my logic behind revamping the newsletter was to include more industry experts, success stories, "How I did it" insight, etc.

All of this being said, I knew that I was going to have to find appropriate professionals to interview. Following are three ways to find experts to interview for your newsletter (or website, or ebook, etc.).

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Freelance Writing Seminar: Learn exactly what to do to earn $100, $150, $200/day or more as a freelance writer, editor and/or copy editor in our upcoming seminar. Details. It's a career anyone who can read and write can start -- with the right information.

$10,000 in one year from one "client" alone; From $0 to $600K in profits in two years: Learn how these successful freelancers carved out profitable careers in our highly popular newsletter, How to Start a Successful Freelance Career. Subscribe today. FYI, you get a FREE ebook on article marketing when you subscribe.

Gain clients, web traffic and brand awareness. How? Let us interview you for our popular newsletter? Full details. Read the first issue here.
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3 Ways to Find Experts to Interview for Your Newsletter

Hit the Web: Of course, this is the first place to go. The web offers a variety of ways to find excellent interviewees. Employing the suggestions below, you will never run out of experts to interview.

On a side note, I often wonder how anything got done before the internet. Can you imagine being a freelance writer without the internet? But, I digress.

General Search: You may be thinking, "Go to the web and do what?" Well, if you have no clear-cut path, start with the title of the professional you want to interview.

For example, as my newsletter focuses on creative freelancers, my targets are freelance writers, graphic designers, editors, illustrators, web designers, playwrights, etc.

So, my Google search may include phrases like "freelance writer"; "freelance graphic designer"; "freelance web designer"'; etc.

Then, simply start visiting the websites of those who pop up and contact them, asking if they are willing to be interviewed in your newsletter.

Forums: Forums are another great place to find experts to interview in your newsletter. That's how I found the interviewee for the premiere version of my newly relaunched newsletter, Michelle L. Devon of AccentuateServices.com.

I came across Michelle's post about how she'd started her freelance career with Elance.com, raking in $10,000 in one year from this job site alone. This allowed her to go on to build a successful career as a writer, editor, novelist, etc.

Freelancers who participate in forums tend to be very good interviewees because they often give in-depth information and analyses. This is probably because they like, and are accustomed to, sharing and exchanging information.

Comments Section of Websites: Look in the feedback section (if there is one) of websites you frequent and click on the hyperlinks of those who've left comments.

This is a good place to find quality interviewees because: I) they obviously have opinions they want to share; and ii) they're probably interested in, and know about the same things you're interested in (after all, you found them on a site you frequent).

First-hand Information Leads to Newsletter Profits

The internet puts first-hand information literally right at your fingertips. Use it to create a must-read publication your subscribers will depend on. This opens up several revenue streams for you as an online entrepreneur.

Good luck if you decide to give it a go.

TOMORROW'S POST: Now that you know why interviewing experts leads to profits, find out what to go about effectively interviewing them. Tomorrow's post will cover 3 areas you should touch on when interviewing experts for your newsletter.
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Copyright Notice: May be reprinted with the following, in full: Yuwanda Black is the publisher of InkwellEditorial.com: THE business portal for and about the editorial and creative industries. First-hand freelance success stories, e-courses, job postings, resume tips, advice on the business of freelancing, and more! Launch a Profitable Freelance Writing Career in 30 Days or Less -- Guaranteed! Log on to InkwellEditorial.com.

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How to Name Your Newsletter for Maximum Profit & Subscriber Signup (Part II of II)

In yesterday’s post, we discussed two stumbling blocks you may come across when trying to name your newsletter.

Here, we will discuss two more stumbling blocks, how to overcome them, and how to tell when a name is right. Here goes:

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Want to start a profitable career as a freelance writer? Our work-from-home ebooks contain all the information you need to get started right way! Log on to order. It's fast, simple, safe and secure.

FREE E-book on Article Marketing: If you write and distribute free content, learn how to increase your income via this free e-book. Full details.

Freelance Writing Seminar: Employers tell exactly what they're looking for in freelancers -- and more! Get the details here.
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c) Another Stumbling Block: Falling in love with a name that doesn’t fit. I started to name the newsletter This Freelance Writing Life. I also thought of calling it simply, The Inkwell Editorial Newsletter, which was the name of Inkwell Editorial’s last newsletter.

The reason I decided against This Freelance Writing Life is that while it was somewhat catchy and had “freelance writing” in the title, it didn’t speak to the “what” of the freelance writing life.

The lesson here: The name should clue potential subscribers into what the newsletter is about – in as specific a way as possible.

d) Another Stumbling Block: Branding your brand or attracting new subscribers. The reason I decided against naming the newsletter The Inkwell Editorial Newsletter is that it would fail to attract new subscribers.

While the name mentioned my company, Inkwell Editorial – which is important – those who didn’t know about Inkwell Editorial would have no idea what the newsletter was about. Thus, I’d have to work harder to attract new subscribers.

The lesson here: An effective name should do both – further your brand AND attract new subscribers.

The name How to Start a Successful Freelance Career will attract subscribers who know nothing about Inkwell Editorial – because their interest is peaked by the subject matter, which the title clues them in to.

How to Determine When Your Newsletter’s Name is “Right”

Perhaps the number one thing to remember when you are trying to come up with a name is to think of your prospects’ wants, needs and problems.

