a.k.a writer

a.k.a writer

a written life | Jesaka Long

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Ask a.k.a: getting & keeping a freelance life

October 27, 2011 — 2 Comments

As a freelancer, how do you balance your time? Is it difficult to not always “be” at work since your home office is in the next room? – Shelley L.

You could ask 10 difference freelancers this same question and get just as many answers. Why? It’s about what works for you.

One of the reasons I picked answered this question is because I found myself assessing my priorities this spring. While claiming I wanted more time for a personal writing project, I proceeded to book copywriting gig after gig, racking up more than 280 hours in a single month.

I also kept comparing myself to other freelancer friends who were billing 60 hours a week or building businesses as weekend warriors (taking new projects on Friday afternoon and delivering them on Monday morning). They were thriving. I was burned out.

With the help of very supportive people in my life, including a fantastic mentor, I started to focus on what I needed to do to achieve my goals and take care of myself. Here’s what works for me (at least for now).  (more…)

Ask a.k.a: bonus or billable

September 16, 2011 — 2 Comments

One of my clients is a training company and I have a fantastic relationship with them. Their product is highly regarded, especially within big corporations. My contact there has repeatedly told me that I’m “welcome to take their core training.” I’d already taken the training at my last job and enjoyed it, so I thought a refresher would be nice. It will require some driving and gas, but I’ll have a free place to stay with a friend. Should I be billing for my time? – Will L.

Interesting question, Will. Since you say that your client said, “you’re welcome” to take the core training, it seems like they thought they were offering you a bonus of free training. In that case, you took the “freebie” and shouldn’t charge for travel.

On the other hand, if attending this training is to give you more background and immersion specifically for your client, then it is work and you have every right to charge them for your time, mileage and gas.

So, that’s not a clear answer, but this situation doesn’t seem clear, either.

If it’s not too late, you might try clarifying with the client. If it is too late and you think you should have charged, it’s a good lesson to remember. In the future, if you’re invited to attend a training session, try asking if he or she thinks it will enhance your work for the client. If the answer is yes, they should pay you.

Readers, what would you do? Does it feel “gray” or is an answer very clear to you? How would you have approached this? Please share in the comments. (To post a comment, you’ll have to click on the title of the post and then you’ll get a screen with just that post and a comment box.)

Do you have a question related to freelancing and/or writing? Ask a.k.a writer

Over at The Urban Muse today, Susan Johnston posted The Ultimate Money Guide for Freelance Writers. You don’t want to miss it!

May 16, 2011

Off the Tightrope: Losing and Regaining the Balance Between Copywriting and Me

January 29, 2011 — 8 Comments

Where do you start when you’re writing a blog post after an almost four-month hiatus? What began as a big copywriting project blossomed (or exploded, depending on how you look at it) into a series of ongoing gigs with multiple clients. Business couldn’t be better—and I still consider freelance copywriting an ideal job for me.

The catch: as business grew, the rest of my life suffered. I thought one month—then six weeks—of non-stop work, including weekends, would be a one-time thing. Yet, it’s very easy to keep it going—or convince yourself it’s what you need to do. I ended 2010 utterly exhausted and burned out.

On top of it all, I didn’t write a single word for my own creative non-fiction project. Not one. After all the work I’d put into developing a writing habit, I let it slip. The one good habit I did start in all of this was regular exercise. Now I can’t imagine managing stress or relaxing without it.  (more…)

Your Paycheck: Words by Day or Night or Both?

September 29, 2010 — 3 Comments

coin towers. Image courtesy of stock.xchng®While reading GallyCat’s Worst Day-Jobs for Writers, I thought about my own early post-college gigs. None of them were writing related and I was miserable. It was shocking to go from college, where I was self-sufficient and responsible to a corporate job where I was someone’s assistant. It didn’t matter how smart I was if I couldn’t get a lunch request correct. I also wasn’t writing—not at work and not in my free time, so my self-worth seemed to get tied up in my day job.

One of the first freelance writers (a copywriter) I met in the mid-90s was my opposite in this regard. We’d taken such different paths since earning our degrees.

Madeline graduated from college and pursued her writing with fierce determination. Like me, she took temp gigs but she focused on entry-level job responsibilities that she knew she could do well—and quickly. Every extra moment she could squeeze out of her day, she’d spend it on her creative writing. She was not shy about telling supervisors of her long-term goals and found many of them to be supportive. One boss even told her that she could write on the job, just as long as she produced good work and did her job (like answering the phone when it rang).

Of course, I’ve lost touch with Madeline and I have no idea what she’s up to these days. I wish I could at least remember her last name as I’d love to know if she’s still copywriting and if she’s published anything.

Once I decided that pursuing writing professionally was important to me, it became necessary that my rent-paying work be based on my abilities with words. Landing my first “they are paying me to write” job was nearly a dream come true.

