Freelance Writing Tips

Blogging about Your Business

2012-08-24T18:59:00.000-07:00

Do you understand your business?

As a business owner, you've got to know your stuff. And you have to tell people you know your stuff... through your business's blog.

That's true whether you're a lawyer, a freelance writer or a plumber.

Is Blogging Necessary for Businesses?

When business owners come to me and say, "I'm not getting found in the search engines - what should I do?" I immediately ask if they're blogging.

Many business owners can't be bothered to blog about their products or services.

Let's be clear: you don't have to blog. But it sure does help your business.

Blogging spreads your brand around like warm butter on a Rudy's bagel
Blogging shows your customers - both current and potential - that you really do know what you're talking about
Blogging enables things you say to be shared by others

Explaining Your Business, Services or Products

It's been rumored that Einstein said, "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough."

Your blog establishes you as an authority in your field, as long as you really do know what you're talking about, because people can learn from you. When you understand your topic so thoroughly that you can't help but want to share it, people will take what you've said and be able to apply it (and if they can't apply it themselves, you'll be the first one they call).

Do you blog for your business? If not, what's stopping you?

Follow me on Twitter, join me on Facebook or subscribe to this blog via e-mail.© Angie Papple Johnston 2012. Don't steal from me or I'll come getcha. Really... I've got that kind of time.

Image courtesy of kimberlyfaye on flickr.

Working with Web Designers

2011-11-09T18:41:00.000-08:00

I recently contributed an article to WritersWeekly.com entitled "Getting 'in' with Web Designers." If you're not familiar with WritersWeekly.com, you should be.

If you have a moment, stop by WritersWeekly.com to read it. I included tips on how to find web designers to work with and why working on a contract basis with web designers can help you succeed as a freelance writer.

Naturally, I'm honored that my article was accepted by WritersWeekly.com - it's a fantastic resource for both new and seasoned freelance writers.

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© Angie Papple Johnston 2011.

Don't steal from me or I'll come getcha. Really... I've got that kind of time.

eHow: Down the eToilet

2011-10-10T19:58:00.000-07:00

Droves of freelancers are flooding the Internet looking for online writing work. Why? Because eHow, a WAHM (and WAHD, I suppose) money train, has finally circled the drain and slipped into oblivion. Apparently the content mill is still commissioning content for some channels - and very little for plain ol' eHow.

Some are glad to see it go - like those that subscribe to the school of thought that Demand Media is killing freelance writing. There are others, though, who are pretty lost in the sauce right about now.

And now, if you're a Demand Media refugee, it's time to be realistic.

Freelance Writing is a Real Job

Freelance writing isn't just something you do - as a freelance writer, you are a business owner, marketing strategist, salesperson and finally, a writer. In the real freelance writing world, you may get a gig where you can select titles and then write them, but the majority of your work comes from the sweat you put into your business.

If you're a Demand Media refugee who believes in your heart that other content mills will become your primary income sources... well, blow the dust off your resume and hit the pavement. You're going to have to get a brick & mortar job eventually, so you might as well get it over with now.

You Cannot be Lazy

Are you truly cut out to be a freelance writer without the Demand Media life raft keeping your head above water? About 1/3 of what I do in a week is actually writing. The rest of my time is spent marketing, querying magazines and online publications, learning new things to give myself an edge, and working brand awareness campaigns - and I've been at this for a while. When I was new, about 1/8 of my week was spent actually writing.

If you do not do those things (marketing, querying, learning and creating brand awareness), you will not write. And then, you will not eat. Sure, you may land an occasional gig - but you're not going to be a six-figure freelancer.

Truth is, if you bust your butt and you can write, there's no reason you shouldn't pull in a reasonable amount of money. The problem often lies in the "you can write" area; sometimes, it's in the freelance writing rates you're willing to accept.

Admit What You Know (and Don't Fake What You Don't)

Be honest. Do you know SEO? Do you really know how to write a press release? Can you create web content that doesn't describe "How to Tie Your Shoes" or "How to Cure Anal Itch" - or is that all you know?

I occasionally read a forum for Demand Media freelancers, and one woman was talking about SEO: "It's not that hard. All you do is put the words in." (Yes. All you do is put the words in. Anyone can do it... but the trick is making SEO invisible. Oh, and the surrounding words have to make sense.)

If you don't know what you're doing, learn. Period. There are no shortcuts, and running around writing $12 "press releases" isn't doing anyone any good (least of all, you).

Cheap is as Cheap Does

The nesting ground for the SEO comment above also provided a home for this gem (though I don't remember it word-for-word):

I write press releases for $25 to $50, and I charge less if it's easy.

Let me tell you this: the freelance writing community is a fairly tight-knit community. There are lowballers, like that dude, who will have a really hard time hitting it big. So will this guy:

I pitch myself to prospective clients by telling them I'll write for free.

I cannot fathom why anyone would offer free work. If you don't respect your work, how in the world do you expect a client to respect it? (I thought it was bad when a potential client asks for a freebie... but people are offering it, so why wouldn't they?)

Bad Advice Begets Bad Results

You have to know how to recognize good advice and terrible freelance writing advice. I don't mean to be Angie the Dream Crusher here, but if you can't distinguish between freelance writing pros and this guy, you might have a tough time in this field.

Freelance writing isn't for everyone. If, however, you feel it might be for you, you can make it work. You have to learn the trade, hone your writing so it's marketable, and bust your butt to find some clients.

Are you a Demand Media refugee? Are you going to build a freelance writing career, or are you getting an office job?

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© Angie Papple Johnston 2011.

Don't steal from me or I'll come getcha. Really... I've got that kind of time.

Image courtesy of Woodsy at RGBStock.com.

2012 Freelance Writing Rates

2011-10-07T20:25:00.000-07:00

That? That'll get you ten pages of web content and a press release.

It's that time of year (my favorite)... it's time to recalculate your freelance writing rates for 2012!

If you're new to this field, this might be your first time calculating your freelance writing rates. It's crucial that you set a reasonable rate so you don't short-change yourself (and so you don't kill freelance writing... but that's another post).

Let's get out the calculators and credit card bills.

Background on Your Freelance Writing Rates

What you need to know before you start calculating your 2012 freelance writing rates:

What's your writing speed?
What's your bill situation like?
How much "fun money" do you need?
What will you put back into your business in 2012?

2012 Freelance Writing Rates: Are You a Tortoise or a Hare?

First, let's figure out how much you can write in a day. Do you work a few intermittent hours a day, or do you crank it all out from 8 to 5?

We'll say you work 5 hours a day.

How much can you write in an hour? We only need an average, but factor in research, proofing and editing. Let's assume you can write 400 words in an hour when you're doing web content, 200 when you're writing a press release or academic writing, and 500 when you're composing a sales letter or writing a blog post.

