Freelance Writers: Why an Ugly Website Can be Good for Business

The heading of this post was today's topic over at BloggingTips.com (BT). An excerpt:

I was reading an interview featuring Markus Frind of PlentyofFish.com. Mr. Frind’s site is the world’s largest online dating website. According to published reports, Markus pulls in over $10,000 to $20,000 a day from Google AdSense alone. His overall income is $5 million to $10 million a year.

Plentyof Fish.com is one of the ugliest sites online. It looks like a newbie web designer threw it up, got it operational and turned his interest to something else. So, why then is it so successful? Read the rest here.

Last week at BT, I wrote about why globalization almost demands that freelance writers get upfront payment. Yeah, I've been keeping my blogging commitment to others, but have been a little lax with my own.

I'm hitting the road!

I'm off to New York City tomorrow. Have lined up a meeting with an internet marketing firm there, and plan to catch up with some friends as well. I'm psyched. After that, I'm off to St. Paul Minnesota for a week to visit another dear old friend -- I'll be working all the while I'm gone, but it's still gonna be nice to get away.

I used to travel quite a bit. Since I bought my house in 2004 though, I've been a homebody (a big a** mortgage kinda demands it), but I'm starting to fly the coop a little more.

Sushi in Minnesota?

FYI, if anybody has any ideas about what I should do in Minnesota, let me know. I've never been, so am excited to see something new (I love going to new places). I love sushi, so if anyone knows of any good sushi restaurants, email me (info-at-inkwelleditorial.com). Put "sushi" in the subject line please, cuz I'm only gonna be skimming my inbox over the next week or so.

The Gosh Darn Affiliate Program!

It simply is not ready to be uploaded. Even though I have only one pithy report to put finishing touches on, it's the other stuff that hangs me up -- ie, converting it to the right file format, uploading it, checking that all links work, yadda, yadda, yadda. I need an assistant!

I really could release it without the reports, but my Type A personality won't let me until I finish some tools I think will help make it worthwhile for you. Once it's up, it'll be ongoing forever, so that's why I keep pushing it back. I'm not even gonna say when again. The next time you hear about it, it'll be an announcement that it's ready. How's that?

And the Floodgates Opened: Is Anybody Else Swamped?

I swear, the harder I tried to prepare for this little trip, the more projects came out of the woodwork. It's like clients knew that I was trying to leave and wanted to get their order in beforehand. Today alone, three clients (two old, one new) placed new orders. One was big, which is what I'll be working on next week. This week alone, I've had 7 new projects come in . . . and this past Monday, I had just one sitting in my inbox. What a difference a few days make.

I'm not complaining, but it just goes to show you, if you market consistently, suddenly the floodgates will open and you'll be swamped. In August, I sent out tons of queries -- 100-200 a week. Now, all of that effort is coming to fruition. And just in time because I just got my annual property tax bill in the mail -- rats! At least paying it won't be a problem.

Most Recent Posts
How to Start a Freelance Writing Career in 24 Hours or Less for $0

Job Security for Freelance Writers: Lessons from Lehman Brothers & Merrill Lynch

4 Things You Can Do to Land More Freelance Writing Jobs: Fall Marketing Tutorial

Sincerely,
Yuwanda Black, Publisher
How to Start a Successful Freelance Writing Career Newsletter (read all issues!)
Contact: info *at* InkwellEditorial.com
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Freelance Success Stories! 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.”

Previous Issue. Spotlight on Newbie Freelancers. Want to learn how one freelancer landed enough clients to quit his job in just 12 hours? There are also some blog warning tips if you're looking to move your blog from one platform to another -- and more. Subscribe to read this, and all previous, issues.

Issue. Spotlight on YOU: Questions from Readers. Want to learn about ghostwriting, how cut to the chase and "get started" as a freelance writer, which instant download ebook software to use and concrete advice on how to land paid blogging gigs? I answer these questions, and a few more from readers who wrote in. Subscribe to read this, and all previous, issues.
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Copyright © 2008 InkwellEditorial.com. Except where noted, no part of this site may be reproduced in any manner without the express, written consent of the publisher. Violators will be prosecuted.

