To earn money as a writer it helps if one can pivot from one genre to another—and then another. I’ve been writing for newspapers since I was 17 years old. Since then I’ve worked as a reporter/photographer on two daily newspapers and have written freelance stories for a large regional daily, for United Press International […]
How My Non-Writing Experience Launched My Freelance Career and Led to a Lucrative Niche
/ 2021-05-28If you had told me fifteen years ago that I would someday be writing about heart disease in apes and museum programming for teens – with no background in either one – I would have been skeptical. But that’s where writing for professional and trade organizations has led me, with rewards that include interesting stories, […]
Writing Listicles for Fun and Profit
/ 2021-04-02Listicles are not only great staples for seasoned freelancers, but are also a good way for new writers to break into print. I have been writing these bite-sized, easily digestible articles for years. Listicles used to be called refrigerator articles, because folks would cut these short informational pieces out of the newspaper and hang them […]
How to Use Google Alerts to Get Assignments and Build Your Career
/ 2020-12-11People might think of Google Alerts as something once upon a time helpful but not anymore. I’ve been using Google Alerts for quite some time. It’s enabled me to find submissions I wouldn’t ordinarily find, follow some successful authors, and make contacts to further my career. By customizing Google Alerts, you can be notified for […]
Five Pro Tips for Killer Email Subject Lines
/ 2019-09-05When you email an agency or editor to query new work or chase a submission, the subject line is almost as important as all the other elements of your email put together. Here, based on 20 years of working with email agencies and the CRM teams of big brands, are my tips for writing a […]
How to be a Welcome Guest Poster
/ 2019-06-29Posting on guest sites is a great way to increase your profile, develop your personal brand – and subtly plug a product or service. Here’s how to increase your chances of getting your posts accepted… Writing guest posts is a great way to promote your work and build your personal writer’s brand. I’ve done a […]
Red Alert: 10 Signs You Should Avoid That Freelance Writing Client
/ 2019-04-12By Carol Tice When you’re a hungry freelance writer, it can be hard to say no to a prospective client. But not every freelance-writing job is one you should take. Some clients are simply a nightmare. The good news is, you can often tell you’ve got a PITA (Pain In The A*) client before you […]
Making Six-Figures as an Indie Author
/ 2018-02-24It may seem like a pipe dream, but indie authors can make serious cash. I know quite a few who bring in six-figures, and by next year I should join them. But how do they do it? What’s their marketing secret? After much research and observation, I’ve come up with seven key things needed to […]