Dr. Freelance, I submitted an error-free article to a magazine, only to discover that mistakes were added to it sometime before publication! Since I’m relatively new to freelance writing, this is particularly embarrassing and painful, since I will find myself explaining the typos to potential clients and editors that I show the article to. My question is, do I say something to the editor, and if so, what? I obviously don’t want to burn any bridges and jeopardize the potential for future assignments.—It Wasn’t Me [Read more…]
Friday freelance link roundup
Haven’t done a Friday freelance link roundup in ages, so let’s giddyup! Here’s rundown on a few thought-provoking blog posts I came across during the past week:
6 Ways to Prove Your Writing Chops to Prospects. “No matter how long you’ve been at this, you’re only as good as that one line item clients want to see.” Lori Widmer dives into one of the common challenges that affects veteran freelance writers and graphic designers as well as those who are new to the game: a client who requests samples specific to their industry—and you don’t have anything in your portfolio to do the trick. [Read more…]
The thicker the folder, the thicker the applicant
As I prepare for an in-person new client meeting this morning, I’m reminded of an old college admissions officer’s saying: “The thicker the folder, the thicker the applicant.”
It’s always tempting to bombard a prospective client (or employer, or college, or girlfriend/boyfriend, etc., etc.) with a mega-compilation of just how wonderful and accomplished you are. But if you’ve ever sat in the recipient’s chair — as a stack of unprioritized samples lands with a thud — you’ll know why that tactic doesn’t work. [Read more…]