The Urban Muse

5 Qs with Jeannette Moninger

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Johnston) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:17:00 +0000

Today's interview proves that collaboration and entrepreneurship are still flourishing in the freelance community, despite the recession. Veteran freelancers Jeanette Moninger, Kris Bordessa, and Teri Cettina teamed up to pool their knowledge of parenting pubs and create an ebook showing other writers how to tap into this market.

In my opinion, Cash in on Your Kids: Parenting Queries That Worked is a smart idea for an ebook, because its authors have a wealth of knowledge on the topic and it has a well-defined audience that is hungry for this kind of information. Even though I'm not an aspiring parenting writer, I learned a lot from reading the sample queries. Jeannette was kind enough to share her thoughts on query letters, ebooks, and more...

Urban Muse: Tell us how the three of you came up with the idea for this ebook.
Jeannette: We interview a lot of moms for the stories we write, and inevitably (maybe 6 times out of 10) moms tell us how they’d like to do what we do. They have great story ideas, but they don’t know much about the magazine or writing business. We’re all about paying it forward and helping out aspiring writers, but it can be time-consuming and repetitive. It was Teri’s idea to capture the advice we’ve been shelling out here and there over the years into a guidebook for people interested in learning more about working as freelance parenting writers. The three of us met in person at a Freelance Success writers’ conference in October 2008, and we hit it off. After that, Teri mentioned the book idea to Kris and me, and it was a definite “Yes! Let’s do this!” A few months later, our e-book, Cash in on Your Kids: Parenting Queries that Worked, was born.

UM: Was it a challenge to collaborate remotely with two other writers on this ebook? How did you divvy up responsibilities?
J: At first, we hashed out our vision for the book in numerous phone calls. Email just isn’t a good way to bounce ideas back and forth and get feedback. During each call, we came up with an action plan and each of us had our own ‘to-do’ list. Kris and Teri both live on the west coast, but I was in the midwest and on eastern time when the process started, so finding an agreeable time to talk was sometimes a challenge. We gave ourselves deadlines and checked in with one another to see how the work was going. It was motivating to have Kris or Teri send an email saying, “I’m almost done with my section. You’ll have it by the end of the day.” It was the kick in the pants I needed if I’d been putting off doing my part. We agreed it was important to treat the book like any writing assignment. We wouldn’t miss a deadline for an editor, so we did our best not to miss a deadline with one another.

Cash in on Your Kids is truly a collaborative effort with each of us having a say as to what we’d like to see in the book and how we wanted to structure it. Once we had an outline for the book, we each took the sections that interested us the most, making sure the work was evenly divided. And honestly, this isn’t a lengthy book. The main portion of it is our own queries. But even if the book had been 300 pages, we would have used the same process of divvying up the sections and having each of us review them. It just would have taken a little longer to complete.

UM: Your ebook mentions some areas where the queries could have been even stronger (and I give the three of you props for being so honest!). What are some of those points that readers might benefit from?
J: Study the magazine! If a magazine doesn’t run first-person stories, then don’t use a personal example in your pitch. If stories lead with mom anecdotes, include one in your pitch. If the magazine runs a sidebar or two with its stories, suggest an idea for one. You need to convey that you not only have a clear understanding of the topic you want to write about, but also that you really know the magazine and its readers. With that said, when we were starting out, we sometimes forgot to follow this rule; yet, we still got the assignments. Why? Because our ideas and writing were strong.

UM: For those of us who don't have kids, is it still worth querying a parenting publication? And if so, are there any strategies we should use to land an assignment?
J: Absolutely! We know many successful freelance writers who aren’t parents who write for parenting magazines. Editors don’t care if you’ve never changed a diaper. They want to know that you have strong research, interview and writing skills. If you can show them these three things, the assignments will be yours.

UM: Any tips for other writers who are trying to put together and then promote their own ebook?
J: I think it’s important to treat a project like this as professionally as possible. You don’t want to put out all of the effort to write a book only to have your readers find that it’s peppered with errors. We hired a professional editor to triple-check our final draft to make sure the three of us hadn’t missed anything. We also hired a graphic designer to create a nicer cover image than we could have come up with on our own.

As far as pulling together the details, we’re writers, not lawyers. But when you’re doing a collaborative project like this, someone needs to take charge of the legal and financial aspects like getting a partnership agreement and processing revenues. It’s best to consult your accountant and a lawyer for advice on how to proceed.

Promoting the book is a little easier for us. We’ve relied a lot on social media and viral marketing—blogs, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn—to promote the book. Our marketing method is definitely a do-it-yourself plan. You have to get creative when you don’t have a marketing budget.

You can also look into online advertising like Google Adwords, but don’t throw a lot of cash into this kind of advertising, especially at first. One of the perks of learning about online campaigns is that you can use them to judge how viable your online market may be. You can evaluate various online “keywords” (search terms people might use to find your book) and find out how often Google estimates someone will click on them—in other words, how large your market might be. AdWords for Dummies is a book Teri likes for learning about this stuff.

Thanks, Jeannette! For more on this ebook, check out the Cash in on Your Kids website.

What Community Theater Taught Me About Freelance Writing

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Johnston) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:53:00 +0000

My name is Susan, and I am a recovering musical theater nut. That's right. Back in high school, I spent most of my waking hours either in rehearsal or in class (where I was probably thinking about rehearsal). I didn't have one of those t-shirts that said, "I can't, I have rehearsal," but that would have nicely summed up my teen years.

I still perform on occasion and my iTunes library contains far more musicals than anyone I know. But I no longer have the irrational desire to perform four different shows in six months (in retrospect, why would anyone think that is a good idea?). Recently it dawned on me that spending so much time doing community theater as a teen probably taught me some of the skills and traits that I now use as a freelance writer. Here they are.

A thick skin. There were several roles that I desparately wanted but didn't get, even though other people thought I'd get them, too. I still believe that I should have played Laurie in Oklahoma! but that's beside the point. I knew there'd be other auditions for other roles in other shows, so my disappointment was short-lived. Sometimes I'd go to auditions just to get the practice. If I didn't apply that same attitude towards query letters, I would have given up years ago!

Time management skills. My castmates always remarked on how I managed to juggle schoolwork and rehearsals (but hey, many of them had kids and pets to take care of and I didn't). Some of them initially assumed that I had a mediocre GPA until they saw me working on geometry proofs or conjugating Spanish verbs in between scenes and during intermission. Whatever downtime I had, I used. I didn't need silence to finish my homework, and I still managed to be salutatorian. Being able to use a few minutes here and there helps me get through my to-do list, even when they are distractions.

