How to Get Repeat Assignments from Editors and Clients

Freelance writing is a dream come true for so many. Things start going well, you sell a few stories or articles, and make a little extra cash. You decide it's time to start your own freelance business and then it happens - you don't hear back from those editors or clients who originally loved your work. What now? By following the steps below, you can increase your chances of getting repeat assignments from those editors and clients you want to hear back from!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a computer
• a professional email address

1. Be professional. This is a must!

2. Consider creating a website with your own domain name. Whateveryournameis.com should do. If you have a creative name for your freelance company, that's great too. Either way, you'll get a professional email address (more about the need for this in the next step). I started freelancing without my own Web site or professional email (domain) address. The increase in responses - and business - has been amazing since purchasing a domain, setting up the domain email address, and having that online presence. (Be sure to check the Resources for more information on creating your own Web site.)

3. About that professional email address. Imagine yourself as an editor or client. You're on the receiving end of the email you've sent them. The subject line is awesome, the query inside rocks, but something tugs at their heart that you're just not professional enough for the job. What is it? Maybe it's your email address. What if you were looking for a super classy writer to turn out a beautiful article for your magazine or complete a project, but the email address you're looking at is something like: [e-mail]? Then what? Do you trust the person on the other end of that email address or do you go with the next email from [e-mail]? Granted, not every editor or client will snarl their nose at an email address like the cheesepizza one, but why take the chance?

4. Not everyone can - or wants - to create a Web site and have a domain email address. If you're one of those people, simply use a free email service like Gmail, Yahoo, etc., and be creative. Are you a food writer? Use something like: [e-mail]. Maybe you're a novelist. Use [e-mail]. And so on. (Some people still don't think free email is professional either. If you must use free email, at least come up with a professional email address. You can use [e-mail] as well.)

5. Now that you have your professional email address, and possibly your sharp online presence (compliments of your Web site), you can work on the subject line of your emails as well as what's inside. Once you've decided what your expertise is (features, web content writing, blogging, etc.) you can polish the subject lines of your emails and your queries.

6. Instead of using the word "Query" in your email's subject line, why not use your imagination and go wild? What's your story about? Who is your target client? Write your subject line accordingly. Go wild! I usually always get a good amount of responses when I use something like "I've Lost Over 100 Pounds!" for a weight loss topic. The point is, use a line that gets the attention of the person on the other end of your email.

7. What about the email itself? If it's a query letter you're writing to get repeat work from an editor, make sure it's fresh, flows well, and your idea is on target for the publication. Do you have any sources already? Mention your sources. Those first few lines have to really draw the editor in. Grab 'em from the first sentence and reel them in like a big ole fish! And if it's a client you're following-up with, be sure to let them know they've worked with you before and you delivered quality writing, and on time. With either editors or clients, remind them of what you wrote for them, even including your website/portfolio and a link or two to relevant published work.

8. My most successful tip so far has been a very easy one. It's free, easy, and gets me positive testimonials and feedback from my editors and clients. What is it? BE NICE! Yes, that's it. I can't tell you the times editors and/or clients have told me something like: "You're the nicest person I've talked to all day!"

9. Always deliver your work on time and if possible, turn it in early.

10. Write your deadlines down on a calendar by your desk or even in the calendar that comes with your email if you use Microsoft Outlook. There are other options too like Google Calendar.

11. Follow-up. Be sure to chime in. Maybe the editor or client is just busy with all the tasks they have at hand and you need to remind them you're alive. If you're nice, they'll appreciate it. And, if you've adhered to Step 8 and always delivered your work on time - or even early - they'll be delighted to send work your way!

12. Never write an email to a client or editor in haste. Even if they've said something atrocious to you. The old saying "two wrongs don't make a right" couldn't be more true. Be professional. Your business is on the line.

13. What are you waiting for? Send out those queries and follow-up with past clients! (Again, be sure to check the Resources below for sites that will be helpful in setting up a Web site and for further freelance writing tips.)

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a positive attitude. Follow your dream. The sky is the limit!
• Be careful. Success is around the next corner!

Resources

• How to Double Your Writing Dollars #2
• Create a Web site (Get a FREE domain!)
• Freelance Writing Tips

[mcaldwell]

on 12/23/2008 First, I need to work on getting that elusive initial assignment; when that happens, I'll be sure to come and re-read this article! Thanks, 5*!

[AlexysQuinn]

on 12/7/2008 Interesting and informative tips. Thank you.