17May / 2013

How Companies Sabotage Freelance Writers

{Etsy card by Nicola Clare}

Businesses hire freelance writers all the time. That’s a great thing for us! And for them. Freelance writers are flexible, come with a variety of skills and companies don’t have to pay us benefits (though it’d be nice wouldn’t it?).

One of the tricky things about working with companies, particularly small businesses with little experience hiring freelance writers, is that you’ve got to help them along the way. As someone who’s worked almost exclusively with small companies and start-ups, I have a few lessons I’ve learned. Here are a few parcels of wisdom for freelance writers applying for writing gigs and companies wanting to hire a freelance writer:

Be clear. One of the things I’ve had to learn over and over again is that you can’t be successful if you’re not clear about your vision and intentions. In fact, you’re guaranteed to disappoint your client if you don’t understand what they need and/or want. Also a lot of companies may not know what they’re looking for. But don’t settle for that as an answer. Ask them to be specific, to provide examples of text they like, and to spend the time figuring out what style/type/format of writing will help their business.
Be realistic. Writing involves a lot of right-brain thinking. It’s hard to put freelance writers on the same schedule as another worker doing something less creative because creativity takes time. Expect too much and a) they might not be able to deliver b) they might deliver with less than adequate results. Furthermore, if writers and small businesses are not on the same page when it comes to deadlines, it will cause dissatisfaction on both sides. I tried meeting the demands of a start-up once and ended up with flaky copy. Instead, I should have been honest about what I thought were realistic expectation. You might fear disappointing your client. But be dishonest and you’ll disappoint them even more when you turn in half-baked writing.

Are there any pearls you’ve learned in the writing industry? Share the wealth with us here.

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16Apr / 2013

Should Only Great Writers Be Allowed to Write?

{Etsy key chain by riskybeads}

I hope not because I’d cringe over my early parcels of prose. And whether I consider myself to be a “great” writer on any given day may force me to close up shop.

Yet many people (disgruntled writers, elitist writers, etc.) may persuade you otherwise. In fact, that writer may be you. If you’re waiting for your portfolio to catch up with the title, you’ll be waiting forever. Anyway, the writer you are today is much better than who you were yesterday.

It’s a rare few who enter this world brimming with talent. Most of us have to learn the hard way, with time and lots of work.

In Right to Write, author Julia Cameron argues with one of these elitist writers who believes only real writers should write. In response she beautifully and powerfully says the following:

“I am arguing that the term ‘writer’ should be abolished. I am arguing that everybody should write. That we should have a million amateur writers making novels just for the hell of it. Hell, we all begin as amateurs. Have you forgotten that?”

It’s your right to write no matter what stage you’re at. Writing is not easy and yet everyone can do it. The main determinant is if you have passion for the craft. If you can do it when filled with self-doubt or are uninspired or blocked you are a writer. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

The process of writing, the freedom that it engenders, the internal change that occurs when you’re able to put words onto paper, this is your right. Don’t let anyone take that away from you. Whether you’re doing it as a job, a hobby or a way to express your creative self, keep on doing it.

The answer of course is, “No.” Who gets to decide what is “great” anyway? If we were to all write (in a journal, in a blog, etc.), we may be more conscious, reflective people.

It takes courage to write. Be brave fellow writers and continue on the journey. And if you should be filled with advice/suggestions/positive affirmation for other writers reading this, leave your hopeful words for appreciative readers below.

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05Apr / 2013

My Story

After I got my second degree (my first was a BA in English and then a MA in Counseling Psychology), I reached an inevitable confusion spurred from a lifetime of being a professional student. It was 2006 and I had suddenly wakened from my reverie.

I spent most of my twenties sitting down in the career section of Borders thumbing through guides with titles like, What to Do With Your Life. And now that school was over and my pocketbook showed no chance of going back, I realized it was time to finally answer that question for myself.

In 2007, after a decade of shopping around for the “perfect job, “ I made a commitment to return to a past dream. I put away my assistant hat (there would be no more research assistant, administrative assistant positions for me) and said goodbye to the random ways I chose jobs. That meant no more chance encounters with exciting positions either like the time I worked as a private investigator.