So a day filled with web content will get you 5 normal-length web pages; you can do one press release in a workday and you can write 6 blog posts.

Your Necessities

How much do you spend every month on bills (electric, gas, car payment, mortgage, phone, insurance, Internet and groceries? (Your bare minimum 2012 freelance writing rates depend on the answer here.) Let's work with $2,000.

2012 Freelance Writing Rates: Playtime

How much do you spend on fun stuff you could do without (Netflix, new clothes, Brazilian waxes) each month? $500 sounds good.

Back to Work

Do you need a new computer this year? How much will you spend on spiffy paper for query letters, stamps and a couple new coffee carafes for the home office? Don't forget business cards, advertising costs and web hosting. Let's say you'll put $2,000 back into your business in 2012 - and divided up over the course of a year, that's $167 a month you have to account for when you're calculating your 2012 freelance writing rates.

2012 Freelance Writing Rates: The Calculations

With the figures above, you'll need to make at least $2,667 a month... but you still have to pay taxes. Let's add another $750 to be reasonable. Now you need $3,417 - so we're rounding that up to $3,500 a month.

You work 5 hours a day, 5 days a week (it's just easier to calculate that way). That's a little bitty 25-hour workweek - so you need to make $35 an hour.

25 hours per week x approximately 4 weeks per month = 100 hours

$3,500/100 hours = $35/hour

Great. So your base rate - the very least you can charge to cover your... bills... is $35 an hour.

The Minimums for Your 2012 Freelance Writing Rates

If everything above applies to you - the hours you work, the speed at which you write, and the amount of money you need to survive - these will be your bare minimum 2012 freelance writing rates.

An average web page should be around 400 words - and according to our calculations above, you can do one web page an hour. The least you should charge for a page of web content is $35. Not one penny less.

It can take you a whole workday to compose a press release - remember, you have to conduct interviews and ferret out facts. The least you should charge for a press release is $175.

You can knock out a blog post in about 50 minutes. The least you should charge for a blog post is $29.17 (and please, don't be that guy - just round it up to $30).

Padding your 2012 Freelance Writing Rates

We didn't account for unexpected expenses. Your car takes a dump, the washing machine breaks or you become impregnated... and we didn't plan for any of it.

Your 2012 freelance writing rates need to be rounded and padded to provide you with a nice cushion when life knocks you down.

New minimums! You can add whatever you're comfortable adding, but I personally believe each rate should be rounded up based on:

what you're worth (and be honest here - if you don't know what you're doing, you shouldn't be overcharging; however, if you're damned good at writing and can be considered an expert, you know how much to add to your minimum)
what you may need for emergency expenses
what you're saving
whether the client is a huge pain (but that one's on a gig-by-gig basis)

Let's say each rate should be upped by 20% to provide a significant cushion.

That gives us:

$42 web pages
$210 press releases
$36 blog posts

If you like oddball numbers, go ahead and bill them. Remember, these are your minimums.

2012 Freelance Writing Rates: Forget the Minimums

Let me preface this by saying I'll only work for my minimums if I really, really like someone or if I'm in their will. I'm not a freelancer just so I can scrape by - I'm a freelancer because I want to make a lot of money on my own terms and doing something I love.

So forget the minimums and charge what you're really worth.

And so help me, if you're out there charging $5 for a blog post and $20 for a press release... you're killing freelance writing, and I, for one, don't appreciate you demeaning the craft.

How did you calculate your 2012 freelance writing rates (I don't want to know what they are - I just want to know what system you used)? If you need a more in-depth explanation, check out my post on setting your 2011 freelance writing rates.

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© Angie Papple Johnston 2011.

Don't steal from me or I'll come getcha. Really... I've got that kind of time.

Image courtesy of SailinJohn at RGBStock.com.

Getting an Interview

2011-07-26T06:05:00.000-07:00

Magazine articles, newspaper features and press releases need solid information. Research helps, but you can't just hit the Internet and hope for the best.

Interviewing professionals gives your work a spark others don't have - and step one is landing face time with somebody in the know.

What are you writing?

Before contacting a potential source, you need to have a pinpoint focus on what you're writing. The more specific the source, the better. Say you're writing a piece on socialization in the kindergarten classroom - would you rather interview a high school principal and some teenagers or a kindergarten teacher and a bunch of five-year-olds? Common sense tells you who you need to ask.

Asking for the Interview

Contact the person you'd like to interview. Don't know anyone? Use Help A Reporter Out or work through your social network to dig someone up.

Where's the piece going to end up? Have you pitched it?

If you've already pitched your kindergarten piece to "Psychology Today" and they've accepted, you can tell your source so. The important thing here is to honestly represent your work-to-be; if you've pitched and haven't heard back, tell your potential source that. If you intend to pitch it after it's written, that's okay too. Just make sure the source doesn't think you're working on behalf of an entity when you're not.

Be on Time

You don't have to meet your source in person, but you do need to be on time. You can Skype, use the phone or an instant messaging program, or whatever you're comfortable with - as long as you're in the right place at the appointed time. Let your source set the time, place and method of meeting; they're helping you out, remember?

What do you do to find potential sources? Do you usually meet them in person, by phone or correspond through email?

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© Angie Papple Johnston 2011.

Don't steal from me or I'll come getcha. Really... I've got that kind of time.

Image courtesy of MurielleSW at RGBStock.com

Snagging New Clients

2011-07-12T11:42:00.000-07:00

It's always great when clients find you; all you have to do is give them a quote, send a freelance writing contract and start writing. Sometimes, though, you've got to look for them. They might not know they need you, so how do you approach the situation and score some work?

Find the Clients You Want

Look for people you'd like to work with. People who need freelance writers. And people who have the money to spend on freelance writers. Lawyers, doctors, web designers, private tutors - people who realize the value of the written word and can use your services to generate more business for themselves. That's a win-win.

Pointers:

Do an Internet search for those professionals in your area. Sometimes people want to deal locally - and if nothing else, your hometown can be used as an icebreaker. "Hey - I'm in Mililani, too; that's how I found you."
Ask your friends if they've got any of those professionals in their families. Chances are somebody went off to school and came back with a doctorate and now owns a business, right?

Reach out and Touch Them

Not literally. Especially not a lawyer. But there's nothing wrong with contacting someone to let them know you're there, willing to help. Will it take a cold call or a cold email? Yes - but what's the worst that can happen? They won't answer or they'll tell you no. Big deal! The best that can happen is you landing a thousands-of-dollars gig, and if you get just one of those after 50 phone calls or emails, it's worth it. You might get ten hundreds-of-dollars gigs. Either way, you're golden.