Don’t think of your newsletter as “your publication,” think of it as a solution to problems for a specific group. And, in simple terms, what “one liner” would clue them into what your newsletter is all about.

Many times, a name will just fit – you’ll know it in your gut. Following the advice above will put you well on your way to choosing an effective, profitable name for your newsletter.

Sometimes, a name may not be one you’re crazy about. But, it will be one that will increase your profits and enlarge your subscriber list – which, if you write for profit, should be your main goal.

Good luck!
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Copyright Notice: May be reprinted with the following, in full: Yuwanda Black is the publisher of InkwellEditorial.com: THE business portal for and about the editorial and creative industries. First-hand freelance success stories, e-courses, job postings, resume tips, advice on the business of freelancing, and more! Launch a Profitable Freelance Writing Career in 30 Days or Less -- Guaranteed! Log on to InkwellEditorial.com.
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How to Name Your Newsletter for Maximum Profit & Subscriber Signup (Part I of II)

Inkwell Editorial will publish a new newsletter* starting tomorrow entitled, How to Start a Successful Freelance Career. Sign up and receive a FREE e-book. Details.

I vacillated on the name, which surprised me because I’ve been writing about marketing and business for over a decade. I know tried and true marketing “isms.”

So, what made me wishy washy on the name? My passion. It got in the way. This happens to most small business owners. No matter how smart we think we are, sometimes, our passion gets in the way of solutions.

Once I figured this out, I decided on a name quickly. Following is some in-depth advice on how to name your newsletter for maximum profit and subscriber signup.

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Want to start a profitable career as a freelance writer? Our work-from-home ebooks contain all the information you need to get started right way! Log on to order. It's fast, simple, safe and secure.

FREE E-book on Article Marketing: If you write and distribute free content, learn how to increase your income via this free e-book. Full details.

Freelance Writing Seminar: Employers tell exactly what they're looking for in freelancers -- and more! Get the details here.
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Steps to Naming Your Newsletter for Maximum Profit & Subscriber Signup

Ask yourself, "What does it do?" Several things can cause you to stumble when it comes to naming your newsletter or e-zine, eg:

a) You don’t want to alienate any potential readers: For example, my genre is freelance writing. I don’t want to alienate any freelance writer. BUT, although I write within a niche, it’s a broad niche.

So, I need to speak to those my products are mainly targeted to. And, that tends to be freelancers who are just starting out.

So, because my primary market within the freelance writing community is those who are just beginning (ie, have less than three years of experience), the name How to Start a Successful Freelance Career, fit perfectly.

Remember, your newsletter is a marketing vehicle. So, treat it accordingly and speak directly to your core audience at all times.

b) You want to be everything to everybody: This is the flip side of the previous point.

Trying to be everything to everybody will cause you to publish a newsletter that is of no measurable benefit to any one group.

When you hone in on one group, you can solve a multitude of problems for them, making you a go-to source. This leads to trust, which leads to referrals -- which eventually leads to sales.

So, make your newsletter extremely valuable to a few, rather than marginal to many. A good example of this is Darren Rowse’s site, problogger.net. If you want to know about blogging for money, this is the first site you should visit – and possibly the only one you’ll ever need to.

Many are afraid to speak to a niche because they’re afraid they’ll run out of things to write about. I had this fear with my first newsletter – and when I started my blog over two years ago.

But, you know what? LIFE will supply you with endless topics. Not to mention your subscribers. I get questions that I never would have thought of from readers of my ebooks, blog and website.
AND, when you really focus on a group, you will begin to think broader and deeper about their lives – over and beyond say, their freelance writing needs.

You will start to think, for example, of how their freelance writing needs impact other areas of their lives. This is when you really start to make yourself valuable to readers.

For example, primarily, readers of my material want freelance writing advice and tips. BUT, they want it to increase their income because they want to spend more time with their families, get out of debt, leave a job they hate, etc. These are their real desires.

Case Example: I recently did a few articles on freelancers and debt. On the face of it, these two topics don’t go together. But, thinking about the totality of my readers’ lives, it makes perfect sense.

Freelancers have sporadic incomes. Many use credit cards – and other types of credit – to weather dry spells. So, the articles, How to Get Out of Debt on a Freelance Salary and Debt-Free Living: A freelancer's Personal Tale of Getting -- & Staying -- There were not only timely going into the slow summer season, they were necessary.

When you start to think about the breadth of your prospects’ lives, you will literally be overrun with ideas.

In conclusion, select a niche and go deep within it, instead of playing on the surface. Your readers will thank you for it -- in sales, subscriber sign-ups and referrals.

*Inkwell Editorial published a newsletter a couple of years ago on a sporadic basis.

Tomorrow: Part II of this post. We will discuss more things that can block you from coming up with an effective name for your newsletter/e-zine, how to combat them, and how to tell when a name is “right.”
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Copyright Notice: May be reprinted with the following, in full: Yuwanda Black is the publisher of InkwellEditorial.com: THE business portal for and about the editorial and creative industries. First-hand freelance success stories, e-courses, job postings, resume tips, advice on the business of freelancing, and more! Launch a Profitable Freelance Writing Career in 30 Days or Less -- Guaranteed! Log on to InkwellEditorial.com.
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