The ability to tap into objectives. For copywriters, it's really important to understand who their customers are and what motivates them. For magazine writers, being able to adapt to the publication's voice and write to different types of readers is key. Playing a variety of characters, including a British flower seller, an all-American teeny bopper, and a Biblical-era leper, helped me slip into different personas in my mind so I can tailor my writing to that specific audience.

What about you? Did your childhood hobbies help you develop the skills you now use professionally?

Photo of me as a flower seller in My Fair Lady

Open Thread: Send Me Your Questions!

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Johnston) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:23:00 +0000

In preparation for another ABC News interview next week, the producers have asked me to solicit questions from readers. The show is taking on a more interactive format, so the interview questions will be user-generated, rather than coming from the anchor or producers. Should be fun!

I'll be discussing an article I wrote for Yahoo! HotJobs on unconventional job search strategies. So, if this article or topic sparks any questions, I hope you'll leave them in the comments section or email me directly. Also, if you've heard of any unusual strategies that aren't mentioned in the article, I'd love to hear about them!

The segment will air at 4pm EST on Friday, July 17! (Check your local listings for ABC News - I think this channel may only be available in certain markets.) I'll be sure to post a link to the online video, too!

UPDATE: The producers have decided to shift the show's focus away from career advice, so this segment has been canceled (for now, at least). Thanks to everyone who weighed in with their questions/comments/suggestions!

Musings on Being Suspended from Twitter

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Johnston) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:20:00 +0000

Last night I went to follow someone new on Twitter and discovered that my account had been... suspended! I read Twitter's help page on contesting a suspension and still could not figure out for the life of me what technical or other violations I'd committed.

Several of my friends on Twitter have had their accounts hacked, so I clicked on my feed to see if I might have fallen prey to the same issue. Well, apparently Twitter hides the feeds of users who are being investigated for spam, so I couldn't even see my last tweet (though I'm pretty sure it mentions a book I'm reading). Another writer I know had her account suspended after her website got hacked, so I checked that, too. Nada.

I emailed support begging them to restore my account and promising to be a better citizen of the Twittersphere (though in truth, I think I'm already a pretty good citizen). This morning, with just as much warning (meaning zilch), my account was mysteriously back to normal. There were no signs of a hacker, and Twitter didn't even bother to send me an automated email (Dear Twitter: I know you know how to send automated emails because I get several per day!).

I'm happy to have my account restored and I realize that Twitter is a free service (for now, at least), but I'm also a little miffed that they can suspend someone with zero warning and without even an automated courtesy email explaining why. (In retrospect, I'm guessing it was because I'd scheduled a few tweets using Tweetlater.com and maybe they mistook that for a spambot.) Sure, they're trying to protect other users from spam, but if a real person took 20 seconds to read my feed, they'd see that I'm a real person, too, and I'm actively engaged in the Twitter community.

Frustration aside, there is an important lesson in all of this. I had something similar happen to my Google documents account several months ago, and it prompted me to stop relying on Google docs for important files. Online apps are fun and easy-to-use, but they're not always reliable. They (Twitter, Google, etc.) can yank your account access if they suspect foulplay (or even sometimes just "because") and, of course, service is often spotty anyway. So it's best not to rely on Twitter as a communications tool or contact manager, as some people are starting to do.

Your turn! Have you had this happen to you? How long did it take to resolve?

Weekend Reading

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Johnston) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:06:00 +0000

Before I hit the road for the holiday weekend, I thought I'd share links to a couple of guest posts. I was doing a copywriting project on-site last week and this week I was crazy busy getting caught up, so I neglected to share these sooner. Better late than never, I suppose!

What to Do When You Lose a Steady Client, FreelanceSwitch.com
7 Tips for Television Interviews for Writers, Quips and Tips for Successful Writers

For those readers in the US, I hope you have a great Fourth of July! And to everyone else, have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the links!

5 Qs with Brigitte A. Thompson, Author of Bookkeping Basics for Freelance Writers

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Johnston) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:25:00 +0000

Many writers (myself included) struggle with the business side of things, especially keeping the books and paying taxes. That's why I was thrilled when Brigitte A. Thompson, author of Bookkeeping Basics for Freelance Writers and owner of Datamaster Accounting Services, LLC, offered to tackle some of those tough questions. Many of you suggested questions for Brigitte via Twitter, so thanks for weighing. I plan to use Twitter more in the future to solicit questions, so stay tuned!

Urban Muse: What are some tax write-offs that freelance writers might not be aware of?
Brigitte: There are many tax deductions available to writers. Some expenses are common such the cost of purchasing a case of paper or paying for a computer software upgrade. Other costs incurred in the operation of your writing business may not jump out at you as expenses when they could be. For example, consider the following accounts:

Mileage: Trips made in your vehicle to pick up office supplies can be counted as a business deduction if you record the proper information to support it.
Meals: Treating your agent to a restaurant meal with the discussion focusing on your next book can also generate a tax deduction when properly documented.
Shipping: UPS charges and postage used to mail a query or review copy of your book can be a small expense, but I suggest you track it. Those small deductions add up and every penny spent as a qualified business expense will reduce the amount of income tax you owe.

My book devotes an entire chapter to expenses including a comprehensive listing of them and detailed information on what documentation is required to support each one.

UM: A lot of writers freelance on the side while holding downing a day job. Any tips for part time freelancers on tracking and reporting freelance income?
B: It’s essential the two sources of income be tracked separately: one source as an employee and one as a self-employed freelancer.

The day job employee income will be reported by the employer on a W-2 after the close of each calendar year. However, freelance self-employment income should be tracked & reported by the writer.

Each time a writer sells an article, receives a royalty payment or completes a copywriting project as a freelancer, there are several things to track. These include: name of the person or business paying you- method of payment; cash, check, credit card- date of payment- dollar amount received- reason for the payment.

This information should be should be kept in any format that works best for you. Some people prefer to use a notebook identifying pages by months and others utilize accounting software. As long as you find a way to record this information on a regular basis and save related documentation, the IRS (and your tax preparer) will be thrilled.

UM: What are some of the differences between doing business as a sole proprietor vs. an LLC? B: Over the years, there has been confusion with Limited Liability Companies (LLC) and sole proprietors. It’s important to understand an LLC is an entity created by state statute. The IRS did not create a new tax classification for the LLC. They still identify a business entity as a corporation, partnership or sole proprietor.

Most writers are sole proprietors who file Federal Form Schedule C with the IRS to report their income and expenses. If a sole proprietor would like to register with their state as a Single Member LLC, applications are made at the local level. The IRS would classify this business as a Disregarded Entity which is taxed as a sole proprietor for federal income tax purposes and the same Schedule C would be required.

If a writer is a member of a partnership or corporation, a multi-member LLC can be elected. Different forms are used for this election and they are explained in my book.