How to Start a Freelance Writing Career in 24 Hours for $0

I receive anywhere from 5-10 emails a week (a couple a day), asking me the same question, “How do I get started as a freelance writer?” The short answer is to just do it.

But, many wannabe freelance writers hold themselves back by simply not starting. They put roadblocks in the way that just astound me. Eg, I need a website, I don’t have samples, I don’t have any clients yet, etc. If you want to be a freelance writer, it's time to start being a doer – not a planner, a talker, or a dreamer – a doer!

Following is plan of action you can take to start a freelance writing career in 24 hours, or less -- for $0. Stop over thinking it and just do it!

3 Steps to Take to Start Your Freelance Writing Career

Most Recent Posts

Job Security for Freelance Writers: Lessons from Lehman Brothers & Merrill Lynch

4 Things You Can Do to Land More Freelance Writing Jobs: Fall Marketing Tutorial

New Website for Freelance Writers to Make Money: Review of TheSyndicatedNews.com

Sincerely,
Yuwanda Black, Publisher
How to Start a Successful Freelance Writing Career Newsletter (read all issues!)
Contact: info *at* InkwellEditorial.com
***********************************************
Freelance Success Stories! 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.”

Previous Issue. Spotlight on Newbie Freelancers. Want to learn how one freelancer landed enough clients to quit his job in just 12 hours? There are also some blog warning tips if you're looking to move your blog from one platform to another -- and more. Subscribe to read this, and all previous, issues.

Current Issue. Spotlight on YOU: Questions from Readers. Want to learn about ghostwriting, how cut to the chase and "get started" as a freelance writer, which instant download ebook software to use and concrete advice on how to land paid blogging gigs? I answer these questions, and a few more from readers who wrote in. Subscribe to read this, and all previous, issues.
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Copyright © 2008 InkwellEditorial.com. Except where noted, no part of this site may be reproduced in any manner without the express, written consent of the publisher. Violators will be prosecuted.

Freelance Writers: How to Prepare for the Busy Season

Summer is winding down and we’re about to head into the busy fall season. On Tuesday, September 9th, I’ll be posting a Fall Marketing Tutorial for Freelance Writers akin to the Summer Marketing Tutorial.

To that end, I want to know, what do you need help with, eg: pricing, marketing, how to handle clients, how to negotiate, which services to offer, etc. Now’s the time to send in your questions (info *at* InkwellEditorial.com). I’ll incorporate them into the tutorial so that you can be fully prepared to bring in as much freelance writing business as you can handle.

Blog Hiatus: I won’t be posting next week. Monday is Labor Day and Tuesday starts Ramadan, so I’m going to take this last little break before ramping back up again on the September 9th. In the meantime, enjoy yesterday’s post over at BloggingTips.com, Freelance Writers: How to Prepare for the Busy Season (it’s time to start thinking about it).

Don’t forget to send in your questions for the fall freelance writing marketing manual. Answering questions in this format allows me to really answer in detail, which I can’t do on a daily or individualistic basis anymore.

New Ebook: How to Find Unpublished Freelance Writing Jobs.

Most Recent Posts
New Website for Freelance Writers to Make Money: Review of TheSyndicatedNews.com

How to Convince Clients That You’re the Right Writer for the Job

Freelance Writers: How to Prioritize Your Schedule to Make More Money

What Is SEO Writing? What is SEO Copywriting?

SEO Copywriting Rates: How I Got to the $100/Article Mark & You Can Too!

See you back here on the 9th, and enjoying the waning days of summer (can you believe it went so fast!)

Sincerely,
Yuwanda Black, Publisher
How to Start a Successful Freelance Writing Career Newsletter (read all issues!)
Contact: info *at* InkwellEditorial.com
***********************************************
Freelance Success Stories! 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.”

Previous Issue. Spotlight on Newbie Freelancers. Want to learn how one freelancer landed enough clients to quit his job in just 12 hours? There are also some blog warning tips if you're looking to move your blog from one platform to another -- and more. Subscribe to read this, and all previous, issues.

