Tonight’s #editorchat talked a lot about online identities. Contributors talked about how we as writers reconcile different identities online, the importance of those identities in terms of marketing yourself and whether that identity interferes with your writing.
The general consensus was:
Yes - we should have online identities to connect with readers.
Yes - our digital lives take us away from the writing, but the benefits are worth the time away.
Yes - it is probably best to have those identities match with each other.
Oh and a new term was born... Procrastitweet. - Love It.
Here are some of my favorite tweets from the night:
(Warning: I did zone out a little for in between, so I'm sure to have missed tweets. American Idol took some of my attention. Sorry.)
@jennipps: Q1 - I used to have multiple IDs online, but a few years ago, I consolidated them all into JenNipps.
@edwardboches: as a blogger, social media enthusiast, pr practitioner and content creator, i have one. consistency, voice, reputation importnt
@jimmcbee: q1: Never gave it much thought till it came up here in your absence, Julia. I mainly try to be me, for good or ill.
@jennipps: I did at first. But now I feel like I have a more complete image of me and I don't have to remember what goes where
@mguerard: If you're tweeting to friends as well as tweeting for your job, it's a good idea to have separate identieies.
@wetzeledit: I thought about blogging anonymously to keep separate from professional life but figure it's too late and me is me anyway.
@edwardboches: you may act differently at party, office, town meeting, but you are the same person, yes? online no different.
@milehighfool: As an online writer myself, I'd argue a well-understood identity is critical. Draw 'em in fast.
@LydiaBreakfast: Q, I've had separate identities for my speaking and writing careers, and diff specialties.
@wetzeledit: My identity is the same but my expression of it is evolving.
@JuliaAngwin: Some academics call this the "unitary identity" that the Internet forces us into.
@wetzeledit: Seems like everything is converging to be online. So isn't some evolution inevitable as we all figure it out?
@jimmcbee: Objectivity is a goal at best; a lie at worst. Let's build a new altar to Honesty.
@elizabethbarr: I think if you're honest about who you are and your conflicts, objectivity isn't as important as transparency.
@wordful: Q5 it certainly gives us more control and reach over our potential to be heard
@milehighfool: Having an identity is a prerequisite to creating a community, which is essential both for writer and outlet, no?
@underoak: Q5 for #editorchat: Yes, digital life interferes with writing focus (as I procrastitweet). But it adds massive sources, links, connections.
@BeckyDMBR: Tons of ways to procrastinate. At least SM offers networking, swine flu updates, etc.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Where To Find Freelance Jobs
There are a number of sites you can scour for writing or editing gigs. I’ve found success with a number of them. Although, I will say all these sites require a lot of work and can often be frustrating as little comes out of the work you put into it. Checking daily is going to be your best bet. A lot of the sites will end up generating dozens of resumes for that company and you don’t want to be sending your resume weeks after the original posting.
I am strongly against the sites that make you pay to get jobs. I haven’t heard of anyone getting a stellar long-term job via these outlets and why should I pay someone else to let me view jobs and pitch material.
The ones I check daily:
Craigslist - I live in St. Louis, but rarely find anything via the STL Craigslist. Check for postings in major cities. (New York, Chicago, LA, San Francisco and Atlanta) Look under the witing/editing jobs and the writing gigs.
Ed2010 - The site is New York City focused but it does post freelance positions from time to time. Plus it gives little tidbits of advice and answers your questions.
indeed - Type in freelance and you’ll find hundreds of options.
Elance - The site has fewer writing jobs than most, but this is a great site if you are skilled in other marketable for-hire areas like design or web programming.
iFreelance - Features both those looking for freelancers and writers looking for gigs. Create your profile and start looking through the open jobs.
Simply Hired - Again type in freelance and a lot of positions will come up.
FreelanceSwitch - Lists a number of freelance jobs including writing, illustration, design, etc..
Freelance Writing Gigs - This is a great resource for jobs as well as tips on what to do and what not to do.
Twitter - Believe it or not I have actually landed a number of freelance jobs by getting my name out there on twitter.
FreelanceSwitch has a list of 100 job sites. A lot of them are a waste of time, but this may give you a couple more areas to start with.
