Posted by Maya Smart on Mon, Apr 12, 2010 @ 12:00 PM
Freelance writers can shape their careers to the extent that their talents and motivation allow. Why choose to be depersonalized, devalued and disrespected?
by Maya Payne Smart
In his new book "Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?" entrepreneur Seth Godin describes a multigenerational American conspiracy in which schools, governments and social contracts led us to tr
ading genius and artistry for presumed corporate safety nets. Work hard, keep your head down and collect your pension were the rules of the game — until they weren't. The layoffs, furloughs and other cuts prompted by recession show a system breaking under its own weight. Yet many of us keep toiling as if old bargains still hold when a new approach to work is needed.
Rather than remaining cogs in a broken industrial machine, Godin argues that we should shrug off the thinking that's brought us here and use our strength and creativity to instead become linchpins, the indispensable individuals who hold organizations together and propel them forward. Although his message is largely intended for employees who cling to outmoded expectations of their employers and themselves, his insights are valuable for freelance writers, too. In a sense, freelancers are even more vulnerable than full-time staffers because we work with few guarantees and are all too often underpaid and under-insured.
Moreover, in the media industry, content farms and even some legacy media companies are applying the old industrial model to further commoditize journalism. Like the pin-making factory in Adam Smith's "Wealth of Nations," they've broken down the content creation process into tiny tasks undertaken by low-paid workers to produce much more copy than a skilled artisan working alone ever could. But as freelance writers who work without corporate paychecks, benefits and backing, we have even less reason to take the bait than the manual laborers of yesteryear.
The way forward as freelance writers is not to push ourselves to become more efficient and productive parts of some insatiable content machine. We'll never be fairly compensated in a system in which our primary value is being compliant and interchangeable with the next writer. So let's not play that game. Instead, we must embolden ourselves to stand out, speak up and chart our own courses amid unpredictable circumstances. Our expertise, our ethics, and even our quirks (ahem, style) will fuel greater success in this new economy that's reeling from changes wrought by globalization and technological change. The way forward is indeed to become linchpins, people who bring insight, experience, flexibility and concern to our work - and are indispensable as a result.
"Indispensable freelancer" sounds like an oxymoron. We're contract workers after all. Our work is short-term and unattached by definition. We labor outside of the newsroom on our own time and without close supervision. Why should we harbor any illusions that what we do is crucial, that who we are matters? Because all writers are not created equal — each of us brings something unique to the table, and we should strive to further differentiate ourselves from the next guy as much as possible. Otherwise, we'll soon be replaced by other nameless, faceless contributors. As a freelancer, you have the freedom to shape and mold your career to the extent that your talents and motivation allow. Why would you choose to be depersonalized, devalued and disrespected?
Increasingly, being remarkable is the only way to profit. You have to believe in the work you're doing — you have to connect with it, your clients and your colleagues. You have to be an artist and produce work that inspires people. You have to push past fear and lean into challenges. You have to seek out clients who appreciate and compensate your hard work and talents. And you have to say no to jobs that steal time and enthusiasm from your dreams. "In a world that relentlessly races to the bottom, you lose if you also race to the bottom," Godin reminds us. "The only way to win is to race to the top."
Ready. Set. Go!
Posted by Admin Team on Fri, Mar 26, 2010 @ 10:00 AM
by Maya Payne Smart
When attending a conference, it's important for freelance writers to make new connections, strengthen existing relationships, and collect information (e.g., market intelligence). But your newly acquired knowledge and contacts won't matter much until you do something with them. Here's an action plan to turn your time and travel investment into new business.
1. Share what you've learned.
Position yourself as an expert in your field by sharing the insights you gained at the conference. Blog or send tweets, post photos to Flickr, upload a video, or write a story to put your spin on the event. This forces you to synthesize a flood of information into helpful streams and to think about how what you've learned might benefit others.
Last week's Society of American Business Editors and Writers conference in Phoenix offers some great examples. Plug #sabew into search.twitter.com and scroll back to March 19 to 21 to see what attendees were tweeting. You'll find my notes on New York Times publisher Arthur Sulzberger's keynote ("Railing against Google is like railing against oxygen.") along with others' takeaways. CUNY, BusinessJournalism.org and Talking Biz News offered blog coverage. Some posts featured slideshows, photos and videos. Web columnists like Jeff Bercovici of AOL Daily Finance and Jon Chesto of Wicked Local weighed in on conference content, too.