UM: I'm sure you've observed other freelance writers making accounting missteps that cost them time and money. What are some of the most common issues and how can we avoid them?
B: The most common misstep I’ve seen with writers is not taking themselves seriously as business owners which leads to financial pitfalls. Many writers have been honing their craft for years so it’s hard to identify an official starting date for their self-employment. Without this point to mark the beginning, it is easy to put off tracking income and expenses. This can be an unfortunate mistake.

The IRS will consider you to be in business when you are actively pursuing projects intended to generate income and expenses. This means they will expect you to file a tax return to report those transactions. Keeping track of your income and expenses from day one will enable you to pay the least amount of income taxes on the money you earn.The most important thing you can do as a writer is to become organized. There are many books available on how to organize your writing, but this is the best book available to organize the financial side of your writing business.

UM: Obviously, your book is a great place for writers to get information on bookkeeping. Are there are any other resources you'd recommend?
B: Yes, I recommend US-based writers visit the IRS web site for specific tax issues and the Small Business Administration for general business information. Both of these government sites are working hard to become user friendly. I also recommend joining professional associations for writers such as American Society of Journalists and Authors, The Authors Guild and National Writers Union. There are many groups to choose from so consider the benefits of membership before joining.

I was interviewed recently by Freelance Success, which offers an insightful newsletter for their members (ed. note: I'll second that!). There are also online groups for writers such as MomWriters which offer networking opportunities as well as camaraderie.

My book, Bookkeeping Basics for Freelance Writers, is available through Amazon.com and my publisher's web site. Please also visit my blog, Writers In Business where I share tax tips and feature guest writers.

Thanks so much for sharing your insights, Brigitte!

Guest Post: 5 Ways That Your Day Job Can Help Your Writing

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Johnston) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:10:00 +0000

By Sara Hodon

Not all writers can afford to say goodbye to the day job so they can pursue their craft full-time. (Sad, but true). But there’s a bright side—why not look at having a day job as an advantage to your writing career, rather than an obstacle?

Below are a few thoughts to help you gain some perspective:

Your day job helps you keep your writing fresh. Approaching your writing with new energy every day definitely beats staring helplessly at a blank page, or a paragraph that just refuses to go further. Even if your freelancing is in the early stages with an article here or a copywriting project there, you’re more likely to find it energizing rather than draining after a long day at work. This is particularly true if you have a job that has nothing to do with writing.

You have easy access to expert sources for articles. If you’re making the most of your field and pitching to trade publications or other specific markets, why not use your network of contacts a bit and ask them for a quote for the article you’re working on? I don’t advise taking advantage of your network too much (as in, don’t try to win them as customers for your freelance business), but most people should only be too glad to share their knowledge with you. I was doing an article on Alzheimer’s disease and was able to use a few contacts I had at assisted living facilities. They were more than happy to contribute and they couldn’t wait to see the final version!

Focusing on work can help you think of story ideas. Your subconscious is still buzzing away, even if you’re intently working on a project or sitting through a meeting. Most writers and non-writers admit that their best ideas come to them at the strangest times. (I seem to get my best brainstorms either while in the shower or while driving.) Let your mind wander a bit and see what you can come up with. Carry a notebook with you so you can jot down those brilliant ideas.

Limited writing time helps you develop self-discipline. If your writing projects are reserved solely for evenings and weekends, you have no choice but to get yourself on a schedule. Most writers that I know need a deadline—even a self-imposed one. Come up with a to-do list and start tackling the less time-consuming tasks—get those emails sent, look up the name of the book you’re hoping to use for research, or send the photo to the editor for your bio. It may seem overwhelming at first, but it’s a great feeling of accomplishment to get some of those items out of the way. I’d be lost without my to-do list. Because of it, I find that I’m writing nearly every day. No small accomplishment for someone who tends to procrastinate!

Ask your co-workers for feedback. The next time you’re sitting around gossiping in the lunchroom, why not ask your co-workers for their thoughts on the article or short story you’ve been working on? Getting a fresh perspective—especially an impartial opinion—might help you get “unstuck” on the piece or try a new approach you hadn’t originally considered.

Sara Hodon is a freelance writer based in Northeast Pennsylvania whose work has appeared in History, Today’s Caregiver, Your Wedding, and GRAND Magazine Online, among others. She is also the “Date and Relate” columnist for Online Dating Magazine. Follow her writing trials and tribulations at Adventures in the Writing Life.

Flickr photo courtesy of mcdlttx

7 Ways to Showcase Older Blog Posts

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Johnston) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:49:00 +0000

Once you've been blogging for awhile, you've probably accumulated some posts that you're really proud of. And it's a shame if those posts remain buried deep in your blog's archive.

The occasional reader might stumble on an old post or two after digging through your archives or doing a Google search for certain keywords, but most of those posts will lie dormant, gathering dust in the virtual equivalent of an attic. Unless, that is, you're savvy about showcasing those old gems.

Here are a few strategies to get you started:

1. Revisit the topic. Someone once asked me if I'd recommend reposting favorite posts so that new readers can discover it. No, but since writing the original post you've probably gained new insights on the topic, so you could link to the old post and discuss new developments or revelations. See #2 for an exception.

2. Sell or share a reprint of your old post. I sometimes sell reprints of posts that I originally published here to earn extra money. Some writers offer free reprints as a guest blog post on another site. I like this solution because it brings you and your blog added exposure without repeating content on your own site (if you have loyal readers, they will probably have an inkling that you're repeating yourself). And most of the people on the other site will be none the wiser because they probably aren't following your blog yet. But if you're selling or sharing a reprint, you MUST tell the other blogger or publisher so they can decide if they're comfortable having duplicate content.

3. Link within your posts. Lots of bloggers do this so that readers have a chance to explore related topics. You could include a list of related posts at the bottom (I believe WordPress has a Plugin for this), but I prefer to have those links integrated into the post. You'll notice that I do a little of this throughout this post.

4. Include it in a sticky post. I discussed the use of sticky posts earlier, and you could include links to a couple of older posts or rotate links depending on what's happening in the news or what readers are talking about.

5. Link to it in your blogroll. Admittedly, my list of "popular posts" is woefully out of date, but this is another area where you could play up the posts you're most proud of. And readers really do click on those links! At one point, I had deleted the "popular posts" section in an attempt to tighten up the blogroll, and a reader actually emailed me to complain that she couldn't find one of my "popular posts."

6. Plug it in your newsletter. I get a certain newsletter that includes a section called "From the Vault," which highlights an article from their archives. I think this is a smart strategy, because people who are interested in the article and didn't see it the first time are somewhat likely to click on the link. Those who've already read it will probably ignore the link, but there's plenty of new content in the newsletter, too.