I’m not sure why it’s so important to me that the money I earn is from writing. Other writers seem just as happy doing something other than writing as their day job and funnel all of their creative energy into their personal projects. There are weeks where I can’t think about touching words again—not to blog, not to email and not to draft an essay—because I’ve already written so much copy. Then I wonder if I’d achieve my personal writing goals faster if I was a gardener (never mind my complete lack of training or skills).

Probably not. More than two years into freelance copywriting and I still have moments of “I can’t believe this is my life” happiness. Madeline told me she loved freelancing and preferred working from home to endless office gatherings to celebrate someone’s birthday/baby/anniversary with generic cake. At the time, I thought she was missing out; now I realize that she traded in the cake for the ability to manage her own schedule and pursue her own writing goals without apology. Now I’m glad I made that trade, too.

What about you? Do you work with words to pay rent? How have you chosen to balance a day-job with your writing? What kind of work did you pursue when you graduated from college? I’d love to hear your stories.

Guest Post: 8 Ways to Establish Yourself as a Freelance Writer

September 15, 2010 — 2 Comments

Guest Post Written By James Adams

number 8. Image courtesy of stock.xchng®The desire of many writers to become successful in the freelance world is frustrated by the need to become an established authority in a particular field. Without established credentials, writers languish in pursuit of their goals and often give up prematurely.

Here you will read about 8 ways to establish yourself as a freelance writer and be able to charge good rates for your work!

1. Make yourself unique – Copywriters are everywhere. So if there are so many of them, who will notice you unless you have something special to offer? Choose a specialty and get very good in that one field: this will become part of your identity. Now you are not just a writer, but you are a technology specialist, a sports writer, a theologian, etc. If you avoid distractions and stay focus, your expertise will soon translate into increased revenue.

2. Practice good writing – You may have mastered spelling, but how about grammar? Even if your grammar skills are good how is your style? Good writers should never stop learning and developing, so don’t settle for your current level of skill. Good writing is clear, organized, and concise and is void of superfluous words and confusing thought patterns. Mastering composition in your language will help you rise above your competitors.

3. Use your own blog to get noticed – While you wait for your freelance ship to come in, why not set up a blog to showcase your writing? At first you may not get much exposure, but as you create quality content, you will find that other sites will link to yours, search engines will pick you up, and you soon will become a frequently-quoted expert in your field.

4. Get a business plan – Many writers don’t make the connection between their freelance work and a business, but the sooner you do this, the better. A business plan defines your mission and your goals as well as how you will achieve them. Be sure to include your income requirements. By having this blueprint in place, you have a guide in place that will keep you focused on your goals. Your business is selling yourself, so be sure to include a marketing plan for your brand and your writing. Just remember, if you never aim for anything, chances are you never will hit the target you want.

5. Make yourself available – Often writers catch the attention of a potential client but then cannot be reached. Make sure clients can get to you or else you will lose opportunities without even becoming aware of them.

6. Establish good work practices – Just because you work at home doesn’t mean you have the right to loaf. Working for yourself can require a higher degree of self-discipline than you ever needed as an employee. Get into the habit of working and behaving like a professional, so when your freelance work comes in you will have the ability to get it done well.

7. Meet deadlines – Getting freelance work is hard enough without complications such as missed deadlines. Inspire your clients to have confidence in you by getting work delivered to them in time. By establishing yourself as a reliable source, you will establish yourself above the average aspiring freelance writer.

8. Get it in writing – Some writers become so ecstatic about landing a job that they forget to get terms in writing. Without a binding agreement, your work can be pilfered and you left penniless. A client unwilling to make a formal agreement with you for your services, beware: you have better things to do than deliver work for free.

These are just 8 ways to establish yourself as a freelance writer. Work on these and you will have a solid start to a rewarding career.

James Adams is a blogger at one of the leading ink cartridges stores online. He spends much of his time reviewing new hardware like the HP 350XL and posting on their design blog.

Guest Post: (Un)measuring Success: Setting goals to become a happier, more fulfilled writer

September 8, 2010 — 10 Comments

Written By: Alyssa Martino

I experienced a writing revelation. No, I didn’t overcome an artistic block, weeding through grocery lists and deadlines to craft the perfect transition. I didn’t visit the alps or the slums, and, stunned by intense beauty or poverty, commit to capturing these moments on paper.

Ruler with background. Image courtesy of stock.xchng®My epiphany was founded on one simple and significant fact: we, as human beings, have control.

In any profession, but particularly writing, it’s easy to get caught up in the number game. How many hits did my blog get today? How many pieces did I publish this year? How much money does X publication pay per word?

Quantifying our work can consume us. I believe in marketing and analytics to find best practices, but I also believe in writing as an end, not a means.

When I say human beings have control, I don’t mean we can magically stop the clouds from breaking open or snap our fingers and secure a New York Times byline (Sigh. If only…).

