Attract more writing opportunities by “doubling down” on your expertise.If you have more than one skill that could help your clients or editors, package them together. Here are three ways to double down for more profits:

Write and design. If you can add design and/or layout to a document, make sure your clients—and potential clients—know it. Some of the simplest formatting skills can add to your chances of getting a project, or getting more components of a project. Most times, a client would much prefer giving two elements of a project to the same person, than having to get two people to do them separately.

Write and take photos. Many publications are willing to pay extra if you can include photos with an article. Mention your flair for photography whenever you submit a query. Your added talent could win an assignment you might otherwise have lost to a stronger query submitted without an option for photographs.

Write and manage projects. Do you know a graphic designer? Have a relationship with a printer? If you are organized and have a network of support talent that can add to a project, clients may come to rely on you to manage it. Once they realize that you can handle more than one thing, they’ll be coming back to you for more.

Perhaps you’ve heard some of these comments from your family and friends:

• “You’re wasting your time—no one will ever publish your stories.”
• “Writing isn’t a business, it’s a hobby. You should get a real job.”
• “You put in all that work for a measly $200? I just don’t get it.”
• “Stop dreaming. You’ll never make a living as a writer.”

Writers often have a difficult time justifying to others why we do what we do. And, ironically, the people who should “have your back” when others criticize you, are often the people doing the criticizing!

If you have a lousy support system, all that negative energy and stream of discouraging words are slowly eroding your already shaky self esteem. That lack of self esteem will show in your writing and jeopardize your potential to establish a profitable writing career. You can’t change what others say to you, but you can change what you say to yourself. Here are three ways to boost your writing’s profit power with positive thinking—and action: Read the rest of this entry

Just about every time I make mention that my primary source of income comes from ghostwriting books, I receive emails from readers asking how to get started and where to find prospects. Since I often get the same questions over and over again, I decided to use this week’s post to answer your top five questions, including an answer with three ways to find a ghostwriting gig. So, here goes: Read the rest of this entry

Today is my birthday and I am celebrating by writing a very short post so I can take the day off… BUT, I have a gift for you that will likely be far more valuable than a quick post from me. Admittedly, it isn’t something I paid for or created, but it is packed with some eye opening, not-so-secret secret lessons about marketing for nearly every type of writer. It is called Authority Rules and was written about a year ago by master blogger Brian Clark, founder and publisher of copyblogger.com.

If you want to be a better copywriter, read Authority Rules. If you want to build a successful website for your services, read Authority Rules. If you want to become a professional blogger or social media expert for yourself or your clients, read Authority Rules. And if you want to learn how to better influence others with your writing, sell stuff, or build a following, read Authority Rules. It’s free. You don’t have to swap an email address to get it, and you can be reading it ten seconds from now by clicking here immediately!

Enjoy!

I don’t know about you, but my former, current, and potential clients love it when my price for services is “free.” I do give a little “free” now and then. It might be an answer to a quick question from the client by phone or email, or it could be something I initiate as a practice of “touching base” to remind clients that I’m still around. But beware the “free” trap when requests start taking up your valuable time without any return on that investment.

For example, this weekend I received an email from a former client, which prompted the writing of this post. Two years ago I did a PR project for her that attracted significant interest in her newest training product. She is currently putting together a new product announcement and sent me an email asking if I had any suggestions for quick distribution of the press release. I emailed back with two ideas on how to research and compile a targeted list for the topic. She responded with, “These are great! I’d love to buy you lunch and pick your brain further. Do you have any time available this week?”

I’m betting that most of you have received at least one “brain picking” request in exchange for a cup of coffee or lunch. But my price—and I hope yours—for consulting services is not the cost of lunch or a designer cup of coffee. So how can you tactfully and professionally handle these “free” traps? Here is your quick answer guide: Read the rest of this entry