7. Include it in a roundup post. Roundups are great because they're chock full of information and it's usually quicker for the blogger to put together a roundup post rather than writing something from scratch. For instance, at the end of 2008, I created a roundup of popular posts from the past year. It's a popular (and perhaps cliched) way for bloggers to mark the end of the year, but you could also create a roundup around a certain topic or theme.

Your turn! Are there other blogging strategies I've missed? How do you showcase posts from your achives?

Flickr photo courtesy of gadl

Open Thread: Have You Used a Virtual Assistant or Intern?

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Johnston) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:10:00 +0000

The other night I complained to my brother about how hard it is to juggle writing projects and accounting and marketing and computer trouble-shooting and tweeting and everything else.

"You need an intern," he said.

"But what's in it for them? I've thought about getting a virtual assistant, but I'm not sure I can justify the expense."

"Just find a college student who wants to learn about freelancing and take her under your wing. She can help you with paperwork and marketing, and you'll help her build a network and a writing portfolio."

Huh. Not for nothing that my brother has an Ivy League degree. He's a smarty-pants all right! I'm still not totally sold (after all, freelancers don't get much practice in delegating), but I admit I'm intrigued.

Have you used a virtual assistant or an intern? How did you find this person? What sort of tasks did you assign them? Any tips or suggestions?

Guest Post: 6 Ways to Improve Your Blog Karma

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Johnston) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:38:00 +0000

By Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen

“Karma” means you reap what you sow, or get as good as you give. Karma is what the clichés “She had it coming”or “What goes around, comes around” are all about. Karma means your actions will return to help – or haunt – you in this world…or the next one.

To improve your blog karma, you need to throw stones and make positive ripples in cyberspace. Luckily, it’s easier – and more fun! – than you think…

1. Write blog posts based on your readers’ comments or questions. One of my all-time favorite “blog-currences” is when readers ask a question or make a comment on a post. Responding with a full-blown article not only gives me something new to write about (an idea I may never have considered), it also makes readers feel special! Thanking them in the post – and even connecting to their blog or website – creates more delicious karma.

2. Barter your blog “buttons.” Desirée Ossandon over at Canada Arts Connect is featuring my buttons on her blog, and in exchange I’m featuring hers on mine. If you have a blog button (it could be a small 125 x 125 graphic that represents your blog), ask a fellow blogger to do a button exchange. If you don’t have one, ask about it below….and I’ll write a “how to create a blog button” post! J

3. Add a CommentLuv plugin. One of my favorite blog features is a WordPressplugin called “CommentLuv” (I’m not sure if it’s available on Blogger). When readers comment on your post and insert their URL, their last post is listed as a live link. I love this feature because it reveals a little of the personality and style of the commenter, and it gives them a bit of exposure. Karma!

4. Talk blogging with Gramma. Sum up the purpose or theme of your blog in a sentence or two, and talk about it in real life, not just online! Tell your grandma, hair stylist, storekeeper, and taxicab driver about your best, worst, favorite, or latest post. And don’t forget to ask if they’ve created their own blog. If they have their own blog, seek it out, make comments, and refer to your “real life” relationship. Creating blog karma extends beyond cyberspace, my friends.

5. Become a “regular” on several blogs. The more a blogger and his/her followers see your name on a particular blog, the better your relationship with be. Don’t be a “drive by commenter.” A crucial aspect of successful blogging is building relationships, and this involves being strategic about your commenting habits. Get to know bloggers, and let yourself be known.

6. Help people achieve their goals. This is what karma is all about! The more you help others succeed, the farther you’ll go – in blogging and in life in general. Find people who need help by visiting writers’ forums, searching for questions on Twitter (Tweetdeck makes it easy – if you want to learn how, ask me below!), or even asking what readers want at the end of your own blog posts.

Karma is my new favorite sport – Susan, thanks for being the first to teach me this term, and for letting me write about it here!

Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen is a full-time writer and blogger who created and maintains a series of Quips and Tips blogs: Quips and Tips for Successful Writers, Quips and Tips for Achieving Your Goals, and Quips and Tips for Couples Coping With Infertility. She's also the Feature Writer for Psychology Suite101.

Guest Post and An Announcement

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Johnston) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:50:00 +0000

Today I'm guest blogging at Quips and Tips to discuss raising your blog's readership. On Monday, Laurie will share her tips here on raising your blog karma, so be sure to check back for that post.

Also, thank you to everyone who entered to win a copy of The 30-Second Commute! Congrats to Andy and Kim, who will be getting their copies in the mail very soon.

And now, back to your regularly scheduled blogging...

Open Thread: Did You Tell Your Employer About Your Freelancing?

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Johnston) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:40:00 +0000

If you freelance on the side, then at some point, you have to decide if you're going to tell your employer or keep it on the down-low. Sometimes telling your employer can yield useful contacts. Or it could give the impression that you'll jump ship at any moment to freelance full time. Of course, if you keep it quiet, it's also possible that your secret could back-fire if someone finds out, particularly if your company has a no-moonlighting policy.

In my case, my boss knew about my freelance writing when he hired me. In fact, I leveraged my blog and writing clips to set myself apart. But I wasn't too public with other people in the company, because freelancing is the kind of thing that can be hard to explain ("what is it that you do? And you actually get paid for that?"). I also wanted to avoid the stigma of appearing disloyal, so I mostly kept it to myself. Well, one day my photo appeared in The Boston Globe and the article mentioned that I freelance. It gave me a ton of great exposure, but it also outed me to my coworkers. At that point I didn't have immediate plans to go full time, but within four months, I had given my notice.

For those who are still working at a day job, do you tell your boss about freelance projects? What about those of you who've left the 9-5 world? How did you handle both worlds?

3 Tips for TV Interviews

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Johnston) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:25:00 +0000

Ever since my interview on ABC News a few weeks ago, people have been asking me a) how I got the gig and b) what they should know before going on the air. Well, the answer to A is pretty straightforward. The producer emailed me on a Friday afternoon after reading an article I wrote, I cleared it with the publisher's PR department, and my boyfriend drove me to the studio the following Monday.

I guess the key is to write a timely, interesting article that is useful to a broad consumer audience and get it published on several websites (the original publisher bought all rights, but in this case, it worked out well for me because they syndicated to a bunch of different sites, increasing my reach). Ha, I know it's easier said than done, and there's an element of luck involved.

As for what you should know before going on the air, I'm hardly a TV veteran, but here are a couple of suggestions.

1. Watch earlier segments online. This will give you a sense of the anchor's style, the types of questions they ask, and what other guests are wearing. While we're on the topic of wardrobe, I've noticed that almost everyone on TV wears solid colors and long sleeves (few of us have Michelle Obama's arms). I chose a teal V-neck, because I was afraid that white or black would look too stark against my pale skin. My Mom pointed out that teal doesn't have much contrast to my skin, so next time I might opt for royal blue or another jewel tone.

