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Question of the (Thurs)day- In Honor of Writer's Worth Week!
Thu, 17 May 2012 23:00:00 -0400
Today's question comes from a friend at my Facebook (not the one where I have arguments with my family and gossip with my girlfriends, the one where I friend my clients and contractors and try to appear normal).
Today I made a couple of medium-ish payments via PayPal. Generally, when you send money via PayPal, someone has to pay a percentage to the PP company. Jessica asked how contractors and writers handle the fees, as they could get exorbitant on large payments. She wondered who paid the fees- do I pay extra, or do my contractors not seem to mind?
Generally my US- based workers don't mind, and most see it as a cost of doing business and will write off the fee. When the payment is REALLY high, though, most prefer a paper check, as obviously the fee balloons accordingly.
On the receiving end, I will personally accept PayPal if the fee will come out to under about $30. For me, the cost equals out with the pain-in-the-you-know-what that paper checks can be. I spend about half hour of time dealing with paper checks, from opening them, noting them in a spreadsheet, signing them, and then taking them to the bank- my least favorite part. Then, I have to wait for them to clear. Which annoys me. Alot. Because I despise my bank.
With PayPal, the records are kept for me, and I don't have to leave my house. Which works well when you're still in your pajamas. (Ok, all pun aside, I just hate using my time to wait in line at the bank to deposit a piece of paper! And I hate disruptions to my routines.)
However, my translators are mostly international. And they tend to despise PayPal and the fees. Often, they can't connect their banks to PP the way that you and I can. They sometimes have to go to retail or office outlets to claim PayPal monies (think Western Union). In addition, the $20 in American money is often a much larger amount, comparably, in their economy.
For those translators/contractors who come through for me, meet my deadlines, and give me quality translation, I work with them to find a happy alternative. There are several systems similar to PP that are available in Latin America. I used to pay via Western Union, which is a serious, serious pain designed to drive any sane person to the point of Selma & Louise, but I'd do it again for the right contractor.
Great question Jessica!
Do you have a question for me? Leave it in the comments.Question of the (Thurs)day- In Honor of Writer's Worth Week! originally appeared on About.com Freelance Writing on Thursday, May 17th, 2012 at 23:00:05.Permalink | Comment | Email this
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Question of the (Wednes)Day: Wheres the Dough?
Wed, 16 May 2012 23:13:00 -0400
As promised on Monday, I will be answering a question per day in honor of Writer's Worth Week.
Today's questions comes from Sammi:
"Where is the MONEY in freelance writing? What kind of clients/kind of writing offers a livable wage?"
What a great question for Writer's Worth Week. We all know you're not going to get your worth if you're knocking on doors in the wrong neighborhood. So where are the right neighborhoods?
For me, the best kinds of clients are:
Local/state nonprofits
Regional magazines (that I got in on at the ground floor start up)
Education entities that need lesson plans, web content, and so on (virtual schools, colleges, for profit colleges)
(So, if you have read any of this blog or guest blogs I've contributed, you'll notice that my best clients are those that are in my niche area.)
For me, the best kinds of writing are:
Media pieces (an ongoing need)
Lesson plans/educational content
Any content that presents an ongoing, steady opportunity and paycheck
(Basically, this boils down to any KIND of writing that is an ongoing need. That's because those are the clients that pay the bills! They pay regularly, so you know your heat won't be turned off while waiting months for a payment. They always have another piece that needs to be written. I will always seek out long term, ongoing types of writing relationships over one-off projects.)
Ok, that's me. How about in general? Where is the writing money at?
Clients that are known to pay well:
Businesses with copywriting/ad needs
Larger glossy magazines
Government contracts
Types of writing that are known to pay well:
Copy, copy, copy (for-profit business copy!)
Solid magazine journalism (not fluff)
Ghostwriting for established publishers
Did I miss something? Where would YOU say the money is in this field?
Would you like to submit the Question of the (Thurs)day? Leave a comment below.Question of the (Wednes)Day: Wheres the Dough? originally appeared on About.com Freelance Writing on Wednesday, May 16th, 2012 at 23:13:01.Permalink | Comment | Email this
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Writer's Worth Week: Question of the (Tues)Day
Tue, 15 May 2012 18:59:00 -0400
As promised yesterday, I'm answering one question per day during Writer's Worth Week. My theory is that, if you have the knowledge about this career that you need, if you have the access to a professional that's "been there, done that," if you have a resource to go to when you have those pesky questions or are standing at a crossroads, you'll be more likely to understand and build your worth as a writer.
So let's get to it.
A couple days ago, reader Christine asked why I thought over 14 magazine weren't interested in her pitch for a really unique article.
There are a couple of reasons that this pitch may not be working, Christine. Getting an article placed in a magazine is a tidy little formula of {great story + great pitch + correct magazine}. Any one of these three factors might be off.
Story:
Perhaps your story is not as interesting as we both think. Or, perhaps this particular topic has been overdone and had its heyday. This is really an easy problem to solve by massaging the story. Consider finding a new tack, or connecting the story to a recent news item or event in the cultural milieu. However, I tend to think that every story has some home.
More information on stories:
Easy Ways to Generate Story Ideas
How Long Does It Take You To Write An Article?