Pointers:

A short, friendly email can work wonders. Something like, "Hi - I found your website and wanted to let you know I'm a copywriter in case you ever need my services..."
Put those rollover minutes to use, for Pete's sake. The worst thing that can happen when you cold call someone is that you'll learn some new, flowery language when you interrupt their lunch. Let the guy you're calling know you're a writer and have experience that can help him grow his business.
Be prepared to respond. If they want samples, have a list ready to pull from so you can fire off a quick response email. Have references ready beforehand. Update your freelance writer resume so it's ready to go and be prepared to send some marketing materials that illustrate how awesome you are.
Make sure your website is current and still fashionable - people check, and if it looks like crap they're not going to have much faith in you.

Got any tips of your own for snagging new clients? How about a cold call horror story to scare everyone else with?

Image courtesy of RWLinder at RGBStock.com

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© Angie Papple Johnston 2011.

Don't steal from me or I'll come getcha. Really... I've got that kind of time.

If you're a big, fat attorney, keep spying. :)

I'm Back!

2011-06-30T08:57:00.000-07:00

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© Angie Papple Johnston 2011.
Don't steal from me or I'll come getcha. Really... I've got that kind of time.

When Someone Asks for a Freebie

2011-04-27T14:28:00.000-07:00

I scope out freelance job ads every now and then, and this morning I found one that looked pretty cool. For the application, all the guy wanted was a resume and links to published clips - so I tossed mine into an email and sent it off.

I just got this response (which I've edited to protect his identity):

While I'm not insulted that he asked for a free sample, I don't think it's appropriate. (On a rough day, I might be insulted - but not today.)

I'm not suggesting that this dude is trying to pull a fast one, but some people do try to get free content for their blogs.

But I don't provide free samples. Period.

3 Reasons it's Inappropriate for a Potential Client to Ask for a Freebie

1. Keyword: "potential." He's not my client, and may never be - and if I chose to provide him with a sample, specific to his blog on an uncommon topic, that's time and money down the toilet.

2. I gave him links to my portfolio and a resume. He can see how I write from both those things (especially the portfolio!) but perhaps didn't bother to look.

3. He gave me my first deadline and I don't even have a contract with the dude. Four days or less?! (Four days from now is Sunday, and I don't work weekends. Not good on my calendar - and all my existing clients know that there's a serious rush fee for projects that they need in less than a week.)

So here's what I sent him back:

What would you have done? Do you provide free samples? Would you, if the potential gains from the job were great enough?

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© Angie Papple Johnston 2011.

Don't steal from me or I'll come getcha. Really... I've got that kind of time.

May: National Photograph Month

2011-04-26T13:38:00.000-07:00

May 30 is National
Water a Flower Day.

Yes, it really is. And in honor of National Photograph Month, I'd like to share my favorite source for free stock photos for this blog. (I'm also running a special on web copy for photographers, but I'm not going to pimp that here...)

My favorite photos come from RGBStock.com - and the provider whose photos I use most is a lady named Lusi. I genuinely appreciate all her work and hope you'll go look through her gallery. Leave a few comments on her photos when you find out how fantastic they are.

May is also National Blood Pressure Month, National Hamburger Month and National Salad Month (fitting that it's all three, yes?) - so what kind of fun sales can you conjure up to snag some extra biz before summer break hits?

Special Days in May

May 1: Save the Rhino Day

May 3: Lumpy Rug Day

May 6: Military Spouses Day and International Tuba Day (how lucky are we?!)

May 13: The first Friday the 13th of the year

May 16: National Sea Monkey Day (I love Sea Monkeys... but then, who doesn't?)

May 21: Armed Forces Day

May 25: National Tap Dance Day

May 31: National Macaroon Day

May is going to be a great month for me, too - I'll have my own special holiday somewhere in there.

How are you going to help your freelance writing clients during the month of May?

Image courtesy of Lusi at RGBStock.com (of course)!

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© Angie Papple Johnston 2011.

Don't steal from me or I'll come getcha. Really... I've got that kind of time.

If Your Freelance Writing Client Sucks, Can You Walk Away?

2011-04-25T14:13:00.000-07:00

If you have a client who's making each day a special kind of hell, you can drop them and walk away.

In fact, you probably should walk away. Thanks to my wise sister-in-law and colleague, Dawn Babcock Papple, I was able to do this with a client of mine last year - and with zero guilt in a way that (I hope) the client understood.

What makes a nightmare client?

He changes the scope of the project after signing a contract (i.e., asking you to do more work than originally agreed upon)
He makes unreasonable demands which, if you comply, will only be to his detriment
He needs constant (not occasional or even frequent) hand-holding, explanations and other attention
He requires you to do much more research than you've ever done before - and expects it to be included in the quote you gave before you knew about the extensive research

There are other factors that can make a nightmare client, but these are a few of the things that can chip away at a freelance writer's armor.

My Nightmare Client

I had a client from hell who didn't start that way. He was really cool, friendly over the phone and seemed to know precisely what he wanted. He requested 11 pages of web content - five were to be original freelance writing and six were to be simple edits and search engine optimization of content he'd written.

He agreed, no problems at all, to sign a contract and pay 1/2 the total fee before I started. We agreed on the fact that it would take me two weeks to complete his content (I added a week to what I really thought it would take for padding so I could attend to all my clients and take new ones on). I sent the contract and didn't hear from him until I e-mailed him the next day, asking if he was still interested in working with me.

"Sure, yes, I am... I just have to have an attorney approve this contract."

You guys have seen my freelance writing contract. There's not an insane amount of legalese, but I understand if someone wants to make sure it's binding and not only slanted in my favor.

The next day, he told me he can't sign a contract based on Hawaii law because he had no presence there.

Well, I had a presence there. Hawaii was my state of residence, and the origin of the contract... but ok, I'll take it out.

Three days went by - and I didn't start work because I refused to work without a deposit and a signed contract. Finally, he signed and sent me a deposit. I got started with confidence, knowing I could complete work within the deadline because it's just web content.

Yeah.

He wasn't happy with what I sent - but I sent him a lovely, 400-word piece of SEO web content that any other client of mine in the same field would've snapped right up. What's wrong with it?

"At first glance, I already know I want more keyword combinations. You need to use keywords off the list I sent you, and I want them at 4.5% density."

I can do 4.5% density. It looks like spammy crap to me, but I can do it - because I'm a professional writer, and that's what I do. Can I do it with the keywords off his list? Sure - I can use the terms "vulnerability assessment," "high availability & load balancing solutions" and "NOC" 18 times each.

I thought, no way - this is going to ruin this guy's entire page of content. He doesn't know what keywords are or how they're supposed to be used.

I emailed him and explained that keywords have to be things his target audience is looking for - and I backed everything I said up with hard evidence. It took an hour to find all the evidence, because his keyword list contained roughly 100 terms.

He said he understood. I told him that 4.5% density was going to be a pretty tall order in regards to readability, and maybe his web designer could include some of his terms in the metatags so he could provide useful content to his readers.