2. Assume that you are responsible for your appearance. Originally they told me there would be a make-up artist at the studio, but then the location changed and I found out half an hour beforehand that there wasn't. Fortunately, I had brought a small make-up case with me so I could wear my own mascara, but I didn't have any concealer, blush, or eyeliner, because I thought it would be provided. So I went to town with bronzer and lipstick and mascara with no idea of how it would read on camera. Afterwards, my boyfriend thought I looked like a clown up close, but several relatives asked why I gone on national TV sans make-up. Next time I will pay someone to make sure I don't look pale or shiny.

3. Practice beforehand, but don't overpractice. Another writer who appeared on The Today Show told me it'll be over before you know it, so don't obsess. She was right. I printed out a copy of my article to review and wrote down several talking points, but once they had planted in front of the camera with a microphone and headset, I listened to the segment before mine to get my mind off of my own nerves. The earlier guest had some good tips on budgeting, so I listened rather than practicing my own spiel again. That relaxed me and also gave me a chance to listen to the anchor so I would remember her name for my segment.

Anything you would add?

Flickr photo courtesy of Lekke

Boost Your Productivity with Social Bookmarking

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Johnston) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:20:00 +0000

There's a ton of useful information online, but when you’re juggling multiple projects and looking at dozens of different websites, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

I started using Delicious.com a few years ago to organize my online bookmarks, and it has helped me tremendously to streamline my writing and research process. With the Delicious toolbar, I just click the "tag" button on my browser window and quickly save any web page with a few clicks and add my own keywords so I can easily find it later. Other examples of social bookmarking sites include Digg.com, Reddit.com, and StumbleUpon.com.

You can also use these sites to drive traffic to your blog or website, but I find them most useful as an organizational tool. These are some of the ways that social bookmarking can improve your productivity as a writer and/or blogger:

Access your bookmarks anywhere. If you work from different computers, then this feature is invaluable. Once you log into the website, you’ll have all of your favorite links right at your fingertips. Last year when I bought a new laptop, I used Delicious instead of transferring the contents of my favorites folders.

Cross-tag your bookmarks. With traditional favorites folders, you have to choose one title for each folder. I had folders in my market research for "women’s magazines" and "health magazines" and "regional magazines," but sometimes I couldn’t remember which folder I’d used to save something if it fit into multiple categories. Social bookmarking lets you add as many tags as you need so that X magazine shows up in all of the applicable categories that you choose.

Organize your clips. Whenever I get an online clip that I might want to share with an editor or potential client, I save it under my clips folder in Delicious, along with other tags like "business," "food," or "money." Later when I’m applying for a business writing gig, I can easily find a bunch of business-related clips and choose the ones that are the best fit for the job.

Swap links with other freelancers. Adding friends lets you share links in one click. The next time they log in, they’ll be able to see all of the links you’ve shared. I do this with several other writers, so whenever I find a new website or magazine that might be of interest to them, I pass it along and they do the same for me. It's much quicker than emailing.

Find more writing markets. After you save a link, you can see how many other users have also saved that link (and the other links they’ve saved). Say I bookmark the writer’s guidelines for a lifestyle website that I plan to query. I can see the ten other users who’ve bookmarked this same page, then click through to see what other pages they’ve saved. I’ve discovered a lot of interesting websites and even landed paying assignments using this strategy.

Have you tried social bookmarking? What sites do you use? Any new tricks I should try out?

Flickr photo courtesy of bashford

Open Thread: How Long Do You Play the Waiting Game?

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Johnston) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:19:00 +0000

Picture this: an editor at your dream magazine says she's interested in giving you an assignment. Maybe she tells you she'll present it at the next editorial meeting or that she's just waiting to get a new budget approved. Perhaps she asks to hang onto an essay while she decide she want to publish it. The point is that you're psyched about the possible clip, but now you're in limbo, because you don't have a firm assignment letter. Is she leading you on? Are there financial troubles that are forcing her to hold off? How long do you wait? Or do you quietly take your idea elsewhere while you're waiting?

This is a tough situation for any writer, and one that I've found myself in more times than I care to remember. I've definitely waited longer than I should out of the hope that it will pay off. Often it doesn't. In fact, I got a maybe last November and kept following up until I finally got a firm no in March. Then I pitched another idea to the same publication, got a maybe and forgot about it, because I figured maybe meant no like it did the last time. Well, something like three months passed and last week the editor asked if I could turn around the piece in 72 hours.

I guess the point is that there's no real formula for how you long you should wait. You can give an editor an ultimatum ("if I don't hear from you by X date, I plan to shop it elsewhere"), but in the end, they answer on their timeline. What do you think? How long would you wait?

How to Use Sticky Posts in Blogger

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Johnston) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:54:00 +0000

If you've been reading this blog on the actual URL, then you may have noticed the sticky post I added just under the header (and if you're using RSS, then hop on over and check it out). I've admired Michelle Rafter's use of sticky posts for awhile, but I only recently discovered how to create one in Blogger.

It's ridiculously easy, even if you're not a tech person, but few Blogger users actually use them. I think it's a brilliant way to welcome blog readers, promote certain posts, or call out other links. Yes, you can include that in your sidebar, too, but it's easy for things to get buried, and a sticky post is more prominent. As you publish new posts, your sticky post remains at the top so you have more control over the reader's experience. Plus, it's great for information that doesn't need a full post. I plan to change the sticky message every week or so to keep things fresh.

Here are some of the ways you can use sticky posts.

Post an inspirational quote.
Link to favorite posts or your "about" page so first-time readers know what you're all about.
Encourage readers to sign up for RSS.
Remind readers about a book reading, class, or other event.
Link to your Twitter page so gain more followers.
Encourage readers to sign up for your newsletter.
Announce awards or new projects.
Link to guest post guidelines.
Link to your own guest posts.
Remind readers about a contest or giveaway you're sponsoring.
Welcome new readers from certain high-traffic sources and link to that mention for your own readers.

I think it's best to stick to one or two messages in a sticky post, but I'd love to hear how others are using them. Is there anything I've missed?

Flickr photo courtesy of Viernest

Guest Post: 5 Writing Tips From the Editor-in-Chief of Alive Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Johnston) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:41:00 +0000

I "met" Laurie of the Quips and Tips blogs through Twitter a few months ago. Then we started emailing, and I asked if Laurie would like to guest post. Now we're hoping to swap posts about once a month, so I hope you enjoy her inaugural post and leave a comment if you have requests or questions for Laurie or myself!

By Laurie Pawlik-Kienen

It’s rare for writers to get an inside peek into the editor-in-chief’s job, so when I received this email from Terry-Lynn Stone, the big kahuna at British Columbia-based alive magazine, I jumped on the chance to share her tips!