Also, consider doing additional reporting and packaging your findings into a special report, article or course to sell to publications or directly to consumers.
2. Give thanks.
We're all suckers for a little appreciation. So why not spread the love and thank the organizers of a conference for a job well done? You can do it privately by giving an event worker a pat on the back or sending a thank-you note, or you can do it publicly by posting an open letter on your blog. University of Michigan student Theo Keith told the world via his blog that he was thoroughly impressed with ASU's Cronkite School of Journalism, the conference site. Showing appreciation reinforces what you've gained through attendance and gives exhausted organizers a boost. It's just good karma.
Along similar lines, drop a line via e-mail or snail mail to conference speakers, exhibitors, award winners and newly elected officers to thank them for their contributions to the event. It's a good way to open up a dialogue with new contacts. Refresh your memory of who you met (and who you would like to meet) by flipping through conference and banquet programs. Any of these connections could blossom into profitable partnerships; I've found prospective clients, joint venture partners, mentors and referral sources at conferences.
3. Ask for what you want.
Post-conference follow up isn't just about touching base. If someone told you about a freelance writing opportunity, follow up immediately with a resume, a letter of introduction, writing samples or other requested material. Speed is important because you don't know how many other people are in the running or how soon the prospective client needs to make the assignment.
Of course, sometimes you won't receive an instant response. Send an initial e-mail and then follow up with a phone call a few days later. If you still get no response, send a follow-up e-mail every few weeks with an update on what you're doing, story ideas or helpful resources. I met an editor at a conference in 2008 and didn't get an assignment for six months. I now work for her regularly. Persistence pays. So does enthusiasm.
For more on making conferences pay, read my original blog post.
Photos courtesy of Donald W. Reynolds Center for Business Journalism.
Posted by Maya Smart on Wed, Mar 24, 2010 @ 10:00 AM
by Maya Payne Smart
A letter of introduction, a resume and a few writing samples can certainly help editors get to know you and your work — but they rarely paint a full portrait of who you are or what you offer. That's where your Web site comes in.
A good Web site shows editors how well rounded you are and lets them take a deeper dive into your background. If interested, they can read other articles you've written (beyond the clips you sent them), see how you present yourself to the public, and check out clients' comments about you.
Establish a Presence
Contrary to what some freelancers believe, you don't need to spend a fortune establishing a Web presence. You could hire a high-end professional designer. But why? Plenty of free or inexpensive do-it-yourself tools exist to help you get your site up and running quickly and inexpensively.
Free blog platforms, such as WordPress, offer various templates that look professional and are easy to update. You don't have to know how to format pages with HTML and CSS (although it's not a bad idea to learn a little of both, given today's demand for digitally savvy journalists and other content providers). Looking for an even more polished look? Google "blog skin" to locate other sites that provide different designs to overlay your content.
If you'd rather not go it alone, marketplace sites like 99designs will help you find the perfect designer for you — and your budget. You simply post what you need and want, plus the price you'd like pay. Designers around the world will compete to create the look of your site. That's actually how I came up with the logo and design for this site! The idea here is to get your Web site up right now, without further delay. You can always change it later, as your freelance business evolves.
Include All the Essentials
At the very least, your Web site should feature: a biography, work samples, and professional achievements.
As you're writing the biography, think in terms of your target reader. Ask yourself, "What can I do for the editors who are reading this?" and "What skills are my potential clients looking for?" Answer those questions and you're well on your way to creating a client-focused site.
Your Web site isn't an archive of everything you've ever done, so be selective and just post the best of your work to date. Also, concentrate on displaying work in your area of specialization to position yourself as a go-to writer in that field.
Emphasize your niche but show some versatility of topic, style and medium if you can. For example, if you've historically focused on writing news articles, your Web site is the perfect place to demonstrate that you also do live broadcasts, podcasts and online video. Tout any new services that you offer.
You'll also want to call out a few of your biggest professional achievements and activities. Mention writing awards and other journalism honors, recent certificate/training programs completed, elected offices and memberships in writing-related organizations, volunteer work (such as adult literacy or public speaking), or mentoring activities. Remember, just hit the highlights here. No one wants to wade through everything you've ever done.
Keep the Content Fresh
If you have the time, interest and commitment, devote a portion of your Web site to a blog. Regular posts will keep your content fresh and provide you with another forum for demonstrating your expertise. I particularly recommend blogging for newer freelancers who haven't yet amassed a diverse portfolio of published clips. Anyone can blog. So get out there and cover a few stories — or provide well-researched commentary on news of the day. It can help you build credibility and snag assignments.
