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 …
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
Every good writer should be a good salesman as well. Argh!
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.
“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.
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. […]
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…
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.
In 2006, I was spending my weekend sitting in a cubicle with four elderly women arguing about the proper step-by-step process every representative should be trained…
Just as train tracks cross so can your interests intersect with those of many other “lines” in the publishing world. You must make the connection!