Before we go there, here’s a quip for struggling writers: “If you want to be a famous writer, keep at it for ten years,” said a Hollywood legend. "By that time everyone else will have quit and they’ll HAVE to hire you.” (This quip is from If You Can Talk, You Can Write by Joel Saltzman, and who the legend is remains a mystery).

I’m telling you, fellow scribes…perseverance is where it’s at! Ten years of determination, and you’ll be a successful writer. And, if you apply these tips from editor-in-chief Stone, you might make it in eight years! :-)

“After three months on the job, I needed to put some new procedures in place,” says Ms Stone. “Before I arrived, writers regularly missed their deadlines - and I’m talking about many regular freelancers who would miss deadlines by weeks, not just days. This made the whole editing process almost impossible. Articles would sometimes come in so late, they had to be edited the day they were being designed by art!”

Writing Tip #1: Remember that your article is simply one piece of the puzzle, and editors may be working with a 5,000 piece jigsaw. Be as flexible and accommodating as possible - and don't miss your deadlines unless you're sick, injured, or giving birth.

Ms Stone says that she wrote a friendly email to all offenders, explaining the need for a new submissions policy (submit your article on time!). "While some freelancers were fine with the new rules, others pushed back like crazy, saying ‘I only turn in well researched well written articles and those take time' and ‘I always get extensions - that's the way I work.' I politely told them I only accepted well- researched, well-written articles, but if they weren't in on time, then I wouldn't accept them - and the writers wouldn't get paid."

Writing Tip #2: Work WITH your editors! If they ask you to do something crazy - like submit an article on time - don't argue, threaten, whine, or cry. Roll with it, fellow scribes.

Ms Stone continues, "After I sent the ‘new policy' email, I received a response from a writer, which was obviously addressed to someone else. I guess the writer pressed reply instead of forward. The writer thought she had forwarded my email to a friend - who she regaled with my shortcomings. One of the sentences she wrote was, ‘Who the hell does this Terry-Lynn woman think she is? I give her three months and she'll be gone.'"

Writing Tip #3: Check your "To" line before you hit send. Twice. What was Ms Stone's response to this writer?

"Well, of course on one level I was hurt, but I recognized how easy it is to make such a mistake," she says. "I replied to the email saying, ‘Dear Ms X, I don't think I was the intended recipient for this letter.' I then went on to explain how saddened I was that she found the new rules - which I considered reasonable - so difficult."

Writing Tip #4: Thank your lucky stars if your editors actually communicate with you! This was a real, honest email from a busy woman - and it deserves a tip of the hat.

"I believe we're all capable of sending emails we regret later, so getting angry and on my high horse didn't seem genuine," says Ms Stone. "The writer was mortified at her mistake, and even more mortified when she saw herself as she must appear to me. She insisted she thought of herself as a moral person who didn't make snide remarks behind others' backs, but she saw how badly her behavior represented herself. She was very apologetic. Of course, I accepted her apology and I continued to commission articles from her."

Writing Tip #5: Be willing to eat humble pie when you do wrong, because you could actually repair the damage - some editors will actually continue to work with you. And, before you send any correspondence, take a look at yourself through your editors' eyes.

Ms Stone thinks both she and this writer learned a valuable lesson that day. "If you are sending a strong message of any kind, file it in your drafts for a minimum of 24 hours!" she says. "I'm shocked at how often I open my draft folder and find emails I wanted to send days earlier, only to realize that, written in the heat of the moment, they wouldn't have served me or the recipient well."

Writing Tip #6: Always, always, always let your writing gel for several days, before you share it with the world. You'll thank yourself later, when you catch harsh words, unintentional meanings, and even a typo or two.

If you have any writing tips - or if this article makes you remember an "email blunder" of your own - please comment below!

Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen is a full-time writer and blogger who created and maintains a series of Quips and Tips blogs: Quips and Tips for Successful Writers, Quips and Tips for Achieving Your Goals, and Quips and Tips for Couples Coping With Infertility. She's also the Feature Writer for Psychology Suite101.

Open Thread: What's Your Follow Up Formula?

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Johnston) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:41:00 +0000

I get a lot of questions from other writers in regards to follow ups. When should you follow up on a query? How (and how often) should you follow up on a letter of intro? I'm curious how others handles follow ups, so please chime in with your two cents.

For me, it totally depends on the publication and the timeliness of my idea. If the writer's guidelines say I should wait six weeks before following up, then I generally wait six weeks. If an editor writes back to say she's presenting the idea at an editorial meeting that week, I'll follow up after that. Often we don't get a timeline, so I might wait 2-4 weeks. If it's an idea I'm really psyched about, I might send two follow ups about a month apart.

The first follow-up might go something like this:

Hi [editor's name],
Just wanted to follow up on the query I sent last month (copied below for your convenience). I'd love to contribute to [name of magazine or website], and I look forward to hearing from you soon. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks!

Best,
Susan

The second follow-up might read like this:

Hi [editor's name],
Just wondering if you've had a chance to consider the query I sent a few months ago? I'd love to contribute to [name of magazine of website], but if I don't hear from you by [date], I plan to shop this idea elsewhere. Thanks for your consideration, and I hope to hear from you soon.

Best,
Susan

I hope that you're taking the time to send follow ups, because I've gotten several assignments this way. Sometimes the editor misses the first email or it gets stuck in a spam filter or she starts to draft a response and gets distracted. What's your follow up formula?

Me Live From ... ABC's Boston Affiliate!

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Johnston) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 18:44:00 +0000

Remember how I mentioned some exciting news in yesterday's post? Well, I was invited by a producer for ABC News' Money Matters to shoot a live interview. The segment aired on ABC News yesterday afternoon and on their website this morning. Keep in mind that this is my first ever TV interview, but I like to think I held my own. We discussed a job hunting article I wrote for Bankrate.com. Pretty cool, huh?

Guest Posts Galore!

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Johnston) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:06:00 +0000

This weekend, two of my guest posts went live. Freelance Switch posted How to Ask for Work Without Looking Desperate (refer to photo at left for an example of what not to do).

Also, Quips and Tip for Successful Writers posted 5 Ways to Increase Your Writing Income. Laurie of Quips and Tips will be guest blogging over here on Friday.

I hope to have some exciting news later today, so stay tuned!

5 Q's with Stephanie Dickison (& a Book Giveaway!)

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Johnston) — Fri, 29 May 2009 12:02:00 +0000

Stephanie Dickison is a freelance writer and the author of the recently released book, The 30-Second Commute: A Non-Fiction Comedy About Writing And Working from Home. Stephanie and her publisher have graciously offered free copies of her book to two lucky Urban Muse readers, so be sure to read to the bottom for details on how to win! For now, here's how Stephanie approaches her writing projects and working from home.

