New freelance writing advice regular post - Write Away

WHEN I started blogging, things seemed simple. I wanted to provide information for families with twins, triplets or more, who don't feature as much as they could in mainstream media.

That's why I began Got Your Hands Full, and that's why, when my book on freelance writing came out, I set up a separate site, Freelance Writing Tips.

But after three years, as time went on, I strayed from the original premise behind this site and started to feel more comfortable writing about my own experience. The support and friendship found through blogging has been phenomenal.

But friends don't talk about work much do they? So when I posted about how an online personality differed from a 'real' one, I was beginning to wonder how much my work could actually be of interest.

Several bloggers have been in touch with me asking bits and bobs of advice about breaking into freelance writing.

I'm happy to help.

I've also been working with Karen Sherr from Musical Minis, suggesting a blog was a good idea and that she could offer advice on child development, thanks to her experience as a play specialist and child psychology background. So I'm taking my own advice.

Through my company, we offer various training courses for writers. I've contributed to various publications and edited a few. My work 'spiel' reads:

FROM detailing the horror of receiving big pants for Christmas in Bella, to reporting on the heinous crimes of Fred West for regional media, my career has spanned nearly two decades and seen work published in dozens of publications.

In recent years, I've written on subjects including technology, parenting and journalism for titles including The Guardian and Press Gazette. A former news editor on the Wolverhampton Express & Star and the Worcester Evening News, I have also worked as a senior reporter at several regional newspapers.

Publications I've edited include Tamba’s Twins, Triplets & More magazine and the St Petersburg Press in Russia. My company Passionate Media, founded in 2003, supplies commercial writing services for national and local clients. These days, we're also working on podcasts, blogs and other social media malarkey.

When Karin from Cafebebe got in touch to ask for advice on a specific aspect of freelance writing, I thought I should do something as a regular feature.

I quickly asked last night on Twitter -  what could I call an advice slot?

Marketing whizz and writer Sue Hunter came up with Write Away. I like it because it's so simple. A bit like me, of course. A copy of my book is winging its way to Sue, thank you.

As I was formulating these thoughts, I asked Josie from Sleep is for the Weak, because I'm a fond follower of her blog and writing workshop, if there was anything she would like advice with.

My answer to her query will form the first Write Away column.

I'm not sure how regular it will be yet. I'm hoping weekly, but as we know, life can get in the way. This will be advice on the business aspect of writing - how to make money from it, not on the 'craft' of writing itself. If you are realistically expecting to do the first, you should have mastered the second...okay?

You can see more feedback about my most modestly titled book here.

Please do send me any questions you'd appreciate help with.

You can do that by leaving a comment here or by emailing me linda[at]passionatemedia.co.uk.

I won't be able to reply except to say thanks by email. Please bear with me, I don't know what the interest will be like yet, but as I say, I am happy to help.

Thanks. 

Comments

[Sue Hunter]

Thanks for mention! Great blog! Good luck!

[Rosie Scribble]

This a great idea, Linda. I earn a small income from freelance writing already but I'm keen to spread my wings and this will help. It will also motivate me to get out there and get on with it! Thanks.

[Insomniac Mummy]

I love this idea!

I'd love to try and get some Freelance work but have absolutely no idea how to go about it.

The lovely Hazel at Hotcrossmum emailed me some pointers the other day so all advice is welcomed, and digested.

:)

[Josie @Sleep is for the Weak]

Yay! Looking forward to this!

Thanks Auntie Linda! (as you will now be known...)
x

[Linda]

Thanks everyone and Josie I don't know if you will want to call me that when you see how, um strict I can be.

Also, it reminds me for some reason of grown men in nappies. Sorry about that, must have watched a weird programme at some time where the um, nanny was called auntie something.

Now I am just confusing myself.

Bye and thanks again.

[notSupermum]

Sounds like a good idea Linda, I'd appreciate any tips on how to improve my blogging posts - I don't find writing easy so any help would be good.

[Linda]

Thanks notSupermum, as well as Josie, I now have your one and one other. I will do the following order:

Monday Nov 23 - Josie
Monday Nov 30 - Enquiry re fees from Joanne @parentdish
Monday after that - your one.
Is that okay?

Or I could combine them and do them all in one - I have a run up! x

[Sarah]

Sounds like a great idea. I love your book, here next to me on my side table. I am blogging from the other end of the spectrum... starting out in freelancing so I will be the virtual apprentice reading your tips.
Sarah :-)

[Linda]

Hi Sarah - thanks for commenting, I just found the posts on your blog mentioning my book so thank you very much for that! your blog looks lovely, really like the design, much better than this basic template that I'm getting broed with. Am due an overhaul!

[A Modern Mother]

What a great idea -- I look forward to reading it.

[Littlemummy]

I'm looking forward to this Linda. I have dipped my toe in recently and have been quite enjoying it (freelance writing that is) Will every column be based on a reader's question, because I have a couple I'd like answered.

[Linda]

Hi MM and LM, yes every column will be based on a question but I may go off on one if the fancy takes me. x

[Kath@Parklover]

Hi Linda,
I have your book, it's brilliant and gave me the idea to start blogging. Looking forward to reading more of your excellent advice!

[Platespinner]

Hi Linda

I think this is a brilliant idea and I'm looking forward to reading the column. I've just ordered your book on Amazon this morning. It's time to stop thinking about whether I can and get on and do!

Karen

[Linda]

Hi Kath, thank you so much for commenting. It's wonderful to make a connection between my book and your blog which I have admired and included in a list of 'blogs we love' at Have a Lovely Time!

Hi Platespinner - thanks for buying the book - yes I am all for getting on with it!

Good luck both! x

[Alan]

Hi Linda

Thanks so much for opening this resource, I've been lurking a while but finally feel I need to bend your ear. I'm a graduate of Spanish & Latin American Studies (and took a 1/4 English component alongside it) who has lived in Mexico and is quite well-travelled. I'm currently working in Venezuela on a graduate language assistant scheme which ends at the end of this academic year.

My question is: how hard would it be for me to get into freelance journalism with no formal journalism studies or experience (to show for, anyway)? I believe that I have the abilities and skills to be excellent at it, but will noone take me seriously? Travel is an obvious area I could focus on, but I'm pretty open-minded and could probably spread myself thinner (or indeed, I could focus within travel on various issues such as environmentalism, indigenous cultures, popular culture, current affairs, etc).

Should I keep this writing thing as a hobby or do I have a chance with a bit of elbow grease?

Regards
Alan

[Linda]

Hi Alan, thanks for commenting and for your question. I would say that to be taken seriously you need to be able to demonstrate your ability and why your experience makes you a strong candidate to commission or employ - so do all you can to make this a realistic proposition!

I do think that realistically, it's now harder than ever to make your way in freelance writing but with the right work ethic, business approach and skills, you can do it, so yes I do think that with "elbow grease" you could do it. Please see the following post for my advice on starting out:

http://www.gotyourhandsfull.com/2009/11/freelancewriting.html#more

I hope this may be helpful. Of course people will take you seriously :) - so long as you can communicate your skills and the benefits of commissioning you effectively.

Be realistic - get some experience under your belt with publications you have an affinity with, find out all you can about how to give yourself the best shot.

Good luck and best wishes