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Freelance Tips - by Jenn Hollowell

 
Most of the information presented here is based on my experience, on the spot findings, and progress in my own freelance writing career.

Where is Jenn Querying This Monday?

September 8th 2008 13:36

Good Monday morning!

My plans to query over the weekend were foiled by other things that came up. Rest assured, though, it was all work-related. I’m now in my office (and art studio) space and it’s amazing. I still have a lot of work to do in here, but it’s finally a usable (and very comfortable) space. Thank goodness! I’ll be far more productive in here now. I’m very excited!


Here are my targets for today:
· New Regional Wedding/Marriage Magazine Seeking Submissions : As some of you know, I’m in the midst of planning my wedding. So, working on wedding related topics would add nicely to that adventure!
· Bloggers Wanted : I queried this lead because I love writing about home décor topics. Plus, this lead looked a good addition to the stable I’m creating.

That’s it for today. I’m keeping my eyes peeled for more leads, though, because I want to start this week off with a bang. I’ll create another blog post if I find more that match up with what I’m hoping to accomplish!
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Where is Jenn Querying This Friday?

September 5th 2008 13:33

Thank God It’s Friday! Welcome to the end of the week, everyone! For me, it means a new routine in the household, children going off to visitations, and date night. (yay!) It also means to quiet work time in the morning, and working my out of the house job on Sunday. It looks like it’s going to be a nice weekend, which is a perfect match for the great week we’ve had!


Here are my targets for today:
· Columnist : I’m always leery of gigs that do not list payment rates, but I decided to query this lead anyway. I love the topics available, plus I have a lot of background writing about nearly all of them. This will add nicely to the stable I’m creating.
· Part-time Writers : I like the topics covered here and, if the writing isn’t long winded, the pay seems decent. This will add nicely to the stable I’m creating, so I queried for more information.

I’m not going to be querying over the weekend, but I will be performing market research. I think I might be approaching a different slant for next week’s query goals. I’m not sure yet – the ideas are still percolating. I hope you all have a great weekend! I’ll be blogging tips and other freelance writing related topics between now and Monday.
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Where is Jenn Querying This Thursday?

September 4th 2008 12:22

The weekend is almost upon us, but that means nothing to this working writer. I tend to keep my workflow throughout the weekend. Once I acclimate to the school routines and schedules, I’ll have a more productive workday and will be able to take some of the weekend off. (I work outside the home on Sundays, but it’s only for a couple of hours.)

Here are my targets for today:
· Enthusiastic Writer For College-Bound Readers : I targeted this lead for two reasons. The first is that I’m in college and I have a bird’s eye view of how difficult it is to wait, rather than attend right after high school. The second is that I’m my fifteen-year-old nephew’s guardian and we’re in the process of his college planning and preparations.
· Freelance Home and Garden Journalists Are Needed : This gig falls into the home improvement type writing I’ve been doing on a regular basis, so it looked like a good target to hit. This gig is also part of the “stable” I’m trying to create, so it’s a good fit in that regard as well.

I’m sure I could find more if I dug a little deeper than visiting Deb Ng’s blog, but I’m going to keep my queries to two per day. Thanks to that blog’s hard work and continuous efforts, I’m able to save a lot of time on queries per day. Hunting takes time, so I’m extremely grateful for their daily presentation of gigs.
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Where is Jenn Querying This Wednesday?

September 3rd 2008 17:18

It’s a busy week. Not only am I working on my regular gigs and my book, but I’m also putting my office and art studio space back together. I’m taking a break from one thing, to work on another. Don’t forget my housework, errands, and mommy duties . . . and that pretty much rounds out my days. No wonder I drop like a rock when it’s time for bed!

Here are my targets for today:
· Freelance Writer/Home, DIY : I say this all the time – I’m setting my targets based on the topics of my books, as well as my experiences and personal interests. This lead falls into the book category.
· Freelance Web Writers Needed : I targeted this lead because it looks to be good “fill in the blanks” income when my other gigs slow down. This will add to the stable I’ve mentioned before by supplying work on a regular basis.