Urban Muse: So, Stephanie, tell us how your book came to fruition.
Stephanie: The book happened because throughout my over a decade long career as a freelance writer, I had been a pop culture, book and music critic. While working 2 jobs and writing in the evenings and on weekends, I started working on a book about the recent history of pop music. After 5 long years of research I completed it and started shopping it around. An editor at ECW Press read it and liked the writing style, but thought the book would work better as columns. She asked if I had any other ideas. I had a bunch but I'd always wanted to read a behind-the-scenes book about the writing life, no holds barred, secrets revealed, truths unfurled and photos if possible, and luckily the editor and publisher thought it was a good idea too.

UM: Did you uncounter any surprises as you were working on the manuscript or did it play out the way you'd expected?
S: As this was my first book working with an editor, what happened with me was what I started out with and how it finished were 2 different things, yet the essence, style, heart and meaning all remained. It just kind of got shuffled and reshuffled until the unnecessary parts got whisked away and what was left was hopefully the good stuff, the funny stuff and the stories that will let people in on the life of a freelance writer and all the havoc and hilarity that follows.

UM: Many of my readers are aspiring freelancers. Any tips for those who are hoping to dip their feet in the freelance pool?
S: For those wanting to freelance, I say work at it and do it for the love of writing and not for the money. I enjoy freelancing because it allows me to write about a number of different topics in a variety of formats, so I don't feel like I'm "churning out" articles. But as many freelancers will tell you, I think, it is a struggle to keep the work coming in continually and its work to invoice each publication and follow up being paid. You never know when and where your work is coming from and when the money will arrive, so it's never boring!

I started when I had a full-time job so that I could simply apply for the work I wanted without having to worry about the money. Going freelance full-time takes huge guts and faith - somehow you've got to pay the rent/mortgage every month, so you have to make sure you've got enough work to cover it, but not so much that you can't honour your deadlines.

I say follow your heart and your dreams - if you're tentative, stick with doing it part-time while you have a regular pay check to count on. If you want to go full-time, have some savings set aside to get you through the lean times, and be sure that you have a dedicated space set up either at home or at an office - treat your writing with respect and as you would any other job.

I also think reading about freelancing (like my book for instance...) talking to freelance writers and taking courses about how to set up a home business or writing for magazines etc., can go a long way in helping you with the transition.

And as difficult as it may sound here, it really is the best job in the world. Once you get the hang of being your own boss, perhaps sleeping and writing in the same room (as I do) and writing for a bunch of different outlets and keeping track of them all, I think you'll find it can be extremely rewarding (as I do).

UM: And what about those freelancers who living "the dream" but need to bust out of a rut?
S: For me, it can be hard if I'm at home writing to deadline for a week or two without much outside stimulation. I try to incorporate daily walks into my schedule, even if it's just half an hour. Crunched over my desk typing like a fiend for 14 hours a day can make for a cranky body and mind. The other thing that I do is I work evenings and weekends, which I am forever trying to change, but with the book, I found I needed the time to work on other aspects of my career - applying for more work, promoting, blogging - but my goal is to not work on one of those days at least.

Ruts happen because we get used to, or stuck, in our routines. Take your laptop to a sunny café, get up early and finish at noon and take the rest of the day off. It is in replenishing yourself with things outside of work that will help you push through the tight deadlines and high demands of running your own business.

In other words, change it up.

UM: In your opinion, what is the best/worst part of freelancing?
S: There are so many joys and rewards to freelancing, many of which I've already mentioned. I really do feel like the luckiest girl in the world to have this opportunity to do what I love and be mentally and creatively stimulated and satisfied on a daily basis

The hard parts are getting away from it - especially if you work from home, giving up certain social activities for deadlines on long weekends or Sundays, for example, and striving to challenge yourself with each piece and not just whisking something off quickly because it's due or being lazy and writing in your same ol’ patterns.

But really, I think these are fine problems to have. After all, the writing life is the best life of all.

Want to win a free copy of The 30-Second Commute? Leave a comment between now and June 15, 2009. Be sure to include your email address so I can contact the two winners, who will be randomly selected using Random.org's integer selector. Good luck!

Open Thread: How Do You Market Yourself?

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Johnston) — Wed, 27 May 2009 12:58:00 +0000

This week I'd like to swap tips on marketing yourself as a freelancer. Personally, I've gotten excellent results from referrals, and I always try to refer other freelance buddies when I hear about a project that might be a fit for them. It's good karma all around!

I've also done well with the occasional Craig's List services ad. This is where you post your services and weed out potential clients, rather than responding to an ad and hoping they pick you out of the slush pile. Either way, you have to sort through a lot of ... well, you know what. But at least if you post an ad, you have a bit more control.

Sometimes a client finds me through my website or something I've posted on HARO, but these are more passive ways of landing new clients. While I've tried sending out postcards to new prospects or registering with creative staffing firms, I haven't had much luck with either one. A few inquiries, sure, but no contracts.

What works for you in terms of marketing? Have you had success with postcards or other materials? Do tell!

I Said, He Said, We Said

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Johnston) — Tue, 26 May 2009 11:54:00 +0000

Last week, one of the writers on a forum I follow brought up the issue of what point of view to use on a writer's website. Do you say "I have over ten years of writing experience"? Or "Jane Smith has over ten years of writing experience"? Or, as you sometimes see, "we have over ten years of writing experience"? I think it depends on the kind of impression you want to make on your website.

Here are the pros and cons to each option.

First Person
Personally, I use the first person, because it's friendly and a little less formal than third person. I write primarily for consumer audiences, so this approach gives me the chance to show some personality and really connect with readers. My website is almost like a virtual extension of my apartment (which is also my office), so I want it to feel welcoming. A lot of lifestyle writers use the first person for similar reasons.

Of course, not everyone wants a breezily written bio. If you're trying to convey authority and professionalism to a more business-oriented audience, then this might not be the right choice for you. Some people also have trouble writing about themselves in the first person because "well, I hate to brag and …" If you're self-conscious tooting your own horn, then maybe you should try third person to gain some distance from your subject. You can always rewrite it into first person later.

Third Person
When I ghostwrite bios for businesspeople, I generally use the third person ("James Johnson holds a Master of Business Administration …"). This is the accepted point of view for more formal bios, so if you write primarily for trade publications or businesses, then the third person might be appropriate. You'll also see this on most book jackets.

However, when people use the third person in conversation it can seem funny or border-line pretentious, depending on the person and the context. To avoid that stuffy, "I'm-so-great-I-refer-to-myself-in-the-third-person" affectation (which I'm sure you've seen before), perhaps limit the number of times you use your full name. Using your full name at the beginning, then using just your first name could be a nice compromise (it's casual, but not too casual). "He" or "she" works, too.