He emailed me back, saying, "My web designer said to tell my writer to get some experience and learn how to incorporate keywords in text. She said you should put keywords in the beginning, middle and end of the text."

For a minute, I wanted to slap the web designer. Actually, I still do.

After I got over that initial urge, I complied with his request. My sister-in-law was working on the project with me, and she couldn't believe it either - but she made it happen on her end, too.

I sent him the content, which was prepared precisely to his specifications.

He said, "Angie, I'm reading this and it doesn't make any sense."

I know it doesn't make sense, but I explained keywords, density and web copy to you and you understood. Didn't you understand?

I laid down the law: pick keywords that make sense. Last chance. He said, "Okay."

He picked "Microsoft Office 2007 support" and "Microsoft Help Desk." They're not relevant to what he does, but he knew (because I provided him with hours of research) they got searched frequently.

I again made suggestions based on my expertise in SEO writing for the web. He accepted them and said he was glad he understood.

Great! Move forward. Write according to his almost-acceptable expectations... according to what was in my writing contract that he signed...

I sent the next document.

"This isn't saying what I need it to say." He sent me an article from a magazine and wanted me to summarize it, litter it with irrelevant keywords (still at 4.5% density - maybe I should've condescendingly "taught" his web designer how to use metatags) and include his own information.

I walked away.

I sent him a nice, respectful email saying I didn't have the extensive amount of time it would require to complete his project and that it had gone haywire - and that it wasn't within the scope of our contract.

And you know what? I felt like a million bucks. I had time to take care of my other clients who understand I'm not a master of their field and they're not a master of mine - and while this may sound downright bitchy, it's my right to walk away from a client who isn't upholding his end of the bargain.

What did I learn?

If a client requires so much from you that you're not even working for minimum wage any more, and the project is entirely different than what you jumped on board for, it's okay to walk away.
It's fair to both you and the client - as long as you've done your part of what you agreed to do - if you have to walk away.
If you stick it out with this kind of client, who may never be happy with ANY writer, you will waste valuable time that could be spent working for other clients or searching for new work.

What do you think? Is it ever okay to walk away from a client? Have you done it, and if you have, what happened?

Image courtesy of jdeboer at RGBStock.com.

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© Angie Papple Johnston 2011.
Don't steal from me or I'll come getcha. Really... I've got that kind of time.

Workday Marketing Plan for Freelance Writers

2011-04-25T09:55:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, I'm setting aside a big chunk of my workday to go on a marketing blitz. The marketing part will only take up a few hours, but I'll call it the whole day.

Here's the gameplan. Why don't you think about hopping on the wagon with me?

9:00 a.m. Create a fresh, fun ad with graphics and text. Upload to a photo host or blog.

10:00 a.m. Post the fresh, fun ad to Craigslist.org and several other sites that accept free ads.

10:20 a.m. Place free classified ads in local papers all over the country.

11:00 a.m. Take a quick lunch break - but away from my desk so that I can recharge, even if I don't feel I need to.

12:30 p.m. Network with everyone on my Facebook, Twitter and other social media accounts to get the word out that I'm on a marketing blitz (and that sales are coming down the pipes).

1:30 p.m. Work on regular, everyday projects so I don't neglect my current clients.

3:30 p.m. Cold call three local businesses and offer my services.

4:30 p.m. Do a happy dance after compiling three packets of promotional materials (including sample brochures, tearsheets of my published work and a handful of business cards) for all three local businesses.

Stop for dinner after the dance and finish any other client work that needs finishing.

Care to join me? (Not for dinner or dancing... but for the marketing part.)

Image courtesy of Serpentino at RGBStock.com

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© Angie Papple Johnston 2011.

Don't steal from me or I'll come getcha. Really... I've got that kind of time.

Here's a Gem

2011-04-22T16:13:00.000-07:00

I love funny things - and when I discover them myself, I love them more.

Here's a sign I found in Cloudcroft, New Mexico:

I wish I'd bought it.

Got any silliness? I'll be glad to post it with a link to your site/blog/whatever.

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© Angie Papple Johnston 2010. Don't steal from me or I'll come getcha. Really... I've got that kind of time.

Sample Freelance Writer Resume

2011-04-20T13:13:00.000-07:00

Standing apart from other freelance writers isn't easy -
but a solid, well-written resume helps.

Should freelance writers have a resume?

Absolutely - we should each have a freelance writer resume handy in case someone needs it. Even if it's a skinny little thing with just a few lines, a freelance writer resume can set you apart when you're scoping out gigs or you need to hand it to someone in person to help convince them you're the writer for them.

Like all resumes, your freelance writer resume should be clear, concise and highlight how awesome you are. If you keep up on it, adding experience as necessary, it'll always be ready when you need it.

A few ideas wouldn't hurt, right?

You need an objective statement or a summary of your qualifications to start with - so how about saying something like:

An experienced and widely published freelance writing professional with proven abilities in planning, search engine optimization and press release composition.

Highlight things like your SEO experience, how great you are at conducting interviews, the fact that you're creative, that you're an amazing communicator and that you're an expert in social media.

List Your Experience

Like I said, even if it's just a little bit, your experience helps sell you to clients. Try something like this under your own business name:

Procure and maintain active client base
Write approximately 10,000 words of web content per week based on clients' needs
Communicate effectively with clients and anticipate their needs ahead of time
Supply high-quality blog posts weekly for high-traffic blogs

The list can go on forever if you break down exactly what you do for each client.

You can even include your educational experience at the bottom if it pertains to your freelance writing career - if you have a degree in journalism, by all means, toss it on there.

Once Your Freelance Writer Resume is Finished...

Print nice, clean copies of your resume and carry them when you visit a potential client. They're a nice touch when you hand over two business cards and shake hands.

Don't forget to add your experience with each client as you gain it - it'll save you time in the long run and you won't have to overhaul the whole thing.

If you haven't already read it, Unlocking the Door to Your Career by my very good friend Catherine Palmiere and her colleague, Patrick O'Halloran, is stuffed with awesome resume tips and pointers on getting a job. As freelance writers, we can use everything in the book when meeting with potential clients and trying to score gigs.

(And yes, I edited the book - so I know first-hand that it's awesome.)

Do you have a freelance writer resume? Do you use it?

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© Angie Papple Johnston 2011.

Don't steal from me or I'll come getcha. Really... I've got that kind of time.

Image courtesy of AlexBruda at RGBStock.com.

You Can Lead a Writer to Clients...

2011-04-06T06:23:00.000-07:00

...But you sure can't make them try to get a gig.

I belong to an online forum for writers where there was a recent thread entitled, "Where do you people write?" (or something like that). It was full of posts from people who write at content mills for 10, 15 bucks a pop (but let's not forget the page views, which tacks on another few cents).

