Business of freelancing

I. Introductions II. Markets – https://prezi.com/view/tZdJlr4KjTE1YhU68hzb/ – Sign up for curated newsletters. Here are just a few examples: – FreelanceWriting.com’s Morning Coffee Newsletter (https://www.freelancewriting.com/newsletters/morning-coffee-jobs-newsletter/) – WOW! Women On Writing Markets Newsletter (https://wow-womenonwriting.com/) III. Best Practices for Working with Editors – Query or full article? https://www.nwf.org/Magazines/National-Wildlife/Writer-Guidelines https://www.thesunmagazine.org/submit – Strategies for following up – My blog post […]

Wednesday Words of Wisdom from Langston Hughes

Failed Queries: Don’t Give Up on a Good Story

Here is another failed query that worked — after two years of trying. My profile based on this pitch, originally drafted in 2012, is scheduled for publication later this month. Its subject is working on a second cookbook, which made for an ideal opportunity to revisit the query and send an updated version to markets […]

To Record or not to Record: Transcripts are for court stenographers

Transcribing recorded interviews is far and away my least favorite part of being a freelance reporter. In fact, I rarely record interviews unless my editor requests it, and it’s not just because I’m only a fair typist on my fastest day. Here are five reasons I rely on old-fashioned pen and paper for most interviews, […]

Wednesday Words of Wisdom from John Wooden

Writing Goals for 2015

I believe working as an adjunct professor is a labor of love. Many who do it could make a lot more money per hour applying their skills outside the classroom. But some, like me, enjoy teaching and want to continue sharing their knowledge with students, albeit not on a full-time basis. Well, this semester, it’s […]

Wednesday Words of Wisdom from Hamilton Wright Mabie

Failed Queries: Here’s one that worked — after a few tries

Since this month boasts five Tuesdays, I offer a query that actually worked in place of the usual Failed Queries feature — albeit not at the first publication I pitched. So, don’t trash a query after the first rejection. And, for freelancers who are curious about how a query might translate into a full-length piece, […]

Wednesday Words of Wisdom from Benjamin Franklin

Filling the Praise Reservoir

As a teacher and freelance writer, I’m no stranger to criticism. In fact, I welcome a well-thought- out revision from an editor or insightful comment from a student that really shows they’ve paid attention and want to make you and your work better in the future. But as the semester and calendar year come to […]