I was ready to pursue my life-long dream of being a writer. Writing had always been a part of my life, whether I was filling the now full ten diaries I had as a child, typing faux news articles on my plastic typewriter or writing poetry something I started doing when I was 7 and then had published in Blue Mountain Arts when I was 27. For a few years, I worked as a copywriter for various online retailers, newspapers and magazines. Last year, I got a job as an associate editor for Psych Central, a position that allowed me to connect my past two degrees.

But what surprised me most about my venture to find my passion and pursue my dreams is the journey that took me there is what inspires me most and what I am most passionate about. And as a result, I created The Inspiring Bee out of pure selfishness. Because I had been on that difficult road to follow my own dreams, I had a profound passion and compassion for those who were struggling to find and pursue theirs. I had a strong belief that everyone had a purpose and fulfilling it would not only make him or her happier, but that the world would be a much better and happier place.

Interestingly enough, I found it serendipitous that once I began to separate myself from the crowd of writers online, my opportunities grew. My husband saw a documentary, for example, on people who were living their dreams. It was so moving to me that I contacted the production company who did the film. I was able to interview Bonnie St. John, an Olympian and an author who had an inspiring story to tell of her life.

Everyone wants to find their purpose, to know that their unique experiences and talents have a reason and a place in this world. I know now that there may not be one dream, but that there are many dreams to pursue like streams in the big river of life. The reason I am so passionate about writing blog posts, connecting with blog readers and continuing to pursue projects that fulfill this purpose is that I have personal experience walking the walk. I grew up in a family who were mainstreamers, working in conventional careers and I stepped away from what was considered normal and took a chance. While the road is bumpy, I learned that sticking to what I am most passionate about is my purpose. If I can use my life and experiences to help others who are going through the same thing and if I can continue to follow the beat of my own drum, then I know for sure I am fulfilling my purpose. And I definitely know that I’m on the right path.

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19Mar / 2013

My Latest Article on What Makes a Successful Woman Tick

It’s always exciting to see your name in print no matter how long you’ve been a writer! This is especially the case since packing up my life in the Bay Area to move to Kailua, Hawaii where there were just reminiscence, crumbs really, of my Hawaii writing past. High school newspaper clips, college letters to the editors, and jobs in marketing. But nothing substantial to base a new writing career here in the islands.

Thankfully, my ambition overpowered my fear and after a successful jaunt at a handful of networking events, I scored a few assignments for Element Media, a company that publishes two publications I write for: Pacific Edge and Las Vegas Bound. After that, I landed a few assignments for Hawai’i and Waikiki magazines. I’m looking forward to more opportunities to expand my portfolio as a Hawaii freelance writer. The journey has been an adventurous one and I’m hoping it will continue to be filled with unexpected surprises and greater writing opportunities.

If you’re looking for a Hawaii-based writer or someone who has experience writing effectively and successfully telecommute, I hope you’ll contact me at bauyemura@gmail.com. If you’re just a fellow writer friend, thanks for your support all these years! If you’re just curious to see if I can write, please see my list of writing samples here or read my latest story on a successful young professional who seems to be able to do just about anything.

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14Mar / 2013

Why It’s So Scary Being a Writer

{Etsy print by OutsideInArtStudio}

In The Courage to Write, Ralph Keyes says:

“Just thinking about being a writer can be scary (as well as thrilling; the two tend to go hand in hand). Saying-even to yourself-”I’m a writer,” or “I’m going to be a writer,” or even “I guess I’ll do some writing now,” feels presumptuous; like a five-year-old playing make-believe for bemused grown-ups.”

What makes calling ourselves “writers” so scary? Doctors, teachers, heck even my husband can spout out their careers as if they were describing the weather. Whereas I? I fumble through the word inaudibly.

Fear of Being Judged

I think it has to do with the reaction that often follows those three words: “I’m a writer.”

I’ve been ridiculed, rejected, criticized and misunderstood when speaking it. Recently, a relative thought “writer” was a nice way to say “administrative assistant.” He kept saying, “No really? What do you do?”

Added to that is our own internal fears and insecurities. To be a writer means you only need to have written. A friend who writes told me he could never claim the title because he wasn’t published. But the act of writing itself deserves the title writer whether or not you’re doing it as a hobby, or a full or part-time gig. We dole out labels for everything else. Why is it that you need to be awarded the title to deserve it?