I am strongly against the sites that make you pay to get jobs. I haven’t heard of anyone getting a stellar long-term job via these outlets and why should I pay someone else to let me view jobs and pitch material.
The ones I check daily:
Craigslist - I live in St. Louis, but rarely find anything via the STL Craigslist. Check for postings in major cities. (New York, Chicago, LA, San Francisco and Atlanta) Look under the witing/editing jobs and the writing gigs.
Ed2010 - The site is New York City focused but it does post freelance positions from time to time. Plus it gives little tidbits of advice and answers your questions.
indeed - Type in freelance and you’ll find hundreds of options.
Elance - The site has fewer writing jobs than most, but this is a great site if you are skilled in other marketable for-hire areas like design or web programming.
iFreelance - Features both those looking for freelancers and writers looking for gigs. Create your profile and start looking through the open jobs.
Simply Hired - Again type in freelance and a lot of positions will come up.
FreelanceSwitch - Lists a number of freelance jobs including writing, illustration, design, etc..
Freelance Writing Gigs - This is a great resource for jobs as well as tips on what to do and what not to do.
Twitter - Believe it or not I have actually landed a number of freelance jobs by getting my name out there on twitter.
FreelanceSwitch has a list of 100 job sites. A lot of them are a waste of time, but this may give you a couple more areas to start with.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
But I Don't Want to Social Media...
Today I read a rant by a recent journalism grad who thinks it is ludicrous for a potential employer to demand candidates know the ins and outs of social media sites. This writer then went on to bemoan her unemployed state and I thought - yeah, no duh!
It is almost irresponsible for a writer not to understand the importance of social media and its huge impact on the world. It is likewise ridiculous for those writers not to know how to utilize a select few social media outlets. Does that mean all recent grads need to join Twitter, Myspace, Facebook, Plurk, Bebo, LinkedIn, FriendFeed, YouTube, etc? No. But a responsible modern journalist should actively belong to a few sites and know the general feel of the others.
I’m in the process of hiring a summer intern and one of the main qualifications I have is a working knowledge of both Facebook and Twitter. Since I control the web content for the teen site, Twitter and Facebook are used daily. If I have to take the time to explain every aspect of both these sites to an intern it is time spent away from our main goal - building the brand.
So it’s not ridiculous for employers to ask that an applicant know social media. And if you think it is you need to jump on the bandwagon fast.
It is almost irresponsible for a writer not to understand the importance of social media and its huge impact on the world. It is likewise ridiculous for those writers not to know how to utilize a select few social media outlets. Does that mean all recent grads need to join Twitter, Myspace, Facebook, Plurk, Bebo, LinkedIn, FriendFeed, YouTube, etc? No. But a responsible modern journalist should actively belong to a few sites and know the general feel of the others.
I’m in the process of hiring a summer intern and one of the main qualifications I have is a working knowledge of both Facebook and Twitter. Since I control the web content for the teen site, Twitter and Facebook are used daily. If I have to take the time to explain every aspect of both these sites to an intern it is time spent away from our main goal - building the brand.
So it’s not ridiculous for employers to ask that an applicant know social media. And if you think it is you need to jump on the bandwagon fast.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Write for Free
Anyone who has tried to land a freelance gig through the internet has probably run up against a number of publications that don’t pay a cent for articles. Some writers, and a lot of bloggers, say you should NEVER under any circumstances write for free. Demand to be paid and demand to be paid well for the work you do. I disagree - well sorta.
When trying to expand your portfolio or break into a new niche it’s ok, and probably wise, to take a couple non-paying gigs. You get the bonus of being able to add the article to your clips and the publication to your list of places your work has appeared.
Choose these sites/blogs/publications wisely. You don’t want your work appearing on a site that looks like the designer took one class in the 1980s on web design and has been using that ‘knowledge’ ever since. You also don’t want your work appearing on a site that looks irreputable or hastily put together. Find pubs that look legit and have been around for more than a month. Longevity is the key. If the site/pub dies your article basically dies with it.
Experiment with a couple different types of mediums for your articles. Think outside the box. Pitch stories and guest blog spots to any of the sites you check regularly.
