Comments for The Freelancery

Comment on “Clients don’t see the value in what I do.They don’t get it.” by Hollee J. Chadwick

Hollee J. Chadwick — Thu, 17 May 2012 20:51:17 +0000

Now me? I would have gone with the GonzoTechno water heater, ’cause I just love me some gadgets.

Not the point of this blog at all. I’m just sayin’

I get very excited about gadgets (do not read anything into that) and excellent writing.

Huzzah Walt!

Comment on Silky Smooth Quoting: Take The “Me” Out of It by Hollee J. Chadwick

Hollee J. Chadwick — Thu, 17 May 2012 20:43:27 +0000

Back in the day, when I wasn’t 100% freelance, I was a sales trainer and what the company I worked for called a Revenue Driver. I did the initial salespersons’ training, and then if the center was not performing and meeting their dollar per hour, I was sent there for a couple weeks to get them back on track.
I said all that to say this: One of the ways we increased sales was exactly what you said, “Leave out words like cost, pay, payment, check or money.”

People kind of freak out when you want their money. However, offering them something “they can’t refuse” or even doing a “take away” opened their wallets.

Comment on Handling the first contact, the first call. Without blowing it. by Cat Wagman

Cat Wagman — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:42:38 +0000

Well said, Walt. … and I loved your comments about
“Yes, I do. It’s one of my favorite things to do all day. Tell me more about what you’re thinking about here.” … and …
“Again, no speech. Volley it back to them.”

I, too, ask people to send me their stuff and ask what they are looking have done, so I can prepare a proposal/quote. This document includes exactly what the quote covers, so there’s no confusion over excessive revisions, change in direction, client responsibilities, delivery times, etc. And while some may decline to hire me for the project, I always ask why if they haven’t given a particular reason.

Where, on previous occasions someone may say “I can’t afford you.” now, instead immediately reacting with a deep discount, I take a deep breath. If I really want to do the job, I will ask what they have budgeted for the project. If the amount is acceptable, then I will continue to negotiate. Otherwise, I respectfully thank them for the opportunity to give them my proposal. And when I have gotten compliments on my proposals, I tell them I can write proposals for their company, too.

It’s taken me a long time to realize that if I don’t respect my own worth/value/writing and price it accordingly, then why should a prospective client.

Comment on [The Do-Over] Monday Answers 5: How long should I wait for an editor? by Hollee J. Chadwick

Hollee J. Chadwick — Wed, 16 May 2012 22:49:42 +0000

Brilliant advice this: But the part about thinking entreprenuerially, that still holds. A better model is to think, “I am a creator of world-class stories and content, which I supply to editors.” Instead of a baby bird waiting to be fed, you’re more like a hawk looking for a score.

Comment on [The Do-Over] Monday Answers 5: How long should I wait for an editor? by Rachel

Rachel — Wed, 16 May 2012 21:11:01 +0000

Wow, I’m humbled, sir!

Admittedly, there is something bordering on pathetic about sending the same “Please notice me” email SEVEN TIMES. My friend even admitted that once she *realized* she had done that, she felt kind of silly. Your suggestion to provide useful information rather than just “ping” “ping” “ping” is a great one.

Also, I’m the type of freelancer who has an overly intricate Excel spreadsheet, though, so this type of follow-up is easy for me. For others, (especially others with a hothothot idea)–you can’t afford to wait around. As you said to begin with.

Comment on [The Do-Over] Monday Answers 5: How long should I wait for an editor? by Hollee J. Chadwick

Hollee J. Chadwick — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:48:29 +0000

When I was an acquisitions editor, I had, on any given day, 100 or more manuscripts in piles everywhere. Yes, often it did take me 30 days to get back to an author. However, our guidelines informed the hopeful of this.
As a newspaper editor, for two newspapers simultaneously, I received so many pitches for articles, columns, cartoons even, that unless they really grabbed me, I did not have time to respond, as well as perform the other nine million tasks I had each week. If the author was persistent, it piqued my interest, because reporters, especially investigative, are supposed to be a pain in the butt.
Now as a freelance writer, I don’t look for a response with bated breath until 30 days out. That’s MY market though.
As a substantive editor, I just make it all look good and sound phenomenal and make sense within the allotted time, so it’s not applicable.

Comment on [The Do-Over] Monday Answers 5: How long should I wait for an editor? by Walt Kania

Walt Kania — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:45:30 +0000

Good take, and interesting perspective. Come to think of it, I like your answer better than mine.

Comment on [The Do-Over] Monday Answers 5: How long should I wait for an editor? by Rachel

Rachel — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:38:58 +0000

Walt,
I gotta disagree with you on this one.
By all means, pitch to multiple editors at once (just be careful to withdraw the pitch once it gets accepted elsewhere). But pitching once and then forgetting about it? Editors are busy, yes, but mostly they are forgetful. They mean to mention it but then something comes up. Or they’re researching your idea in the morgue file and get distracted by one of their stories from ten years ago. Or your pitch comes in at the wrong time of the month and they printed it out to bring to the next story planning meeting a week later, and then they lose the paper. Oh well–ideas are a dime a dozen. We didn’t *need* that one, because another one will come in tomorrow. Sometimes it’s not about having the best idea, just the best-timed one.

I have followed up on an idea with an editor 3-4 times because I *knew* the story was perfect for their publication…and I was right and landed the assignment. A friend of mine queried the same editor on the same idea (“Hey, any thoughts on this piece yet? I’d (still) love to write it for you (nine months after we first discussed this”) literally seven times and then landed a dream assignment.

Now, I might say seven times is a little overkill (though it worked for my friend), but one or two reminder emails? They work for me.

Comment on [The Do-Over] Monday Answers 5: How long should I wait for an editor? by Patricia Zick

Patricia Zick — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:22:11 +0000

Refreshing answer. I’m all for the writer finally having some say in the process instead of always being at the bottom of the chain. Thanks.

Comment on Monday Answers 4: What to wear to a meeting by Walt Kania

Walt Kania — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:21:52 +0000

I agree. The vibes are all different for different businesses. If you show up at a techy Silicon Valley firm NOT wearing jeans, they will brand you a ‘suit’. Not to be taken seriously.

On the other hand, I wonder about firms who care about such ‘official protocol.’ And would a smart editor send someone packing because they weren’t dressed ‘properly’ for a first meeting? Could such shallowness actually work?

What about the other end of the scale? “Why did you allow this airhead up here?” “Well, she was dressed so smartly, I figured it was okay.”