Now, I'd have done my usual "Go get private clients... here's how!" thing, but about a month ago I decided to quit posting there and just read, hoping for something useful to surface. (I quit posting because someone questioned whether they should use a pen name at content mills and I said absolutely... and some woman called me an elitist and told me I ought to try writing stuff I'm proud of rather than ashamed of. I told her to shut up because she hasn't seen my portfolio... which doesn't include any content mills.)

But here's the thing... some people won't ever branch out and get private clients.

Why?

Because Freelance Writing isn't Easy

If you want to make a decent living freelance writing, you have to work at it - especially at the beginning. It's not a cake walk. You have to do things besides write - like market yourself, network and balance your finances.

Because Freelance Writers Need to Know Spelling and Grammar

I'm not an enemy of content mills - really, I'm not. If that's where you want to write, then please continue to do so. But bear in mind that most content mills don't require writing skill, and there's nobody to police the content you produce for them. If you don't have the basics down, it's like starting a race running the wrong way.

Because Freelance Writing is Scary

Rather, stepping off a cliff into the unknown is scary - and if you don't have anything to break your fall in an emergency, you're screwed.

Have you tried to steer beginners in the right direction and gotten frustrated? What's your take on writing for content mills instead of private clients?

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Bidding Sites: Good, Bad or Just Ugly?

2011-03-29T21:49:00.000-07:00

Are bidding sites useful or useless to freelance writers?

Image courtesy of Crisderaud at RGBStock.com

I think bidding sites are bad and ugly.

Naturally, you should form your own opinion. But here's what helped shape mine.

The People Looking for Freelance Bidders

"You know we're sitting on four million pounds of fuel, one nuclear weapon and a thing that has 270,000 moving parts built by the lowest bidder. Makes you feel good, doesn't it?" Rockhound, "Armageddon" (1998)

People who use freelance bidding sites are looking for the cheapest labor they can get. Of course everyone wants to pay a fair price, so don't confuse a thrifty, savvy business owner with someone who wants cheap labor. Don't confuse someone who wants cheap labor with a savvy business owner, either.

How do people treat the cheap help? Not well. You can expect headaches, outlandish requests (and things seem more outlandish when you don't feel you're going to be paid the rate you want to be paid) and you might even get beaned by a cell phone.

Why do people treat cheap help that way? Because they can. And if you don't recognize your talent and charge appropriately, the people contracting with you won't recognize it either... so you're just one of the herd. Herd members are replaceable - and in a herd with borders the size of some of those bidding sites, very replaceable is more appropriate.

Starting with Bidding Sites

I often read a blog written by a lady who's a staunch advocate of bidding sites and revenue share sites. I like her anyway. She says you should get your start writing content for revenue sharing opportunities and move on to bidding sites, where you may or may not decide to cap off your freelance writing career.

I say no way to both ideas.

The problems I see with using bidding sites to get started are that you may feel compelled to:

bid low
get stuck in a rut
view other bidders as your competition

If you bid low, you're going to be treated like a low bidder (see above). Worse, you might get stuck in a rut getting low-paying gigs from these sites and not have the time, inclination or drive to get out while you still can.

And...

Other Bidders Are Not Your Competition

Image courtesy of TACLUDA
at RGBStock.com

If you want to make a go of freelance writing as a career, people who use bidding sites aren't your competition. You're your own competition - and you need to recognize your talent and put yourself in the right pool.

If you can write, you don't need to be throwing yourself headfirst into the shallow end of any pool. You need to get in the deep end on a floatie until you're ready to dive.

Do you use bidding sites, or have you in the past? What's your experience?

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© Angie Papple Johnston 2011.

Don't steal from me or I'll come getcha. Really... I've got that kind of time.

Blog Writing Rates

2011-03-17T06:17:00.000-07:00

Blog Writing Rates: What to Charge

A lot of people ask me what they should charge for blog writing - and I can come up with numbers all day. But in the end, your blog writing rates are up to you. You're the one who's getting the paycheck... so how much was your time and effort worth when it's all said and done?

My blog writing rate disclaimer: This post assumes you know how to write. If you're struggling to string a sentence together, or if you use spinning software to create 'unique' posts, this doesn't apply to you. I say that to be realistic; if you try charging $100 a post but you can't write better than this silly drivel, you're going to starve.

Factors of Your Blog Writing Rate

Like with all other freelance writing rates, you need to base your blog writing rate on several factors:

Your experience level
Your financial needs
The turnaround time required
The amount of time you'll likely spend on the post (research, writing and editing)

Your blog writing rates can be firm or flexible - that's up to you. You can also offer bulk discounts - sometimes that's a selling point.

Per Post Blog Writing Rates

I haven't conducted a scientific survey or anything, but I think this is pretty much the industry standard. Most blog posts, for all intents and purposes, are between 300 and 500 words - making it possible (and convenient) to charge a flat fee per post.

Per Word Blog Writing Rates

You can custom-quote every blog post with a per word rate, or you can ballpark each one. A per word blog writing rate may work well with a client who needs several posts of varying lengths.

Setting Your Blog Writing Rates

With all the factors above in mind, you're ready to give a quote.

I've seen people eager to write a 500 word blog post for $10. That is not you.

500 words will take you an hour, give or take. You'll make $10 that hour. But after taxes, you'll make $7. And that hour is time you could spend marketing your freelance writing services, writing for a higher-paying client or washing dishes... and I can tell you, I didn't start freelancing to work for $7 an hour.

Assuming you know how to write and that you take your business seriously (and that you want others to take your business seriously), consider this: According to the 2011 Writer's Market, the average blog post sells for $49. (The high end is $500 a post, and the low end is $6... but don't be that $6 guy.)

Setting your blog writing rates isn't difficult if you know what you're up against - both what the client needs and deserves, and what your competition is charging.

How did you set your blog writing rates? Do you use different rates for different clients?

Image courtesy of sqback at RGBStock.com

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© Angie Papple Johnston 2011.

Don't steal from me or I'll come getcha. Really... I've got that kind of time.

Sample Collection Letter

2011-03-16T08:17:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you get a jerk who doesn't pay you - even when you've got a freelance writing contract. Sure, you can take him to small claims court and eventually get your money (sometimes)... but you need to start a paper trail immediately.

Your paper trail needs to include your contract, your requests for payment and any records of attempts you've made to collect. Save all email correspondence with every client - no matter what.

Once you've got your ducks in a row, you can send a collection letter. Some freelance writers are reluctant to send collection letters. Don't be.

It's your money. You earned it, and the guy who isn't paying you is the jerk - not you.

Your freelance writing fee collection letter should:

be typed on company letterhead
include your name & contact information
include the deadbeat client's name & contact information
reference previous correspondence you've had with the deadbeat client, including payment terms
include the amount he owes you
include the payment methods you accept

You can (and should) email and snail mail your collection letter with another copy of the deadbeat's invoice.