For articles in which no compensation is attached think of it as a marketing tool. Never agree to a no-pay article that will not include your name. (Some sites will try to get you to ‘ghost’ write for free - HA! That won’t do you any good.) Check with the editor and see if he/she will let you put a link in the article to your website or blog. Also see if they will let you put a one-line bio at the end of the article. Something like: Katie Hinderer is a Midwest-based freelance writer, covering real estate, fashion, beauty and hip hop for a variety of publications.
Don’t let the no-pay go too far. An article, or even a few, for a publication/site that is reputable and is allowing you to stretch your writing abilities is great. But it is easy for editors/business owners to take advantage of your eagerness to write. They usually won’t even mention compensation unless you do. After writing several articles, reach out to the person you submit the pieces to and ask if there could be any kind of compensation arrangement.
Sometimes you luck out an get a paying gig (even if it is just a small stipend per article). Other times there really is no money and you need to make the decision - is it worth the clips to keep writing for this publication or do I need to move on?
Nine times out of ten it is better to move on and pursue other paying gigs than to keep with non-pay ones. (With that said, I did take a non-paying gig for months that turned into a lucrative freelance position when the company was a little more established.)
When trying to expand your portfolio or break into a new niche it’s ok, and probably wise, to take a couple non-paying gigs. You get the bonus of being able to add the article to your clips and the publication to your list of places your work has appeared.
Choose these sites/blogs/publications wisely. You don’t want your work appearing on a site that looks like the designer took one class in the 1980s on web design and has been using that ‘knowledge’ ever since. You also don’t want your work appearing on a site that looks irreputable or hastily put together. Find pubs that look legit and have been around for more than a month. Longevity is the key. If the site/pub dies your article basically dies with it.
Experiment with a couple different types of mediums for your articles. Think outside the box. Pitch stories and guest blog spots to any of the sites you check regularly.
For articles in which no compensation is attached think of it as a marketing tool. Never agree to a no-pay article that will not include your name. (Some sites will try to get you to ‘ghost’ write for free - HA! That won’t do you any good.) Check with the editor and see if he/she will let you put a link in the article to your website or blog. Also see if they will let you put a one-line bio at the end of the article. Something like: Katie Hinderer is a Midwest-based freelance writer, covering real estate, fashion, beauty and hip hop for a variety of publications.
Don’t let the no-pay go too far. An article, or even a few, for a publication/site that is reputable and is allowing you to stretch your writing abilities is great. But it is easy for editors/business owners to take advantage of your eagerness to write. They usually won’t even mention compensation unless you do. After writing several articles, reach out to the person you submit the pieces to and ask if there could be any kind of compensation arrangement.
Sometimes you luck out an get a paying gig (even if it is just a small stipend per article). Other times there really is no money and you need to make the decision - is it worth the clips to keep writing for this publication or do I need to move on?
Nine times out of ten it is better to move on and pursue other paying gigs than to keep with non-pay ones. (With that said, I did take a non-paying gig for months that turned into a lucrative freelance position when the company was a little more established.)
Friday, April 24, 2009
Constructing the Cover Letter
I’ve been getting a number of resumes lately for a couple freelance positions I’m trying to fill and as I read through them this week it got me thinking that most people FAIL in the cover letter. Some people don’t even bother to send a cover letter. I got an e-mail today with two attachments - a resume and a clip. Um... delete.
Maybe I’m too demanding, but after spending a summer working in a human resources department in which I was in charge of sorting through the hundreds of resumes that cam in daily I know what I want to see and what I don’t.
Tips to constructing the nearly perfect cover letter:
Address the person by name. (If that is not immediately apparent do the research. I notice the extra effort someone put in to find my full name.)
Do not put To Whom It May Concern: (If you can’t find a name at least put Dear Editor or Dear Hiring Manager.)
Spell Check! (If you are applying for a writing or editing job and can’t get a couple paragraphs right - there’s a problem.)
Do not send a form letter. (You might think it’s not that obvious but it is. The typical: ‘I would be great for this position because I have a diverse background that would fit in well with your publication,’ is blah, unoriginal and thoughtless. Include the publication name, name of the position you are applying for an some relevant info about the pub that says you’ve seen it.)
Tailor the letter to the publication you are applying to. (If it is a gardening magazine, tell the editor why you are the gardening ‘guru,’ why no one else is as suited for the job.)