Posted by Maya Smart on Mon, Mar 22, 2010 @ 10:00 AM
by Maya Payne Smart
Although a carefully crafted query letter is often touted as the key weapon in any freelance writer's arsenal, I've found that another document — a letter of introduction — can be a more effective means of catching an editor's attention. Unlike a query letter, which pitches a specific story or idea, a letter of introduction puts you and your skills front and center. It tells a prospective editor why you should move to the top of their go-to list of contributors by quickly demonstrating how you can meet their specific needs.
Build a Template
Don't waste time by starting completely from scratch every time you approach a new editor. Your letter of introduction should be based on a template that you can keep on file for use whenever you need it. Rewriting information that could easily be stored in a master document isn't an efficient use of your time.
Instead, create a standard paragraph that tells people who you are and what you're about. Think of this as the boilerplate that you'd use when writing an article about a beat you've been covering for months, except this time the subject you're writing about is you. As an example, you might keep on file something like, "My investigative journalism experience and social media immersion help me deliver deeply-researched articles on unconventional topics. Editors say I consistently produce clever, insightful stories on deadline."
Don't get long-winded about your passions for reporting or the topic. And don't come across as being desperate for the job (even if you are). Remember: Editors want to know how you can help them, not the other way around.
Stand Out in the Crowd
Even if you have a fixed paragraph or two within your letter of introduction, you also need to personalize at least the beginning and end of every letter to forge a connection with each editor — and potential employer. Express enthusiasm for the project at hand or the opportunity to work with them. Explain what it is in your writing history that makes you the ideal fit for a particular publication or assignment.
While there's no need for you to kiss up, it is crucial that you include some language that illustrates how you're familiar with the publication and why you'd be excited to take on that challenge. A helpful exercise is to put yourself in the editor's shoes. Think about the plethora of letters the editor must receive that merely attach irrelevant clips, boast academic credentials, or name drop without providing anything to back it up. What if you were the editor that had to weed through all of those messages? What would intrigue you? What would be off-putting? Doing this boosts the odds that your e-mail gets a reply, not sent to the trash.
For more on how your letter of introduction can be a make-it or break-it opportunity, check out Writing Coach's How NOT to Win Freelance Assignments.
Posted by Admin Team on Thu, Feb 11, 2010 @ 03:25 PM
by Loren Pritchett
It can be tough to build a stable of clients when you begin your writing career, and it's not easy to sustain one, either. Figuring out where and how to sell stories is the first step ... and the next one and the next one. The following tips offer a fresh take on a recurring challenge.
Tap Alumni Networks
Join your alumni association to find new clients and receive job posts through their listservs. Most alumni groups allow users to post resumes, company information, and career opportunities. Once you have identified a potential client, make contact (be sure to reference your connection with the alumni network), highlight your experience, and express interest in working with them.
Bonnie Newman Davis, a Richmond-based freelance writer, nabbed writing work with the National Urban League through a fellow alumna. "I landed this opportunity from having worked with the NUL's director of public relations, who happened to be a graduate of my alma mater," she said. "I recall mentioning that I'd love to work for the NUL. Next thing I know, I had the assignment."
Leverage Social Networks
As more Americans log onto social-networking sites, freelance writers can obtain significant exposure by putting professional profiles and work samples online.
LinkedIn.com allows users to post a summary of their skills, education and experience -- and connect with like-minded professionals. A LinkedIn profile can help you rub virtual elbows with other writers, collaborate on story ideas, and find jobs. What's more: By reinforcing your ties with existing colleagues, you can increase your chances of being noticed and contacted by new editors.
Facebook.com, albeit more focused on users' interests and hobbies than their careers, lets users add previous clients as "friends." Some freelancers use it to stay in touch with their colleagues and provide updates on current assignments. Facebook also allows you to post paid ads that can help attract new clients.
New York-based writer Iyna Bort Caruso, a two-time New York Emmy Award Winner, has found the most success with Twitter.com, where users "tweet" updates to those who follow their profile. "For my purposes, Twitter has the most potential. I use it to promote my work, but I also use it to share my expertise. Eighty to ninety percent of my tweets are writing-related," she said. "So I think it is important to maintain focus if you're using social networking for professional purposes."