Here's a template I've used with success:

Your first attempt at collection should be polite and to-the-point. Don't be rude, and don't threaten with anything you can't back up (like saying you're going to put it on his credit report or anything) - especially in the first letter.

Sometimes the missed payment is an oversight... but if that deadbeat has been dodging your calls and ignoring your emails, it probably isn't.

Do you have a form letter for collections? Do you use it frequently?

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© Angie Papple Johnston 2011.

Don't steal from me or I'll come getcha. Really... I've got that kind of time.

Freelance Writer Resumes

2011-03-11T07:55:00.000-08:00

As a freelance writer, you've got a website, blog and a boatload of business cards. What more do you need?

You need a freelance writer resume.

Why Do You Need a Freelance Writer Resume?

I always prefer to have my clients come to me, either because they found my website, my blog or an ad I've placed. That's the easiest for me - no digging through the want ads, fighting my way to the top over other qualified candidates. My clients will find my online portfolio and that's usually enough to convince them. But even still, I keep a working resume handy.

You need a freelance writer resume:

in case a potential client requests it
when you are searching the want ads
when you're trying to score a major contract with a large, established company
so you can keep track of everything you've done
to highlight things that don't belong in your portfolio (like the fact you have a BA in psych or that you ghostwrote a series of books, articles or blogs)

No matter how impressive, your portfolio may not be enough.

What a Freelance Writer Resume MUST Contain

A freelance writer resume has to be flexible, on point and reflective of your best work.

At minimum, a solid freelance writer resume contains:

your name and contact information
a flexible objective statement that can be changed
a summary of your qualifications
a summary of your freelance writing experience
your education level, if applicable

Targeting a Freelance Writer Resume

Every resume you send out to a prospective client, just like with regular brick-and-mortar jobs, has to be targeted to please that particular client.

The objective statement tells your potential client why, exactly, you're sending them a resume - and it should reflect the job you're trying to get. It can't just say "I wanna write for you!" If you're applying to a job posting that asks for someone with SEO and Internet press release experience, your objective statement should let them know the resume they're about to read fits what they're looking for.

Same with your qualifications. If you're a gardening expert who wants to write for a parenting blog, your 63 articles about gardening won't impress them as much as the 9 blog posts you wrote about parenting.

Your freelance writing experience section should show your relevant experience. Generally, people looking for a press release writer want to know where you've been published - so make sure to highlight your success in having press releases published by news outlets.

Your education is important when it's applicable to the job. If you have a BA in journalism, English, creative writing... you always need that on your resume. Trying to write for a medical journal, and you're a doctor? That's more applicable than anything else in the education department - so make sure it's on there.

Saving and Sending Your Freelance Writer Resume

You don't have to post your resume on your blog, website or other online venue, but you do need to keep a copy handy on your hard drive. When the occasion presents itself, it'll be ready. Each time you have a new business accomplishment, consider adding it.

Save it as a template so you can create different versions (like I said, targeting your resume to each potential client will get you farther than a generic one).

Some potential clients will need a hard copy - like the ones you meet face-to-face. Others (like the ones advertising all those telecommuting jobs) just need a Word document or .pdf.

Do you have a freelance writing resume? Do you use it? What other tips can you offer writers working on their own resumes?

I really want to thank fellow journalist and blogger Bridget "The Bridge" for asking me what I thought about freelance writing resumes. When you have a minute, read The Bridge Beat and share her sense of humor as she navigates everyday situations.

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© Angie Papple Johnston 2011.

Don't steal from me or I'll come getcha. Really... I've got that kind of time.

How Does Constant-Content Work?

2011-03-01T13:16:00.000-08:00

Need beer money? Think about scratching out a
few pieces for Constant-Content.

Constant-Content, an online article warehouse, allows users to upload articles and sell them for a set price. Membership is free, and articles are made available to potential buyers via Constant-Content.com.

Is Constant-Content Good or Bad?

I think that's up to you. I've used them and will continue to do so occasionally because it's nice to get an email every now and then saying you've sold something you forgot about.

Most of the pieces uploaded to Constant-Content, from what I've learned over the last two years of my membership there, are used for web content. That means it's quick, clean and easy to write if web content is your thing.

I'm not endorsing Constant-Content, but I do know that a lot of writers like to hear the voice of experience when it comes to places like this. No one can tell you whether an outlet is right for you - you have to decide that yourself after you're armed with the facts.

Constant-Content:

allows users to set the price for their work
takes 1/3 of the selling price of an author's work (only if it sells)
issues submission calls when a buyer is looking for something in particular
makes no guarantees that you'll sell anything
can be used as an active or passive income source
doesn't care what an article is about (I think - but illegal and adult content might not be acceptable) as long as it's nonfiction

How to Sell Articles on Constant-Content

When you've written a piece, use the upload tool to submit it to Constant-Content.

Write a quick, two or three sentence pitch for your article. Something like, "This easy-to-read instructional article teaches readers..." should do.

Copy and paste 1/3 of your article into the summary box. This gives potential buyers a sample of your writing and allows them to compare yours to many others.

Submit the piece by clicking the box at the bottom of the page.

What Happens After Constant-Content Submission?

Constant-Content editors read it, check it for grammatical/spelling errors and make sure you're sticking to their guidelines.

Once an editor has accepted it (from my recollection, it's generally done within one to three days), it goes live on the site. Buyers can find it while browsing and purchase it from there.

When someone purchases your content, you'll get an email notification and your account will be credited.

Constant-Content Tips

Remember, they take 1/3 of your asking price... so price accordingly.

Constant-Content Licenses

You can sell content at Constant-Content under any of three licenses: usage, unique and full rights. You may price each one differently.

Selling something with a usage license allows multiple buyers to snag your article. They aren't allowed to remove your byline or make any changes.

Selling something with a unique license allows only one buyer to purchase your article. They aren't allowed to remove your byline or make any changes.

Selling something with a full rights license allows only one buyer to purchase your article. They can remove your byline and make any changes they wish.

My Recommendations

I haven't taken this advice from myself in a long while, but I'm considering doing it again. Quick, 300-word pieces written for Constant-Content in one of their frequently searched categories tend to sell easily... so if you've got 20 minutes to crank out some simple content, you might be able to make some fast cash.

Price your work competitively, though. Don't put a 300-word how-to type article up for $10. First of all, that's a ridiculously low rate; second, you're only going to walk away with six bucks when it sells.

I will never, ever, ever recommend that you put so much emphasis on one writing outlet that you neglect others. Private clients is - and always has been - where it's at in this business. However, little side projects never hurt anyone.

Do you use Constant-Content? What's your take on it?

Want to sign up for Constant-Content? Here's the link.