Current Issue. Spotlight on YOU: Questions from Readers. Want to learn about ghostwriting, how cut to the chase and "get started" as a freelance writer, which instant download ebook software to use and concrete advice on how to land paid blogging gigs? I answer these questions, and a few more from readers who wrote in. Subscribe to read this, and all previous, issues.
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Copyright © 2008 InkwellEditorial.com. Except where noted, no part of this site may be reproduced in any manner without the express, written consent of the publisher. Violators will be prosecuted.

11 Reasons You’ll Never Succeed as a Freelance Writer

Freelance writing is a profession many pursue, but relatively few obtain success in. By my count, this can be traced to 11 reasons. If you’re struggling to make a living as a freelance writer, the answer could be listed right here.

Read 11 Reasons You’ll Never Succeed as a Freelance Writer for an in-depth discussion.

Want to start a successful freelance writing blog? Get the latest ebook available in the Inkwell Editorial Freelance Writing Bookstore, How to Start a Profitable, Popular Freelance Writing Blog . Don't forget if you enjoyed this post, subscribe to the newsletter.

Sincerely,
Yuwanda Black, Publisher
How to Start a Successful Freelance Writing Career Newsletter
Contact: info *at* InkwellEditorial.com
P.S.: Did you know that InkwellEditorial.com is the authority site on freelance writing? From summertime marketing to search engine optimization -- if it deals with freelance writing, you'll find info on it here. Pass it on!
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Freelance Success Stories! 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.”

Previous Issue. Spotlight on Newbie Freelancers. Want to learn how one freelancer landed enough clients to quit his job in just 12 hours? There are also some blog warning tips if you're looking to move your blog from one platform to another -- and more. Subscribe to read this, and all previous, issues.

Current Issue. Spotlight on YOU: Questions from Readers. Want to learn about ghostwriting, how cut to the chase and "get started" as a freelance writer, which instant download ebook software to use and concrete advice on how to land paid blogging gigs? I answer these questions, and a few more from readers who wrote in. Subscribe to read this, and all previous, issues.
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Copyright © 2008 InkwellEditorial.com. Except where noted, no part of this site may be reproduced in any manner without the express, written consent of the publisher. Violators will be prosecuted.

Earn $63,000 to $125,000/Yr Writing Articles: It's so possible & here's how

I recently started writing for eHow.com. It’s a community site similar to AssociatedContent.com, another site I also contribute to. I like writing for both sites, because they each offer something unique.

Earn $63,000 to $125,000/year writing simple articles

And yeah, I know $15 per article is peanuts for some, but when you consider that you can write about basically anything you want and that it takes anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes to write an article, that works out to $30 to $60/hour. OR, looked at another way, earning almost $63K to $125K/year writing simple articles. I’ll take it every time.

So, how did I happen upon this gig? How did I get continuous work? How did I make $300 in one day writing for this site? Read on for it all! But first, don't forget to check out the freelance writing jobs below.

Here's to a productive Tuesday every body!

Yuwanda Black, Publisher

http://inkwelleditorial.com/

http://inkwelleditorial.blogspot.com/

http://seo-article-writer.com/

http://seo-articles-for-sale.com/

How to Start a Successful Freelance Writing Career Newsletter

P.S: Want to learn how to make at least $250/day writing simple 500-word SEO articles? Read how here.

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Read Freelance Success Stories! 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 this, and all previous, issues.

Previous Issue: Interview with author and freelance writer Misti Sandefur. Also, info on 4 quick, simple things I do on a daily basis to increase traffic to my website and blog (and you can too!); how I made $4,000 in 30-days from one client -- and a whole lot more!

Current Issue. Spotlight on How to Make Money Online: An interview with internet marketer Pat B. Doyle. Pat shares tips on how to make passive income online via affiliate marketing; some common mistakes online entrepreneurs make; and some free and low-cost methods to make money online. There's more also. Subscribe to read this, and all previous, issues.
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Copyright © 2008 InkwellEditorial.com: Freelance success stories, e-courses, advice on the business of freelancing, and more! Except where noted, no part of this site may be reproduced in any manner without the express, written consent of the publisher. Violators will be prosecuted.

