Fanning the Freelance Fires

Freelancing isn’t easy, whether you’re aiming to edit; write copy for specific industries, online zines or print publications; or some combination thereof. If you’re just getting started, the old adage about not giving up your day job is sound. What the average part-time freelancer makes annually usually doesn't allow for personal insurance, but there are a few things you can do to boost your chances (and income) while prowling the freelance jungle.

First, do not undercut yourself. Devaluing your time and hard work makes it harder to raise your rates significantly later on. And please do not be one of those freelancers who spends years bidding on work through write-for-hire sites or pay-per-view places. By agreeing to take on these projects that pay pennies, you will soon slam into the burnout wall. You’ll also join the ranks of those who give their work away and make it harder for others to charge a living wage.

So, what can a freelancer do to improve his chances and his bank account when he has no or few clips in his portfolio? Be smart – spend a good deal of time researching the industry. Use search engines to find out what salaries full- and part time freelancer writers earn. A good pay scale calculator can be found here: http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Freelance_Writer,_Technical/Hourly_Rate

Knowing what you’re worth at the outset will serve your career well. Just as in other industries, you’ll have to start out at the bottom, but once you’ve gotten some exposure and experience, you’ll at least know what to charge by the hour or project, according to national averages.

Look for smaller publications and industry newsletters to get your feet wet. There’s nothing wrong with writing pro bono for nonprofit agencies for a while when you’re new. The clips you build will move you into a more profitable future.

Once you’re ready for the next level – paid freelancing jobs and projects – forge relationships with a few editors and publishers. This is easier to do than many writers think. By being accurate, submitting early vs. just at deadline or (gasp) past due, you endear yourself to employers. And always give them lagniappe (a little something extra) with each assignment: a nice sidebar of resources or statistics, free companion clip art, correlating jpegs, or an offer of a follow-up article. Once you’ve got the publication’s style and readership down and have sold a few articles, you can offer to do a feature or series. When your relationship with the boss has solidified with happy results on both ends, maybe you can snag a weekly or monthly column.

Once you have a few reliable markets in your stable, you can branch out. As in all businesses, start slowly and build steadily so as not to take on too much at once until you know what sort of workload you can comfortably manage.

By following the simple equation of thoroughly researching your market, turning in quality work ahead of schedule, and always providing a small bonus, you won’t be lumped into the ever-growing pile of available freelance sources.

Remember: just because “free” appears in your job title, doesn’t mean you have to give your work away.

The 6 Ps of Networking

{This is from an article I had in The Fabulist Flash a few years ago, and which I also updated and published at Rose & Thorn Literary E-zine.}

Writers know the importance of networking, and blogging can be a big part of that. But if you're also working outside the writing arena, say, like in a part- or full time "regular" job, and maybe even have a kid or two thrown into the mix, you really know the value of making contacts and working with like minded people. If nothing else, it keeps you from going bonkers.

Since I'm one of those busy mom writers, my brain cells are at dangerously low levels and my time is stretched to the max. Networking helps me to maximize my writing productivity, it's easy and fun.

I know the principles of networking are sound because I've co-authored three inspirational books, had a joint humor/advice column with my twin sister, participate in two blogs with other writers, have facilitated writers groups, and worked on many joint projects.

By joining live and/or cyber groups and subscribing to e-zines, we increase our exposure to the job market and to fellow writers and their experiences. Exchanging submission call outs and opportunities is another benefit of group membership.

The 6Ps which help me stay on track with writing?

1. Patience - The bad news first. Our personal writing Rome won't be built in a day or even a year. Be prepared for lots of hard work and a heavy dose of patience while paying writing dues. Working with another person or group requires a little extra thought and is one of the reasons patience is a virtue. It's hard as hell to have it, hold onto it, and trust in it. But it yields results.


2. Persistence - We've heard the inspirational quotes, now it's time to believe them. "Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'press on' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.'" ~ Calvin Coolidge. "Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration." ~ Thomas Edison. When your energy or motivation flags, someone in your writing network can shore you up and put you back on the path.


3. Partnerships - Here's a personal quote: "Nothing worth doing is done alone." Never underestimate the power of your partnerships and the fun and inspiration to be had.


4. Prayer (or if you prefer, Positive Thinking) - Prayer power has been my most reliable weapon in the battle to get published. Grabbing opportunities offered me; I've cleaned houses (flexible and good cash), gotten regular column gigs, and private investigation jobs. All these I juggled with freelancing for a decent paycheck, and all required that I work with others in the process.


5. Playing the Field - Diversify your goals. Write your novel, but keep your writing fresh by trying your hand at articles, working for start up publications, crafting short stories/poetry or whatever. Who knows where these avenues will lead? By playing the writing field, you increase your chances of catching an editor's eye. You build your clip file. You gain experience. And again, you build your network.
   Are there contests you might enter? So what if you don't win? You have a finished product to edit and submit elsewhere. I'm a deadline-pressure-in-order-to-get-moving kind of writer, so contest deadlines help me produce.


6. Perception - See things differently, look outside conventions and boxes. To increase your writing and publishing scores, try to be different. Look for opportunities others overlook. If you see an ad for an freelance article writer for a new publication and it's full of typos or bad grammar, offer your editing services. Think of creative ways to advertise your services. Partner up with others to decrease advertising expenses.

And an extra "P" while I'm thinking about it: Plant your writing seeds wisely and tend them afterward. Always thank those who've helped you along the writing road, and lend a hand when you can. Little kindnesses are appreciated, they come back to you in multiple, and they leave your name with a good connotation in others' minds.

Can you think of any Ps that help you in your writing journey? If not a P, any letter will do.