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© Angie Papple Johnston 2011.
Don't steal from me or I'll come getcha. Really... I've got that kind of time.

Image courtesy of Dyet at RGBStock.com.

Freelance Article Spinning is Bad Business

2011-03-01T09:03:00.000-08:00

Image courtesy of Lusi
at RGBStock.com

Someone came to me last week and asked if I'd spin pre-written articles for them. I said I'd be happy to write original articles, but no way was I switching up what another writer wrote. He asked how much that would cost, I told him, and he hung up on me.

Sure, that guy was pissed... but I was slightly offended. See, I'm a real writer.

Article spinning is bad business - both for you, as a freelance writer, and for the people who want to use spun garbage.

Here's why.

Google Says So

Google's got over 60% of Internet searchers - that means most people use Google. The other 30-some percent are using a combination of other sites to search.

Google just launched a new algorithm that affected b.s. sites that are full of garbage content. People who use spun articles on their websites are on that list.

Google Chrome also has an add-on that lets users block crappy sites from their search results (if they make it through the new algorithm). I don't know about you, but when I come across a crappy site in one search, I pretty much never want to see it again on another topic.

Sometimes Article Spinning is Stealing

Some of those people who want article spinners to "work their magic" (barf) have stolen the articles from other people. They think if it gets changed up enough, it can't be called stealing.

While it's not a federal offense, it is stealing. It's taking someone else's thoughts and switching words around to make it look like you didn't. Kind-of like eating a cookie and throwing it up - and then saying, "That wasn't a cookie. It was cake."

Article Spinning Makes You Look Stupid

If you spin articles, you're not a writer. You're an article spinner. Writers get pretty irritated when article spinners call themselves writers. High five: you can use a thesaurus. But you can't write original content - and that means you're not a writer.

Article Spinning Will Hurt Your Client

Using content that's strikingly similar to other content that's been online longer will send your client's website to the netherworld of search engine results. Older, authoritative sites with original content will come out on top on just about every reputable search engine. Why would a sane client pay someone to spin articles that will, in effect, cost him money?

He wouldn't.

I don't know about you, but I like it when my clients have a modicum of sanity.

What's your take on article spinning? Are people who do it unethical turds, or are they ok because they're just trying to make a buck?

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© Angie Papple Johnston 2011.
Don't steal from me or I'll come getcha. Really... I've got that kind of time.

Freelance Writer Branding: 4 Quick Ideas

2011-02-28T07:11:00.000-08:00

As a freelance writer, your name
should become as synonymous
with your craft as this old symbol.

4 Ways to Brand Yourself as a Freelance Writer

As a freelance writer, your name (or pen name) becomes your brand. I have two brands - Unique Web Copy and Angie Papple Johnston. In some cases, they're intertwined.  Some people know only one or the other.

Either way, everything attached to either is considered my brand.

Your brand needs to get out there so people can figure out that you = writing... and then pay you to write something for them.

Free Publicity for Freelance Writers

Business cards and websites/blogs are the standard must-haves if you want to hack it as a freelance writer - but there's also publicity without a pricetag.  Ten Internet high fives to you if you pounce on free publicity when it's available.

Quotes & Credibility

Check out places like Help A Reporter Out, where journalists come to find expert quotes on just about every topic under the sun. HARO sends mass email queries to subscribers and you can respond with a quote. If the reporter needs more info from you, they'll contact you and ask. You get quoted, your name reaches more people, and you might see some business as a result.

If nothing else, you can say you've been quoted in such-and-such publication as an expert in ____. It doesn't have to be writing (although requests for quotes from professional freelance writers occasionally do come down the pipes) - if you're a psychologist, a doctor, a pipefitter... your name publicly associated with what you do will build your credibility.

Free E-books in Your Field

What's your field of expertise? By trade, are you an attorney, a homemaker or an artist? Take a couple hours a day to compile an e-book on some little-known aspect (or a well-known aspect that's got little published information available) of your trade.

If you're a homemaker, for example, an e-book on getting dog pee out of just about everything in the home (carpet, curtains, couch cushions or wherever else a dog might decide to go) might launch your name to recognizable status when people link to it on their blogs, websites and through e-mail. You'll have to promote it, but don't forget - self-promotion is the name of the game when you're a freelance writer.

Specialty Blogs

Like free e-books, specialty blogs attract the masses to your name and your content. Your blog doesn't have to be about writing; in fact, you should probably blog about something you do full-time or you're excessively passionate about. I have other blogs about things like being a female serving in the Army and hiking on O'ahu.

Attach your name prominently to your specialty blog, and mention somewhere on the site that you're also a freelance writer.  Links to your professional website are a must, so anyone reading who also needs a writer can find the right info quickly.

Press Releases

Consider writing your own press release every time you expand your services. Upload it to several free press release submission sites. This won't get you a lot of traffic right away, and it might not bring you any business - but if nothing's coming up when people search your name on the 'net, this is an easy fix.

Send your press releases to those tiny, hometown papers, too. You never know when they're looking for filler, and they might just include your press release because it has a local slant.

What free, quick methods do you use to brand yourself as a freelance writer?

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© Angie Papple Johnston 2011.
Don't steal from me or I'll come getcha. Really... I've got that kind of time.

How to Work as a Freelance Journalist

2011-02-25T16:32:00.000-08:00

There are lots of ways to make money, and some of us choose writing. It's not for everyone. In fact, it's a horrible idea for some people. If you think it might be a good choice for you, study up on what it takes (and use more sources than just this blog, for Pete's sake, because it has to be your decision or you won't be happy).

What is a freelance journalist?

Freelance implies that you don't work for anyone but yourself. You sell your work to those willing to buy it.

Journalist means you are a professional who writes interesting, newsworthy or attention-worthy pieces that people want to read.

Those are the short definitions (and they're mine; other people have different definitions of what makes a journalist a journalist), but definitions are necessary if you're thinking about testing the waters as a freelance journalist.

Do freelance journalists need a college degree?

Not necessarily. Many freelance journalists have college degrees, but many don't. Again, freelancers only work for themselves.

What skills do freelance journalists need?

You need to be able to write. A lot of people think they can write, but they aren't being completely honest with themselves.

I thought I could sing until 5th grade, when I was asked to mouth the words to "Walk Like an Egyptian" during the school concert. Unfortunately, there's no concert for writers who suck; instead, friends and family smile, nod and encourage to spare feelings.

You need to be able to anticipate what a reader will think and feel when you write. If they might lose interest halfway through, you're not going to make a sale.

You need to know how to query editors the right way.

You need to be willing to take criticism (both constructive and destructive) and sometimes outright rejection.

You need to know where to look to find your work a home.

You can't be a huge chicken who's afraid to call strangers on the phone or visit someone for an interview.

You have to work quickly, efficiently and effectively.