Don’t be cocky. (Yes, toot your horn! But don’t laud your praises in such an obtrusive blatant manner. Subtly will serve you best in this area. Instead of: “My writing is so outstanding, I’ve landed the lead story several times at XYZ publication.” Try this: “My writing has been featured in XYZ publication, where I was able to pen the lead story on TKTK.”)
Follow directions. (If an employment ad asks for a resume and clips, don’t neglect to send those along and mention them in your letter. “Attached you will find my resume and several sample clips...”)
Talk about you past experience. (Seems obvious, right? Well, a number of people miss this step. They say what they are applying for, how to reach them, how excited they are for the opportunity, and they never say why their past is going to better the pubs future.)
Keep it short. (A cover letter that is more than a few paragraphs is way too long. I don’t have the time or energy to read through all the reasons you’re great. Show your journalism prowess and get to the point.)
Include your name and contact info. (Duh. Yeah, but people leave it out. Send your e-mail, cell phone, home phone, website, blog address, twitter account, etc..)
Name drop publications. (Instead of telling me: 'I've worked for a variety of publications in recent years.' Tell me: Most recently I worked as a staff writer at Garden's Delight. For this southern-garden focus publication I handled the DIY column as well as the 'Profile a Gardener' piece.)
Be original. (You only get one chance at a first impression. Make the editor remember your cover letter, make it sound like you, make it stand out, make it unique.)
Maybe I’m too demanding, but after spending a summer working in a human resources department in which I was in charge of sorting through the hundreds of resumes that cam in daily I know what I want to see and what I don’t.
Tips to constructing the nearly perfect cover letter:
Address the person by name. (If that is not immediately apparent do the research. I notice the extra effort someone put in to find my full name.)
Do not put To Whom It May Concern: (If you can’t find a name at least put Dear Editor or Dear Hiring Manager.)
Spell Check! (If you are applying for a writing or editing job and can’t get a couple paragraphs right - there’s a problem.)
Do not send a form letter. (You might think it’s not that obvious but it is. The typical: ‘I would be great for this position because I have a diverse background that would fit in well with your publication,’ is blah, unoriginal and thoughtless. Include the publication name, name of the position you are applying for an some relevant info about the pub that says you’ve seen it.)
Tailor the letter to the publication you are applying to. (If it is a gardening magazine, tell the editor why you are the gardening ‘guru,’ why no one else is as suited for the job.)
Don’t be cocky. (Yes, toot your horn! But don’t laud your praises in such an obtrusive blatant manner. Subtly will serve you best in this area. Instead of: “My writing is so outstanding, I’ve landed the lead story several times at XYZ publication.” Try this: “My writing has been featured in XYZ publication, where I was able to pen the lead story on TKTK.”)
Follow directions. (If an employment ad asks for a resume and clips, don’t neglect to send those along and mention them in your letter. “Attached you will find my resume and several sample clips...”)
Talk about you past experience. (Seems obvious, right? Well, a number of people miss this step. They say what they are applying for, how to reach them, how excited they are for the opportunity, and they never say why their past is going to better the pubs future.)
Keep it short. (A cover letter that is more than a few paragraphs is way too long. I don’t have the time or energy to read through all the reasons you’re great. Show your journalism prowess and get to the point.)
Include your name and contact info. (Duh. Yeah, but people leave it out. Send your e-mail, cell phone, home phone, website, blog address, twitter account, etc..)
Name drop publications. (Instead of telling me: 'I've worked for a variety of publications in recent years.' Tell me: Most recently I worked as a staff writer at Garden's Delight. For this southern-garden focus publication I handled the DIY column as well as the 'Profile a Gardener' piece.)
Be original. (You only get one chance at a first impression. Make the editor remember your cover letter, make it sound like you, make it stand out, make it unique.)
Friday Feature: Rachel Doyle
Over the years I’ve come across some pretty neat people doing some pretty amazing things. Friday’s are now dedicated to those people.
Today’s Friday Feature: Rachel Doyle, founder of GlamourGals.
I first crossed paths with Rachel (the middle person in the pic above) while living in New York. I sat on the board of a college group called Fashion Forum, which tries to demystify the fashion industry while promoting positive conversation about women and body image. Rachel came to speak at one of our events about the company she started and the mission behind it - I was forever sold on her.
