I have read many articles and blog posts dealing with this subject, but now that I am offering small jobs here and there, I am surprised at the lack of...well...something that writers who are responding to these ads have when writing their emails.
I tried to be clear in my ad, say exactly what I was offering and for how much. I'm still getting people asking me how much I am paying and what the job is for. Or even emails that have no welcoming speech in them.
I am not the queen of all writing knowledge, but I just have to say something here. If you are going to answer an ad, don't ever, ever forget to address the person who placed the ad. If you do not know if they are an Editor or not, still assume that they are. I would prefer to see 'Dear Editor:' over nothing at all. Even if I am a webmaster, it is still nicer than 'Hey I am replying to your ad'
If you are writing me, I know you are replying to my ad. Easy enough, huh?
It's all about manners and careful reading of the ad. Give me a catchy subject line or just make sure to put the position title in the subject line. No subjects and snarky ones are likely to get deleted. No subjects might get a look, though, because all of us have made that mistake before.
If you are sending multiple emails, state 'resend' in the subject and WHY in the very first sentence. The first sentence shows up in most emails, giving the editor a chance to scan their email and see what catches their attention. That also means, make your first line in a cover letter SNAPPY. Get that editor to open your email!
Always, always send a nice cover letter. Your email is selling yourself and no matter what someone else tells you, the email answering a job post IS a cover letter. Whether you paste in your resume is another question. I only do it if the job calls for one or is tasty enough to make me really, really want to give that extra OOMPH.
So, give it your best when you send an email answering a job ad. It might well land you that job everyone else wants.
Showing posts with label freelance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label freelance. Show all posts
Oh, Please. Check Your Links.
Ok, here's my tip of the day, week, millennium.
If you are going to blog and have links for other bloggers to pick up jobs or that offer great opportunities for other writers, do us all a favor and CHECK YOUR LINKS.
Yeah, I yelled that.
Just stopped by a blog which will remain nameless (no it's not deb's, i don't want to be torched and killed) and nearly every link in one post to some sites that offer jobs went to broken sites, empty sites, or whatnot.
A good blog or website checks links occasionally and doesn't post without first checking the links. The ones I am referring to had been just placed to sites that have been dead for months, in some cases years. I know this because I visited the sites when they were still open.
So...take the time to check your sources before cutting and pasting links from an article you read. Can save you some grief and not waste your readers' time.
If you are going to blog and have links for other bloggers to pick up jobs or that offer great opportunities for other writers, do us all a favor and CHECK YOUR LINKS.
Yeah, I yelled that.
Just stopped by a blog which will remain nameless (no it's not deb's, i don't want to be torched and killed) and nearly every link in one post to some sites that offer jobs went to broken sites, empty sites, or whatnot.
A good blog or website checks links occasionally and doesn't post without first checking the links. The ones I am referring to had been just placed to sites that have been dead for months, in some cases years. I know this because I visited the sites when they were still open.
So...take the time to check your sources before cutting and pasting links from an article you read. Can save you some grief and not waste your readers' time.
Rejection
Heard from an editor concerning a short horror piece. My experimental format threw them off and got the story canned.
Blah.
Though he liked the story, just not the format, which is encouraging and asked me to submit again. I may just rewrite it or churn out something new. I'm out of a job for the Virtual Assistant gig. Their site and emails kept going down, so I'd get five at one time and several days late. So, I need some income.
Been checking out the job blogs, so if I see anything promising, I'll post it. If I don't get the gig, maybe someone who needs it will! And if you know of some, let me know, I need it!
Blah.
Though he liked the story, just not the format, which is encouraging and asked me to submit again. I may just rewrite it or churn out something new. I'm out of a job for the Virtual Assistant gig. Their site and emails kept going down, so I'd get five at one time and several days late. So, I need some income.
Been checking out the job blogs, so if I see anything promising, I'll post it. If I don't get the gig, maybe someone who needs it will! And if you know of some, let me know, I need it!
Get Started Freelancing.
I'm not an expert on writing, I just know how to find places to break into the field. I have found so many tips on Absolute Write that I wanted to share. Here is a link that will take you directly to the Freelance Writing section. You might want to check out the forums, that is where I have met a ton of great writers who also share experiences and ideas.
On the forums you can find leads, advice, and support. I have joined the Monthly 'Just Hit Send' Challenges and it has really given me the confidence to strive harder. Without the folks in that circle, I would not be as confident as now. Yes, the ook I spoke about in my previous post boosted my morale, but those guys at the Absolute Write Water Cooler have my eternal gratitude.