You have to be willing to wait for payment.

You have to give up b.s. gigs like low-paying content mills that suck your time away from your upcoming byline.

Think you can handle that?

If you can, and you still want to, then get moving.

Figure out several places where your voice and tone will fit. If you're sassy and flirty, maybe a popular women's mag or the young adult section of a publication is for you. (Sassy and flirty doesn't go over well with Forbes, you know?)

Honestly evaluate whether you really are a good fit for the publications you want to write for. Do this by reading several back issues (and that'll come in handy later, too).

Find out how to get your foot in the door at each publication. If you don't have Writer's Market, get it. If the publication you want to write for isn't in WM, look them up on the Internet. Find the masthead, see who you need to contact, scour the site for writers' guidelines... in other words, you have to make this happen. This stuff isn't going to fall into your lap.

Research the hell out of whatever you want to write about.

Reevaluate whether you can do the topic justice. If you can't, and you try to get it past an editor, you're wasting your time. If you can, write it.

Follow each publication's submission guidelines exactly as they tell you to. If their guidelines tell you to contact so-and-so by email to query, that's what you do. You never, ever, ever go outside their guidelines. If you do, guess where your hard work will end up?

The recycle bin. Really.

Wait. Wait. Wait some more. Most publications let you know how long they'll take to respond to queries and submissions. If the info isn't up-front, or you just can't figure it out, call them and find out. Do not call them to ask if they got your stuff unless they tell you to call and follow up. Some publishers don't mind an email asking if they've received your submission or query - but some do, and sometimes they simply don't respond if they don't like your idea/article/expose/whatever.

If a publisher wants your stuff, they'll let you know. If not, you might never hear a thing.

This is just intended to give you a heads-up on what to expect if you decide to become a freelance journalist (or to help you decide in the first place). This is how it works for me; sometimes an editor falls in love after the first paragraph, and sometimes editors ignore me.

Do you work as a freelance journalist? What advice can you offer those who want to get started?

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© Angie Papple Johnston 2010. Don't steal from me or I'll come getcha. Really... I've got that kind of time.

Image courtesy of Lusi at RGBStock.com.

Web Content Writing vs. Journalism

2011-02-17T14:11:00.000-08:00

There are people who don't understand the difference between journalism and content writing; just because you write web content, however hard-hitting it may be, that doesn't mean you're a journalist.

So what is journalism, and how does it relate to web content writing?

What is Journalism?

Journalism as I like to see it (and others think differently, I know) relates to news. More specifically, the timely release of news, information, speculation and analysis. The University of Western Ontario has a similar view on what makes journalism, well, journalism.

What is Web Content Writing?

Web content is simply stuff you see on the Internet. It's literally the content you see on Web pages - you're reading content right now.

Journalistic pieces may be used as Web content (like when a newspaper or online magazine publishes their articles), but plain Web content is page filler. Some Web content is used to attract readers who will click on ads (like what you'd find on sites like eHow), while other content is simply designed to inform readers.

What Do Journalists Do?

Journalists:

research
conduct interviews
work under deadlines
use specific style guides to format their writing

What Do Web Content Writers Do?

To a certain extent, Web content writers:

research
conduct interviews (sometimes)
work under deadlines
use specific style guides to format their writing

So What's the Difference?

While Web content writers do some of the same things as journalists do, the difference lies in the intent of the piece. If you're writing a story on the side effects of bisphenol-A for a newspaper or magazine, it's a far cry from writing it to attract readers online so they'll buy a service or product, or click on ads.

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© Angie Papple Johnston 2010. Don't steal from me or I'll come getcha. Really... I've got that kind of time.

Image courtesy of Xymonau at RGBStock.com

Freelance Writing Invoice Basics

2011-02-01T10:18:00.000-08:00

Creating, Saving and Organizing Freelance Writing Invoices

Part of the 'dirty work' in the field of freelance writing is billing your clients. You can't get paid if you don't bill - so billing is one of my favorite parts of freelance writing.

First, you create a freelance writing invoice. Save it as a template so you don't have to recreate it every day (hopefully you're at - or will be soon - the point at which you need to invoice somebody every day!).

Naming Freelance Writing Invoices

Once you've completed an invoice, name it. The method I use is simple: YYYY.MM.DD - Client name.

I do it that way because more often than not, I need to look up invoices by date. With the year listed first, it automatically saves in the order it was created. I include the client's name because it makes it easier when I need to check on how much I've charged just one client.

Saving Freelance Writing Invoices

Save your invoice in its original format, and then save it as a .pdf. Most people in the developed world can read .pdfs on almost any device - and it also serves as a permanent copy that no one can change.

When you do save it, save it to your client's personal folder (the one you created after you read "Organizing Your Freelance Writing Clients").

Keeping Freelance Writing Invoices

Keep your freelance writing invoices forever. Seriously. If you don't have an external hard drive, it might be time to invest in one. It's also a good idea to print them and keep them in each client's folder. That way you've got a hard copy for quick reference when you need it.

How do you manage your freelance writing invoices?

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© Angie Papple Johnston 2010. Don't steal from me or I'll come getcha. Really... I've got that kind of time.

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Organizing Your Freelance Writing Clients

2011-02-01T10:11:00.000-08:00

A freelance writer with more than one client needs a system to keep them organized - both on the computer and off.

I'm an organizational nut-job.

Organizing Clients on the Computer

Your clients need to have separate files on your computer so everything you need is only a click away.

Invest in an external hard drive (hell, spring for a terabyte - think, "If I buy it, they will come" and you'll have enough clients to fill it up).
Create a folder for each client by last name, like Johnston, Angie or by business name, like Unique Web Copy.
Create sub-folders in each client folder for every type of work you do for that client. Some of my clients only have one sub-folder (but I create it anyway, because their needs may later change), while others have several.
Create sub-folders in each client folder for invoices, freelance writing contracts/author agreements and whatever else you find necessary.

Organizing Freelance Writing Clients on Paper

Paper backups of everything make my life easier - but it may not for everyone. If you're going to end up with a mess of scattered paper, don't bother creating an offline filing system to track your freelance writing clients. It'll do you more harm than good.

If you can stay organized...

Buy a filing cabinet or, at the very least, standing magazine holders.
Buy manila folders to put in your cabinet.
Label each manila folder with each client's last name/first name combo. Organize them alphabetically for easy reference later.
Print all contracts, author agreements and invoices as you create them and stick them into the appropriate client folder. Put the oldest in the front and the newest in the back.

The key to paper folders is filing things as they come in. Like I said, if you can't stay on top of it, don't waste the money on printer ink.

How do you keep your freelance writing clients organized?

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© Angie Papple Johnston 2010. Don't steal from me or I'll come getcha. Really... I've got that kind of time.

Image courtesy of Lusi at RGBStock.com