Today's Freelance Writing Jobs

Website Content Writers Needed

Answer Questions for Cash ($50 bucks per question): Has anyone heard of this stie before? Would love to hear some feedback (eg, is it for real, or a scam. Proceed cautiously. It’s a shame, but as freelance writers, we really have to be so careful these days.)

Persuasive Writer Needed

“Green” Freelance Writer

Freelance Writer

Blogger Wanted : Great pay with Residuals

Technical Staff Writer (gosh I wish I was a tech writer; there is always a need for these (hint, hint!)

Blog Editor

Radio Copywriter

Romance Novels Wanted ($200 if manuscript accepted; 5% of successive sales).

Entertainment Site Needs Content ($25-$25/hour)

Freelance Writer

FT Television Writing Gig in NYC (Hey, ya never know!)

Post #39: 40 Days to a Successful Freelance Writing Career

PUBLISHER NOTE: This series was started to answer questions from seminar attendees about what was going to be taught at the Freelance Writing Seminar. Details. I entitled these posts "40 Days to a Successful Freelance Writing Career".

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

Want to make $400, $500, $1,000/day freelancing? It's possible, but before I tell you how, let's digress for a minute.

As the 40 Days to a Successful Freelance Writing Career series is winding down, I wanted to end with three observations that prevent many freelance writers from making the income they should be making.

Yesterday in Post #38, we discussed the "little blockers" to success that can prevent you from making the sums mentioned above, which leads us to today's topic . . . how intelligently using technology can make you much more than you ever dreamed possible. Click here to read the entire post.
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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: Sue Fagalde Lick, author of Freelancing for Newspapers. Whether you are an experienced or inexperienced freelance writer, this is one market that eagerly accepts freelancers, as Sue outlines in her book.

Next Issue (11/7/). Ghostwriting: Want to know what type of work is out there in this genre? How much it pays? Where to find it? How to go about getting it? Ghostwriter Amanda Evans will give us the skinny on this freelance writing niche.

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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Post #38: 40 Days to a Successful Freelance Writing Career

PUBLISHER NOTE: This series was started to answer questions from seminar attendees about what was going to be taught at the Freelance Writing Seminar. Details. I entitled these posts "40 Days to a Successful Freelance Writing Career".

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

Freelance Writers: Why Aren’t You Making More Money?

As this series is winding down, I wanted to end with three observations that prevent many freelance writers from making the income they should be making.

Writing this series has really made me delve deep into the topic of what goes into the making of a successful freelance career. The usual culprits like marketing, list building and client retention are all obvious.

But, it’s the not-so-obvious things that, in my opinion, are the biggest blockers to success. And, when these things happen, we literally have to act like a loaded gun is pointed at our heads to break out of it. So, what are some of these "little" blockers to success? Click here to read the entire post.
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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: Sue Fagalde Lick, author of Freelancing for Newspapers. Whether you are an experienced or inexperienced freelance writer, this is one market that eagerly accepts freelancers, as Sue outlines in her book.

Next Issue (11/7/). Ghostwriting: Want to know what type of work is out there in this genre? How much it pays? Where to find it? How to go about getting it? Ghostwriter Amanda Evans will give us the skinny on this freelance writing niche.

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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Like what you read here? Find the content useful and informative? Make us a Technorati Favorite. Simply click the Technorati icon in the right-hand column of this page.

Post #36: 40 Days to a Successful Freelance Writing Career

PUBLISHER NOTE: This series was started to answer questions from seminar attendees about what was going to be taught at the Freelance Writing Seminar. Details. I entitled these posts "40 Days to a Successful Freelance Writing Career".

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

Freelance Writers: How to Determine When to Send a Rate Quote Requested by Potential Clients

In Friday’s post, I talked about how to handle the “How much do you charge?” question from clients. Novelist Misti Sandefur sent in the following in response to that post:

Question

If you could do another post about what you should say in your proposal, and even include an example of a proposal, that would be great (I learn best from seeing examples).

