One of the greatest challenges for freelance writers is the creation of accurate time estimates for jobs. The Estimating Process Content research Task or tool training (self-education) Basic Estimates These estimates are based on JoAnn Hackos’ Managing Your Documentation Projects, page 170 (1994). Hours Required/Unit Information Type 5 hrs/page User…
Tag: marketing
Setting your rates as a freelance writer or editor can be difficult. Knowing your own worth means knowing what others have been charging in similar situations. The easiest way to find out the rates of others is to join a professional organization. Groups such as the National Writers Union and…
A query letter should be short, never more than a single page long. Four paragraphs and a closing should be sufficient, especially if you have a great idea. It’s been said that if you can’t pitch the work in a sentence or two it will be hard to sell. We…
Digital media have given rise to new potential markets for writers. Not only do the online versions of traditional newspapers and magazines require content, a far greater number of online-only publications need original content. Also, audience demand is growing for digital publications designed for portable devices such as music players,…
The key to selling your works is knowing the market. Being a professional writer means being an entrepreneur. Successful entrepreneurs “scout” the competition. You should know who is popular, who is winning awards, and who is a fading star. Writing, like any business, has trends. What is popular one year…
Selling your art is not selling your soul. It might be enough for some to write, but most of us want to market our completed works. Some writers excel at selling themselves and their works. Others are not extroverts, preferring a quiet existence dedicated to writing. Knowing how to best…
Copyright refers to the ownership of a work. In the United States, when you write anything for yourself, you immediately “own” the original content. If you are writing under contract, what is known as “work for hire,” then the employer owns whatever you write. RightsThe “rights” granted to a publisher…
The Book Industry Literary Agent Acquisitions Editors Editors Readers Magazines Newspapers Film and Screen Stage
Writers tend to have strong opinions about agents. The reality is that most successful writers end up needing agents. The roles of an agent include: using his or her established network to pitch your works negotiating contracts collecting money on your behalf keeping records FeesGood agents are selective, choosing…
You as a Brand If you are a writer or artist of any kind, you are a brand. I tell my students, every person is a brand: you become associated with a product or service. Your reputation for integrity and quality will proceed you. I could write a long essay…