Fear of Sucking at It

Maybe you have visions of being a great writer. You mock those who do write because you secretly believe you’re SO much better than them. But the truth is, your own claim to fame as a writer is based on the fantasy you have built up in your head. If you want to write, you need the courage to confront those fears and write. That means accepting that you might suck at it. That means being humble and honest about what you can do at this stage in your writing career. Sucking at it doesn’t mean your doomed. In fact, I’ll admit that my first drafts always suck BIG time. But it’s part of the journey. It’s part of the hard work. So suck it up and let yourself suck. You’re that much closer to being the writer you dream of being.

Fear of Being Found Out

This is the fear writers have of either being a writing fraud (I’m guilty of this) or saying too much. It’s a slippery slope when you write. Good writing comes when writers divulge honestly about what they’re thinking, imagining or feeling. But every time a finger pushes down on another key, there is a fear that what we hide will suddenly be revealed.The world will finally know our secret wishes, fantasies and fears. For a writer who is often introverted and secretive, this is their greatest fear. Yet, in order to write and write well we need to relinquish our need to look perfect so that we can be human, fraudulent, flawed and all.

There are of course a lot more fears writers deal with. But these are a few that swarm around our heads when the room is too quiet and the keyboard is silent. In order to keep writing, we need to push on ahead mentally courageous and resilient as if none of this matters, as if the only person reading this is you.

It takes courage to be a writer. It’s not only saying, “I’m a writer” like you mean it, but seriously believing it.

Do you have fears about being a writer or writing itself? How do you cope?

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12Mar / 2013

Be the Writer Every Editor Wants to Work With

Talent can take you far in life. But hard work will push you further than talent alone.

{Etsy photo by TheLovelyGreenWall }

What I’ve learned in the last 6 years I’ve been freelance writing is there are other skills besides writing that can benefit the successful freelance writer. And that’s a good thing! This means that I don’t need to be as creative as Young House Lovers John and Sherry, funny as Martha Beck or as pushy as some go-getter writers to be successful.

Talk about a load off of my back. If I had to be naturally talented like the authors I drool over, I would have given up on this business several lousy paychecks ago.

What I’ve learned has been key to finding more jobs irrespective of where I live, how much experience I have or what I’ve done in the past. It’s helped me overcome and even make use of a degree and work experience that have no relationship to my career as a writer. It’s also given me confidence to pursue different directions in my writing. So here it is. It’s all the work that I’ve compiled from making tons of mistakes and learning in the process. It’s how you will become the writer editors seek out.

Take yourself seriously no matter what stage you’re at.

When I first decided to quit job hopping to finally pursue a freelance writing career, I was scared silly. I didn’t know what I was doing and was sure I would mess up. And I did. But I’m glad I did. It forced me to work hard. I threw myself in my work. I signed up for classes. I called people and asked them for advice, suggestions, help. I bought books, dogearing and highlighting as I went along. I joined and then started my own writing group. I did everything I could to learn as much as I could because if I was going to do this, I was going to give it my all. That’s what I also found inspiring when watching Jiro Dreams of Sushi, a 2011 documentary about a Japanese man who makes sushi making an art. Here’s what he says about success and hard work:

“Once you decide on your occupation… you must immerse yourself in your work. You have to fall in love with your work. Never complain about your job. You must dedicate your life to mastering your skill. That’s the secret of success… and is the key to being regarded honorably.”

Be honest.

There have been many times at the start of my career where I felt like a fraud. I was amazed people gave me jobs and believed that they would eventually see how inexperienced I was and fire me. So I hid my insecurities and pretended I knew what I was doing when I didn’t. This backfired on me big time and I learned it’s much better to be honest about what was expected of me. In two words, be transparent. It’s how you build trust with any potential editors and how you work with integrity. If you can’t finish an article on time, let an editor know right away. If you’re not clear about the assignment, ask. It’s simple things like these that make you much easier to work with and be the type of writer editors will contact again and again.

Be flexible.

I’m no writer diva. My belief is that every writing gig that comes my way is an opportunity and I like to bend in the wind of all opportunities. This means that for the most part, I’m going to get up real early, drive far, or write fast if it will make my client happy. I will deliver quality content and I will change pieces, organize them differently and do so happily. As long as I am treated well, my aim is to be a client-pleaser.

These are just a few tips I’ve learned that can make working with editors and clients easy-peasy. It not only makes the relationship work better for the current assignment, but it makes me more likely to gain future ones too. Basically to stand out from the millions of other writers out there (some who have more impressive portfolios than you), you need to treat your clients as people, think about what would make them happy, work hard and deliver quality content. Those are the things that have and continue to help me. What’s helped you?

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07Feb / 2013

A Writer’s Self Confession of Procrastination

{Pinterest photo}

Here it is. I can write to my heart’s content meeting and surpassing deadlines if it is for someone else. In fact, it is one of my writerly strengths to submit a piece days before it’s due. But my own work? Sadly, still sitting untouched in Google Drive.

I know that writers need a break. I understand that paid work feeds the hungry writer. But the idea that I’ve let this dream of mine slide eats away at this writer’s soul. It makes me feel like a failure and a fake. I see successes like hers and a pulsating thought rises in my thoughts, “You’ll never make it.” And it’s hard not to listen to that one. After all, a story doesn’t write itself.

In the lifetime that I’ve written I built an impressive graveyard of untouched, unfinished stories. I’ve always visited them respectfully, mourning their lost. But I’ve also done so with great pride for the attempts I made believing they were little souls that helped me grow, but were not ready for the world. It’s hard to keep telling myself this, however, when my priorities have slipped.

How does a writer keep themselves fueled and motivated when the desire to make money overtakes inspiration?

This quote from first time novelist Ayana Mathis helped me. Maybe it will help you too:

“When you’re working on a project for months and months—whether it’s a book or anything else that requires a sustained effort—it’s easy to get discouraged. The rewards are few, and you feel as if it’s never, ever going to be done…Acquiring any skill is like this: You make a little progress; then you lose ground; then you make a little more progress. Accepting the fits and starts is the only way to keep yourself from giving up.”

It’s a desire to keep going once we stopped that helps us through the periods of procrastination. It’s not stopping that makes us failures. It’s not even an end. It’s simply a pause. As we have all learned and grown in the process of building our freelance writing careers, it takes time. It takes courage. And it means not beating ourselves up when we fall. Because we all do. Every successful writer does. That means if you’ve briefly paused, you’re still in the running fellow writer. Don’t give up!

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30Jan / 2013

Get Off Your Writing Couch and Do Something!

Thank you Stephanie and Jan for reminding me about 2 things: 1) To keep up this blog! 2) To be more compassionate.

Their comment comes on the heels of a short answer I compiled for O magazine. If you want to read my little published shpeal on compassion, it’s right here.

{Etsy art by wordwillow}

But the main reason I’m writing this is that I think too many of us get comfy in our writing couches and stop taking chances. Maybe we had HUGE dreams about what it would mean to be a freelance writer and since we didn’t achieve them, we kind of just gave up.

I had big dreams too. I wanted to be a self-help writer who writes about mental health issues, the environment and writes copy for cute whimsical companies on the side. On days when I have too much time to think I get down about that. Until my logical side slaps my creative side and says the following: “Doh dude, you already did that! Get back to work!”

It’s so easy to get lost in the once-in-the-lifetime dreams like writing for O magazine when your dream life is right in front of you. We think that to be successful means we need to be published in a huge publication, be known in the writing industry or be a published author. But for many of us it means making our clients happy, getting new gigs, challenging our creative muscle. Just because you’re in the latter category, doesn’t mean you’re a loser or you’re never going to get there. What it means it that you’re right now on the writing road to success. You’re just in the early stages and the only way you won’t get there is if you give up.

This quote by author Christina Katz came to me in the form of a Writer’s Digest newsletter and I’m so grateful for it. For any of you out there who feels bummed out that you haven’t “made it yet,” read this:

“Stop waiting for big success and aim for a series of small successes instead. Many writers are waiting to hit the mother lode, so to speak, of writing success. But success lies in taking aim at targets you are likely to actually hit and then hitting them one after the other. That’s how experience is gained in an otherwise complex and mysterious profession.”
~ Christina Katz

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11Jan / 2013

5 Fresh Ways to Score More Freelance Writing Jobs

{flickr photo by mr-numb}

Every freelance writer is skilled at something. Maybe you’re a social media whiz or a marketing pro (If so, email me.). Or you’re just savvy with your “born-this-way” natural writing abilities. Bravo! We should all celebrate what we’re good at.

As for me, I think I’ve got a hankering for getting or at least almost getting jobs. Call it years of experience from being a job hopper, but it’s how I was able to get a job as a PI and a RA and graduate with a MFT.

It’s the type of learn-on-the-job info that’s helped me get responses like these:

“You were one of over a hundred applicants for this position.”

“It’s between you and another writer.”

“You got the job!”

All welcome responses writers want to receive especially the last one.

Want to know how I did it? Read on…

1. Remember you’re emailing a real person. This may seem like a given. But surprisingly, it’s not. I’ve also been on the other side of the coin reading applications. Some people think that saying you can do the job are enough to make you want to hire them. But it’s not. If you’re applying for a writing position, write like it. Write you’re a real person writing to another real life person. You don’t have to write like you’re emailing your best friend (in most cases, you shouldn’t). But there is a difference between being professional and personable versus being unprofessional and personal. Which comes to number 2.

2. Put yourself in the shoes of your potential client. You need to think about who your client is, what they are looking for, what would float their boat. And deliver it in a paragraph or so. They want someone who is flexible, motivated, writes in a casual style? Use your letter as your first writing sample to them. Be the one to show, not just tell them what you can do.

3. Remember what your last client loved about you. We’re not always good at knowing our strengths. But if you can remember what your last happy client said about you, you’ll have a good idea. Use this in your letter to express your strengths and how you can use it to help their company succeed.

4. Check all their boxes. When I’m looking to hire someone, I’m looking for certain things, experience being one of them. Yet, I don’t always have a ton of time to read every application thoroughly so I skim through them for years of experience, work-related experience and anything else related to what’s important to me. If you can deliver exactly what the client is looking for by explaining how you’ve spent 10 years in the business, you’ll have already beaten out much of your competition. Which comes to my last tip.

5. Make it easy for them to hire you. A lot of clients who hire me say they were impressed with the amount of work I’ve done and my versatility. I think it’s because I put it all out there and I mentioned it at the very beginning. Because I know that most clients dread searching for the right candidate among hundreds of applications, I try to make my cover letter stand out from the very first sentence and I’ll leave my contact information so that they can get back to me quick. I don’t waste any time going on about my education or my desire to write for them. Those go in there only if it’s relevant and if it is, only at the bottom of my letter. I know I’m going to need to grab the client from the beginning so I’ll hit them with all the reasons why I’m qualified. And if they need more? Here’s my number and contact info.

That’s what has worked for me. How about you? Got any great strategies you’d like to share?

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11Dec / 2012

5 Things to Do Before the End of the Year

The road leading to your freelance writing dreams.

There’s lots to keep you busy in December. Need I list them? Christmas, Hanukkah, gearing up for your Resolutions list come January.

But there are a handful of things you won’t want to forget while you’re busy making a list and checking it twice.

Here are 5 things you don’t want to miss if you’re a freelance writer:

1. Say, “Thanks!”

We often forget what it was like when we had no clients. When there were no deadline, no phone calls, no projects in the near future. Or worse, when we had nightmare clients who were worse to work with than having no clients at all. When it comes to cultivating your garden of opportunities it’s always important to be grateful for the garden you have now. Make time to send a card, or even just an email to let your clients (past and present) know how much you appreciate them and how much you look forward to working with them again in the future.

2. Organize your paperwork.

Better to get all your paperwork in order now before things get crazy again next year. This means sending out all invoices due, recording all payment received and keeping track of all of your receipts.

3. Create a list of accomplishments you’re proud of.

The year goes by so fast doesn’t it? I find that by spending time thinking about all the things I’ve accomplished this year, I’m more motivated and excited by the upcoming year. I never would have thought that, for example, I’d finally move to Hawaii, land freelance writing opportunities for national and regional magazines or that I would have gotten a column for The Writer magazine. It’s easy to get caught up as a freelance writer, comparing yourself to other writers and getting down when work gets sparse. All the more reason why you should take a few minutes to list all the amazing things you’ve done this year!

4. Create a list of things you want to accomplish in 2013.

It’s almost here! 2013 is right around the corner. To get jumping on the new year, devote time to writing what you want to still do. Whether it’s completing a short story, novel, or book of poetry, make sure you add it to your list and refer to it every few months. The only way you’ll get things done is if you focus on your goals and take the necessary steps to get there.

5. Create a “no ways could this ever happen to me, but I wish it would” list.

We do this for holidays, make a list of all the things we wish we could own. Why not do this for your writing? Compose a list of ideal clients, amazing companies, and inspiring projects you’d love to work on. Once it’s out there, you never know what can happen.

What did you want to accomplish before the end of 2012?

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