Letters To The Editor For July 12th
This Week:
- Pay Writers A Pittance
- Flat Fee vs. Hourly Rate
- Freelance Work Exchange
10 Tips I Wish Someone Had Given Me Before I Launched My Freelance Writing Career By Patty Harder
Just over a year ago, I walked away from a well-paying marketing job to launch a freelance writing career, working primarily in the business to business sector. Within two months, my freelance income was paying the bills. In this first year of writing self-employment, I learned many things that improved my business savvy and monthly income. Here are 10 tips I wish someone had given me before I launched my freelance writing business.
Richard Offers Advice on Newsletter Email Distribution Service
Do you have any recommendations on a newsletter email distribution service. I’m just looking at 200 subscribers – bimonthly for a nonprofit. Nothing fancy.
Nobody Cares By Robin M. Allen
There had always been parents, teachers, and bosses to care whether I did my chores, assignments, and projects. There were consequences–for me and for them–if I didn’t do what I was supposed to do.
But writing is different.
Welcome Home, Mason!!!
Last Wednesday, I woke up at 4:30 a.m. with a somewhat painful contraction. Since I’d had three weeks of off and on contractions, I didn’t give it much thought…
Angela’s Happy This Didn’t Happen To Her!
Angela,
I went 5, count them, 5 weeks past my due date. I blew up like Buddha, I couldn’t reach the bottom of my sinks , they were rather deep, unless I turned sideways and I had to eat in a big chair balancing my plate on my stomach. Believe it or not, this too will pass.
Peace and Love,
Louise
Best Place To See Your Byline? On A Check! By Star Lawrence
In my previous spew concerning sites that offer to place your blog entries in publications to give you more “exposure,” I indicated that I was not comfortable with the concept of opportunists feeding off my carcass without benefit of compensation.
But, since this write-for-free debate is such a tired standby, I sighed and said maybe I was becoming the crab on the block. What do you think? I asked. My mailbox overflowed!
Hourly Rate Or Flat Fee?
I’ve been approached by a medical communications company to look over a four-page word document on a type of surgery, rework the copy/edit and add my “own stamp to it.” They plan to use it on a web site. However, the company would like to know how much I charge to do this beforehand.
Is it better to give them an hourly rate or flat fee?
Venturing Out By Jacquie McTaggart
How do you use WritersWeekly.com’s paying markets section? Does the magazine’s title and your knowledge (or lack of) of a particular niche determine whether or not you read the guidelines? If you’ve never lived on a ranch and don’t know any cowboys, do you bypass the guidelines for RANGE magazine? Do you dissect and ruminate over every word in Purposeful Women? Sure you do; you’re human.
We all like to write about our areas of expertise, and some of us refuse to tackle anything beyond. What’s the payoff for never leaving our comfort zone? Less challenge, fewer writing assignments, and smaller income. I know what I’m talking about because I’ve been there, done that.
Yes (Sigh), I’m Still Pregnant…
Mason’s due date came and went on Father’s Day. I sure was looking forward to giving Richard the ultimate Father’s Day gift. However, it’s now going to be a bit late.