Caruso encourages writers to try to stand out in the crowd by tweeting about their specialties, credits and versatility. Her recent tweets offer advice on getting the most out of an upcoming American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) convention, let followers know she's taking an InDesign course, and that a productive week for her includes writing seven 30-second cable spots, completing two articles and pitching a new book idea. “Tweeting about the projects I'm working on and linking to select articles I've written gives me a chance to showcase my work," she explained. "I also think editors and book publishers will increasingly seek writers with large social networking platforms for cross-promotional purposes." When Caruso posts a link to a story she has written for a publication, her followers drive more traffic to its Web site, she said.
Caruso also recommends following the Twitter feeds of editors from the publications that you like. This will give you a better grasp of what kinds of stories they run. "You can better target your queries," Caruso said. Following others will also help you keep an eye out for hot topics and conversations--gossip, commentary and opinions may make good story ideas.
Be Active in Professional Organizations
Join professional organizations to narrow your focus and zero in on industry professionals. Groups like the Society of Professional Journalists, National Press Club and the Society of American Business Editors and Writers host conferences, online courses, industry events and discussion boards--all of which enable networking.
Although mere membership in a professional organization can bolster your resume, Davis stressed the importance of getting involved. "I can't say enough about the benefits of being active in--as opposed to simply belonging to or being a member of--a professional journalism organization. You will gain nothing by just paying your dues and attending a meeting every now and then. You have to take ownership and be involved."
One way to be involved is to attend the conferences and courses it offers throughout the year. You'll likely not only learn new skills, but also meet new people. Seize the opportunity to introduce yourself to editors you've already pitched or would like to work with in the future. This is your chance to make a good first impression, one that puts a face on your e-mail correspondence.
Caruso said she frequently makes connections at industry events. "If I look at my regular clients, I can see that many came through referrals, so I'd have to say that belonging to professional writers' associations and networking with other freelancers has been my most effective strategy."
Posted by Maya Smart on Mon, Jan 11, 2010 @ 09:36 AM
As a freelance writer, a big part of my job is pitching myself to prospective clients via e-mail. I send letters of introduction to editors seeking writers with expertise like mine and pitch story ideas to publications that I’d like to write for. But recently I had a chance to see things from a new perspective when I put out this call for editors for WritingCoach.com:
“WritingCoach.com seeks freelance editors for its articles, newsletters, special reports and other content. Successful candidates may be located anywhere in the world as long as they have high-speed Internet connections, ~10 hours a month for editing projects and a strong command of grammar, punctuation and style. If you're interested, please send your hourly rate and a summary of your editing experience to me at maya@writingcoach.com with "Editing Job" in the subject line.”
The flood of responses I received gave me an unexpected master class in how to pitch that will forever change how I respond to job postings. The best responses came from people who wrote well, followed directions, communicated expertise and displayed a bit of personality.
A little flattery went a long way with me as I ranked the 60+ respondents to the job posting. Editors who demonstrated knowledge of the site’s content and enthusiasm for its mission gained an edge over those who discussed their credentials without reference to my needs. Here are a few common missteps to avoid at all costs:
Not Following Directions
I asked job applicants to send responses to a specific e-mail address with a defined subject line. A surprising number of people sent their applications to the wrong e-mail address or with a custom subject line. In some cases, this may have been an intentional effort to stand out from the crowd. But in all cases, it was annoying because it created extra work for me. Instead of having all of the applications land in one place where I could efficiently read, rank and respond to them, I had to forward and filter them myself. Additionally, it made me question the respondents’ competence; attention to detail is key for would-be editors.
Another variation of not following directions was to send me a list of questions instead of the information that I requested. While I can understand the urge to learn more about a project before submitting a proposal, the reality is that most time-crunched hirers aren’t going to take the time to answer a battery of questions when they have an inbox full of great applicants (who follow directions) to consider. You can immediately disqualify yourself by posing questions prematurely.
Not Showing Enthusiasm—or Personality
When time is short, I’ve certainly been guilty of firing off a rote response to freelance job postings, but being the recipient of self-centered job applications revealed what a turnoff this can be. Here’s a particularly egregious example.
“I'm interested in editing for your organization. You asked for an hourly rate, but I'm not entirely sure what's fair. I am currently unemployed, looking for full-time work. I'd love to do some part-time editing while I search. I attached a resume, just in case.”
Translation: I haven’t taken the time to find out what “your organization” does. I’m too inexperienced to know typical industry rates. I just want you to help me stay afloat while I look for something better. I doubt I’m a good fit but here’s some more information about me, just in case.
