By Don Vaughan In an ideal world, writers would have as long as it takes to finish a particular job. Unfortunately, we don't live in an ideal world, so most of us have deadlines looming over our heads like editorial swords of Damocles. In order to meet these deadlines, it's often necessary to write much faster than we would like. I speak from experience on this issue, having recently co-authored a book that required me to write several articles a day to stay on schedule. The articles [...]
By Tracy Capella, a mom and occasional freelance writer living in NC I hate blogs. Hate is a strong word, so let me explain. To put it more clearly, I have mixed feelings about blogs. In this overexposed and conformist world we live in, it’s just a tad conceited to think that everyone in the world is interested in every whit and tittle of every suburban mom’s (or dad’s or _________’s, insert noun here) mundane details of daily life. I am also a bit perturbed that the maintenance of a[...]
By Don Vaughan The meek may inherit the earth, but they make lousy freelance writers. With more than 30 years of professional writing experience under my belt – nearly 20 of them as a full-time freelancer – I’ve found that it takes a strong personality to be a successful journalist. Bottom line: you’ve got to take and maintain control over every aspect of your career. Let’s break it down: 1. Getting work. Landing an assignment with a new market is exciting, but what do you do [...]
By Jeff D. Editorial Freelancers Association's published rate guide (Sept 2008). www.the-efa.org/res/rates.php