What we can do is self-determine our own attitude, thoughts and actions. To me, this means plotting out goals towards success not measured in financial gains or readership. After all, without a higher sense of personal achievement and worth, aren’t these numbers devoid of any real meaning?

By tactfully integrating non-quantifiable goals within our professional frameworks, we can become happier, more fulfilled writers. Here are a couple things to keep in mind while designing your new objectives:

1.) Reward yourself. Memorize this mantra. Pick a couple milestones for which you’ll pat yourself on the back accordingly. Anne Wayman of About Freelance Writing is a fan of this method. Did you edit a section you’ve been dreading? Did you find the perfect place to pitch that stewing topic? If so, you like totally deserve a double fudge brownie.

2.) Make investments…in YOU. One of the first things I did after my first freelance gig was ask blog readers how I should invest in myself. The result was a new website, which hugely boosted my confidence. Think about what you want, not what you need, when purchasing. It’s just as important to have muses–brightly colored pens or a rich, mahogany desk–as it is practical supplies. What’s more, these investments are a great reminder that you believe in yourself.

3.) Think long term. Another excellent piece of encouragement is implementing steps to improve your skills. Think about what will help you in the long run, while still being fun to pick up. Learning something new might involve buying “How To” books, signing up for an e-course, or even returning to school. Either way, looking down the road shows you’re committed for the long haul–an empowering notion in and of itself.

4.) Give yourself a break. This isn’t an easy climb. So, if you’re struggling to get published or even to finish a pitch, don’t be too hard on yourself. If you’re experiencing more rejection than acceptance, you’re not alone. Jane Friedman recently wrote on There Are No Rules that only 10% of writers keep plugging, and it’s they who, regardless of skills, flourish. The fact that so many writers quit is all the more reason not to get discouraged: it will only bring you further down.

5.) Have fun! Isn’t that why you began writing in the first place? You thought it’d be exciting, maybe even therapeutic? It should be! Just stop worrying so much about numbers. Make your goals work for you instead of against you. Set small, reachable benchmarks in addition to larger dreams–ones that allow you to enjoy the art of writing as much as the payoffs. Free write every morning. Start a food blog. Experiment with feng shui. Hell, buy a snuggie! Sometimes, we have to stop measuring to find success that’s truly immeasurable.

Alyssa Martino is a copywriter, editor, and freelancer. She loves stories that connect people, place and possibility. Go ahead and visit her site.

Guest Post: Eating My Words

August 30, 2010 — 54 Comments

Written By: Stephanie Dickison

30_second_commute_by_stephanie_dickisonMhm00fmkld.

Oh, sorry.  I was trying to type one-handed.  See, I was eating.

Being a food writer, I’m either writing, eating, shopping for ingredients or cooking.  It sounds glamourous, but truthfully, it’s goddamn messy.

Early on, I tried to compartmentalize things so everything would stay neat and tidy.  I would do a restaurant review one night, cook up something for a piece the next, and so on.  As much as I would like my day – and deadlines – as ordered as a bento box, my work life looks more like shucked corn cob leaves piled on the floor.

Now, I am up early at my desk writing about how to ensure a moist pork tenderloin or how I didn’t have to cut my porterhouse with a knife because it was so tender.  My desk (at the end of the bed in our 1-bedroom apt I share with my fiance – a TV writer – and our cat) is often piled with stacks of cookbooks and food magazines, with overflow on our chest, (also at the end of our bed, but thankfully not also used as my desk – our place is small, but not that small) and then out to the living room and the kitchen.  I am often cooking in the middle of writing, so while I might be writing about Mexican tortas, I will have a capon roasting in the oven and be trying to successfully melt chocolate for a new tart recipe.

And though it matters little to anyone else, throughout the week, I carefully think about and weigh various options for my restaurant reviews. I try to cover a new area each week and not only not duplicate a cuisine until all others have been tried at least once, I also try to not order the same thing.

Ever.

My fella is patient and understanding. He listens to be blather on about the difference between Punjabi and Pakistani cuisine and on date nights, let’s me stop into a fine food store to ooh over hand-twirled pastas and imported canned beans.  He puts up with food and books everywhere and my constant search for the perfect recipe.

This kind of writing is messy though.  Starting the day hunched over my laptop searching for the perfect word to describe the creamy risotto dotted with truffles or the bison carpaccio that exuded minerals and the fresh grass it consumed causes a lot of drooling.

And then there’s the take-out containers from my buttermilk fried chicken review and dishes from last night’s attempt at Spicy Malaysian Beef Hot Pot, to deal with.

Writing with one hand and eating or stirring a pot with the other – this is most definitely the life.

Bio: Stephanie Dickison writes about food, travel, tech and other subjects full-time from her desk at the end of the bed.  She is the one in dress with the food stains on it.  Her book, The 30-Second Commute: A Non-Fiction Comedy About Writing & Working From Home, covers her wild adventures as a restaurant critic, as well as book and music critic.

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