GlamourGals, as her company is called, helps to bridge the gap between high school teenagers and the elderly women in their communities. Girls open chapters in their town or through their school and at least once a week the members get together and head to a nursing home or long-term care facility. While there the girls give manicures, facials, makeovers, etc.. to the women living there. In turn the women talk about their lives, sharing stories and helpful pearls of wisdom.
The girls involved all walk away with a better understanding of the human person and her innate dignity. It’s beautiful to see. I had the chance to talk with several members from the different New York City chapters and nearly everyone said the same thing: Before they started they were afraid of the elderly and found them unattractive. Now they look forward to the meetings and love the chance to brighten up the day of another.
Rachel’s been featured on Oprah, Seventeen Magazine, RelateMag.com and a number of local TV stations. The group is expanding, with chapters in numerous states across the country and plans to grow rapidly.
Today’s Friday Feature: Rachel Doyle, founder of GlamourGals.
I first crossed paths with Rachel (the middle person in the pic above) while living in New York. I sat on the board of a college group called Fashion Forum, which tries to demystify the fashion industry while promoting positive conversation about women and body image. Rachel came to speak at one of our events about the company she started and the mission behind it - I was forever sold on her.
GlamourGals, as her company is called, helps to bridge the gap between high school teenagers and the elderly women in their communities. Girls open chapters in their town or through their school and at least once a week the members get together and head to a nursing home or long-term care facility. While there the girls give manicures, facials, makeovers, etc.. to the women living there. In turn the women talk about their lives, sharing stories and helpful pearls of wisdom.
The girls involved all walk away with a better understanding of the human person and her innate dignity. It’s beautiful to see. I had the chance to talk with several members from the different New York City chapters and nearly everyone said the same thing: Before they started they were afraid of the elderly and found them unattractive. Now they look forward to the meetings and love the chance to brighten up the day of another.
Rachel’s been featured on Oprah, Seventeen Magazine, RelateMag.com and a number of local TV stations. The group is expanding, with chapters in numerous states across the country and plans to grow rapidly.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
J Pet Peeves: THAT
I post journalism pet peeves a couple times a week on twitter and they have begun to get funny comments and feedback, so I'm going to explain the pet peeves on here.
Today's: The extreme use of the word 'that' by writers. It is usually never needed!! Clean up the copy and cut 'that' out.
I've had writers who manage to squish the word 'that' in nearly every sentence. As a journalist you should be concerned about each and every word you type. Ask yourself: Is this word necessary? Does it further the story? Am I just trying to fill to reach a certain word count?
Copy should never read like this: The company, that filed bankruptcy today, said that it would move forward with discussion with the courts within the week. Experts expect that process will take up to four months, and that by June the company will be completely restructured. That said, company officials believe that it will still be able to move forward with the development of the new restaurant that it is building in Oz. UGH UGH UGH!! (I totally made this us - but it's not uncommon.)
By cutting out nearly every use of the word 'that' the paragraph reads smoothly and gets to the point quickly and effectively.
It should read more like this: The company, which filed bankruptcy today, said it would move forward with discussion with the courts within the week. Experts expect the process will take up to four months, and by June the company will be completely restructured. Company officials believe it will still be able to move forward with the development of the new restaurant it is building in Oz.
Past J Pet Peeves:
J Pet Peeve: PR firms sending releases on something that is unrelated to the topic I cover. Ex: Real estate doesn't care about foot fungus.
J Pet peeve: Pitches, press releases sent my way with my first or last name spelled wrong. It's all over the site.. not hard to get it right.
J Pet Peeve: Journalists should not waste a question in a press conference when the answer that can be found on a list the co released!
J Pet Peeve: Except in very rare cases, a comma should NEVER appear before the word 'and.' They serve the same purpose!
Today's: The extreme use of the word 'that' by writers. It is usually never needed!! Clean up the copy and cut 'that' out.
I've had writers who manage to squish the word 'that' in nearly every sentence. As a journalist you should be concerned about each and every word you type. Ask yourself: Is this word necessary? Does it further the story? Am I just trying to fill to reach a certain word count?