First Person Plural
Honestly, I'm not a fan. When I see phrases like "our team of writers" and "we offer a range of copywriting services" on a website for a sole proprietor, it always seems to me that they're trying too hard. I once wrote to one of these companies asking if they were interested in partnering with another freelancer and the person wrote back saying "uh, it's just me."

I know that some writers want to create the illusion of a full-scale operation so that bigger companies will take them seriously. But they're only fooling themselves. Once a company hires them, they'll figure out that it's just another freelance copywriter in her living room. My feeling is that as long as you can produce quality work, it doesn't matter if you have a cat to keep you company or a whole staff of helpers. Plus, if you're the one with all the expertise, it's nice for clients to know they're actually hiring you and not some underpaid intern.

What point of view do you use on your website? Have you seen one person successfully use the third person plural? I'd be interested in hearing your perspective!

Flickr photo by eggman

Open Thread: What's Your Biggest Challenge?

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Johnston) — Wed, 20 May 2009 12:17:00 +0000

For me personally, and for many of the freelancers I've talked to, the hardest part of making a living is balancing the marketing/networking and the actual work. When I'm in the midst of a big project, it's hard to justify spending time searching for new projects or writing query letters when there's a paid assignment on the table. We remind ourselves that "someday this project will end" and we know that we should be marketing ourselves constantly, but many of us don't.

I'm not a procrastinator by nature (quite the opposite), so when I get an assignment, my first inclination is to start gathering sources and dive right in. But if it's not a last-minute assignment, I try to keep querying and get more ideas circulating before I start on an article. If that doesn't work, then I can also contact clients I've worked with in the past, which is often quicker than prospecting for new ones. Still, it's a tough balance because both finding the work and doing the work.

What do you find most challenging about being a freelancer?

5 Q's with Anna David

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Johnston) — Tue, 19 May 2009 12:21:00 +0000

I interviewed Anna David almost two years ago when her first novel came out. Her second novel, Bought, comes out today, and Anna was kind enough to send me a copy and agree to another interview. Bought is a fictional account of a journalist who gets sucked into the world of high-class prostitution as she's writing about it. Here's how Anna approched her second book, got published in the New York Times, and more...

Urban Muse: When you were researching the article that inspired Bought, how did you get the women to trust you and open up? Did you actually use Emma's strategy of pretending to be one of them?
Anna: No, I never did try to pretend I was one of them --- I’m not nearly that ballsy, desperate, or whatever it would take. But I found that once one person had vouched for me, people just opened up. I managed to get a hold of a phone number of a guy who had been married to a porn star/sometime prostitute and I managed to persuade him that I was going to do a fair story, but only if I had the right access – which he could help provide. And he did. But I also had a distinct advantage in that rather early on in my reporting, I found out about a madam that absolutely everyone hated – from the clients to the girls to the other madams. Once I got her name, all I had to do was mention it in passing to anyone I contacted and I’d suddenly have people on the phone with me for hours because they’d been dying to get their revenge on this woman – or simply vent about her – for years. I think another reason the girls trusted me is that I made it really clear that I didn’t judge them – that I saw the whole business of selling sexuality as a fairly complicated issue and that I didn’t really think that what they did was any different from the trophy wives walking down Rodeo Drive on the arms of old men.

UM: Your protagonist is an aspiring journalist who covers Hollywood openings while she waits for her chance to break into the feature well as she. Many of us can relate to that, so what advice would you give to writers on impressing an editor and convincing them to a take a chance on an unknown?
A: Not to do what my character does! (Of course, they have to read the book to find out what pitfalls to avoid – see how that works?) In general, I think that the best way to impress an editor is to become a pitch machine. Even if the pitch doesn’t sell, the editor then sees you as someone who’s hard-working and gets the magazine and will ideally assign you something. Also, it’s important that you accept the fact that if you’re being paid $2 a word, you’re mostly being paid for the rewrite. The editor may wait six weeks to get back to you and then send you a hysterical email that she needs all the sources re-interviewed and the piece completely re-written in time for the close the next day, and you need to do it and act like this is completely appropriate, even though it’s anything but.

UM: Could you tell us about your first "big" clip, the one where you felt like your career was starting to take off?
A: I guess my first big clip, the one that really changed my career, was a piece I co-wrote with Amy Sohn for Playboy. We traded cities and dating lives for a week and the piece got a lot of attention (it was optioned and actually made into a reality show pilot) and really launched my career as a sex and relationship essayist. Another big one was an article I wrote on crystal meth addiction in Hollywood, which was for Details. It was my first investigative feature. But the biggest coup of all was when an agent sold an essay I’d done for an anthology to the “Modern Love” column in The New York Times. I seriously heard from people I hadn’t spoken to in 20 years after that, and have managed to work “I’ve written for The New York Times” into a painfully embarrassing number of conversations ever since.

UM: I won't ruin the ending except to say that it's somewhat open-ended (not one of those "tied up a bow" endings that make readers cringe). Are you thinking about a sequel?
A: Oh, no – no sequel. That was the first question I got when I sold my first novel -- “Want to do a sequel?” – but I honestly couldn’t imagine it. The whole point of writing, to me, is being able to teach yourself to do new things…in my case, writing short stories in college, then doing magazine pieces, then novels, blogs, twitters, what have you. With each book, I want to try something different: the first one was about writing a story that was quite autobiographical and focused on one main character who was, essentially, me; for the second, I worked on creating two believable characters and a story that was almost entirely manufactured (while the information I gathered doing the Details piece is sprinkled throughout, neither of the main characters are based on real people and the plot is entirely made up). I’ve started writing a third and it’s actually completely different in every way: third-person, past tense, with a male protagonist. All that being said, if Bought does really well and someone wants to pay me a lot of money to pen a sequel – um, where do I sign?

UM: Any tips for first time authors? What do you now know that you wish you'd known then?
A: I wish I’d known how anti-climactic the release of my first book was going to be. No matter how much you try to temper your expectations, you pretty much feel like your life is absolutely going to change the minute your book is discovered by the world. Even though everything you’ve learned from being alive has taught you that lives never change overnight, you’re somehow still convinced this will happen to you. And then there’s…silence. At least in my case there was. You suddenly realize that something like 200,000 books are released every year and that yours may not be the cultural phenomenon you’d secretly theorized it would. I sort of had this notion that selling the novel was my big break and it was all going to be smooth sailing from there. But a friend of mine has published something like eight books, most of which are New York Times bestsellers, and he still worries about what his next one is going to be and how well it will do. Most of us have to accept the fact that there is no “smooth sailing from here” point. Which is fine with me, because I operate better when I’m under stress. I don’t really know what to do with myself when things are calm.

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