Pitch:
If the problem is in your pitch, it's likely that you simply need some guidelines and practice. Editors like pitches to follow a general format- this shows them that you're not a newb off the street with a lightning-rod idea but no know-how to get it on paper. It shows them that, instead, you know this industry (as evidenced by submitting a standard query letter with all the parts she needs to make her decision). In the pitch, you should have shook out your general idea into a nuanced tack with a specific approach. You should have also demonstrated your writing prowess. (However, I'm not talking about purple prose here. Demonstrate that you can write efficiently, and have enough of a grasp of grammar that she's not going to spend three hours editing your piece).
More about pitch/query letters:
Magazine Queries That Get Accepted
Sample Query Letter
Correct Publication
Now, when I say "correct," I'm talking fit. Your idea must fit their magazine. If you ever approach a magazine thinking "this isn't like anything they've ever done, but it will wow their readers, so hopefully they'll see the genius in it," then you must reconsider. The magazine doesn't change to fit your idea. Your idea must find the magazine that fits it. In addition, your idea and pitch must be tailored to their readers- think about demographics, beliefs, etc.
More information on publications:
Know Your Magazine Inside and Out
How To Write for National Magazines
Thanks for the question, Christine, and good luck!
Got a question for Writer's Worth Week? I'm answering one every day! Leave it in the comments below.Writer's Worth Week: Question of the (Tues)Day originally appeared on About.com Freelance Writing on Tuesday, May 15th, 2012 at 18:59:10.Permalink | Comment | Email this
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It's Writer's Worth Week- What Are YOU Worth?
Mon, 14 May 2012 10:07:00 -0400
Writer's Worth Week was started five years ago by Lori Widmer, who has been a constant and vocal advocate of professional writers everywhere. It was motivated by the desire to show writers that there is NO need to accept pennies for work, and to consistently devalue this career.
My two cents about Writers Worth Week: This is a business, people. I've consistently and repeatedly shown you the innards of this career (for over 4 years now). I patiently answer questions via email and this blog. I give out free advice that many other pro writers will charge you coaching fees for. My point is that no one who reads this site should devalue this career, in any way, ever.
In honor of Writer's Worth Week, I'll be contributing a post to Lori's blog (asap, Lori, I swear), and answering a career question here every day this week and next (it's two weeks! yay!).
Got a question? Ask it here!It's Writer's Worth Week- What Are YOU Worth? originally appeared on About.com Freelance Writing on Monday, May 14th, 2012 at 10:07:34.Permalink | Comment | Email this
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What? Free Books You Say?
Wed, 02 May 2012 16:24:00 -0400
Hey readers, you can't pass this up! Writer Mama Christina Katz is hosting an every-day-in-May book giveaway on her blog.
And these are some great books, too. Day 2 was Writer for Hire, 101 Secrets to Freelance Success by Kelly James-Enger (and, by the way, HOW did I miss this book when it published? Today is the first time I'm hearing of it. HELLO ALLENA!) All you have to do is answer Christina's question in the comments, and you're entered.
Man, can't imagine her postage bill after mailing 30 books in 30 days... Hello, tax write off.What? Free Books You Say? originally appeared on About.com Freelance Writing on Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012 at 16:24:40.Permalink | Comment | Email this
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Ready to Pitch? Not So Fast!
Mon, 30 Apr 2012 23:50:00 -0400
So, you've got an incredible idea for a magazine article, and you've perfected your pitch? You're ready, right? Not so fast! Before you pitch that article, you need to make sure that you've targeted the best possible outlet. Here's how to make sure you know your magazine inside and out.Ready to Pitch? Not So Fast! originally appeared on About.com Freelance Writing on Monday, April 30th, 2012 at 23:50:04.Permalink | Comment | Email this
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How Exactly DO You Get Freelance Writing/Editing Jobs?
Mon, 30 Apr 2012 23:13:00 -0400
A reader asks how exactly one procures the actual freelance writing or editing job? What is the process?How Exactly DO You Get Freelance Writing/Editing Jobs? originally appeared on About.com Freelance Writing on Monday, April 30th, 2012 at 23:13:44.Permalink | Comment | Email this
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Got a Publishing Rights Question?
Mon, 30 Apr 2012 22:37:00 -0400
So do many of my readers! Check out this FAQ on selling first rights. Got a Publishing Rights Question? originally appeared on About.com Freelance Writing on Monday, April 30th, 2012 at 22:37:03.Permalink | Comment | Email this
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Interested in Screenwriting?
Mon, 30 Apr 2012 21:52:00 -0400
I've had several readers ask for information on writing for TV or movies, and have been at a total loss. Luckily, screenwriter Anderson Sterling provided this wonderful guest article on the screenwriting genre.Interested in Screenwriting? originally appeared on About.com Freelance Writing on Monday, April 30th, 2012 at 21:52:41.Permalink | Comment | Email this
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Need to Talk With Writers Who've Used Social Media in a Unique Way
Thu, 26 Apr 2012 19:25:00 -0400
Hi readers. Wow am I slammed lately! But, I'm not complaining. It actually feels good.
I'm writing an article on the ways that we can use social media for Connection, Promotion, Research or Practice. I need to talk with writers or authors who have used social media in a unique way for any of those purposes. I'm also looking for some social media success stories among writers and authors.
I'm willing to talk on the phone, via chat, or email. Whatever works for you. I am hoping for some unique examples to share with readers.
Send me an email (allena at gardenwallpublications dot com) or poke me on FB or Twitter (@allenat). Thanks!Need to Talk With Writers Who've Used Social Media in a Unique Way originally appeared on About.com Freelance Writing on Thursday, April 26th, 2012 at 19:25:19.Permalink | Comment | Email this
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