“Free” in “freelancer” does not mean writers should write for free.
But is there ever a time when a no- or low-pay assignment makes sense? Every writer has a different take on this, and there’s certainly no one-size-fits-all answer. But in my opinion, sometimes writing for no or low pay does, in fact, make sense.
That said, freelancers as a general rule should steer clear of assignments and clients that offer no or low pay. And if you’re consistently accepting these kinds of assignments, there’s something wrong with your business model and/or your confidence level. By consistently accepting no or low pay …read more

Good Monday morning readers!
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and on the eve of this presidential inauguration, I’m going to digress from the usual topic of this blog and dedicate today’s post to Dr. King and President-elect Barack Obama.
More than any other Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I think this particular day—Jan. 19, 2009—means so much to so many people because of the historical significance it represents. Martin Luther King Jr. talked about the dream he had before a crowd of thousands on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on Aug. 28, 1963. Tomorrow, a big part of …read more

I hope all of you have a wonderful, happy, healthy, successful 2009!
Photo credit: Sally M (Flickr)

Have a wonderful Christmas everyone!
Photo credit: riptheskull (Flickr)

Good afternoon Rejection Letter Olympians!
Can you believe we’re already in the last week of this challenge? I sure can’t—it seems like we just started!
So this means that you have until Friday, Dec. 27, to rack up all the points you can for the remainder of the challenge. If you’re just joining up this week or need a refresher on the rules, please be sure to read Week 1: The Rejection Letter Olympics.
How did all of you do this past week? Did you get any rejections or assignments landing in your inbox this week? How did you do with the …read more

Dear Anne,
How can a person without professional writing experience or degree but with a serious love of writing break into freelancing?
Thank you,
jk
Dear JK,
As you already recognize a freelance writing career isn’t like some. If you want to be a banker, you usually start by working as a teller in a bank.
The secret to a freelance writing career is first of all to write, write, write and write some more.
You’ve also got to submit your writing. With persistence and some luck, you’ll gradually get better and start selling what you write.
Another approach would be to get a writing job. …read more

Blog Action Day 2008 Poverty from Blog Action Day on Vimeo.
Poverty is the topic of Blog Action Day 2008 which is tomorrow, Wednesday, October 15th. The idea is to generate a world around conversation about solving poverty thought the power of blogs.
Visit the site, promote the event and tomorrow share your best ideas on how we can end poverty. You’ll be one of thousands so if you write about ending poverty tomorrow, come back here and post your blog’s link here. I’d love to know what you’re saying.
Write well and often,

Two newsletters:
Abundant Freelance Writing – a resource for freelance writers …read more

(www.thegoldenpencil.com)
Hi Anne,
I’m trying to put together a freelance writing career while raising my two kids. It dawned on me that I’ve got a bunch of tips I’d like to share with other mothers. I don’t know how to put together a query for a magazine, which is what I think I need to do first. Can you help me?
KP
Hi KP,
Thanks for the question. Let me unpack it a bit.
First of all, you can market a series of tips one at a time to magazines that like that sort of thing.
You can turn your tips into a full-length article.
A query …read more

Next month’s election may be one of the most contentious we’ve ever had in this country and is considered by many, including me, as one of the most important we’ll ever get to vote in. Already accusations from both parties are being made against the other about voter fraud.
If you want information about how to register or if you’re registered, you’ll find what you need at www.CanIVote.org
The site, put together by the National Association of Secretaries of State, the nation’s oldest, nonpartisan professional association for public officials, links you easily to the information you need to be sure you …read more

(www.thegoldenpencil.com)
At midweek we’ve got 56 Writing, Blogging, Editing and Translation Jobs.
A bit of a pick up in the number of jobs – I suspect that will continue.
If you’re new to applying for freelance writing jobs or need a refresher, How To Apply For A Freelance Writing Job may help.
Write well and often,

Two newsletters:
Abundant Freelance Writing – a resource for freelance writers including 3x a week job postings.
Writing With Vision – for those who want to get a book written.
Image from http://www.sxc.hu