Nesmith Library

Writer for hire, 101 secrets to freelance success, Kelly James-Enger

eng

index present

non fiction

Writer for hire

Kelly James-Enger

101 secrets to freelance success

Overview: There's no shortage of books on crafting book proposals, writing novels, overcoming writer's block, and getting in touch with one's muse. But what about a book for writers who simply want to earn a regular paycheck? Writer for Hire is just the wisdom full- and part-time freelancers' need. Author Kelly James-Enger details: 101 secrets to success, organized into five overarching strategies. You'll be able to implement what you learn immediately. Invaluable advice on managing deadlines, querying effectively, working with clients, handling taxes, invoices, and more. Strategies for getting more writing gigs, including networking (in-person and online), establishing yourself as an expert, working more efficiently under tight deadlines, and handling rejection with confidence. James-Enger looks at the "whole freelancer," addressing both the craft and business of freelancing

Introduction -- Part 1: Marketing: Selling Yourself And Your Work: -- 1: Become a query master -- 2: Focus on the front -- 3: Use the two-part test -- 4: Submit queries, not articles -- 5: Keep an LOI in your arsenal -- 6: Match your pitch to the market type -- 7: Don't take rejection personally -- 8: Listen to your gut -- 9: Harness social media - 10: Search Craigslist for work -- 11: Employ the 24-hour rule -- 12: Follow up on every pitch -- 13: Create a platform -- 14: Pitch quizzes -- 15: Master cold calls -- 16: Write for businesses -- 17: Say no to content mills -- 18: Close business -- 19: Market constantly -- Part 2: Efficiency: Making The Most Of Your Time: -- 20: Eliminate the ugliest -- 21: Track your time -- 22: Reslant every idea -- 23: Write two stories at once -- 24: Make the most of your workday -- 25: Ride your work waves -- 26: Sell stories more than once -- 27: Become a ghost -- 28: Find facts fast -- 29: Swim like a shark -- 30: Work when you're not really working -- 31: Redefine "full-time" -- 32: Write articles and books -- 33: Outsource work -- 34: Narrow your focus -- 35: Create your own templates -- 36: Locate sources more quickly -- 37: Master service writing -- 38: Consider another career -- 39: Use e-mail the right way -- 40: Perform CPR -- 41: Forget perfect -- 42: Make your own rules -- Part 3: Relationships: Building And Maintaining Connections: -- 43: Follow the platinum rule -- 44: Embrace a professional persona -- 45: Connect with other writers -- 46: Say thank you -- 47: Know how personal to get -- 48: Conduct more compelling interviews -- 49: Make clients love you --50: Choose relationships over assignments -- 51: Learn to say no -- 52: Reach out the right way -- 53: Master the one-on-one -- 54: Name your whales -- 55: Attend a conference (or two) -- 56: Avoid explosives and waifs -- 57: Make sources love you -- 58: Gather-and share-information -- Part 4: Management: Running Your Business Like A Business: -- 59: Ask for more -- 60: Know your book publishing options -- 61: Forget per-word rates -- 62: Plan on payment -- 63: Make every deadline -- 64: Fire clients -- 65: Use the four-part work test -- 66: Fight for your rights -- 67: Collect every check -- 68: Question research claims -- 69: Forget royalties -- 70: Comprehend copyright -- 71: Know your daily nut -- 72: Set both kinds of goals -- 73: Know what you can deduct -- 74: Consider opportunity cost -- 75: Diversify your work -- 76: Plan to promote -- 77: Blog with purpose -- 78: Get in front of the room -- 79: Beat the feast-or-famine syndrome -- 80: Boost your value -- 81: Manage your money -- Part 5: Balance: Your Life Inside And Outside Of The Office: -- 82: Beat burnout -- 83: Keep your hand in -- 84: Stop stressing over small stuff -- 85: Keep an inspiration file -- 86: Just write it -- 87: Get (and stay) physical -- 88: Wear a hat -- 89: Have a backup plan -- 90: Say "not right now" -- 91: Set food rules -- 92: Make waiting time work -- 93: Listen for your inner voice -- 94: Practice deliberately -- 95: Create free time -- 96: Farm out your kids -- 97: Celebrate yourself -- 98: Get a part-time job -- 99: Stay flexible -- 100: Find your own path -- 101: Show up on your mat -- Index