Finally, would you do this same thing when responding to a writing gig where they asked you to send a quote with your response? For example, there are many projects posted on Craigslist that ask you to send clips/samples, your resume and your quote.”

Click here to read the entire post.

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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: Sue Fagalde Lick, author of Freelancing for Newspapers. Whether you are an experienced or inexperienced freelance writer, this is one market that eagerly accepts freelancers, as Sue outlines in her book.

Next Issue (11/7/). Ghostwriting: Want to know what type of work is out there in this genre? How much it pays? Where to find it? How to go about getting it? Ghostwriter Amanda Evans will give us the skinny on this freelance writing niche.

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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Like what you read here? Find the content useful and informative? Make us a Technorati Favorite. Simply click the Technorati icon in the right-hand column of this page.

Start a Successful Freelance Writing Career

I did it -- I finished! The e-books I've been promising to re-list on InkwellEditorial.com have all been officially revised and uploaded. I may look like the guy pictured here, but I don't care -- I finally got it done -- woooohooooo!

FYI, in the e-book Advice from Successful Freelancers: How They Built Their Careers & How You Can Too!, which I wrote in 2004, all of the freelancers interviewed then are still in business. This was inspiring and lets me know that others can learn a lot from their success. Read an excerpt here.

OTHER TITLES:

How to Really Make a Living as an Editorial Freelancer

How to Get Your Biz on the Web Quickly & Affordably: An Easy-to-Follow Guide in Plain English for Those New to Internet Terminology & Web Technology

How to Break Into Medical Editing/Copyediting

NEW -- Recently Published! Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Article Marketing: Results of a 30 Day Article Marketing Experiment

NEW -- Recently Published! 7 Ways a Freelance Writer Can Expand Your Profits – No Matter What Your Business Is! [FREE giveaway to potential clients, subscribers, seminar attendees, etc.]

And more! Click here to access the full list and to read detailed excerpts.
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P.S.: There are some combination deals that save you 50-70%.

P.P.S.: All e-books are written from first-hand experience, or are told from first-hand accounts. So, you get concrete advice straight from those who have been where you are -- and are now where you want to be.

Log on to order. It's fast, simple, safe and secure.
NOTE: All e-books are delivered as .pdf files within 24 hours of purchasing (excluding weekends), usually much less.

How Writing Changed My Life

The end of the week has brought on some reflective feelings; namely, how writing has changed my life. It's a wonderful thing.

Enjoy!
Y. Black, Publisher
InkwellEditorial.com
InkwellEditorial.blogspot.com
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Some writers know in grade school that writing is what they want to do when they grow up. I was never like that. Even today, with close to 15 years under my belt as a freelance copywriter, I still don't consider myself a writer.

I think of myself as an editorial specialist. But, I do write and get paid for it, so I guess that makes me a writer. Following are three ways that writing has changed my life.

POST CONTINUED BELOW
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Want to Achieve Freelance Writing Success -- Quickly? Sign up for the Freelance Writing E-course: Launch a Profitable Freelance Writing Career in 30 Days or Less -- Guaranteed! & get a FREE writing website. Log on and register today!
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1. Freedom: As in, freedom from fear. When I started freelancing in the early 90s, I never dreamed it would turn into what it has.

I started out as a freelance copy editor, proofreader and editor. I didn't start taking on writing projects until a few years into my freelance career. But, once I realized that, "Hey, I can make a real living from this," it gave me a freedom I didn't realize I would come to cherish until years later.

Once you realize that your power to make a living lies totally and completely in your hands, you walk a little taller, believe in yourself a little deeper and work harder to keep it so.

I know that as long as my brain doesn't turn to mush (I have to work hard to keep this from happening some days!) and I have use of my hands, I can work. There's a comfort in that.

2. Interest: As in, interest in the world around me. I'm pretty curious by nature and I've always been an avid reader. When you write for a living though, it takes on a new kind of clarity.