Not Connecting the Dots
Here’s an example of a less depressing, but similarly generic, response that fails to excite. The applicant focuses on his credentials but doesn’t build a bridge between what he offers and what I need.
“I’m a long-time writer and editor interested in freelance editing work with WritingCoach.com. My experience includes copy editing at newspapers, wire services, magazines and blogs. My rate is $50/hour for editing, and I’m quick and thorough. Thank you for your consideration of this request and if there is additional information I can provide, don’t hesitate to ask.”
Translation: This is the form letter that I send to everyone. I don’t have the time or interest to write an additional sentence or two explaining how my background makes me a great fit to edit the particular kind of stories that you publish.
Remember, when you’re competing against dozens of other applicants (many with similar experience) it’s important to distinguish yourself by showing greater familiarity with the publication and real enthusiasm for the work.
To learn winning strategies, tune in to the free "How to Find Freelance Writing Assignments Now" teleseminar.
Posted by Maya Smart on Wed, Jan 06, 2010 @ 10:00 AM
In a previous post, “Get Found on Mediabistro’s Freelance Marketplace,” I outlined a strategy for pushing your profile higher in search results. But that’s just half the battle. Once you have prospective clients’ attention, you should reel them with winning clips and a professional demeanor.
Here’s how Elaine Pofeldt, a former FORTUNE Small Business editor, won work through the site after going freelance in October 2007. (Who better to offer advice than someone who has years of experience hiring freelance writers and being one?)
Select Clips with Care
The first order of business is to choose writing samples with editors’ needs—and wants—in mind. It may be your profile, but it should be all about the client. Pofeldt showed her range and distinctive voice by displaying long-form narrative features, investigative pieces, service stories and business briefs. “I made sure to select clips that showed what makes my writing unique,” she said. “Several of the clients who contacted me said they had noticed that I had a colorful, feature-y approach to writing about business topics that might otherwise be dry.”
Although the stories varied widely in form, she limited her choices’ subject matter to small business and careers to demonstrate expertise. “I find that many editors prefer to hire someone who can bring up-to-date knowledge about a given field to an assignment, as opposed to a generalist,” she said.
Highlight Your Professionalism
If you’ve spent some time in a traditional newsroom, let editors know. “When I was an assigning editor, I liked working with freelance writers who had held staff jobs for a while, because I knew they would have a realistic understanding of how the editorial process works,” Pofeldt said.
Don’t fret if you haven’t worked on staff—a long track record of freelance success can demonstrate the same thing. That’s why she adds new writing samples to the site every few weeks. The updates communicate that she’s a professional, not a hobbyist, and give prospective clients confidence that their projects would land in capable hands.
Elaine Pofeldt’s Four Tips for Freelance Success
1. Don't worry if you can't fill out your profile fully when you first post it. If you are serious about freelancing, you will have a lot more information to add as you move forward with your career. I built my profile gradually over two years.
2. If you get a small assignment from a client who has found you on the site, treat it as a tryout for steady work. Make it easy for the client to rehire you by pitching great ideas, doing the best reporting and writing you can, responding flexibly to queries, and being willing to help out with small related requests, such calling a source in a story to ask for a product shot.
I think I have gotten a lot of steady work from clients because I don't balk if, say, the top editor on a story suddenly has a last minute question on it before a holiday weekend...or if an editor suddenly realizes that a piece I've written has too much overlap with another one that was assigned by a different editor and wants to shift the focus a bit. I understand that editors want to make their publications as strong as possible, and that sometimes, accomplishing this requires writers to be flexible. Editors are under so much pressure today to do more with fewer resources that I am confident that most will remember anything a writer does to make their lives easier when it comes time to assign future stories.
3. Taking out an ad on Mediabistro can be a good way to put yourself on the radar screen of clients you might not have thought of approaching. However, advertising is only one step toward building a thriving freelance business. Most of the assignments I get come from editors who have worked with me in the past, so I try to stay on their radar screen by pitching stories to them regularly. It is also important to pitch editors at publications that are new markets for you, even if some of the queries you send out seem to disappear into a black hole. With many publications still folding, writers need to be very proactive about keeping work flowing.
4. Make sure to build a profile on LinkedIn, too. A couple of clients told me they had viewed my profile on both Mediabistro and LinkedIn before contacting me. LinkedIn gives you a place to provide details of your resume that would not fit into a Mediabistro ad but would still be relevant to an assigning editor or potential client. You can also display recommendations from clients there.