Answer to #12 of 12 Questions I think are important for commercial writers to know. I think these questions are especially important for people newly striking out on their own.

I don’t have a set number yet. The reason this question is a bonus is because I’m forcing myself to do this hard part. I wanted to say that I don’t pursue leads at all. I can’t say it because it’s too early in my freelance career. And, it’s too early because I think it will always be something I’m open to in case I come across a job I really want.

Read more »

Answer to #11 of 12 Questions I think are important for commercial writers to know. I think these questions are especially important for people newly striking out on their own.

This is very hard for a new person on the grid, but it’s a great way to jump in, I think. I look for the leads that give information about the job and contact and tell you what they want concisely. I’d like to get more specific here but I think that would be best served in a full post on the subject. Right now, I’m still learning the things that appeal to me, and how my choices measure up in secured assignments.

Read more »

Answer to #10 of 12 Questions I think are important for commercial writers to know. I think these questions are especially important for people newly striking out on their own.

I use sites that are run by people I read regularly. Often, I follow them on Twitter and read and maybe comment on their blogs. They write on the subject of writing. They are sites that regularly list jobs leads along with offering a wealth of information. Theirs are sites that have become writer resource sites.

When writers are obscure, when their focus is difficult to determine, I tend to be leery of leads they post. I may be wrong for that but it’s my gut reaction. And really I have no need right now to re-think that way of reviewing leads sites.

Do you pursue leads to get assignments? How do you determine the sites you trust for their job leads?

Have you ever had a day that makes you wonder why you do the work you do? People hire you to work for them. They give you assignments which you complete effectively. They receive it with no fanfare, only thanks. I work well alone, with no fanfare is nice. I just want to do the work to the best of my ability. When my work is accepted and goes live or into circulation, that is reward enough. And of course being paid well is definitely fulfilling. With that, I’m ready for the next thing. What more do you need, right? Read more »

It’s not always easy to get what you want. You spend a lot of time wishing, wanting and waiting. “I’ll do it as soon as…” It’s a familiar opener if you spend your time putting off your dreams for practical reasons. The dream job you know you can do, that you’ve already done, has to wait because you haven’t the time or the money to get the training. Really, though, is it practical to leave your dreams to fade out, collecting dust in the recesses of your memory? Is it a good plan to wait without deadline, end date, target date, with no action toward getting what you want? I don’t think so. Read more »