Copy should never read like this: The company, that filed bankruptcy today, said that it would move forward with discussion with the courts within the week. Experts expect that process will take up to four months, and that by June the company will be completely restructured. That said, company officials believe that it will still be able to move forward with the development of the new restaurant that it is building in Oz. UGH UGH UGH!! (I totally made this us - but it's not uncommon.)
By cutting out nearly every use of the word 'that' the paragraph reads smoothly and gets to the point quickly and effectively.
It should read more like this: The company, which filed bankruptcy today, said it would move forward with discussion with the courts within the week. Experts expect the process will take up to four months, and by June the company will be completely restructured. Company officials believe it will still be able to move forward with the development of the new restaurant it is building in Oz.
Past J Pet Peeves:
J Pet Peeve: PR firms sending releases on something that is unrelated to the topic I cover. Ex: Real estate doesn't care about foot fungus.
J Pet peeve: Pitches, press releases sent my way with my first or last name spelled wrong. It's all over the site.. not hard to get it right.
J Pet Peeve: Journalists should not waste a question in a press conference when the answer that can be found on a list the co released!
J Pet Peeve: Except in very rare cases, a comma should NEVER appear before the word 'and.' They serve the same purpose!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Join the Conversation
Writers: Seriously, get on Twitter. Today was #editorchat. Monday was #journchat. Last Friday was #queryday. Each of these events offer pearls of wisdom to the writing community. Whether you are working on your first book or writing for a business publication Twitter is the place to go to work on perfecting your craft.
The events have a moderator, who poses a question for the 'audience' to answer and discuss. It's an open and honest way to talk with others in your field. There is no self promotion or job seeking during the chat hours. Writers can introduce themselves at the beginning of the event and can throw a little pitch in when the convo has ended.
Today’s #editorchat talked primarily about social media and a writer’s online presence. @LydiaBreakfast and @milehighfool moderated.
What you should take away:
To see the pearls of wisdom from #queryday check out my previous blog post.
You can find #editorchat online every Wednesday evening. #journchat is every Monday evening. #journ2journ if every Thursday night. #blogchat is on Sunday nights. #queryday (or #queryfail as it was initially called) is totally random so just wait for it.
The events have a moderator, who poses a question for the 'audience' to answer and discuss. It's an open and honest way to talk with others in your field. There is no self promotion or job seeking during the chat hours. Writers can introduce themselves at the beginning of the event and can throw a little pitch in when the convo has ended.
Today’s #editorchat talked primarily about social media and a writer’s online presence. @LydiaBreakfast and @milehighfool moderated.
What you should take away:
- Social Media is an effective way to further your brand and your publication’s name.
- If you aren’t utilizing SM, or if an editor thinks it is unimportant, you’re living in the stone age.
- Some editors are asking writers to utilize SM. Others aren’t interested in it at all.
- SM can be the way to establish your platform.
- Some writers said it was important to develop your niche platform through blogs and the like.
- Others said they didn’t write for a niche but for the people.
- HARO (http://helpareporter.com/) is the site to go to for when in need of fast sources - but you’ll land dozens of contacts immediately.
- Changing genres is difficult but not impossible.
- Personality can come across more in blogs, while more editors are looking for hard news and little personality.
To see the pearls of wisdom from #queryday check out my previous blog post.
You can find #editorchat online every Wednesday evening. #journchat is every Monday evening. #journ2journ if every Thursday night. #blogchat is on Sunday nights. #queryday (or #queryfail as it was initially called) is totally random so just wait for it.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
The Follow Up!
For anyone trying to get a little freelancing under his/her belt the follow-up is crucial. As someone who works daily on both the pitching side and the editorial side I’ve learned the importance of sending that short e-mail or placing that quick phone call.
As an editor, there are days when I see hundreds of e-mails; those include PR pitches, assigned stories, freelancers seeking work and general spam. Of course I try to respond to each e-mail but there are things that get lost or put aside till later. I’ve had several writers over the years who I’d be happy to have write more for me, but I don’t have the time to go back through months of e-mails to find their name and email address to contact them about that.
