Find a freelance writing job

While talent is a must if you want to succeed as a writer, a knack for business won’t hurt, either. Here are three areas to take into consideration when trying to launch a successful freelance writing business:

* The basics: In the world of writing, certain practices follow a standard format which you need to adhere to in order to survive the so-called slush pile, the mound of submissions an editor has on his or her desk that will never make it to print. For instance, always query an editor with an idea first unless the editor's guidelines clearly recommend writers submit complete manuscripts. Always address your correspondence to a specific person. Call the magazine’s editorial department for correct names of submission editors. There might be more than one if the publication is a large one with several departments. Only address an editor by e-mail if you’ve been told that’s acceptable. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your query or manuscript. If you’re not clear about how to write a query letter, consult books for sample letters. Basically, a query should include your idea presented from an unique angle, why it fits the publication you are addressing, and what qualifies you to write the article.

* The tools: Typewriters are out. If you were in the business of writing before computers were as prevalent as they are now, you might be able to get away with a typewritten submission to an editor with whom you have an established relationship. But if you’re starting now, you need a computer with a word-processing program, a laser printer, an Internet connection, and an e-mail account to be competitive as a writer. These tools can actually make your job much easier than in the days before personal computers. The simplest word-processing program will allow you to edit your work and correct mistakes before the text is printed. A laser printer ensures a clean manuscript and the ability to reprint it as many times as needed. The Internet connection and e-mail account will link you to a number of markets much larger than pre-Internet writers had ever access to, not to mention the amount of postage, print toner and paper you can save by conducting business electronically. What I like the most about submitting manuscripts by e-mail is the fact that it stretches my deadlines to the last minute. When I use the post office, I usually have to mail a manuscript about a week before it’s due to guarantee the editor will have it by the deadline. By using e-mail, I have up to the day the story is due at the editor’s desk to click the “send” button. As you get busier as a writer you’ll learn to appreciate any extra minute you can find to get all your assignments done.

* The record-keeping: Your computer will also come in handy here. Learn to create databases as soon as possible to keep all your editorial contacts, submissions, potential markets, earnings and expenses neatly organized so you don’t have to rely on your memory to recall every single editor’s name you’ve contacted as well as every business-related check you’ve received or written. The first time you file your taxes, you’ll be grateful for your diligent record-keeping throughout the year.

Now, set up your freelance writing business and go find a quiet place to start turning your ideas into profit.

careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

 

How to run a successful freelance writing business

Running your own freelance writing business can be both exciting and scary, but the most important thing to remember is that you are in business. Your business will not run itself; there is much you will have to attend to in addition to writing. On addition to knowing how to write well, you also have to know the basics of running a business.

One of the most important aspects of running your freelance writing business will be scheduling and completing the work. One of the first questions clients will ask you (after ¡§How much does this cost?¡¨) will probably be ¡§How long will this take?¡¨ This depends upon how fast you can write well. If you are good, you can do in two days what it might take another writer a week to do. When pondering how long a project will take, think about the other work you have to do within that same time period. If you have several projects with close deadlines, you need to give yourself plenty of time to do each of them well. And at first, each project may take more time than you would wish. Also think sabot how much research you have to do for a project. If you have all the information at hand, you can probably complete it much more quickly than if you have to do quite a bit of reading first. Maybe you have an interview to do; you have to schedule that into your time frame. Consider adding on two days when you tell a client when their work will be done to compensate for unforeseeable events. And never take on more work than you can handle. You'll lose more clients by missing a deadline than any other way.

Another important aspect of your freelance writing business is building the client-writer relationship. You should set out to win clients, not assignments. If you can build a nice stable of clients with returning assignments, your income will increase more than if you treat each job as just an assignment. Here are a few tips on building good relationships:

- Seek out clients who can provide you with steady assignments rather just occasional work.

- Go out of your way to please your clients, especially regular ones.

- Build a personal relationship. Drop them an occasional line or even have coffee if that's feasible.

- Participate in client activities. Go to events that you are invited to attend.

- Be especially considerate of secretaries and assistants. They have a great deal of control over who sees their bosses and who doesn't. And you never know¡Ksome day they might be promoted and become one of your clients.

- Never, ever be rude or lose your temper. Be very patient and courteous, no matter what your real feelings are. Vent somewhere else.

Good time management skills are essential for the freelancer, since you don't have someone hanging over your shoulder making sure you get things done on time. Make sure your office is efficiently organized so you can find everything quickly. Keep separate files for each project, and consider part-time secretarial help if you need it and can afford it. Remember, your time is money, so make each hour count be turning unproductive time into billable time. Try to do as much business as possible by email, phone or fax rather than in person or by mail. You will save so much time this way and remember time is money.

Another very important aspect of your freelance writing business is getting paid. To insure this, you have to know how to bill clients and how to follow up on clients who are slow to pay. You will need to send an invoice to each client for each project completed. You can buy preprinted invoices at most office supply stores or you can write a simple one yourself, detailing the date, who it's to, what work was done, the amount owed to you, and your payment terms. Most writers expect to be paid within thirty days. Send the invoice promptly, within a week of completing the work. If you have trouble collecting payment, send a polite letter to your client requesting payment. Do not threaten or sound angry; the client may simply have forgotten. If you don't hear back within two weeks, send another polite, but a bit firmer letter. Send this letter certified, return receipt requested. If you still don't get paid within two weeks, try a phone call. Keep track of everything said, and remain polite but firm. You may suggest partial payments if the client can't pay all at once. Any further communication should be by certified letter. Continue sending letters at two-week intervals until you receive payment. If you still are not paid, you can either turn collection over to an attorney or collections agency. Warn your client before you take such action.

careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy