Published on September 23, 2015
writing career advice
At the beginning of my writing career, armed with a few publication credits, I convinced myself that it was the right time to take on higher paid publications. I eagerly scanned through magazine markets willing to pay top dollar. My eyes lit up whenever I came across listings that paid high rates …
Published on September 23, 2015
writing career advice
I contacted an old client a few weeks ago as I’m officially back in the freelancing game. My contact there said they no longer work directly with freelance writers, but outsource all their content to (name removed). I checked out this website, feeling that my old client’s recommendation might mean it was actually a legit place to find paid writing work. I was, instead, sadly disappointed to see …
Published on September 16, 2015
writing career advice
I launched my freelance career by becoming a weekly newspaper columnist. My plan was to review the newest and best of children’s literature and feature accompanying tips for parents, teachers, and grandparents on how to instill the love of reading in children. As a ten-year teaching veteran, I wanted my column to provide our community with exposure to great books for children …
Published on August 25, 2015
writing career advice
As writers, we notice copy. We notice it everywhere. Sometimes, we notice it because it appeals to and inspires us. But most of the time, as professionals with a great appreciation for the effective written word, we notice it because it’s mediocre, or just plain bad. However, in these moments when you find yourself rewriting poorly worded copy in your head
Published on August 5, 2015
writing career advice
Every good writer should be a good salesman as well. Argh!
Published on July 29, 2015
writing career advice
As a freelance writer, you may have given up on traditional budgeting advice. Personally, I’ve been supporting myself as a freelance writer and editor since 1998. I’ve written 23 books and countless articles, blog posts, and website copy. I don’t have difficulty finding work, and yet, I often have had difficulty paying my bills.
Published on July 22, 2015
writing career advice
“We’ll have a check for you tomorrow,” the editor told me. The next day, I returned to the newspaper’s office only to find the office completely vacated.
Published on July 22, 2015
writing career advice
You know, there are all types of people out there. Sane (and not), stable (and not), polite (and not), professional (and not)…and then there are folks like the one below. I receive queries from writers every single day and I must, in turn, send rejections to writers every single day. I can’t possibly publish everyone. […]
Published on July 1, 2015
writing career advice
It happened again today. Inside the pile of mail I hauled to my kitchen to sort, I received an unsolicited book from an author who hoped I’d review it for my 250-plus newspaper and magazine clients…
Published on June 10, 2015
book marketing, self-publishing, traditional publishing, writing career advice
It happened again today. An author sent me a note, apologizing for taking so long to edit her book. She stopped the editing process a few weeks ago in order to concentrate on promoting her book…her UNFINISHED book.