Available Now - How To Start a Freelance Writing Business E-Book
Are you just starting your freelance writing business?
Or, maybe you’ve been operating your writing business for a while now, but you wish that you had business advice from someone who’s been there. Wouldn’t it be great if someone with some experience would answer your questions?
I’ve written the How To Start A Freelance Writing Business e-book (published through Freelance Folder) specifically to help you succeed as a freelance writer. I’ve been a professional writer for 19 years, and I’ve been freelancing for seven of those years. I want to share with you what I’ve learned.
Of Note: About Freelance Writing
Anne Wayman’s About Freelance Writing blog has become a regular stop for me. I first became familiar with Anne’s work when she blogged at The Golden Pencil. I have to say that I enjoy this blog every bit as much as I did The Golden Pencil.
About Freelance Writing contains a good mix of advice, book reviews, and job listings. (Yep, for everyone who has asked me where you can find a freelance writing job, here is one place to look.)
Coming Soon - How To Start a Freelance Writing Business
Do I have the e-book for you!
Recently, I had the privilege of working under the Freelance Folder umbrella to create the How To Start a Freelance Writing Business e-book.
I have to say I’m excited! This is the e-book that I wish that I’d had in my hands seven years ago and now it’s less than a week from being released.
WritingThoughts Versus The Five Minute Article Writers
They are at it again - those misguided individuals who claim that they can write a quality 500-word article in five minutes.
Most experienced writers realize this claim is ridiculous, so normally I wouldn’t even mention it except for one sad fact: a few unfortunate companies have been taken in by the so-called writers who make this claim and the results have been less than desirable.
Let us take a look at this claim logically, shall we?
Words, My Secret Weapon
I’m often asked what it takes to become a freelance writer. There’s all kinds of answers that I could give to that question, but basically it boils down to one key factor: WORDS - I’m good with them.
In fact, without my writing ability everything else that I’ve learned would be relatively useless.
It’s always been this way . . . at least ever since I can remember.
In school the other kids dreaded written tests, but I welcomed them because I knew that I would get a better grade.
Whenever my friends needed to come up with a catchy saying, they’d turn to me because they knew that I would come up with something clever.
So, the most basic answer that I can give as to why I’m a writer is - it’s because of the words. The words are the key.
Are you a writer too? If so, how did you get there?
Contents (c) Copyright 2009, Laura Spencer. All rights reserved.
Image Source: http://www.sxc.hu
Five Reasons Why Bargain Writers Are Not Always a Bargain
If you purchase copywriting services or articles, then you may be tempted to use a “bargain” writing service to meet your writing needs. In this economy, such a temptation is understandable. Everyone is looking for a way to trim costs.
However, if you use one of the so-called bargain writing services there are a few factors that you should be aware of. While there are some talented writers out there who sell their writing services below the going rate, there are also some cut-rate writers whose cheap writing could actually end up costing you more money in the long run.
Here are some things to look for when hiring a writer:
- Does the writer understand the assignment? If you order one type of article and receive another, it’s going to cost you. Either, you have paid for something that you cannot use at all, or you will have to pay someone to fix the work.
- Does the writer have solid writing skills? Sometimes bargain writers are a bargain because they do not proofread their work carefully. Copy filled with typos and grammatical errors is a poor reflection of your company.
- Is the writer familiar with the language? Often, writers whose native language is different from the language that they write in fail to grasp subtle meanings or cannot understand commonly used phrases.
- Is the writing original? Some bargain writers deliberately, or even accidentally, copy already published material. Publishing a plagiarized article could result in a lawsuit. At the very least, you will have to remove it from your website.
- Will the writer continue to be available? Many beginning writers start by charging less than they can really afford to charge. However, once they find better paying work they no longer communicate with the low-paying clients.
If you are hiring a writer, it is best to exercise caution or you could end up paying for the same writing project twice. Here are some additional steps to take:
- Ask to see a writer’s samples. Are there typos? Is the language clear?
- Examine the writer’s rate schedule. Does he or she seem to be charging too little for the amount of work required?
- Explain that all work received most be original and that all sources must be cited.
Remember, if a writing bargain seems too good to be true, then it probably is.
Image Source: http://www.stockxpert.com/
Contents (c) Copyright 2009, Laura Spencer. All rights reserved.
A friend asked me recently how the economy was affecting my writing business.
There’s an old saying: what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.
“Uh oh, it’s happening again.”
Shh!
Is it possible for a freelance writer to get too comfortable?
WritingThoughts is being remodeled! You’ll see several changes in the next few days, but the format that you see may not be the final one.
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