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How to Become a Favorite Freelancer
By Michelle Mach
I hated writing query letters when I worked a full-time day job. I
wrote them, but I resented giving up the few precious writing hours I
had carved out on weekends and evenings. It wasn't until I became a
full-time freelancer that I discovered a great way to avoid the formal
letter: become a favorite freelancer and editors will come to you for
assignments (or at least accept queries that are more casual and
quicker to write).
In addition to turning in your well-researched, beautifully written,
typo-free article on time (or better yet, early), as a favorite
freelancer you should:
1. Say Yes--Most of the Time
If you can meet the occasional last-minute request, aren't afraid to
write on new subjects, and agree to do rewrites, you'll likely become
a go-to freelancer for an editor. You don't need to become a doormat.
Sometimes you'll need to say no ("Sorry, I'm not able to write a
1,000-word article on monster trucks today."), but try to say yes as
often as possible.
2. Solve Problems
If you do need to say no, can you offer a solution? ("I know another
reliable freelancer who goes to monster truck shows every week. He'd
probably love to write that article," or "I'll do it if I can turn in
the article tomorrow.") If I run into problems--such as an AWOL
interview source--I always try to figure out a solution, so I can
contact the editor with both the problem and a possible solution.
Otherwise, my problem has just become another task on her very long
to-do list.
3. Offer Extras
Editors are being asked to do more these days. Sometimes they're
responsible for both print and online versions of their publications.
They may appreciate suggestions for extra content such as videos,
podcasts, photo galleries, or blog posts, if it means less time on
their part. (And no, you don't need to offer extras for free.)
4. Use Social Media Wisely
Obviously, you'd never bad-mouth the editors or publications online,
but simply being overly active on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook can
strike some editors the wrong way, especially if you have an
assignment due. You don't want to be caught yapping about your cute
dog on Facebook when your assignment is two days late. The editor may
not notice, but someone else on the staff may.
It's also nice to mention and link to your publications on your blog
and website. Many editors must promote their publications as part of
their jobs and welcome any help boosting their numbers of subscribers,
followers, or friends. Keeping them in business helps keep you in
business.
5. Stay in Touch--But Not Too Much
When working on an assignment, I only contact the editor if I run into
a problem. Between assignments, in addition sending periodic queries,
I sometimes forward relevant news or kudos (such as a link to a blog
that favorably reviewed the publication) to my editors. The idea is
to periodically remind editors that you exist, so that when an
assignment comes up, your name is the one they remember. Of course,
you don't want to overdo this. An email once every month or two is
probably fine; an email every day is not.
By following these five tips, soon you'll also be receiving nice
emails from editors like the one I received recently: "Thank you!
Don't ever stop freelancing!"
BIO
Michelle Mach is a full-time freelancer in Colorado specializing in
the areas of profiles, arts/crafts, and technology. Learn more at:
www.michellemach.com.
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