There is nothing like joining up with other writers to really expand your horizons. So my second tip on getting started in the world of freelancing or writing in general is to find a forum or join a writer's group offline if possible. I highly recommend the Absolute Write Water Cooler for the best groups of writers anywhere.
And if you join up, let me know! My handle is SouthernFriedJulie, drop me a PM!
On the forums you can find leads, advice, and support. I have joined the Monthly 'Just Hit Send' Challenges and it has really given me the confidence to strive harder. Without the folks in that circle, I would not be as confident as now. Yes, the ook I spoke about in my previous post boosted my morale, but those guys at the Absolute Write Water Cooler have my eternal gratitude.
There is nothing like joining up with other writers to really expand your horizons. So my second tip on getting started in the world of freelancing or writing in general is to find a forum or join a writer's group offline if possible. I highly recommend the Absolute Write Water Cooler for the best groups of writers anywhere.
And if you join up, let me know! My handle is SouthernFriedJulie, drop me a PM!
So I'm Behind/Writing Tips
I know I haven't posted in a few days. In an effort to absolve myself, I shall offer some real tips in this post for newbie writers. I mean the seriously brand spanking new, don't know where to find a thing, writers.
You're trying to get started and you have no clue. Don't worry, all of us have been there. If you're interested in the freelancing part, then I can help you. We'll move on to novels as I move on in my quest.
The very first thing you should do as a budding freelance writer is to buy "Make a Real Living As A Freelance Writer" By Jenna Glatzer. Normally, I don't go in for books on how to make a living, because most are just self promotions. "I did this, I did that, look at me" sort of thing.
Not this book. Jenna Glatzer gets right in your lap and talks to you. While reading this book, I almost felt like she was there, talking to me over a cup of coffee. I've not yet read a book on a subject with this type of friendly and down to earth HELP. Yes, it's full of honest to goodness help for the starting freelancer on up to intermediate. The advice in this book would be good even for the advanced writer.
Before reading "Make A Real Living As A Freelance Writer" most of my applications to jobs were pretty dry. I know now I came across as a total novice. The day after I finished the book, I wrote my very first query to a national magazine. A 'glossy' as it's called by most freelancers. I also wrote one for a local family magazine, with a response in a few hours.
Will I tell you if I was rejected? Sure, I will. But it was a request for the full article! I'll let you know how it goes from there.
So, take it from me, someone who has been trying to break into the freelance markets for a very long time, this book will give you the advice and help you build the confidence you need to start making a living from your writing. The site will give you links to places to find the book, but I purchased mine on ebay for a great price!
In my next post I will continue tips for the very new writer for freelance.
DISCLAIMER:
I have not been approached or compensated for this review in any way. This is my opinion only, your mileage may vary, but I doubt it.
You're trying to get started and you have no clue. Don't worry, all of us have been there. If you're interested in the freelancing part, then I can help you. We'll move on to novels as I move on in my quest.
The very first thing you should do as a budding freelance writer is to buy "Make a Real Living As A Freelance Writer" By Jenna Glatzer. Normally, I don't go in for books on how to make a living, because most are just self promotions. "I did this, I did that, look at me" sort of thing.
Not this book. Jenna Glatzer gets right in your lap and talks to you. While reading this book, I almost felt like she was there, talking to me over a cup of coffee. I've not yet read a book on a subject with this type of friendly and down to earth HELP. Yes, it's full of honest to goodness help for the starting freelancer on up to intermediate. The advice in this book would be good even for the advanced writer.
Before reading "Make A Real Living As A Freelance Writer" most of my applications to jobs were pretty dry. I know now I came across as a total novice. The day after I finished the book, I wrote my very first query to a national magazine. A 'glossy' as it's called by most freelancers. I also wrote one for a local family magazine, with a response in a few hours.
Will I tell you if I was rejected? Sure, I will. But it was a request for the full article! I'll let you know how it goes from there.
So, take it from me, someone who has been trying to break into the freelance markets for a very long time, this book will give you the advice and help you build the confidence you need to start making a living from your writing. The site will give you links to places to find the book, but I purchased mine on ebay for a great price!
In my next post I will continue tips for the very new writer for freelance.
DISCLAIMER:
I have not been approached or compensated for this review in any way. This is my opinion only, your mileage may vary, but I doubt it.
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