Okay, I think the first coat of paint on the trim is nearly dry. Time to pick the paintbrush back up (I can’t wait to be settled). I’m looking forward to getting the metallic faux finish on the trim, as well. Such FUN! I love home decorating and home improvements!
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Where is Jenn Querying This Tuesday?

September 2nd 2008 13:06

We’re already into September! After taking the holiday off from querying, I’m back to the grind. I set my goals, as mentioned yesterday, and querying is a big part of this month. I’m sure I’ll query more than what’s outlined in my list of goals, but that’s just how I work (list a little less, but do a little more). It works for me. What works for you?

Here are my targets for today:
· Freelance Writer : I don’t know what the pay rates are on this one, but I decided to query anyway because I like the topics. We’ll see how this one turns out.
· Builder News Magazine : Because I have a background in writing about building (my book, as well as writing for a construction trade newspaper), I decided to target this magazine.

Okay, that’s it for today. I’m going to keep it to two per day during this month until I reach the stable I’m looking for. Then, I’ll look at my results and tweak these goals for next month. Weighing what’s working against what isn’t is important when it comes to querying. Don’t forget that!
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Where is Jenn Querying This Friday?

August 29th 2008 12:06

After yesterday’s frustration, I’m going to really pay attention to every ad. I responded to a call for authors and it turned out to be a self-publishing outfit. I don’t know if it was a scam or not because, even though the front page of their website says they will traditionally publish your book, their email responses say they have dumped that program and have found that working with those who want to self publish is more profitable.

[ Click here to read more ]
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Where is Jenn Querying This Thursday?

August 28th 2008 15:51

I still can’t believe we’re already almost finished with August. The time is flying! You know what they say, though, time flies when you’re having fun. Are we having fun yet?!?! I know I am. :miles:: Here are today’s query targets:

[ Click here to read more ]
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Wow, we’re already halfway through the week! How did that happen so quickly! I’m still in Monday mode, but nonetheless, I’ll work this Wednesday. Here are the targets I’m hitting today:

[ Click here to read more ]
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Where is Jenn Querying This Tuesday?

August 26th 2008 14:14

I’m trying to find “better” paying gigs than what I’ve been settling for so far this summer. While I’ve brought in a decent supplemental income, it’s time for me to focus on doing better. Particularly now that back to school shopping, the heating season, and Christmas shopping (and birthday shopping, and home renovations, and . . . and . . . and) are upon us.

[ Click here to read more ]
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Where is Jenn Querying This Monday?

August 25th 2008 14:52

I decided to ride the query train this morning and contact some leads I found through Deb Ng’s Blog, FreelanceWritingGigs.com. I’m so thankful this blog presents so many leads daily because it’s saved me SO many hours of searching. Here’s where I’m hitting:
· Freelance Web Writers Wanted : I queried this one because I love writing for the web, plus I love having the opportunity to write about multiple topics


[ Click here to read more ]
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Where is Jenn Querying Today?

August 21st 2008 13:15

I spoke on my other blog, Reality Mom, about how I’ll be able to work on more freelance projects when my children return to school on September 2nd. This will be the first year all three of them will be attending a full day of school, so this opens a new door of opportunity for this freelance writer. Planning ahead will help keep things steady.

[ Click here to read more ]
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Job Boards vs. Querying Ideas

August 14th 2008 14:57

I’ve been giving a lot of thought to how my query methods have changed over the past nine years. In the past, I would:
· Write out a list of ideas and keep them in a file


[ Click here to read more ]
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Where is Jenn Querying?

August 4th 2008 13:46

Below you’ll find where I’m querying, along with a brief description why. Finding good leads is important, as well as learning WHY we’re lead to these leads:

[ Click here to read more ]
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Get Your Query ON!

August 4th 2008 12:56

Seriously, no one is going to come begging for you to work for them. And, let’s be honest, you’re not really up to your ears in work like you’d like to be. Or, if you are, that steadiness will not always be your reality.

[ Click here to read more ]
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Moderated by Jenn Hollowell
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