I’d much prefer a writer send me a reminder e-mail. Something short and nice. For example, “Hi. Last month I sent along a pitch on XYZ and I just wanted to follow up with you about the idea. Will it work for your publication? I could have the completed article to you by the end of the week if it is something you are interested in. Thanks.” This will get an automatic response from me.
As a writer I’ve gotten a number of assignments via the follow up. Editors are busy. They’ve got a lot on their plates. A simple nudge helps. Sometimes I get an assignment the same day I send a nudge. Sometimes it’s a month later and the editor writes back with an apology and an assignment. Sweet.
Tips to the follow up:
As an editor, there are days when I see hundreds of e-mails; those include PR pitches, assigned stories, freelancers seeking work and general spam. Of course I try to respond to each e-mail but there are things that get lost or put aside till later. I’ve had several writers over the years who I’d be happy to have write more for me, but I don’t have the time to go back through months of e-mails to find their name and email address to contact them about that.
I’d much prefer a writer send me a reminder e-mail. Something short and nice. For example, “Hi. Last month I sent along a pitch on XYZ and I just wanted to follow up with you about the idea. Will it work for your publication? I could have the completed article to you by the end of the week if it is something you are interested in. Thanks.” This will get an automatic response from me.
As a writer I’ve gotten a number of assignments via the follow up. Editors are busy. They’ve got a lot on their plates. A simple nudge helps. Sometimes I get an assignment the same day I send a nudge. Sometimes it’s a month later and the editor writes back with an apology and an assignment. Sweet.
Tips to the follow up:
- Keep it short and simple.
- Remind him/her when you sent the initial e-mail.
- Restate your pitch. (An editor is not going to want to waste their time to go back and look up your original e-mail.)
- Don’t lose heart.
- If several weeks have gone by without a response to the follow up. Try one more time.
- Don’t send an e-mail every day. That’s sure fire way to tick someone off.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Why I Love Freelancing: Reason 2
The diversity this writing option offers me is absolutely one of my favorite parts of this whole experience.
For example, in total today I wrote 5 articles. For my commercial real estate site I wrote about TFC Financial repaying its TARP funds and a law firm looking to relocate in downtown Milwaukee. For the teen magazine I wrote a review of 17 Again and a mini-celeb profile. For a new site, I'm now guest writing for, I wrote a piece on what to do in Chicago on vacation.
But the diversity doesn't just stop there. I read press releases on hip hop artists and began formulating what the next edition of the ATL-based mag will look like. I assigned stories to my writers on a dance crew, a new teen-heartthrob actor, and a 12-year-old girl who sells handmade flip-flops to raise money for charity.
I know, some freelancers say to find a writing niche and stick to that. And that may be perfect for some people. I've got a friend who writes just about beauty topics. She's amazing and has an endless store of new ideas to pitch to hundreds of publications. But for me, I'm not as enthralled by any one thing as she is. I like to read about everything. I like to be able to discuss the latest sports scores, the newest beauty trend, the recently announced bankruptcy and the newest album to drop. Freelancing gives me that option and pays me to be so diverse.
Why I Love Freelancing, Reason 2: I get to have my finger on the pulse of a number of areas.
For example, in total today I wrote 5 articles. For my commercial real estate site I wrote about TFC Financial repaying its TARP funds and a law firm looking to relocate in downtown Milwaukee. For the teen magazine I wrote a review of 17 Again and a mini-celeb profile. For a new site, I'm now guest writing for, I wrote a piece on what to do in Chicago on vacation.
But the diversity doesn't just stop there. I read press releases on hip hop artists and began formulating what the next edition of the ATL-based mag will look like. I assigned stories to my writers on a dance crew, a new teen-heartthrob actor, and a 12-year-old girl who sells handmade flip-flops to raise money for charity.
I know, some freelancers say to find a writing niche and stick to that. And that may be perfect for some people. I've got a friend who writes just about beauty topics. She's amazing and has an endless store of new ideas to pitch to hundreds of publications. But for me, I'm not as enthralled by any one thing as she is. I like to read about everything. I like to be able to discuss the latest sports scores, the newest beauty trend, the recently announced bankruptcy and the newest album to drop. Freelancing gives me that option and pays me to be so diverse.
Why I Love Freelancing, Reason 2: I get to have my finger on the pulse of a number of areas.
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