I listen to the news for story ideas; I listen to tales from my friends for different twists on ordinary topics; I take note of my surroundings with eyes open for the next great article.

3. Question: As in, question the world around you. Because I write a lot, I also research a lot. I know that the twist of one phrase can give a whole new meaning to a story, an article, a definition.

Take the war going on in Iraq. When we hear that over 3,000 soldiers have been killed since it began, you might think, in Vietnam, over 58,000 died -- this war's not as bad.

But, when you hear that over 10,000 have been wounded - many seriously, that implies a different kind of war; a different view of what's going on.

So, I question a lot of what I hear, read and view. Is this the whole story? Were there some facts left out? Some "half-facts" put in?

The written word, especially in our technologically advanced world, is a powerful medium. Indeed, the pen [keyboard] is mightier than the sword - and all writers would do well to remember that the next time they sit down to write.

How has writing changed your life? Chime in!
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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 to learn how.
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A Day in the Life of a Busy Commercial Freelance Writer

I'm often asked what my day is like - in a roundabout way. I will receive emails like, "Do you have employees - you seem to do a lot." Or, "Who did your website, I love it." When I respond, "I did it," I usually receive a response like, "YOU did it yourself - where do you find the time?"

So, following is a typical day for me - a busy commercial freelance writer.

POST CONTINUED BELOW
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Routine: Although I stick somewhat to a routine, I don't have a set schedule. If I have to run out to the cleaners or go to the grocery store, I usually do this during the day, because it's less crowded and I try not to work most weekends - at least not on client projects.

AM: In the morning, I usually log on and surf for thirty minutes or so before I get down to work.
Marketing: I try to always do my marketing tasks in the morning when I'm freshest and the most invigorated. The sad truth of it is, I would never give a client project less than my best effort, but I will shortchange myself in a minute.

How? By putting off marketing altogether, or doing less than what I should be doing. It took me years to recognize this as a pattern. So, I try to do at least one marketing thing a day. And, that usually means writing, as one of my favorite marketing tactics is article marketing.

Getting down to work means updating my blog, churning out some marketing articles and turning my attention to client projects. By the time I finish my marketing tasks, it's usually early afternoon, at which time I turn my time to client projects.

PM: Client projects can be anything from cleaning up web copy to creating a newsletter to writing a press release. I'm usually working on two or three projects at one time, and most are due within a week or so.

I'm pretty regimented in that I like to finish one project before I move on to another. BUT, this is usually not possible.

When I take on a project, I usually build in an extra day or two, where possible, because even though I know I can design and write a brochure newsletter in 8 hours, I'm also experienced enough to know that I may get a rush project from another client that will prevent me from sitting down to do it all at once.

So, instead of telling a client a 24-hour turnaround, I will tell them 2-3 business days, and that if they want it back before then, then I can do it - for a rush fee.

You may be thinking - eight hours, for a brochure. Yes. Because if you're creating it from scratch, you're going to have to take the time to find out about all the services they offer, how they offer them, how the competition stacks up, etc.

NOTE: Any time you're creating sales materials for a client -- I don't care if it's a simple postcard, or a complicated sales letter -- you are creating the piece that will "talk" to prospects when they're not around.

So, a brochure is not simply listing the services offered, it's what tells a prospect why to pick this client's firm, as opposed to another company. Writing copy that sells is a skill - and that's what clients hire you for. If they simply wanted someone to create a brochure to list their services, they could have their secretary type it up.

Keep the above in mind as you market.

After I pack away client projects, I will spend time answering emails sent in from readers. This is usually around 5 or 6pm. I usually only spend half an hour or so on this. I usually only respond to new questions, not those I've answered frequently or those that can be easily found on this blog.

After answering questions, I usually jot down what I want to accomplish the next day -- articles I want to tackle, follow-up questions for clients and billing/account management (arrggghhhh!).

I do so much more during the day because each one is different.

How many hours/day do I work? I usually put in 9-11, sometimes more if I'm developing a product of my own (an e-course, e-book, etc.).

And that, folks, is a basic rundown of what happens before I log off, usually around 8 or 9 pm.
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